An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kullu , Part - IX , Tourist places in district Kullu Continued.

 An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kullu, Part - IX , Tourist places in district Kullu Continued  :- 

Though the entire Kullu district is  having panoramic landscapes yet we are going to introduce the main tourist destinations which  can make our trip memorable .    

Panoramic view of Manali 

IMPORTANT PLACES  FOR VISIT :- 

 

1. Hidimba Devi Temple (हिडिंबा देवी मन्दिर) it is, 1.5 km from Manali built in 1553 A. D also known as "Doongri Temple" dedicated to the Goddess Hidimba the wife of Bheema , the great Gadadhar of Mahabhart. The temple is constructed in Pagoda art having  beautiful carving. It is built by Raja Bahadur Singh of Kullu

Hadimba Devi Temple Manali 

 2. Vashisht :- (वशिष्ट्) This place is having hot water springs and famous for temples of Lord Rama &Maharishi Vashisht. It is located on the bank of river Beas  well above the river. It is at a distance of, 3 Km from Manali. 

View of Vashisth Temple at Manali 

Vashisth Temple at Manali 

 3. Jagatsukh :- (जगत् सुख) It was the ancient capital of Kullu for about  ten generations, the original name of this place was "Nast" . Jagatsukh has a famous Lord Shiva temple constructed in Shikhara art. Here the famous old temple of "Gayatri Devi" and "Devi Sharvali " are also visited by tourists. Jagatsukh is 6 Km from Manali.  

Jagatsukh Manali Panoramic landscapes 

 

4. Nehru Kund :-(नेहरू कुंड) It is 6 Km from Manali , a natural spring of clean cold water , named on the name of  first Prime Minister of India  late pt. Jawhar Lal Nehru, who used to drink water from this spring during his stay in Manali. It is located on Manali Keylong road originating from Bhrigu lake. 

View of Nehru Kund Manali 

 

5.  Kothi :- (कोठी) Very beautiful, quite & calm place, 12 Km from Manali famous for movie picturisation scenes and resting resort for poets, writers and nature lovers. The rest house here  overlooks the narrow valley and having commanding  views of the mountains. 

Panoramic landscapes of Kothi village Manali 

 

6. Arjun Gufa :- 

 Arjun Guffa 

(अर्जुन गुफा)  It is a legendary cave  village "Prini" on the left bank where Arjuna  practised austerities to get the powerful astra "Pashupati astra " tourists used to visit this cave situated near Nagar about 5 kms from Manali town .

 

7. Tibetan Monastery :-   

Views of  Monastery at Manali 

It has a colourful Buddhist temple. This Monastery is famous for its carpet weaving and Tibetan handicrafts It is just 300 metres from Manali bus stand. 

Tibetan Monastery at Manali 

 8. Marhi :- (मढी) It is  barren landscape having extensive views of the mountains and valley , 39 Km from Manali. Marhi a mountain plateau is surrounded by green meadows strewn with myriad wild flowers. Fifteen kms short of 13050 feet high Rohtang pass on Manali-Leh road lies one of the most picturreque spot in this reigon. 

Manali Leh Highway 

Before the early seventies, Marhi was a halting place for shepherds and tradesmen, who would rest a while before taking on the steep ascent to Rohtang Pass. The pass turns very windy in the after noons and can be treacherous during winter, the local people call this fiery wind the " Biana" in harsh winters always took their toll and thus this place was named Marhi means graveyard. Now  Marhi is attracting the tourists and the tourists who visit Manali stop over at Marhi for the magnificent views in the daytime. 

 

9. Rahla Falls :- 

View of Rahla Water falls 

It is 15 Km from Manali, very charming picnic spot. Here river Beas hurtles down from a height of nearly 50 metres. 

 

10. Solang Valley :- 

Solang Valley Manali 

It is a very beautiful valley between Manali and  Kothi 13 Km from Manali. It offers  beautiful view of the glaciers and snow covered mountains. The plateau is used for camps by trekking Parties. 

