Top 15 Places To Visit In Kullu Manali

Located at the banks of the Beas River, Kullu valley is home to the picturesque towns of Kullu and Manali. Due to their close proximity, they are often considered as a single destination. The valley is known for its amazing hills and the various temples and sight-seeing locations attract a huge number of visitors each year. The Kullu valley is surrounded by deodar and pine forests and is located between the lower and the greater Himalayan ranges as well as the inner Himalayan ranges of the Pir Panjal. Kullu-manali is one of the topmost tourist places in Himachal Pradesh and is frequented by huge crowds of tourists and pilgrims. Here’s the list of the best places you must visit in Kullu-Manali.

1. Rohtang Pass

About Rohtang Pass

The high mountain pass of Rohtang lies at an altitude of 3,978 meters above sea level and located in the eastern hills of the Pir Panjal Range. The pass lies at a picturesque location with the rivers Beas and Chenab that lies to the southern and northern side of Rohtang Pass. Rohtang Pass is famous for its picturesque views of the valley and various hidden waterfalls. Rohtang Pass is a must visit on your trip Kullu-Manali.

Things to Do at Rohtang Pass

• Jeep Safari.
• Adventure sports.
• Pay a visit to Nehru Kund enroute.
• Photograph the snow peaked Himalayan mountains.

2. Solang Valley

About Solang Valley

Solang valley is also known as the ‘Snow Point’ and is famous for hosting various winter adventure sports like skiing, parachuting and paragliding etc. The Solang Valley is located at an average altitude of 2,560 meters above sea level and is also one of the favorite trekking hotspots in the region. The views from the point are magnificent and give views to snow capped peaks and glaciers.

Things to Do at Solang valley

• Zorbing.
• Paragliding.
• Skiing (only in winters).
• Parachuting.
• Horse riding.

3. Hadimba Temple

About Hadimba Temple

Situated atop a hillock the Hadimba Devi Temple is surrounded by thick deodar forests and was built in 1553. The temple is dedicated to the Rakshasa Hidimba who was also the wife of the Pandava Bhima. The temple structure is built in a distinctive architectural style that somewhat crosses Indian architecture with the one employed in the Buddhist monasteries. The structure is made primarily of wood and 70 meters from the temple also lays the temple dedicated to Ghatotkacha, the son of Bhima and Hidimba and a hero of the Mahabharata war.

Things to Do near Hadimba Devi Temple

• Visit the Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art nearby.
• Pray at Siyali Mahadev Temple.
• Trek at the Himalayan Trails.
• Visit Rahala Falls.

4. Vashist Hot Water Springs

• Famous for: Nature, Photography, Hot water springs.
• Tickets: No entry fee.
• Opening Timings: Daily (7 AM – 1 PM & 2 PM – 10 PM).
• Duration: 30 mins-1 hour.

About Vashist Hot Water Springs
The place lies at a distance of 4-5 kilometers from Manali and is situated across the Beas River. The village of Vashist is famous for its sulphurous Hot Water Springs and is a popular attraction among tourist and pilgrims. The springs can also be enjoyed in privacy at the Turkish-styles bath houses which are available here. The village is also famous for its stone temples which are dedicated to a local saint Vasistha.
Things to Do at Vashist Hot Water Springs

• Take a dip in the hot springs.
• Visit the shrine of Saint Vasistha.
• Trek along the hills nearby.

5. Tibetan Monasteries

About Tibetan Monasteries

Manali is also the home of Tibetan Monasteries and among them, Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa and Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa are the most famous. These monasteries are built by Tibetan refugees and are a must visit for anyone wanting to get a glimpse of their culture. The monasteries are built Pagoda style and house a shrine of Lord Buddha.

Things to Do at Tibetan Monasteries

• Shop for traditional Tibetan arts and crafts.
• Relax and Meditate.

6. Beas River

About Beas River

Beas River is the Heart of Kullu valley and has various camping spots and water sports. Beas originates from the Himalayas and flows around 470 kilometres to Sutlej river in Punjab. The river also marks the eastern border of Alexander the Great’s empire in 326 BC who was forced to stop his expedition here.

Things to Do at Beas River

• River Water Rafting.
• Take strolls around the river.
• River crossing.
• Picnic spots.
• Visit the nearby Pandoh Dam.

7. Great Himalayan National Park

About Great Himalayan National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Great Himalayan National Park is a haven for all nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The flora and fauna here are known for their diversity with the park being home to more than 375 faunal species and many of them are endangered. The biodiversity here is unique in India due to the presence of The Himalayas nearby and therefore this park is governed is strictly. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic views of the nearby valley and mountain passes.

