Much famed as the “Nature Lover’s Paradise”, Kullu treats the travelers with an alluring open valley that offers panoramic views of the majestic hills. Covered with deodar and pine trees, Kully is situated at an height of 1,230 meters engulfed with lush greenery, pristine river streams, and a wonderful climate. Perched in the lap of nature, the town is a pure bliss to explore and these places to visit in Kullu prove just that.
22 Best Places To Visit In Kullu
If you thought it was only Manali that was worth exploring then wait till you read about Kullu. Before you plan for a trip to Manali you need to prepare a checklist for the probable treks and other places where you can hop into. Take a look at these once and decide where you should be heading! Here’s what all you can explore in the charming town of Kullu with your friends and family.Don’t forget to include them all on your Himachal tour itinerary for a revitalising yet fun holiday:
- Great Himalayan National Park: A UNESCO Heritage Site
- Raghunath Temple: Feel Blessed
- Bijli Mahadev Temple: Both Sacred And Beautiful
- Pandoh Dam: As Beautiful As It Gets
- Manikaran: For The Hot Springs
- Friendship Peak: The Name Is Enough
- Chandrakhani Pass: For Its Scenic Beauty
- Bhrigu Lake: One Of The Most Famous Indian Lakes
- Bhuntar: Unexplored But Gorgeous
- Naggar: A Quaint Little Town
- Jagannathi Devi Temple: Both Historical And Religious
- Gauri Shankar Temple: One Of The Oldest Indian Temples
- Hanogi Mata Temple: For Its Picturesque Beauty
- Inderkilla National Park: Interact With Flora And Fauna
- Kheerganga National Park: Bewitchingly Beautiful
- Parvati Valley Trek: The Real Aventure
- Malana: Boost Up The Thirst For Adventure
- Rafting in Manali: Gear Up Your Passion for Travelling
- Pin Bhaba Pass Trek: Experience The Toughest Trek
- Khirganga National Park: Have A Good Time While Travelling
- Shringi Rishi Temple: A Place To Pay Respects
- Kharal: Go For Paragliding
1. Great Himalayan National Park: A UNESCO Heritage Site
Spread over an area of 754 square kms at an altitude of 6000 meters, Great Himalayan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was established in 1984. Featuring four valleys named Sainj Valley, Tirthan Valley, Jiwa Nal Valley, and the Parvati Valley, Great Himalayan National Park is one of the best tourist attractions in Kullu. They are all famous for their natural and scenic beauty and the park is home to more than 375 species of fauna, 31 species of mammals, and 181 species of birds. Being one of the must-visit places to visit in Kullu, the National Park is also a wonderful place to relax and unwind.
Location: Kullu District, Shamshi, Himachal Pradesh 175126
Timings: 24 Hours
Famous For: Being a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Must Read: Explore The Himalayas: 13 Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh
2. Raghunath Temple: Feel Blessed
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Raghunath Temple is one of the famous Kullu tourist spots that is encircled by lush greenery all around. People also believe as per the ancient legend that the idol of Lord Raghunath which has been placed inside the temple is said to be the same one which was used by him. This temple is one of the oldest temples in the valley of Kullu, and is much famed amongst the locals and the tourists alike.
Location: Near Post Office, Sultanpur, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 228001
Timings: NA
Famous For: Housing an ancient idol of Lord Raghunath
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3. Bijli Mahadev Temple: Both Sacred And Beautiful
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The Bijli Mahadev Temple is one of the famous Kullu points of interests. From being a famous place where the lightning strikes to a huge Shiva structure, and from the surreal surroundings to some of the best sceneries of Kullu, the temple is captivating to bits. It is said that the temple also houses a Shiva Linga which was broken into pieces by lightning that were later joined back together by a temple priest using butter. The temple can be reached by a strenuous trek of about 3 kms long through the pine trees.