Panoramic views of Solang Valley Manali 

 11. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mountaineering Institute :-

Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mountaineering Institute Manali 

 This Institute was established in 1961A.D. it imparts training in basic and advance courses of mountaineering, adventure sports, rock climbing, skiing and trekking etc. 

 

12. Rohtang Pass :- 

Panoramic views of Rohtang pass 

It is situated at an altitude of 3978 metres from mean sea level at distance of 51Km from Manali on the highway to Keylong. Here we can see  a range of precipitous cliffs, huge glaciers, piled moraine and deep ravines. To the opposite is Sonepani glacier, slightly to the left peaks of the Geyphang snow covered. The Beas river rises near the crest of Rohtang from a block of Mica-Schist.To its left, , 200 metres higher, is the "Sarkund" a little lake, large number of people used to visit this place every year. The Pass remains open from June to October. 

Panoramic views of mountains Rohtang pass  

  

  

An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kullu , Part - VIII , Economy of the district Kullu Continued , Tourism Sector .

 An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kullu,  Part - VIII , Economy of the district Kullu  , Continued , Tourism Sector :-

Panoramic views of the Mall Road Manali  under Fresh Snowfall 

Himachal Pradesh  has been identified as one of the potential sectors of economy  has lot of scope of growth in future . District Kullu has  all those parameters  which are required to attract  the

 tourists   from India and abroad the world .

It has very panoramic landscapes , clear snowy water  perennial rivers  flowing through its valleys , lush green forests , snowy mountains ranges of Himalayas , pollution free atmosphere , cool cool brieeze , hotels with excellent service to stay , tourist Information Centres set up by the Government of Himachal Pradesh to facilitate tourism and good connectivity through high class Highways .   Shimla , Kangra and Bhuntar in district Kullu  are connected by air also .

Entire Kullu district is having  tourism friendly  and great rush can be seen throughout the year as Manali which is about 40 Kms from Kullu which is called Kashmir of Himachal Pradesh . Thus Kullu is contributing towards economy of the district as well as state through tourism and still  continues to explore more unexplored areas having panoramic landscapes . Adventure mountain treking is also charming one for trekkers as Hamta pass , Animal Pass Jalori Pass  , Pin - Parvati  Pass and few other passes to Kangra  Lahaul Spiti and Kinnaur  are existing in this district . 

Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports  is set up at Manali in 1961 and is imparting training of Mountaineering . The river Beas and it's tributaries provide facility for  angling as Trout fish is promoted in these water bodies . Rafting is also good charm in rivers in the valley . Kullu and Manali have good Paragliding sites .

The places of tourist importance  in Kullu district we will cover   in this series .

Raghunath Temple at Kullu :-. 

Raghunath Temple Kullu 

Shri Raghunath Temple at Kullu was built by Raja Jagat Singh in 1651 A D.

Raja Jagat Singh ruled Kullu from 1637 AD to 1672 AD. He incorporated Lag in Kullu State . The capital of Kullu was Jagat sukh  from where the state is ruled for twelve generations . Raja Visudh Pal transferred the capital to Nagar and later Raja Jagat Singh transferred it to Sultanpur .

Once a Brahmin cursed Raja Jagat Singh  then to remove the curse Raja Jagat Singh brought the idol of Raghunath from Ayodhya and put it on Throne . Then he declared himself as the first sarvent of the temple  . Since then   The Rahas of Kullu ruled the state in the name of Raghunath  who is the principal Diety of Kullu Valley .   

View of Nagar castle Kullu 

During the rule of Mughals  the Kullu was subjected  to the suzerainty of Mughals and were paying tribute to Mughal Empire. Nagar Castle Kullu situated at Nagar was some time Capital of Kullu  . The  Heritage Castle at Naggar is also among beautiful tourist destinations .

An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kullu , Economy of District Kullu Part VII , Continued

 An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kullu, Economy of District Kullu Part - VII , Continued  :-

Women in Traditional dress of Kullu 

We are discussing the resource wise economy of the Kullu district   , now in this part we are going to take Local handicrafts which largely  contribute to the economy of the district .

