KULLU-MANALI

Kullu Manali trip is one of the most sought after experiences in India.Travelers generally like to visit both these places together. Kullu is an open valley that is flanked by majestic hills covered with Deodar and Pine trees from all sides. Manali is famous for being India’s honeymoon capital. It is situated between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges and offers stunning views of lush green forests, green meadows, and meandering blue streams.Kullu is situated at an altitude of 1230 meters and is adored by people who love nature.Travelers coming to Kullu and Manali can enjoy a scenic trip along with a plethora of adventure sports activities such as river rafting, trekking, mountaineering, etc. Manali, besides being a destination abundant in natural beauty, is also home to a tiny slice of history. If you are a history enthusiast, you can visit the Naggar castle that holds one of the vestiges of the era of the rajas and maharajas. It was once the residence of Raja Sidh Singh of Kulu. Now, the castle stands as an epitome of traditional Himalayan and European architecture.

Places to Visit in Kullu Manali:

1. Hidimba Temple, Manali:

➤Also known by the names Hidimba Devi Temple and Dhungari Temple, this ancient shrine was built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh way back in 1553. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, wife of Bheema. The wooden architecture of the shrine is very distinct from most Hindu temples you will come across in the country. There’s another shrine dedicated to Hidimba Devi’ son Ghatotkacha in the premises. This temple is surrounded by thick cedar groves and snow-capped mountains serving as the backdrop, the temple is one of the best places to visit in Manali.

.Location: Old Manali

.Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day

2. Jogini Waterfalls, Manali

➤This is a beautiful waterfall, only 3 km away from the Vashisht temple near Manali. On the outskirts of Vashisht village, a small stream jumps off from a cliff and forms this amazing waterfall.

There is also a small temple at the bottom of the waterfall,known as JOGINI MATA TEMPLE.Locals visit the temple of village goddess on various ocations.

➤It will take 30 minutes to reach the base of the waterfall,while travelling Beas river and snow peaks of Rohtang can be seen.A small pool is formed by the falling water at the base of waterfall where one can take bath and spend some time.

Charming view of waterfall can be seen from the temple and there is provision for the devotees to offer Mundan(Tonsure),food is also offered in stone plates in the temple.

3.Vashisht Temple

➤This temple is located 6 km away from Manali,temple is dedicated to sage Vashisht and the village where the temple is located is named after the sage in his honor.

➤Near the Vashisht temple, there is sulfur enriched hot water spring that is said to have miraculous power of healing skin disease and infections. The spring has separate areas for men and women to ensure comfortable dip into the hot water.

➤The best time to visit the Jogini waterfall is in summer especially from March to May. Some people take the tour of this waterfall and Vashisht temple in winter also. October to February during winter would be the best time to go for this one-day trek.