Best Time To Visit: March to September
Location: Kullu Valley, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 6 am to 8 pm
Famous For: Housing a huge Shiva idol
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4. Pandoh Dam: As Beautiful As It Gets
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Constructed on the River Beas, Pandoh Dam is an embankment Dam that lies in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. It is among the famous places to see in Kullu, and one of the famous man-made lakes is created by the dam that draws a many travelers to the town. The sight of water being released from the dam is spectacular indeed, and treats one’s eyes with refreshing views. Also, do not miss out on experience rafting in the lower bed of the lake.
Location: Mandi, NH 21, Manali, Manali Tehsil, India
Timings: 9 am to 7 pm
Famous For: Being one of the few dams in the country at such a height.
Suggested Read: 10 Best Hotels In Manali For Honeymoon
5. Manikaran: For The Hot Springs
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Manikaran is located in the Parvati Valley and is known for being an important pilgrimage destination for both Sikhs and Hindus and there are many things to do in Manikaran. The hot springs, religious attractions, and beautiful surroundings draw the tourists from far and wide. According to the Sikhs, Guru Nanak Ji performed several miracles, and Hindus believe that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati stayed for almost 1100 years at this well-known Kullu tourist spot. This Gurudwara is also mentioned in the ‘Twelfth Guru Khalsa’ by Giani Gian Sikh which makes it more significant for its disciples.
Best Time To Visit: October-June
Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Location: Parvati Valley, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 5 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm
Famous For: For its hot springs
Suggested Read: 20 Best Hill Stations In Himachal To Experience Pure Bliss
6. Friendship Peak: The Name Is Enough
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Friendship Peak is one of the many places to visit in Kullu Manali which is famous for offering umpteen number of opportunities for trekking. Standing tall at an elevation of 5,289 meters in the Pir Panjal Range of Himachal Pradesh, trekking to the Friendship Peak will take you on a journey through the beautiful Solang valley, alpine meadows, thick forests, colorful orchards, and gushing streams. Moreover, it is a thrilling journey to climb such a steep altitude over the thick bed of snow and walking over glaciers and narrow ridges.
Location: Pir Panjal Range, Beas Kund Area, Manali, Manali Tehsil, India
Timings: Open 24 hours
Famous For: Trekking
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7. Chandrakhani Pass: For Its Scenic Beauty
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Set on the left banks of River Beas, the Chandrakhani pass is one of the famous places to see in Kullu and enjoy the scenic beauty of nature. The valley has fertile fields, evergreen thickets, and crystal clear gushing waters. Perched at a height of 3600 meters in the Parvati Valley, the Chandrakhani pass is a favorite paradise for those who seek natural beauty with the massive mountains and valleys in the backdrop.
Best Time To Visit: mid June to early October
Location: East of Katrain, Kullu 175101, India
Timings: Open 24 hours
Famous For: Scenic beauty and its height
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8. Bhrigu Lake: One Of The Most Famous Indian Lakes
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Imagine blue waters amidst white snow that too on mountains? Wouldn’t be an amazing sight to see? If you are willing to see this sight yourself then you can visit Bhrigu Lake in Kullu. It is one of the perfect tourist places in Kullu if you are looking for a short weekend trek. The lake is situated at an impressive altitude of 14,000 feet which gives an amazing view of valleys covered with snow in winter.
Best Time To Visit: Mid May – October
Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India
Timings: Open 24 hours
Famous For: Short weekend treks
Suggested Read: The Best Celebrations of Dussehra In India In 2020: From Kullu Dussehra To Dussara In Mysore
9. Bhuntar: Unexplored But Gorgeous
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Generally overlooked as a town in Manali, Bhuntar is one of the top places to visit in Kullu. If you want to have an ideal break away from the Manali crowd then Bhuntar is the place to be. The town not only houses an airport but also ATMs. Bhuntar never falls short of basic services and surprises tourists with the ease-of-living.