Things to Do at Great Himalayan National Park

• Trek the approved trails.
• Visit the nearby Banjaar, Sainj and Tirthan Valleys.

8. Gulaba

About Gulaba

Gulaba is a quaint village surrounded with snow peaked mountains and scenic views. It comes enroute to Rohtang Pass and serves a good alternative whenever Rohtang Pass is closed. Visitors can enjoy many snow activities and can even spend some peaceful time away in the lap of the beautiful topography. This place has also being the shooting place of many Bollywood films.

Things to Do at Gulaba

• Snow activities (seasonal).
• Trekking.

9. Kothi

About Kothi

Kothi is perfect for people who like to explore the less travelled pathways. This village is a quiet place, away from the hustle bustle of Manali. Every nook and corner of this place offers great viewpoints to the nearby hills and the surrounding valleys. It used to be the base camp for people trekking Rohtang and its surrounding peaks and has sparked the imagination of many poets.

Things to Do around Kothi

• Trekking.
• Visit the geothermal springs.
• Enjoy a laid back vacation in the nearby resorts.

10. Manikaran

About Manikaran

An important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Sikhs, Manikaran is a place associated with many tales and legends. Many visitors coming to Kullu Manali make it a point to stay here for a day to visit the pilgrim centers, hot springs and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. An experimental geothermal energy plant is also here.

Things to Do around Manikaran

• Sri Guru Nanak Ji Gurdwara.
• Shiva Temple.
• Kulant Pith.
• Hot Springs.

11. Kasol

About Kasol

A gem hidden away in the Himalayas, Kasol is a paradise for all nature lovers. It is not heavily inhabited by people and also gets a comparatively less tourist population than other places in Himachal Pradesh. Paravati Valley pases through this scenic location and therefore it is visited by many backpackers, hikers and adventure enthusiasts. It is popularly called ‘mini-Israel’ as it attracts a significant Israeli population.

Things to Do around Kasol

• Take strolls along Parvati River.
• Go Trekking and Rock Climbing.
• Explore Kheer Ganga.
• Sample Israeli Food.
• Shop for gemstones.
• Visit the nearby towns of Manikaran, Malana and Tosh.

12. Manu Temple

About Manu Temple

Dedicated to sage Manu, Manu temple is another important tourist attraction in Manali. It offers some scenic views from its location and is built in a Pagoda style. It is located near to River Beas and is in close proximity to the city’s marketplace.

Things to Do nearby Manu temple

• Visit the city’s main market.
• Enjoy activities at River Beas.

13. Bhrigu Lake

About Bhrigu Lake

Named after the ancient Indian sage Maharishi Bhrigu, Bhrigu Lake is a sight to behold. It lies near Rohtang Pass and can be reached only by trekking either from Gulabo village, 6 kms away or through Vashisht hot springs. The lake never freezes completely according to the localities and its water is considered to be sacred. The scenic views from here are absolutely breathtaking and would astound everyone.

Things to Do at Bhrigu Lake

• Trekking.
• Camping nearby.

14. Sultanpur Palace

• Famous for: Nature, Photography, Architecture.
• Tickets: 30 INR per person for all tourists.
• Opening Timings: Open daily (7am to 7pm).
• Duration: 1-2 hours.

About Sultanpur Palace

Sultanpur Palace, formerly called as the Rupi Palace and is newly built on the remnants of the older which was damaged in an earthquake. The palace houses various wall paintings and its marvelous blend of Pahari style architecture and colonial style. The palace is the residence of the erstwhile Rulers of the Kullu valley.

Things to Do nearby Sultanpur Palace

• Eat at the restaurants.
• Visit the Raghunathji temple.

15. Basheshwar Mahadev Temple

About Basheshwar Mahadev Temple

Located at a distance of 15 kilometers from Kullu at a small village called Bajura, Basheshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity lord Shiva. The temple was constructed back in the 9th century AD and is famous for its intricate stone carvings and various small idols of the Hindu deities like Lord Vishnu, Ganesha, Durga and Laxmi.

Things to do at Basheshwar Mahadev Temple

• Visit Maa Sharvari Temple.

Other nearby attractions in Kullu Manali include Maa Sharvari Temple, Mountaineering Institute, Jogini Falls, Arjun Gufa, Naggar Village, Bijli Mahadev Temple and Club House.

Manali hill station in Kullu is one of the top tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh and India. The above-mentioned places not only provide an insight into the multicultural lives of the people of the Kullu valley but are some of the most pristine and picturesque tourist destinations in the lap of the mighty Himalayas.

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