Kullu Manali – Top Ten Places to Visit

Surrounded by towering mountains, covered with gorgeous coloured flowers and carpeted with rich greenery, Kullu Manali captures visitors’ hearts in the very first glance. Popularly known as ‘Land of Gods’, this place has numerous temples and is considered as a sacred pilgrimage center.

Endowed with fabulous climate and scenic beauty, Kullu Manali is one of the top honeymoon destinations of India. There are a number of places to visit in and around this enchanting valley. Some of the top tourist spots are listed below.

1. Hadimba Temple

This is an ancient temple belonging to the period of 1553. It has a special architecture with a four- tiered pagoda roof. Actually this is a cave temple with excellent wooden carvings, and is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, wife of Bhima, one of the five great Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata. Read more about this temple here : The Giantess who conquered the Self – Hadimba Devi Temple, Manali

2. Solang Valley

This is a picturesque valley offering views of the glaciers and snow-capped hills.  A very popular camping site, it attracts many trekkers from near and far. Skiing is a very popular recreation in Solang Valley.  There are many skiing clubs where you can get instructors and equipment. So adventure lovers and enthusiasts can venture and try their hand at this sport.

3. Manikaran

Hot springs amidst cold valleys! Sounds surprising but it’s true. Manikaran is famous for its hot water springs. Every year, many people take a dip in these. The water is so hot that one can even cook rice and vegetables in it. Legend has it that in this place Goddess Parvati had lost and recovered her earrings from a boiling fountain of water.

4. Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa

This is a Gompa constructed by Tibetan refugees during late 1960’s.  A beautiful Buddhist statute and a plaque with names of martyrs killed during the struggle (1987 to 1989) in Tibet are present here.

5. Kothi

This is a quiet and scenic place with a nice rest house overlooking the valley and the majestic mountains. The river Beas flows near Kothi and adds more attraction to this tourist spot. This an idyllic place where you can spend time peacefully.

7. Naggar

Naggar was the capital city of Kullu kings of the past. There is a charming castle and Nicholas Roerich’s Museum here. Both are very good places to visit. Also, many famous temples like Muralidhara temple, Tripura Sundari temple etc., are located in and around Naggar.

8. Rohtang Pass

Situated at an altitude of around 4100 metres, this pass showcases magnificent panorama of the mountain scenery.  The famous Sonepani glacier and the twin peaks of the Geypang are near to this pass. To its left, the little lake of Sarkund (Dashair) is present where many people take bath believing in its curative powers. Read more about this Pass here : Rohtang Pass – An Incredible Paradise

9. Bijli Mahadev temple

With a unique architecture of Pahari style, Bijli Mahadev Temple is a challenge and an attraction to tourists as it is tough to reach. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the name ‘Bijli’ (lightning) is because the main ‘Lingam’ (deity) has been hit by lightning.

10. Rahla Falls

At a distance of around 25 km from Manali this spectacular falls is located. Formed by the Beas River gushing down from a height of 50 mts, this waterfall is an awesome spot for visitors. Also there is another falls called, Palani Falls, located near the Bijli Mahadev Temple which plummets down from a height of 150 mts. Both of them are highly popular among tourists.

Kullu Manali is a land of romance, adventure, heritage and fun. On your next trip to Kullu Manali, do visit the above places and cherish the memories created.