Kullu, often known as the “Valley of Gods,” is a veritable wonderland of sweeping meadows and mountains. There are many breathtaking places to visit in Kullu, including the Great Himalayan National Park and the Raghunath Temple. You may experience Kullu through hiking, natural hikes, and road trips, making each location a popular destination. Consider mingling with the people to learn about their culture and experience their hospitality. The next time you visit Kullu, plan how to move about, and be sure to plan and schedule all of your reservations and events ahead of time to avoid missing out.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Kullu
With its diverse offerings, Kullu caters to every traveller’s whim, promising an unforgettable experience. Check out the 10 best places to visit in Kullu:
1. Great Himalayan National Park
Photo: Suresh Karia / Wikimedia Commons
Himachal Pradesh is famous for its diverse wildlife, and one of the greatest sites to see is the Great Himalayan National Park, which is home to the elusive snow leopard. It is one of the state’s largest national parks, covering 1171 square kilometres, Moreover, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most enjoyable aspects of experiencing this national park is the variety of activities and experiences available, particularly hiking and nature hikes. There are campsites accessible within the national park, but you will need permission to enter.
Location: Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 24 Hours
Suggested Read: A Complete Travel Guide For The Best Things To Do In Kullu
2. Raghunath Temple
Photo: Sudeep Pramanik / Wikimedia Commons
The Raghunath Temple is one of Kullu’s most prominent tourist sites, noted for its religious importance. It is one of the region’s oldest temples, dedicated to Lord Rama, and is renowned for its spectacular architecture. The temple dates back to the 17th century when Raja Jagat Singh erected it. He erected the temple as a kind of penance, hoping to atone for all of his misdeeds during his life. Furthermore, the statue inside the shrine was reputedly utilised by Lord Rama during the Ashwemedha Yaga. It was carried from Ayodhya and installed here, giving the shrine more prominence.
Location: Sultanpur, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175101
Timings: 8 AM to 1 PM
3. Manikaran
A sacred site for both Hindus and Sikhs, Manikaran is renowned for its rejuvenating hot springs and the Gurudwara. It is of extreme religious and spiritual significance where millions of devotees from across the world visit to seek blessings at the Gurudwara. You can relax, unwind and soak in the spiritual aura of the place and once done, go attend the langar too. The holy water is believed to have miraculous healing properties, and devotees flock here to take a dip as well. The inside of this Gurudwara also sports intricate architecture, which adds to the beauty of the gurdwara.
Location: Parvati Valley, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 24 hours
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Manikaran With An In-Depth Travel Guide For An Outstanding Vacation
4. Solang Valley
Photo: Aditya Chache / Unsplash
The beauty of Solang Valley doesn’t require an introduction. Not only is it one of the popular Kullu tourist places, it is equally popular for tourists visiting Manali. During the summers, the vast slopes of greenery add to the beauty of this valley, transforming the experience unlike any other. However, during the winter months, it transforms in contrast with snow-covered slopes that are great for skiing and snowboarding. During the summers, you can also indulge in a variety of other adventure activities like paragliding, zorbing, and river rafting or even camp around the valley for some comfort and rejuvenation.
Location: Near Manali, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 9 AM to 4 PM
5. Tirthan Valley
Photo: Hrishikesh Sarode / Unsplash
Tirthan Valley is one of the must-see attractions in Kullu. It is ideal for tourists seeking calm away from the everyday grind of life. There’s a lot to do here, with beautiful woods, crystal clear waterways like the Tirthan River, and nature paths ideal for trekking, hiking, and camping. The Serolsar Lake, a pristine alpine lake, is also a popular tourist site among visitors. There are a few homestays in the valley, which adds to its value by allowing you to engage with the inhabitants, learn about their culture and traditions, and explore the area like a native.
Location: Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 24 Hours
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Kullu Manali
6. Bijli Mahadev Temple
Photo: Ashish Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
Bijli Mahadev Temple is a must-see attraction in Kullu. It is only a short journey from Kullu, but the religious significance of the area makes it worthwhile to explore. Not only is it a popular spiritual and pilgrimage site, but the temple’s major attraction is the naturally formed Shivling, which gets hit by lightning every year before magically reforming. It suggests why the temple is called “Bijli Mahadev.” Because of its remote position, one of the best ways to get to the temple is by an exhausting but rewarding hike. The scenery along the way makes the journey worthwhile.
Location: 30 Km from Kully
Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM
7. Naggar Castle
Photo: Akshat Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
Naggar Castle, an old fortification, is an outstanding example of traditional Himalayan architecture. The castle was originally the palace of the Kullu monarchs and is now a heritage site owned by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. This castle dates back to the 16th century, and the entire edifice is made completely of stone and wood. Inside the castle, there are several historic temples where residents and tourists can seek blessings and offer prayers. One of the castle’s distinctive features is that it has served as the location for various Bollywood films.
Location: 23 Km from Kullu
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Himachal Pradesh
8. Pandoh Dam
Photo: RamBiswal / Wikimedia Commons
The Pandoh Dam is located on the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh. It is located in the Mandi district and is one of the top tourist destinations in Kullu if you want to see a combination of natural beauty and man-made wonders. It was constructed in 1977, and the dam remains today, providing hydroelectric power. Pandoh Dam, with its lush hills and mountains in the background, is unquestionably one of the must-see places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Not only may you explore the dam, but also the neighbouring tourist sites.
Location: 54 Km from Kullu
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
9. Chandrakhani Pass
Photo: Bharatkaistha / Wikimedia Commons
The Chandrakhani Pass is another must-see hiking destination in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu area. The walk is not recommended for novices and is considered a test of physical endurance and mental fortitude. During the summer, the trail leads you past beautiful green meadows brimming with wildflowers. The peak offers stunning panoramic views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar mountains. On a clear day, you may also be able to see the spectacular peaks of Kinnaur Kailash and Lahaul Spiti.
Location: Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 24 Hours
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kullu Manali In December
10. Parvati Valley
Photo: Harigovind Kaninghat / Unsplash
A favourite among the backpackers, a visit to Parvati Valley opens up a treasure of experiences for the tourists. Many travellers emphasise the Bohemian and hippie charm of the place, no wonder it is such a fan favourite among the younger travellers. You must add this to your Kullu tourist places list to explore the popular local villages of Kasol and Tosh, known for their laid-back vibe and the wide range of cafes around. You can also embark on trekking and camping expeditions around this valley and its surrounding villages, which add to the fun and the adventure as well.
Take a good look at these destinations as you plan your next trip to Himachal Pradesh. Each with its charm, Kullu offers a diverse range of experiences to its travellers, be it for younger people, children or even older individuals. If you are planning these places to visit in Kullu during peak season, ensure to sort out your bookings in advance with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Harsh Patel / Unsplash