How can we miss one of the most charming villages in the locality of Kullu Manali? Naggar on the east bank of Beas river was once the capital of the Kingdom of Kullu, and now the region only governs the spectacular views of the Himalayas that is facing it from all directions, making in one of best place to visit in Kullu Manali. Well, we think that's enough for the vagabond to arrive at this bounty of Himachal.
Want some more? Well, Naggar's natural cradle is also famed to be the home of some of the majestic religious sites in the Kullu Manali. Prominent spots in this category are booked by the deities of Lord Krishna, Vishnu and Tripura Sundari. There is also some magnificent castle in Naggar that will surely catch your fancy; it did work for the royal personalities of Himachal Pradesh in the past.
One of the major religious sites in Manali; Hidimba Devi temple is built across the lines of ancient cave temple architecture; more precisely a Pagoda style. This one of a kind cave temple in the valley is dedicated and named after the wife of Bhima (One of the Pandavas), Hidimba. Hindu mythology describes this place as the meditative spot of the wife during her last days.
We mentioned about the one of a kind status of the temple. Well, the fact that separates it from the rest is it does not have any form of idol placed inside, but foot prints of her engraved in the temple are considered sacred.
Savoring the divine status of 'Dev Bhoomi', Himalayan lands in the north of India has the region of Kullu to show their dominance in this segment. This nicely cuddled up valley in Himachal Pradesh has a lot of temples; mostly Hindu, that are the stepping stones towards the state's rich culture. Start with Raghunath temple; the abode of the chief deity of Kullu, Raghunathji. The temple is believed to be one of the oldest temple in Kullu Manali and has its mythological history talking about Lord Rama making use of the temple idol during his time.
Best time to visit Raghunath temple in Kullu is the Dusshera festival, the time in which the locals from the entire valley flock into the celebration. This happens during the time of autumn.
Another prominent temple in Himachal Pradesh, the Bijli Mahadev temple in Kullu valley has a story that turns promising after every two year of the Hindu calendar. It has this legend that Lord Shiva once absorbed all the electric current from the atmosphere in order to save mankind. Following this, the present world of Kullu believes that a replica of this event happens every two years; wherein the atmosphere turns into the fiercest with its continuous show of thunder and lightning. Another intriguing fact about it is the breaking of the sacred Shiva lingam kept inside the temple every year the lightning occurs.
Like its legend, Bijli Mahadev temple holds a fascinating topography also. The temple resides high in the altitudes of Himachal Pradesh with the spectacular views of the Parvati and Kullu valley in sight.
Talking about Manikaran, it is a nice getaway to the spiritual zones of Himachal. Adjoined to Kasol, this region is believed to be a highly sacred region for the Hindus and Sikhs. One can find a number of temples of Hindu Gods Rama, Vishnu, Shiva and Krishna built in the vicinity of Manikaran. The region accounts for many theories and legends for its religious arc. One of the other things that will catch you in a surprise is the hot water spring. These are actually hot sulphur springs that also sport a religious angle. Owing to which thousands take a dip in to the holy waters.
If religion is not in your mind, then also the water from the sulphur springs will benefit you; curative properties for skin diseases. In whatsoever fashion you might consider it, a dip in to these hot pools feels highly relaxing after trekking to the region. If your trekking appetite asks you to push more than feel free to start one more episode by walking to Pulga, Chandrakhani Pass and Khirganga.
Himachal highlands are among the major Tibetan settlements in India. Since centuries these people have added to the beauty of the culture; some areas feel completely Tibet of themselves. In our list of top places to visit in Kullu Manali, we see no problem in putting up a title; not a single entity, but the whole group of Tibetan monasteries that adds to the exotic charm of the region. Our non-Buddhist friends! do not go disappoint, as these spots are open for everyone. Cherishing a moment of peace, in an ambience that buzzes with chants and sermons; Tibetan incense sticks further giving an additional spiritual touch, is the basic nature of these monasteries.
Besides, the monasteries are a great expose of the rich Tibetan culture and architecture. Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa and Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa are among Manali's popular religious bets.