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Manikaran
 Manikaran is a popular place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Sikhs located 45km from Kullu and just 3 km from Kasol. Ram Chandra and Shiva temples besides a Gurudwara are there. According to legend, Manikaran is connected with Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Parvati, who lost her ear rings here, which gave birth to hot waters on the bank of Parvati River.
There are some historic temples located here which include the temple of Lord Rama, Krishna, Vishnu (Raghunath) and goddess Bhagwati. Raghunath temple, the town’s chief attraction is dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. During Dussehra festival a large procession comes out from the temple complex and the whole area becomes a devotee’s paradise. Ram Temple was built in pyramidal style by Raja Jagat Singh in the 17th century when the idol of Lord Rama was brought from Ayodhya. The idol was later shifted to Kullu and the temple was renovated by Raja Dilip Singh in 1889 AD. A trust is looking after the temple since 1981. The temple complex has three halls and forty rooms for the devotees to stay. |
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 On the left bank of the Beas, Naggar is delightfully situated on a wooded slope and commands an extensive view. It was the capital of erstwhile Kulu state for about 1400 years. There are large number of famous temples notably Vishnu, Tripura Sundari & Lord Krishna. Cars and jeeps easily go up to the Naggar castle. Roerich art gallery which houses the paintings of Nicholas Roerich as well as his sculptures is less than a km. from the Castle. Naggar is also a base for undertaking treks to Chanderkhani Pass and to remote valley of Malana.
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Bijli Mahadev Shrine |
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Bijli Mahadev temple is one of the most beautiful temples in the region situated at 10km from Kullu across the Beas River. It can be reached by a tough but rewarding climb of 10 km trek. From the temple a panoramic view of Kullu & Parvati 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.
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The Rohtang pass is the only route that connects the Kullu valley with the Lahaul and Spiti valleys. It is 51km from Manali on highway to Keylong/Leh. It offers a panorama and spectacular Mountain View. The pass is open from June to October each year although trekkers can cross it earlier. There is a beautiful sight of glaciers, peaks and Chandra River flows down in the Lahaul valley. Slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypan. During summer (mid June to October) regular buses ply between Manali-Keylong/Darcha, Udaipur, Spiti and Leh. The picturesque surrounding of this region is the chief attraction to the tourists.
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 The Temple of Hadimba devi was built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1533. And also known as Dhoongri Temple. It is believed that the Bhim one of the Pandav brothers of Mahabharata kill the demon Hadimb and marry her sister Hadimba. After that Hadimba perform the great tapa and became Godess.
The main feature of the Temple are a four tiered pagoda shaped roof and beautiful carved door. It is one half kilometer from the bus stand a Colorful Festival is held here in May every year .Temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun, this is a bisible even from Kullu. In this temple of Lightening , the tall staff attracts the divine blessing in the form of lightening, it is said. with every flash of the lightening , coming down the staff, the Shinva Ling is shattered into pieces. These are put toghter by the priest and covered with satto and butter. The image is restored to its orginal oneness till another similar flash repeats the miracle. The cycle goes on. |
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 This is dedicated to the sage Manu. Just near the Hadimba temple flows the Manalsu River, that culminates in the main Beas river. Across the Manalsu river is the original village of Manali, that houses the ancient temple of the sage Manu. Manali itself is named after Manu, who is said to have dwelt here.
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Once it was the capital of Kullu. It is located just 6 km away from Manali on the left bank on river Beas on the road to Naggar. The place is famous for very old temples of Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri in Shikhara style, these are worth visiting places.
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 This temple in Kullu is dedicated to Lord Rama and is the seat of the valley's presiding deity. According to legends during 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kulu brought from Ayodhya a statue of Lord Raghunath- Lord Ram as a mark of his penance. He built this temple where he installed the idol of lord Ram in his chariot. From that day onwards Raghunathji, became the reigning deity of the valley. |
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Situated on the bank of Parvati River, Kasol makes a good holiday destination. It is 42 kms from Kullu and charmingly located on an open space which slopes down to the broad expanse of clear white sand at the Parvati River. The place is famous for trout fishing.
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Basheshwar Mahadev Temple |
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 Basheshwar Mahadev temple is situated about 200 m from the village in a plain between the main road and the Beas river. It is believed to have been built in the mid 8th century.
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 Solang is a splendid valley between Solang village and Beas Kund. Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. It has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a ski lift for training purpose. Located here is a hut and guest house of the Mountaineering and Allied sports Institute, Manali. Now a few hotels have also come up. The winter skiing festival is organized here. Training in skiing is imparted at this place.
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Great Himalayan National Park |
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 The Himalayas have been a source of awe and inspiration to countless individuals for millennia. This is the youngest and tallest geographical existence in our planet. The unique ecological aspects of the western Himalayas have led to the development of the Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. This Park covers an area of 754 sq. km situated at an altitude of 1300 to 6100 m.
The varieties of flora and fauna found here represent the entire western Himalayas. The park is a habitat to more than 300 species of birds. Among the mammals, the Himalayan tahr, musk deer and the elusive snow leopard are most important. A number of trekking trails and buffer zones are found in this park and are worth seeing. The rare and endemic wild lives are not only of interests to the scientists but also to innumerable nature lovers. |
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5 km on National Highway to Leh, a natural spring of crystal clear water named after Pt. Jwahar Lal Nehru, who used to drink from this spring during his stay in Manali. This spring is said to have originated from the Bhrigu lake situated high-up in the mountains.
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Mountaineering Institute |
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Located 3 kms on the left bank of river Beas towards Kullu, this Institute organizes basic & advance training courses, in trekking, mountaineering, skiing and water sports. Skiing and trekking equipments can be hired from here by booking in advance. Tourists can visit an interesting showroom here. |
Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple |
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Vashist, a small village located on the left bank of river Beas towards Rohtang pass is worth a visit. It is renowned for its hot springs and temples. Nearby is the pyramidal stone temple, dedicated to “Vashist Muni”. There is another Temple of Lord Ram here. 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. |
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Just 4km from Manali towards Naggar, the Arjun cave is situated near Pani Village 1km above the road where Arjun had meditated. This is a good site for picnic and excursion with charming view of the brilliant mountains.
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