The rivers and brooks running down the hills of Kullu district
form eight valleys. Kullu, Manali, Banjar, Manikaran, Sainj and
Bhuntar are the main towns. The main concentration of the Kulluites
dwells in these towns and their number has increased manifold
after the villagers started moving from the villages and settled
in the towns.
The towns and their surroundings cover many beautiful places,
age-old temples and historical buildings laudable of a visit.
Markets in these towns provide you with any article to smooth
your stay.
Kullu town is the main town of the district and has the
most important government offices. It bestows you with nice shopping
opportunities. Tibetan Market, Gandhinagar deals in imported goods.
There are several shops that deal in herbs and traditional jewellery.
Manali town, situated 40 km to the north of Kullu has
the most hotels in the valley catering to the tourists. It has
nice Kullu and Kashmir handicraft emporiums and Tibetan market.
Manu Temple in Old Manali and Hadimba Temple in Dhungri are beautiful
examples of Kullu temple architecture. Its surroundings cover
the most beautiful places in the valley.
Banjar is the headquarter of Banjar valley that is situated
to the south east of Kullu valley. It is passage to some of the
most beautiful trekking areas. It has many beautiful temples of
gods and goddesses.
Manikaran
is situated in Parbati valley at a distance of 45 km to the northeast
of Kullu. Manikaran is well known for its hot water springs, Sikh
Gurudwara and Ram temple. Manikaran also leads to various popular
trek routes ,
as those to Malana ,
Pin Parbati ,
etc. The Manikaran Market has plenty of shops dealing in Tibetan
products.
Sainj is the H.Q. of Sainj valley situated to the southeast
of Kullu at a distance of 23 km from Kullu town. Great Himalayan
National Park situated at a height of 4000 feet comes under Sainj
valley.
Bhuntar town is situated on the confluence of Parbati
and Beas rivers. Kullu-Manali airport is situated in Bhuntar town.
It has nice shops to buy clothes and jewellery.