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General Information: Blessed with picturesque setting in the lap of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, Kullu valley is Himachal's prized destination for the tourists.  Rightly called the 'Valley of Gods' it has hundreds of local deities.  Almost every village has its own deity.Kullu has been referred to as 'Kaluta' or 'Kulanthpitha' meaning the end of habitable world in sanskrit literature as well as in Puranas. 
Kullu is learnt to have been founded by Behangamuni who hailed from Prayag.  Later from 1846 AD to 1947 AD. It was under British rule.  It was part of Punjab state after independence and later on was carved out as a separate district of Punjab. It became a district of Himachal Pradesh on lst November 1966.
Carved by torrential river Beas and its gurgling tributaries it extends from its source near Rohtang Pass upto deep gorge at Aut.  It harbours thick forests, alpine pastures with rare flowers and herbs, a large variety of animals, pheasants and fruit laden orchards.  The NH almost runs parallel to the river and most of its villages and towns are located on its right bank. River Beas is also a paradise for Trout angling.
Kullu is famous for its 10 days long world renowned Dussehra festival held during the month of October every year.  A colourful procession of over 150 devtas (local deities) representing their respective villages participate here.

Access:
Air Bhunter Airport 10 km.
Road Shimla 220 km, Manali 40 km, Mandi 70 Manikaran 45 km, Dharamsala 195 km, Chandigarh 280 km, Pathankot 285 Km.
Rail Shimla 220 Km (Narrow gauge).

Places of Interest:

Manikaran: 1,420 m. Close to Bhunter airport and , it is easily accessible by road.  The sylvan setting and its location on the right bank of Parvati river, a tributary of river Beas is also famous for Trout fishing a famous destination for Sikhs as well as Hindu pilgrims. Amazingly mysterious hot sulphur springs here with the temperature upto 96c are devoid of sulphut or iron and may contain radio active substances.	Kasol: Kasol is also famous for hot water springs located on both sides of river Parvati, with lower temperature upto 45c. It is also an anglers' paradise. Kasol is only 4 km short of Mani Karan. Bijli Mahadev Temple: 2,438 m. Although visible from Kullu this temple is about 10 km from the town situated on a hilltop.Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is extremely famous tall shining staff of about 18
Bajaura Mahadev Temple: 1,097 m. This pyramidical temple dedicated to Basheshwar Mahadev dates back to 8th century AD. Its stone carving and sculptural decorations have achieved architectural fame and recognition in India and abroad. This temple is at a walking distance of 200 meters from the National Highway. Bajaura is also famous for its apple orchards.	meters height that attracts bolts of lightening which shatters the Shivaling into pieces. The locals believe that its poojari reassembles it into one piece by applying a paste of satto (barley) and makhan (butter). An open view of distant Kullu valley is very enchanting from here. Nirmund : Located in district Kullu this place known as 'Chhoti Kashi' is easily accesible from Shimla via Rampur. Once seat of great scholars
Larji: 957m.At a distance of 34 km from Kullu and about 5 km from Aut Largi is the confluence of two trout bearing tributaries-Tirthan and Sainj-which merge with the main river Beas, a few hundred meters ahead. This ideal spots for Trout fishing has a rest house and a huge camping area. It is easily accessible from Aut-the famous 'Tea-Pakora' transit halt.	the place has an ancient temple dedicated to goddess Ambika. Nirmund derived its name from' Nar+Mund' , the abode of highest intellectuals. Banjar : 1,535 m - Located at a distance of 58 km from Kullu on the bank of river Tirthan, Banjar is known for its scenic beauty, dense forests, trekking trails, apple orchards and Trout fishing. It has a nicely located rest house.
Shoja : 2,692 m. 70 km away from Kullu, Shoja offers a panoramic view of Himalayan ranges. It is famous as a camping ground for different treks leading upto alpine pastures and beautiful passes such as Dugha Thach, Raghupur Pass and Jalori Pass.	Katrain : 1,463 m. Centrally located between Kullu and Manali at a distance of 21 km from Kullu on NH, this right bank township of river Beas is famous for its natural beauty and apple orchards. A short distance away from here renowned Trout Hatchery at Patli Kuhl.
Raison : 1,435 m. Raison located at a distance of 12 km from Kullu on the National Highway is an open valley having a vast camping ground maintained by HPTDC alongwith its permanent huts. Good pools for trout anglers are available here.