Though Kullu is famous world wide  for its panoramic landscapes , apple Orchards , Kullu Dussehra ,  its Himalyan ranges   for its Geothermal springs but the local handicrafts of Kullu are most liked world wide and have much contribution in the economy of the district .

The main items in local handicrafts are :- 

1. Kullu Shawls  :- This item is largely sold and favorable among women of all age . The Kullu Shawls are of two types Plain and Shawls with design patterns  known as Phulwali . These shawls are also made from Pashmina and ruffle .

2. Kullu Caps  :- This is one another item used both by males as well as female to cover head . It is made from woolen clothes with colourful designer bands . It called Kullu Topi , it is also largely sold .

3. Pattoos :-  This is locally woven woolen clothes with colourful designer strips used for making women dresses.  It is also called Loi .

4. Dohru  :- It is made of wool with soft and thick  woolen yarn and is a bedroom blanket .

5. Pullan :- It is kitchen and bedroom footwear made of fibre .

 6.Patti  :- Patti is one another item made of white and black wool . It is used to make coats , jackets , gown and male dresses , caps ets . Now plain and designed Pattis are also made .

Kullu Caps 

Bhutti Weavers / Bhuttico  A Co Operative society  :- 

This society was registered before Independence  on 18/12/1944  by 12   progressive handloom weavers in Lug Valley in district Kullu . But till 1955 this society could not do well . 

In 1956 a very dynamic young man Mr Ved Ram Thakur joined in this society and made many changes  in working designed , quality and marketing . He also donated his own handloom industry to this society and made this society a very good institute and leading  market leader in Shawl Industry .  In the year in 1971 this young man died in the age of 50 . This was a great loss to the society .

After his death his son Mr. Satya Prakash Thakur took the work in hand  and raised this Institution to great heights by making many more dramatic changes and expended the work to other locations and  districts  by opening various Showrooms  under his marketing policies . Today Bhuttico has its showrooms in all districts of the  state and even out of state in some big cities in India  . Over 1000 workers are todi involved in this cooperative society .

In Kullu there are many handloom weavers involved in making this Local handicrafts in Kullu district and are contributing towards the economy of the district . 

Kullu Handicrafts in Market 

Photographs with Kullu caps

Tourists from all over India and abroad used to visit Kullu Manali in Himachal Pradesh and purchase these local traditional handicrafts   thus these items are in great demand in Himachal Pradesh as well as outside Himachal . Wen ever you plan a trip to Kullu Manali never forget to Shop these Local beautiful handicrafts as these are easily available in Markets of Kullu Manali .

An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kullu , Economy of District Kullu , Part VI , Continued

 An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kullu, Part VI, Economy of District Kullu Continued  :-

Manali the Mall Road 

In previous post  light has been reflected  on the economy of the district but there are few another resources those are contributing towards the economy of the district . 

Fishery Activity in the district  :- 

The fish farming is also a good factor that contributes towards the economy of the district .

The district Kullu is known for the most favoured fish 'Traut. '

The Trout fish had been introduced in district Kullu very very long ago in 1909 by GCL Hovel and General Urborn .  The Trout was introduced in the country mainly to encourage sport  Fisheries .  Introduction of Trout has helped the fish to  become established  in most of the cold water bodies . Since then trout cultivation was extended to other areas in river and  other tributaries . Hatchery was set up at Chakki Nalla in Nagar at Mahli . Later  Trout farm at Sainj and Patli kuhal were set up in ,1941 aand 1943 .

Apart  from the sport Fisheries the  objective was to develop a commercial venture   for Trout production for table fish .  Two main Trout found in our Himalyan waters are Brown Trout  [ Salmo trutta fario ] and Rainbow Trout  [ Salmo gairdneri  gairdneri  ]

The Variety of fish  Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout  soon established the stream and tributaries adapting to congenial water temperature  and abundance of biotic life . The  transplantations provided excellent  game fishing to the anglers and started inviting large numbers of tourists .

