Lapped down between the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar renges, Kullu valley is a prized destination that has held special attraction for travelers down the ages. One of the oldest principalities of Himachal Pradesh, this sheltered mountain kingdom of Kullu does find a mention in ancient Indian and Chinese literature. Sprawling on the western bank of Beas River, Kullu was however made the seat of royal power only in 1460. Dusshera, held in October, is the predominant festival of valley.

Raghunath Temples is the main shrine dedicated to lor Rama at Raghunathpura also known as Sultanpur. To atone for a sin Raja-Jagat Singh, in circa 17th century had the statue of Lord Raghunath brought from Ayodhyaand sanctified here. This temple is in focus during Kullu Dusshera at which most of the valley's deities pay obeisance before festivities begin.

Bijli Mahadev Temple (14 km, altitude 2460 m) is famous for its high wooden staff which periodically attracts lightning that shatters a Shivlinga in the temple complex and scorches a nearby building. Using butter as an adhesive, the linga is then carefully pieced together by the temple pundit.

Manali the destination, is a place where an ancestor of mankind `Manu' struck land after battling a deluge for forty days and nights. The great flood has wiped out all humanity and it was from Manali that the great march of all recorded history started out, is what the legends of this magnificently beautiful place have inherited as their folklore. Ever since it has remained popular with travelers. The sheer raw beauty of perennial snow covered peaks for a backdrop, a wooded land full of majestic deodars and scented pines, a newly born mighty Himalayan river flowing bye and a panoramic valley stretching out gives the place a surrealistic setting.

Built in 1553, the four tiered pagoda wooden roof of the temple concealed in the deodar forest with its carved doorway is a show piece of medieval hill architecture. Dedicated to Hadimba Devi, a pagan goddess who was wife of Bhima in the Mahabharata tale, is the presiding deity of Kullu Raja's.

Manu Temple (2 km) with distinctive architecture at old Manali Village commemorates Manu, the great ancestor who is regarded as savior of the human race.

Vashistha (3 km) is known for its natural hot sulphur springs that have therapeutic properties.

Jagasukh (6 km) at one point in history was the capital of Kullu valley. Weather beat temples in stone and wood dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri mark the importance of the place. Rice cultivation in the valley was introduced from the paddy fields of Jagatsukh.