“KULANTPITA” The End of the Habitable World. It is Kullu, as it was earlier called. Beyond it rise the forbidding heights of the Greater Himlayas with snow capped mountains tinted by golden sunsets, beautiful valleys with fast flowing rivers, Rolling Meadows dotted with beautiful wild flowers.

Manali 2,050 metres (6,398 feet), situated on the banks of river Beas is just 51 kms. below the famous Rohtang Pass (3,980 metres). It is one the most beautiful hill station, located about 250 kilometres north of state capital Shimla. It is administratively a part of the Kullu province in the state of Himachal Pradesh and it lies in the North Western part of Himalayas, in the North India. With a small population of 30,000 people this small town was the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh and, from there, over the Karakoram Pass on to Yarkand and Khotan in the Tarim Basin. Manali is the ultimate tourist destination and presents some of the most magnificent vistas of the Himalayas.

Manali is also considered as the gateway to Greater Himalayas and is a starting point for various treks to lahaul, Spiti, Zanskar, and Ladakh Himalayan ranges. Jeep Safari from Manali to Leh Ladakh valley over Rohtang pass through Lahaul Spiti valley is one of the most exciting and adventurous, on road journey in the Himalayas. It passes through big open Tibetan Pleatue and crosses the 05 (five) high mountain passes including the Tanglang la Pass, which is the World’s second highest Motorable road in the world. The entire route is flanked by beautiful snow capped Himalayan Mountain ranges, clear water lakes, vast flat lands with stunning sand and natural rock formations and the Himalayan wildlife. The Manali – Leh road remains open from June to early October only.

Kullu is 45 kms before Manali and is the district headquarters. Kullu is famous for its Dussehra festival, and at that time all the deities come here from the entire valley to pay their respect to Lord Raghunath ji, as lord Rama is called here. The entire valley is known as Kullu-Manali valley. Manali and the surrounding area is of great significance to Indian culture and heritage as it is said to be the home of the Saptarshi (Seven Sages).Manali is named after the Hindu lawgiver “Manu”. The word Manali is regarded as the changed name of “Manu-Alaya” which literally means “the abode of Manu”. Legend has it that sage Manu stepped off his ark in Manali to recreate human life after a great flood had deluged the world. The entire Kullu and Manali valley is also often referred to as the “Valley of the Gods”. The Old Manali village has an ancient temple dedicated to sage Manu.

Kullu – Manali acts as a base camp for excursions into the Greater Himalayas and offers opportunities for the jeep safaris, trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, rafting, paragliding, skiing, fishing etc. Kullu-Manali valley is also known as fruit bowl of India. The British introduced apple trees and trout fish, which were not native to Manali flora and fauna. It is said that when apple trees were first planted the fruits were so plentiful that often branches, unable to bear the weight, would collapse To this day, apples along with Cheery, apricorts, plums, pears, kiwis, persimmons, almonds; remains the best source of income for the majority of its inhabitants.

Handloom Kullu Shawl is World famous and is the best treasure one can look for. These Shawls are made of many natural fibers such as pashmina, angora wool (rabbit wool), yak wool, sheep-wool etc., and are cheaper to buy in these hill stations than in many parts of the India, as they are manufactured here and later on exported to different parts of the country and the world.

Entire valley is gifted everything that you can imagine. Kullu valley has big opportunities to explore and enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty, marvelous landscapes, hospitable, traditional villages with peaceful & co-operative people having distinct life style & culture, places of pilgrimage, ancient temples of Hindu deities, traditional architecture, adventure and activities, thick forests with flora and wildlife, handicrafts and shopping, mountains and high passes, make it a place for all seasons and for all travellers.