Patli Kuhal  Trout fish Farm 

For Rainbow Trout farming Government of Himachal Pradesh made a scheme  in mid eighty and Norwegian Government came forward  to assist the Government of Himachal Pradesh . The agreement was signed by the two Governments in 1988 and the scheme was put 

in operation in May 1989 . This project was split into two phases  1.  Transfer of Technology 2. Production phase .

In this project Norwegian Government gave a financial grant of 8.00 million NOK ( 3.00 crore ) to meet out the expenditure of equipment , consultancy  and traing of personals . The government of Himachal Pradesh agreed to meet out the expenditure of farm , custom duty and salary of the project personals . 

Fish Production 

Norwegian model Trout farm at Patli Kuhal was constructed for 10  tonnes of  trout production per year  . The project started producing Trout in 1992 March  and successfully achieved the target of 10 tonnes in first year of the project . Later  the program was extended to other locations  of the state thus  Trout fish farming is contributing a large towards the economy of the district .

Animal Husbandry :-- 

Animal Husbandry , the Sources of Economy   contribution .

Animal Husbandry is also a good factor which contributes towards economy of the district .

Every house hold keeps cows , goats and sheep . Goats and sheeps are in good count .

In the district Exotic varieties of sheep is Russian Marina Rambulitee  which produces good quality and quantity of wool  , thus providing raw materials to local handicrafts  in woolens  .

The sheep breading farm was made functional in 1963 under Indo-German project which helped the farmers .

Himalayan Goats 

One Angora rearing farm was set up in Mohal in 1964 by private enterprise  . So the  Animal Husbandry is also contributing towards the economy of the district .

An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kullu , Part - V , Economy of District Kullu

 An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kullu , Part -V, Economy of District Kullu :- 

Regarding economy of Kullu  it has been given that economy of district mainly based on Agriculture , horticulture , Tourism and Local handicrafts  In part I   of  the overview  .

Agriculture :-

Here  the total geographical area of the district is 5503 square Kilometres  . The total  cultivated area is about 53312 Hect .  and the forest area is about 1975.57 square Kilometres in 2021 .

Total labor force participation in the economy is 71.80 %  , the main income comes from agriculture and income per capita is  Rs. 119231/- 

The area under forest cover i.e 1975.57 square Kilometres is rich in various kinds of herbs like  Kakar Singi , Karu , Muswala and Dhoop etc. which also adds to the economy of the district . 

Lush green forest cover in district Kullu 

The National Seed Corporation has set up a cereal seed multiplication farm at Sainj which is doing well in this sector . The Potatoes Research and Development Centres at Hamta and Kuna at Manali are also functioning in vegetable sector . Oil from herbs  and fruits preserving units are set up in Banjar , Shamshi and  Kartain . The bee farming in the district is   also being done by the farmers . 

Indian Agriculture Research Institute has set up its  Vegetable Research Centre at Katrain which is very much helpful to the farmers . 

Major crops  :- 

Agriculture fields in Kullu 

The major crops in  Kullu district are Wheat , Maize , Rice , Barley , Pulses like Rajmash , Blackgrams and other pulses.

The oil seeds are Mustard oil seed and other seeds .

Vegetables and Herbs  :- 

Garlic , Coriander , Onion  , Pea (green ) , Cauliflower , Cabbage , Tomato , Brinjal Raddish,Capsicum , Chilled and Beans are grown in district Kullu .

Horticulture :-

Apple Orchard in Parvati valley 

The Department of Horticulture was set up in 1970  in Himachal Pradesh  with an objective to  make Himachal Pradesh a  prosperous state  by utilising it's natural resources through the scientific  horticulture development .  District Kullu has  also  done an excellent work in the horticulture sector including apple production .  Thus Himachal Pradesh has achieved the distinction of being an Apple State of India .

