Kullu

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Kullu
type = town
latd = 31.97 | longd = 77.10
state_name = Himachal Pradesh
district = Kullu
leader_title =
leader_name =
altitude = 1362
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 18,306
population_density =
area_magnitude= km²
area_total =
area_telephone = 01902
postal_code = 175101
vehicle_code_range =
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
website =
footnotes =

Kullu is the capital town of the Kullu District, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located on the banks of the Beas River in the Kullu Valley about ten kilometres north of the airport at Bhuntar.

Administrative

Kullu is the administrative capital with the offices of District Collector, the Superintendent of Police and the District courts. It is also the largest and the most varied constituency for the lower house of the parliament.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] Kullu had a population of 18,306. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Kullu has an average literacy rate of 81%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 77%. In Kullu, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Geography

Kullu is located at coord|31.97|N|77.10|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/11/Kulu.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Kullu] ] . It has an average elevation of 1,362 metres (4,469 feet). The town of Kullu lies on the bank of River Beas. A major tributary Sar-vari, (derived from "Shiv -Baardi") leads to the less explored and steeper Lug-valley on the west. On the east of Kullu lies a broad mountainous ridge having the village-temples of Bijli Mahadev, Mount Nag and Pueed. Beyond the ridge lies Manikaran valley, along the Parvati river which joins Beas in Bhuntar. On the South of Kullu lie towns of Bhuntar, Out(leading to Anni, Banjar and Siraj Valley) and Mandi(a separate district). Historically Kullu was accessible from Shimla via Siraj valley or through passes on the west leading to Jogindernagar and onto Kangra. To the north lies the famous town of Manali, which through the Rohtang pass leads onto the Lahaul and Spiti Valley. Once can see an enormous change in the climate as one climbs up the windward side of the ranges to proceed to the leeward and much drier plateaus to the north of Manali.

Culture

Kullu Valley, also known as the "Valley of Gods", is well known for the seven day festival of Dussehra, a celebration of the mythical Lord Rama's victory over the evil king Ravana. The festival takes place in the months of October or November depending upon the Hindu calendar.

Due to it being the commercial and economic center the township of Kullu has had an eclectic diaspora of nearby village/district inhabitants, shop owners and govt. employees from bordering states which give a different feel from the rest of the valley. This has also contributed to a stronger sports and educational infrastructure in the town.

Vicinity

Other places of interest in the area include Manikaran (famous for its hot springs) and hot water springs at Vashisht village near Manali, 40 km north of Kullu, a hub for tourists and rock climbers. Malana, Kaish-Dhaar in Lug Valley, Bijli Mahadev, Bhekhli and Bajaura house the famous temples of the region. Manali is perhaps the most famous town and center of all tourist attraction in the state. Manali also has a well-known temple dedicated to the mythical princess Hadimba.

The economy of the town largely depends on tourism, horticulture (apples, plums, pears, and almonds) and handicrafts (shawls, caps etc.).

Notes

External links

* [http://www.kullu.tv News and videos of Kullu]
* [http://kullu.net Website gives details information about kullu valley]
* [http://himachaltourism.nic.in/kulu.htm Himachal Tourism website]
* [http://ignca.nic.in/ex_0058.htm Malana, IGNCA archive]