The Kullu-Manali tourist is lavishly gifted with superb scenic wealth. Kullu also known as 'Valley of Gods' has numerous temples. Kullu valley offers a scenic charm of peaceful wooded glades and rivers through the rocks. The Dashehra of Kullu is world famous. The ancient Hindus regarded Kullu as the farthest limit of human habitation 'Kulantapitha' and its original name finds mention in the epics, The Ramayana and Mahabharta as well as the Vishnu Purana. Kullu, which is located on the bank of river Beas is the Central point of this tourist complex. Running North to South, the main river valley is only 80 km. long and 2 km. at its broadest, yet a fairly wide area is open to the visitors to enjoy the spectacle of variegated mountain scenery. The deodar-fringed grassy maidan, Dhalpur, is a stage for many colorful fairs.

Around Kullu

Manali.- 45 Kms. from Kullu. Manali with its unspoilt scenic grandeur is extremely popular with the tourists, for a lavish display of natural scenery. It is one of the principal show places of the Kullu region. To its North, South and West are ostentation of pinnacles and ridges which, in fine weather, stand out in bold relief against skyline. At the lower elevation and in every direction there are vivid green patches of grassland and evergreen valleys ascending in irregular formation present probably the best view in the country. Manali is situated at an altitude of 1,926 meters and spreads in 12.5 square km. It is the real starting point of an ancient trade rout. 

Bijli Mahadev Temple: - 11 km. from Kullu. This is one of the most striking temples in Kullu, where 20 meter tall image is supposed to attract special blessings from the skies in the shape of lightning. From the temple a panoramic view of Kullu & Paravati valleys can be seen. A 60 feet high staff of Bijli Mahadev temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun. In this temple of lightening it is said, the tall staff attracts the divine blessings in the form of lightening. The rest of the story can be heard from the priest, which is un-believable but true.

Banjar: - 58 km. from Kullu. The famous temple of Shringa Rishi is located here in whose honour a fair is held every year in May. Banjar is an excellent spot for trout fishing in Tirthan River.

Manikaran: - 45 km. from Kullu. According to legend, Manikaran is also associated with Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Parbati, who lost and recovered her ear rings here. Legend has it that once when Shiva and Parbati were relaxing by the river. Parbati's ear rings fell into the water. The lord of another world (Patal Nagari) named Shesh Nag took possession of them and despite Parvati's pleas; he refused to hand them back. However when all the gods prevailed upon him, he snorted them out of his nostrils, causing a boiling fountain of water to erupt. The jewels thus returned. There are temples of Ramchandra and Shiva besides the Gurudwara. This place is famous for hot water springs. Thousands of people take a dip in its hot water. The main water is so hot that Dal (pulses), Rice, Vegetables etc. can be boiled in it.

Pulga and Khirganga: - 16 km. from Manikaran. A stiff march takes one to restful environment affords a Sylvan and peaceful retreat for body and mind. The 'Tos Nullah' which branches off from the main Parbati valley is well worth exploration by those who favour the wilder aspects of natural scenery are prepared to camp out. Kirganga lies 10 km. from Pulga. Khirganga is also famous for hot springs. 

Naggar: - 25 km. from Kullu. Naggar was the capital of the Kullu Rajas for about 1,400 years. It is also known for its castle and the Nicholas Roerich's Museum. On the left bank of the river Beas and about three hundred meters above the river, Naggar is delightfully situated on the wooded slope and commands an extensive view, especially of the North-West of the valley. There are a large number of famous temples in and around Naggar and an excellent place for a longer stay.

Malana: - 28 km. from Kullu up to Naggar by bus and then 20 km. on foot. The tiny village of Malana lies a little ahead of the 'Chanderkhani Pass' famous for the temple of 'Jamlu'. Malana village is reputed to be the oldest democracy in the world in existence where all the inhabitants of the village take part in managing its affairs. It is also famous for trekking.

Kasol: - 42 km. from Kullu. Kasol is charmingly located in an open space which slopes down to a broad expanse of clear white sand at the edge of the river. It is situated on the bank of Parbati River in the Parbati valley.

Shoja: - 13 km. from Banjar, located on the Kullu side, of the Jalori Pass has marvellous scenic surroundings.

Kaishdhar: - 16 km. on foot from Kullu. A delightful spot for a quiet holiday where one can commune with nature.

Around Manali

Rohtang Pass: - 51 km. from Manali. At an altitude of 3,978 meters on the highway to Keylong, the mass affords a wide-spread panorama of mountain scenery. Here eye meets a range of precipitous cliffs, huge glaciers and piled moraine and deep ravines. To the opposite is the well defined 'Sonepani Glacier' slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geyphang snow crowned. The Beas river rises near the crest of Rohtang from a block of Mica-Schist. To its left, 200 meters higher, is the little lake of 'Sarkund' ( Dashahr ) visited by a large number of people every year. The bath in the water of Sarkund lake effects cure of all bodily ailments or imaginary. The pass is open from June to October each year although trekkers can cross it earlier. It is the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley.

Solang Valley: - 13 km. from Manali. A beautiful valley between Manali and Kothi which offers views of the glaciers and snow covered mountain peaks. The plateau is frequently used for holding camps by the trekking parties. The surrounding areas of Manali from 3 to 20 km. are suitable for rock climbing. The winter skiing festival is organised here as well as training in skiing is imparted at this place.

Hidimba Devi Temple: - ½ km. from Manali. Built in 1553 A.D. also known as 'Doongri Temple' dedicated to the Goddess Hidimba (Hirma Devi), the wife of Bhima, has a four tiered pagoda shaped roof with a doorway carved with figures and symbols. Although carving is simple yet beautiful. This temple was built by Raja Bahadur Singh of Kullu.

Marhi: - 39 km. from Manali. A barren landscape offering extensive views of the valley and the mountains. 15 km. short of the 13,050 feet high Rohatang Pass on the Manali-Leh road lays one of the most picturesque places in Manali region. Marhi - a mountain plateau surrounded by lush green meadows strewn with myriad wild flowers. The place remains a stopover for transit visitors and tourists during summer and autumn seasons and a transit place for the people to wait for the ferocious weather to improve at Rohtang Pass to cross over to Lahaul and Spiti valley, during the winter months.

Kothi: - 12 km. from Manali. A beautiful and quiet spot. The rest house here overlooks the narrow valley and commands views at the mountains. Below Kothi, for more than a km. the river Beas flows through a deep gorge, 30 meters or more in depth. The site of the bridge provides an interesting historical episode in early annals of Kullu. This place is famous for movie picturisation and resting resort for poets, writers and lovers of peaceful environments. 

Vashisht: - 3 km. from Manali. This place is famous for its hot water springs and temples of Vashisht Rishi and Lord Rama. It is located on the bank of Beas, but well above the river. Natural hot sulphur springs with two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies are always full of tourists. Turkish style showers fitted baths have also been built nearby. Hot water from the nearby spring is provided for bathing.