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: Open 24 hours
Famous For: Being the ideal getaway
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10. Naggar: A Quaint Little Town
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Looking for a quaint town in Kullu? Look no further than Naggar which is an unexplored town in the Kullu district. The town gives you plenty of time to explore the lanes yourself and enliven yourself in the mountains. It is one of the best Kullu places to visit where you can spend as many days as you want.
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: Open 24 hours
Famous For: Being a quaint, little town where you can be away from hustle bustle
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11. Jagannathi Devi Temple: Both Historical And Religious
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Jagannathi Devi Temple is another amazing Kullu sightseeing spot which has a legend attached to it. It is believed that a shepherd boy was playing a tune on his flute and he saw two girls dancing. He was able to catch one of the girls who turned out to be a goddess. She decided to settle down in the village and thus the temple was named after her.
Location: Bhekhli Rd, Bhekhli, Himachal Pradesh 175101
Timings: NA
Famous For: The legend attached with it
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12. Gauri Shankar Temple: One Of The Oldest Indian Temples
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Nestled in the Dashal Village of Kullu District, Gauri Shankar Temple is one of the most revered temples in Himachal Pradesh and one of the very famous Kullu tourist places. This Shivaite Temple can be dated back to the 12th century AD and is built in a shikara style and owing to the architecture, it is quite famous among tourists. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Location: Naggar Castle Rd, Naggar, Himachal Pradesh 175130
Timings: 8 am to 7 pm
Famous For: Its Shikara style architecture
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13. Hanogi Mata Temple: For Its Picturesque Beauty
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One of the most famous Kullu tourist places, Hanogi Mata Temple is a little sacred temple in the Kullu Manali area. One must visit the place not only for religious purposes but also to enjoy the scenic beauty and the picture perfect backdrop. Dedicated to the Hindu goddess, Mata Hanogi, this temple is something you can’t miss out.
Location: NH 21, Kun, Himachal Pradesh 175035
Timings: 9 am to 7 pm
Famous For: Its picturesque beauty
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14. Inderkilla National Park: Interact With Flora And Fauna
Established inImage SourceImage Source 2010, the Inderkilla National Park is spread across an area of a sprawling 104 square kilometers and houses various species of flora and fauna that you can witness. If you are looking for a national park that is unexploited and not much explored then this Kullu sightseeing spot is for you!
Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: NA
Famous For: For being one of the most unexploited national parks in India.
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15. Kheerganga National Park: Bewitchingly Beautiful
Another one of the famous tourist places in Kullu is the Kheerganga National Park which is one amongst the most beautiful national parks in India. With a gorgeous landscape, lush green hills and dense forests, Kheerganga National Park is a visual delight for visitors.
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to November
Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175134
Timings: 24 hours
Famous For: For being one of the most beautiful national parks across the country.
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16. Parvati Valley Trek: The Real Aventure
If you are one of them who craves adventure and have passion for treks then Parvati Valley Trek will be a perfect pick for you. The stunning views around will not only leave you enthralled by the eye-catching beauty of it but also filled with a lot of challenges it throws at you at every corner you visit.
Though the trail is not well laid, you will feel the thrill that it brings to you is absolutely unmatched to any other trails of trek. The Parvati Valley Trek is quite a long as well as taxing one, however when you will finish this trek, the feeling of the achievement is truly invigorating. While on the trail of the trek and as the altitude increases, you will be enthralled by the beauty of surroundings combining dense forest, a plethora of gushing streams and lush green meadows.
Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 12 days trek
Famous For: Long trek
Suggested Read: Best Trekking Places In India For 2020: Your Month-wise Trekking Guide Is Here!
17. Malana: Boost Up The Thirst For Adventure
Isolated from the rest of the entire world, there is a village in Malana Nala and it is the side valley of the Parvati peak. Commonly known as Malana Village or Malana, this place is situated in the Kullu district. Malana is famous for strong religious belief and culture with a lot of sentiments which are embedded in the past. Also, it is needless to mention that this place means a lot for the people who seek spiritual advice for themselves. Malana is a perfect place to visit for those who are true lovers for adventure as the route to Malana is well known for trekking.At the trekking route people will be amazed by the lush deodar greenery along with mesmerising views of Malana Dam.
Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: NA
Famous For: For culture and religious belief
Suggested Read: 12 Places To Visit In Malana: A Village In Himachal Pradesh Worth Exploring In 2020
18. Rafting in Manali: Gear Up Your Passion for Travelling
Kullu-Manali, situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, is famous for river rafting. Every year a flock of globetrotters visit there to get drowned in the adventure of this water sport. Among all the places to see in kullu, the activity like river rafting in the River Beas, Manali is such an interesting one for the experts as well as for the beginners. The rafting secting starts from a very small district called Pirdi, located near Manali and that covers the places like Sarabai, Bhunter, Mohal, Bajaura, Katrain and Raisol. While rafting people will get to please their eyes with stunning mountains which will further make the pleasure of rafting in this place of Kullu more engrossing.
Rafting in this place of Manali starts at 10 AM and the journey continues till 11:30 AM. The rafting consists of different levels of water currents which are graded as per the turbulences that occur in the flow of water. Well, though it is open throughout the week however people are suggested not to visit when there is heavy rain as this leads to rise in water level. Moreover, it can be said that Manali is such an amazing place for the river rafting activity, among all the Kullu tourist places situated nearby.
Best Time To Visit: June and July
Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: NA
Famous For: Advenutre and thrill
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19. Pin Bhaba Pass Trek: Experience The Toughest Trek
After considering the locations for all trekpoints among all Kullu tourist places, Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is a popular one among all the trek lovers. Though it is a challenging trek, people who love trekking will definitely plan for this. Situated at the elevation of 4865 metres, this bhaba pass trek is like a bridge in between Spiti and Kinnaur. If you are planning for this trek, you will have to start your journey at the village Kafnu and then the trail for this trek will keep you engaged experiencing a dramatic changes in the landscapes at its each turn.
When you are making your pathway through the apple orchards, the gleaming streams, the dark woods and ethereal scenic beauty of Himachal Pradesh will leave you spellbound. The Tibetan Monasteries, Bhaba river and camping beside the Chandratal Lake will make this trek distinctive from any other treks. Apart from this, other attractions of Pin Bhabha Pass Trek include the snow-capped mountains, river through logs and many more. Among all the tourist places in kullu or specifically speaking the tough trekpoints, Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is considered as one of the best trekpoints.
Best Time To Visit: May and October
Ideal Duration: 5 Days
Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 5 days trek
Famous For: Adventure Sports
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20. Khirganga National Park: Have A Good Time While Travelling
Are you looking for the best tourist places in kullu? Well, Khirganga National Park will be the best pick in your checklist for the visit in Kullu. Very recently established in 2010, Khirganga National Park is situated in the Kullu district and it is commonly known as one of the most beautiful parks in the country. Blessed with lush green mountains, rusty old rest houses and tall towering trees, this national park attracts visitors from around the world.
A perfect travel destination for all those vacationers, this Khirganga National Park will surely attract the nature lovers as well as the wanderers. People can take a break from the chaos and cacophony of city life and plan for a short trip to Khirganga National Park to satisfy their wanderlust.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: NA
Famous For: Lush greens, old rest houses, and tall towering trees
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21. Shringi Rishi Temple: A Place To Pay Respects
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Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
Kullu is one of the most famous destinations in the Himachal Pradesh that appeals to all kinds of people. From families to honeymooners, there are plenty of places to visit in Kullu for everyone. One such place that not only exudes of spirituality but also peace is the Shringi Rishi Temple. The temple witnesses several thousands of people visiting to pay their respects to Lord Shringa, the ruling deity of the Valley. One can witness the deity of Shringa Rishi being settled next to that of Goddess Shanta in this temple. It is a few minutes away from Kullu but surely worth a visit.
