HimachalPradesh-Nestled in the Himalayas, the world's mightiest mountain ranges, Himachal is blessed with some of the most spectacular and beautiful, landscape anywhere, it is travelers paradise, - mighty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, misty woods, fast flowing rivers, enchanting lakes and flower filled meadows. Its high mountains and valleys are linked by winding roads and high passes. While the picturesque valleys of Kullu and Kangra are a riot of colors. In marked contrast the stark and barren terrain of Lahaul & Spiti have stunning lunar and scape like beauty.

After India became free in 1947, a number of princely hilly states were integrated into a single unit to be administered by the Government of India through a Chief Commissioner. As a result, Himachal Pradesh came into being as a part C state of the India Union on April 15, 1948, by integrating 31 big and small hill states of the region. In 1956, following the recommendations of the State Reorganization Commission, it was converted into a Union Territory.

The high hills of Himalayas welcome the trekkers from all over the world who want to show their might in the lap of nature's greatest gift to human race. Himachal Pradesh is full of hill resorts, pilgrimages, adventure sports destinations, and wildlife that attracts a wide range of tourist traffic. For some, its a romantic hide away for some quite and peaceful ideal second honeymoon spot. Where normal day tension are hard to find Himachal where love flows, gods dwell, excitement and fun, galore.

Kullu:-

Kullu (1220m) was once known as "Kulanthpitha" ; 'The end of the habitable world'. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalayas, and by the banks of the shining river Beas, lay the fabled 'Silver Valley'. Kullu got its first motorable access only after Independence. The long centuries of seclusion has however allowed the area to retain a considerable measure of its traditional charm. Here is the core of an intricate web of numerous valleys - each of which is a visual delight and seems more beautiful than the other. The 'Silver Valley' has nature's treasures that lie carelessly scattered as flowers on the high meadows. There is pleasure in every step you take in these enchanted valleys and in every gurgle you hear in the clear mountain streams.

Population: Approx. 86,000

Language(s): Malayalam , English

Climate: Kumarakom, located on the Southern coast of India enjoys a well-balanced tropical climate. Nature has composed its magic to perfection here. A million verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to examine its reflections on the glassy rivers. Everywhere, nature is at its best. Blooming forth in perfumes of flowers. In the riot of colours of multi-hued birds. In the fresh, succulent and bountiful freshwater fishes

The local spring season emerges from August and coincides with the harvest festival of Onam. The lowest and highest temperatures recorded are 16.10 C and 37.80 C. There is always a cool, fresh breeze, which makes even the warmest weather readily agreeable. The South West monsoon is from early June to early August. However, slight drizzles persist till early November. Average rainfall is 1100 mm per year.

Fact File - Kullu
Location: 570 kms from Delhi, 310 Kms from Chandigarh, 265 kms from Shimla.

Height: 6260 feet.

Temperatures: Summers: Max 26 deg C, Min 12 deg C Winters: Max 12 deg C, Min sub zero.

Clothing: April-Sept: Light Woollens. Oct-Mar: Heavy Woollens.

Manali

40 kms. away from Kulu to the north, Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape here is breath taking. One sees well-defined snow capped peaks, the Beas river with its clear water meanders through the town. On the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday, a favorite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, Leh and Zanskar regions in Kashmir valley. It is known as the SWITZERLAND OF INDIA.

How to get there

By Road

Kulu is well connected by road with Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Shimla, Dehradun, Pathankot, Dharamsala & Dalhousie etc. Regular direct buses ply between these stations including deluxe, semi-deluxe and air conditioned buses during tourist season.

By Air

Kulu is connected by Indian Airlines, Trans Bharat Aviation and Jagson flights with Delhi & Shimla. The airport is at Bhuntar, 10kms. from Kulu.

By Rail

Nearest convenient rail heads are Kalka, Chandigarh and Pathankot on Broad Gauge from where Kulu can be reached by road.

Local Transport

Local buses operate between Kullu-Manali and Manikaran regularly.