| Kullu |
| The Kullu valley is famous for the beauty of its majestic hills, covered with pine and deodar forests and sprawling apple orchards. This is a broad open valley formed by the Beas river between Mandi and Larji. The course of the Beas river presents a succession of magnificent scenery, including cataracts, gorges, precipitous cliffs and mountains, clad with forests of Deodar, towering above trees of Pine on the lower rocky ridges. Hot water springs occur in various places much resorted to as places of pilgrimages. The valley changes its appearance and complexion with each change of season. The Kullu valley has an abundance of wild flowers. Nested in the heart of the Himalayas, this valley is 75 km. Long and 2 to 4 km. Wide. It ends near the famous Rohtang Pass. Beyond it, in the midst of higher Himalayan ranges lie the valleys of Lahaul and Spiti. The principal of the valley is Kullu which is situated at a height of 1,200 meters. It has a delightful and healthy climate and gets no snowfall. Kullu is a centre of considerable commercial and social activities. Across the Beas river, lies the pretty town of Naggar which is cooler than Kullu. The main attraction of the Naggar are the Naggar castle, Boerich Art Gallery and some temples. Manali at an altitude of almost 2,000 meters, situated at the head of the Kullu valley is an important Himalayan resort and trade centre, particularly in Manali are Hadimba Devi temple - built in 1553 AD., Vashisht and Rohtang Pass. In the Parvati valley lie the hot springs of Manikaran. The springs are believed to have healing properties. The people of Kullu are generally of the same type as those of Mandi and Shimla hills. They have a naturally happy temperament, and their hilarity and fun have a free play, especially during religious festivals like Dushehra. The women folk come out with bright multicoloured clothes and heavy jewellery on festival times. |