Location: Banjar, Himachal Pradesh 175123
Timings: NA
Famous For: For Lord Shringi’s shrine
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22. Kharal: Go For Paragliding
Image Credits: Suraj Kumar for Pexels
If your idea of a vacation is to jump from high above in the sky, hover over the Himalayas, and witness the miniature world beneath, there are plenty of places to visit in Kullu. One such place is Kharal, that not only offers the best of paragliding experience but also some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes for one to witness. Kullu is famous for being a hub of adventure sports and paragliding is just a cherry on top for the experience. This sport exudes of freedom and independence that one feels after its successful completion. You don’t want to miss out on this on your vacation to the mountains!
Location: Kharal, Himachal Pradesh 175138
Timings: NA
Famous For: Offering various adventure sports including paragliding
Further Read: Top 12 Waterfalls In Himachal Pradesh That Treat Your Eyes To The Best Sights Ever!
Kullu has always been one of the most famous and favorite hill stations in the North for all the travelers. And if you are one of those who are yet to explore this paradise, this would be the right time plan a customizable Himachal tour with TravelTriangle and get going to discover the charm of these best places to visit in Kullu!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Kullu
A. There is plenty to see and do in Kullu and Manali. The best places to visit in Kullu include the Great Himalayan National Park, Raghunath Temple, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Pandoh Dam, Manikaran, Chandratal Lake, Friendship Peak, Chandrakhani Pass, Gauri Shankar Temple, Bhrigu Lake, and many more.
Q. What is special in Kullu?
A. Kullu is famous for a lot of things including its awesome weather, pine and deodar trees, and its majestic hills. Kullu is a favorite spot of adventure enthusiasts since it offers a variety of adventure activities like trekking, river rafting, mountaineering, paragliding, wildlife watching, and hiking over the Himalayan glaciers and hills. There are also various popular attractions here that people love to explore including the Great Himalayan National Park, Chandratal Lake, Bhrigu Lake, Manikaran, and more
Q. Which place is better Kullu or Manali?
A. There is no comparison between the two since both of them offer something unique to travelers, be it in terms of sightseeing, adventure, views, food, or culture. Essentially, these are not two different places since they are located close together and overlap each other. In fact, even travelers like to address them as a single town and call it “Kullu Manali”. It is one of the most visited and popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh in North India.
Q. What is the famous food of Manali?
A. The traditional and local food of Himachal that you can try in Manali and Kullu include specialties like Madra, Dhaam, Tudkiya Bhath, Bhey, Chha Gosht, Siddu, Babru, Aktori, Kullu Trout Fish, and Mittha. You can also find a variety of Tibetan dishes here like Thukpa, Momos, Thingmo, and Thentuk. Other than the local food, travelers will also come across a number of chic and classy cafes in Manali owing to the large influx of foreign tourists that frequent this popular hill town in Himachal. These famous cafes serve items pizzas, banana pancakes, apple pies, samosas, aloo tikkis, bread pakoras, and pav bhaji.
Q. What can I buy in Kullu?
A. Some of the best things to buy in Kullu include Tibetan and Himalayan handicrafts, woollen clothes, Kinnauri and Kullu shawls, souvenirs and gift items in the form of Tibetan prayer wheels, Kullu caps, Thangkas, Dorjes, and more.
Q. How can I go to Kullu?
A. The Kullu valley in Himachal Pradesh is well connected to other parts of India. The nearest airport to Kullu is the Kullu-Manali airport (Bhuntar Airport) which receives regular flights to and from major Indian cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. The nearest railhead is the one at Joginder Nagar which is located around 100 km from Kullu. One can easily hire a cab or board a state-run bus from the airport as well as the railway station to get to other places in Kullu and Manali. You can also travel to Kullu by road from other cities and towns in North India like Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Chandigarh, Pathankot, Ambala, and Palampur by bus, cab, or your private vehicle.
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