Kullu is the district headquarters of Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh, at 1,220 m on the Beas River. It is the cultural capital of the Kullu Valley — famous globally for its Dussehra festival declared a National Importance event, handwoven Kullu shawls, Beas River rafting, and the Bijli Mahadev Temple.
Kullu
The Valley of Gods — Dussehra Capital, Beas Rafting & Himalayan Shawls
A Glimpse into History
Origins – Kingdom of Kuluta
Kullu was the capital of the ancient Kuluta Kingdom, mentioned in the Vishnu Purana and Ramayana. The valley's rulers paid tribute to the Maurya Empire and later the Katoch dynasty of Kangra. The Raghunath Temple was established when the Kullu Raja installed Lord Raghunath (Rama) as the ruling deity in the 17th century.
Evolution – British Wool & Shawl Trade
British administrators in the 19th century documented Kullu's handwoven wool shawls as superior quality and promoted their export. The distinctive geometric-patterned Kullu shawl gained GI (Geographical Indication) tag status after Indian independence, protecting its weaving traditions.
Modern Era – Adventure Tourism Hub
Bhuntar Airport (KUU) was constructed 10 km from Kullu in 1989, connecting the valley to Delhi. Beas River rafting between Pirdi and Jhiri rapids (Grade III–IV) became a certified adventure activity in the 1990s, with Kullu serving as the primary base for booking and outfitting.
Cultural Significance
The Raghunath Temple in Kullu town is the seat of Lord Raghunath — the presiding deity of the Kullu Valley. During Dussehra, 200+ local deities are paraded through town in a 7-day procession, making it India's most uniquely diverse goddess-deity festival. Kullu shawls with their distinctive twill-tapestry weave are one of Himachal Pradesh's most important GI-tagged crafts.
Festivals & Events
Kullu Dussehra (October) — National Importance Festival
Declared a festival of National Importance by the Government of India. Over 200 local village deities are carried in gold and silver palanquins to the Dhalpur Maidan for a 7-day celebration. It begins on Vijayadashami (the day after Navratri ends) and draws over 500,000 visitors.
Shivratri Fair (February–March)
The Kullu Shivratri fair at the Ramshila area draws pilgrims and traders from the valley. Traditional folk dances, local crafts, and ritual worship of Lord Shiva mark this quieter but culturally significant annual event.
Did You Know?
Bijli Mahadev Temple, perched at 2,460 m on a hilltop 14 km from Kullu, has a 20-ft stone Shiva lingam that shatters every year due to lightning strikes — the priests reassemble it with butter and sattoo (grain powder). Locals believe the lightning strike is Lord Shiva's annual divine blessing absorbing cosmic energy on behalf of the valley.
Travel Guide
How to Reach
By Air: Bhuntar / Kullu-Manali Airport (KUU) is 10 km from Kullu town — daily flights from Delhi (1 hr); Chandigarh Airport (IXC) ~265 km for more options.
By Train: No railway at Kullu — nearest broad-gauge station is Chandigarh (~265 km); Jogindernagar narrow gauge (JOGN) is ~100 km via Mandi.
By Road: Kullu is 265 km from Chandigarh via NH154 (~7 hrs); HRTC Volvo buses from Delhi (540 km) run nightly; local taxis run between Kullu, Manali (40 km) and Bhuntar (10 km) frequently.
Best Time to Visit
Oct (Dussehra): Peak cultural season — book hotels 2 months ahead. Mar–Jun: Pleasant 18–28°C; river rafting at its best on the full-flowing Beas. Oct–Nov: Post-monsoon clear weather, apple harvest stalls line NH154. Dec–Feb: Cold but Kullu town rarely snows; Manali (40 km) has heavy snow for winter sports.
Local Attractions
Bijli Mahadev Temple (~14 km): Lightning-struck Shiva shrine at 2,460 m — steep trek rewarded with valley panorama.
Beas River Rafting (Pirdi to Jhiri, ~14 km): Best Grade III–IV white water rafting in Himachal — operators based near Kullu town.
Naggar Castle (~22 km): 500-year-old former Kullu royal palace converted to heritage hotel — remarkable stone architecture.
Kasol (~40 km): Parvati Valley backpacker village via Bhuntar junction — easy day trip or overnight.
Tips for Visitors
Book Dussehra accommodation in Kullu 2–3 months in advance — every room within 40 km fills up during the 7-day October festival.
Book river rafting only with operators holding valid HP Tourism permits — verify the safety equipment includes class-appropriate helmets and PFDs before boarding.
Buy Kullu shawls at the government-run Bhuttico cooperative store — GI-tagged, quality-assured, and fairly priced compared to roadside stalls claiming the same.
The Bijli Mahadev trek (steep 5 km) is best done early morning — the 2,460 m summit clouds over by noon; carry water as there are no shops on the trail.
Location Map
Image Gallery