Apple Orchard in Manali 

As per climatic environment of Kullu  Captain RC Lee took initiative to establish apple Orchard in district Kullu .

So to land the scientific horticulture research and development  in the field Regional Research Centre of Dr. Y .S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry  has been set up at Bajaura in district Kullu which is doing an excellent work in this field .

Apple Orchards in Kullu Manali  Himachal Pradesh 

In 1870 Captain RC Lee had planted his first apple Orchard  in Bandrloe near Kullu . The plants were brought from Uk

Padha Bansi Lal was the first local orchardist from Seobagh .  The apple Orchard in Manali was planted in 1884 by Captain A T  Banon with English varieties of apple .

Apple , Japanese fruits and stone fruits   are grown in this region.

Tea Gardens in Kullu  :- 

The tea gardens are mainly located in Nagar , Bajaura and Raison area of Kullu . The Kullu black tea was declared  the best tea of India in Lahore Exibhion in 1866.

Hydropower projects in district Kullu  :-

As  many perineal rivers are flowing in the district  so  numbers of hydropower projects constructed on these rivers  are playing an important role in the economy of the district as well as state . Following  are the hydropower projects in district Kullu .

Larji Hydropower project :- 

Larji Hydropower project with a total capacity of 126 Megawatt on river Beas in district Kullu 

Malana Hydropower project :- 

Malana Hydropower project with a total capacity of 86Megswatt  on Malana Khad which is tributary of Beas river in district Kullu . This project is constructed in Private sector .

Parvati Hydropower project  :-

The Parvati Hydropower project is located on Parvati river in Parvati valley  in district Kullu with a total capacity of 2051 Megawatt . The work of this project is undertaken by  NHPC with share  contribution of five states  Himachal Pradesh , Delhi (UT) , Rajsthan , Gujarat and Haryana . Himachal has 15% share  and  Rajsthan has highest share in the project .

Allian- Duhangan Hydropower project :- 

This project is constructed by diverting water of Allain and Duhangan rivers in district Kullu  with a total capacity of 192 Megawatt  by private companies.

Malana Hydropower project II :- This project is again constructed on  Malana Khad tributary of Beas in district Kullu with a total capacity of 100 Megawatt 

 View of Malana Hydropower project 

Sainj Hydropower project :- 

This hydropower project is constructed on Sainj river in district Kullu with a total capacity of 100 Megawatt . The project is undertaken by NHPC .

An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kullu , Brief History of Kullu Part IV Continued

 An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kullu , Brief History of Kullu Part IV Continued. :-

The holy land of Kullu has connected to ancient times   legends associated  with Pandavas who are believed to have spent their exile period  partly in this beautiful valley .

Shangchool Mahadev temple Sainj   district Kullu 

Hadimba Devi Temple Manali 

The Mata Hadimba Devi Temple at Manali , Shangchool. Mahadev temple in Sainj and Dev Dhank in Nirmand are connected with Pandavas . 

Dev Dhank in Nirmand 

According to one legend , Bhimsen the son of Kunti   wife of Pandu killed the strong and cruel demon Hadimb and married to his sister Hadimba .

Mata Hadimba is a powerful Diety of Manali  , Hadimba Devi Temple is situated in Manali  just adjoining to Dhungari Van Vihar at Manali .

Ghatotkach a brave son of Bhim and Hadimba showed  unparalleled  heroism  and velour in the battle of Mahabharata .

According to one another legend Arjun the great Dhanurdhari done austerity in a cave called Arjun Guffa in  Inderkilla mountain now known as Deo Tibba  to get Pashupati Astra from Indra  on the advice of Maharishi Ved Vayas .

Deo Tibba Trek 

The great sage Ved Vayas has performed tappa  in Mahabharata period in the valley now known as Vyas Kund on Rohtang pass . It is because of this that  river Beas has gained it's name from Vipasha to Beas ..

View of Apple Orchard in Kullu Valley 

River Beas in Manali  under Fresh Snowfall 

These are some historical  facts that connects this valley  with the ancient history .