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

View y Solang Valley Manali 

The  Kullu valley is full of   nature 's panoramic landscapes  and attractions to the visitors . It a  beautiful part of Devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh . In this series we are  going to see some more tourist destinations .

 Bijli Mahadev temple  :-

View of Bijli Mahadev temple 

It is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva situated at Kashwari Village in Kullu Valley on a hill top  at an altitude of about 2460 metres above mean sea level and at a distance of about 26 Km from Kullu   . From Kullu Bus stand you can take a bus to Chansari Village from where a trek about 3 Km leads to Bijli Mahadev temple .

Bijli Mahadev temple 

In the temple a Shiva Lingam is established  and once   in  twelve years a lightening  falls on Shiva Lingam and gets broken in pieces . Then priest collects those pieces and joints with Sattu and Butter  after some time the Shiva Lingam comes into original state . 

The temple site  is very beautiful and you can have panoramic views of Parvati valley and Kullu valley .

Panoramic views of Parvati valley 

Jalori Pass  :-. 

Kali Mata temple at Jalori Pass 

Panoramic views of Himalayas from Jalori Pass 

Jalori Pass is a mountain pass connecting Kullu Banjar with Ani outer Saraj            when  we think about enjoying  beautiful landscapes in Himachal Pradesh, the entire state of is  having immense beauty  imparted by the nature . . The travel and trade in the ancient times was not so easy  in Himachal Pradesh due to geographical landscapes  . For this purpose in mountains narrow passages at certain depressions where people could cross over the mountainous  were selected  and used for traveling  , so these passages were known as Pass or Jot .

 

   Jalori Pass on  Sainj - Thalout Road connecting NH 21 with NH 22

In the ancient times the mountains were barriers against  travel and trade because it was very very difficult to cross over these barriers as the mountains remained covered with snow most of the time in a year. Then on the ridges of the mountains,  there the existing depression and narrow passages which have some easy access to cross over the hill due to less quantum of snow were used for the purpose of travel and trade. These narrow passages  are called mountain pass or Jot .  

 

Jalori  Jot is is a mountain pass in district Kullu.  it is located at a distance of about 31 Km from Anni and about 44 Km from Thlaout . The road traverses from NH 22 at Sainj, then Luhri Anni Jalori pass  Banjar then meets NH 21 at Thalout. 

   Sun Set Scenic Beauty at Jalori Pass 

The  Jalori Jot is  located  on NH 305 at an elevation of 3135 metres from mean sea level. The snow fall during winter block the traffic but Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department always regulates the traffic. 

Lush green forest at Jalori Pass 

Jalori Pass is a very beautiful location at an altitude of  3125 metres above mean sea level in between Lush green forest of sky touching Deodar trees . You can enjoy the panoramic views from Jalori Pass .

Panoramic views at Jalori Pass 

Serolsar Lake near Jalori Pass : -

Serolsar Lake View 

A beautiful lake called Serolsar Lake is accessible from Jalori Pass in Saraj valley in district Kullu . This lake is surrounded by beautiful lush green forest of Deodar trees at an altitude of about 3100 metres above mean sea level .

Panoramic view of Serolsar Lake near Jalori Pass district Kullu Himachal Pradesh 

The lake water is neat and clean  ,  the responsibility of keeping the water clean is being performed by the birds  . Any tree leaf if falls in the water the birds throw it out , it is a miracle  phenomenon at this lake . The trek to this lake starts from Jalori Pass and it's length is about five Kms . There is a Temple of Budhi Nagni Mata who is Diety of this lake . It is beautiful destinations for trekkers and local people in Tirthan valley .

Tirthan Valley  :- 

Khaini Fort Banjar district Kullu 

The valley  along the river Tirthan in district Kullu Himachal Pradesh is situated at an altitude of about  1600 metres above mean sea level  just 3 Km away from the entrance of Great  Himalyan National Park  extend your pleasure with immense beauty of nature comprises with beautiful sky touching mountain ranges , apple Orchards , crisp winds and much more for those who loves nature .

View of Tirthan valley 

Tirthan River tributary of Beas district Kullu Himachal Pradesh 

Trout fishing  in Tirthan river is best  sport  for those who are found of angling  as  this river is Full of Brown and Rainbow Trout fish .

You can also enjoy river crossing in Tirthan valley , it is also an adventure Activity in the valley .

Views of Tirthan valley Kullu 

                     

Produce & Use Pulses in Your Diet , World Pulses Day

 World Pulses Day ,

10th. February

How  This Day  Celebrated as World Pulses Day  :-

To create public awareness on Nutritional and Environmental benefits of Pulses in United Nations  on December ,20 th.  2013  a resolution ,[A /RES/68/231 ] was adopted  proclaiming  2016  as International Year of Pulses . Food and Agriculture Organisation of United Nations  celebrated 2016 as Year of Pulses .

Further in 2019 United Nations General Assembly  again Passed a resolution  [A/RES/73/251 ] proclaiming 10 Th. February  as World Pulses Day  . Since then 10 February is celebrated as World Pulses Day .

Pulses are packed with nutrients and rich in protein  making them an ideal source of Protein which are essentially required for human growth and  muscle power . 

So importance of this day is to get the world  aware of the health benefits of Pulses  and ensure its production .

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 .