Epic HimachalKullu has been called the Valley of Gods for centuries. More than 360 village deities call this valley home. This guide covers 15 temples across the district — each with a dedicated detail page — ordered from the valley heart outward to the Parvati Valley and Seraj.
01.Bijli Mahadev
Perched on a ridge above the confluence of the Beas and Parvati rivers, Bijli Mahadev is one of the most striking shrines in the Himalayas. Every few years lightning strikes the 60-foot rod above the temple, shatters the Shiva lingam inside, and the priest reseals it with butter and sattoo until the next strike — a ritual locals see as Shiva absorbing destruction on behalf of the valley.
How to reach
Drive 11 km from Kullu town to Chansari village, then a 3 km moderate uphill trek (≈1 hour) through forest to the temple. Shared taxis run from Kullu bus stand.
02.Raghunath Temple
The presiding deity of Kullu valley. The idol of Raghunathji was brought from Ayodhya in the 17th century by Raja Jagat Singh as an act of penance, after which the king dedicated his entire kingdom to Lord Rama — making Kullu the only kingdom in India to be ruled in the name of the deity.
How to reach
Located in Sultanpur, 2 km uphill from Kullu bus stand. Auto-rickshaws and shared taxis available; walkable from most hotels in Kullu town.
03.Jagannathi Devi Temple
A small but powerful shrine on a wooded hilltop above Bhekhli village. Jagannathi Devi is considered the elder sister of the Kullu valley deities and is said to bless travellers with safe passage through the mountains.
How to reach
Drive or taxi to Bhekhli village (3 km from Kullu bus stand), then a 30-minute walk uphill through orchards to the shrine.
04.Vaishno Devi Mandir
A replica of the famed Jammu shrine, carved into a small natural cave beside the Beas river. The temple is a popular halt for travellers driving between Kullu and Manali, and the soft chant of mantras over the river makes it a peaceful pause.
How to reach
On the Kullu–Manali highway, 4 km north of Kullu town. Any Manali-bound bus or shared taxi stops at the gate.
05.Hadimba Devi (nearby)
A 16th-century pagoda standing inside a cedar grove above Manali. Dedicated to Hadimba, wife of the Pandava Bhima and mother of Ghatotkacha, the temple is famed for its towering wooden roof, intricate door carvings and the silence of the surrounding forest.
How to reach
Drive 42 km from Kullu town to Manali (≈1.5 hours), then 2 km uphill to Dhungri. Taxis and HRTC buses run regularly from Kullu bus stand.
06.Laxmi Narayan Temple
Laxmi Narayan Temple in Sultanpur is the most accessible major temple in Kullu town, dedicated to the divine couple Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The temple sits at the heart of the old town and serves as the spiritual anchor for the local community. Its shikhara tower rises above the surrounding rooftops, making it a landmark visible from across the valley.
How to reach
The temple is in Sultanpur, the administrative heart of Kullu, just 1 km from the Kullu bus stand. It is walkable from most hotels in Kullu town. Taxis from Bhuntar Airport (10 km) take about 20 minutes.
07.Khokhan Shri Adi Brahma Mandir
Khokhan Shri Adi Brahma Mandir is one of the rarest temples in India dedicated to Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe. Brahma temples are extremely uncommon across the subcontinent — only a handful exist, making Khokhan a place of exceptional theological significance. The temple sits in the tranquil village of Khokhan, surrounded by apple orchards and pine forests south of Kullu.
How to reach
Khokhan is 14 km south of Kullu on the Kullu–Mandi highway. Take any Mandi-bound bus and alight at the Khokhan turn. The temple is a 10-minute walk from the main road. Taxis from Kullu take 25 minutes.
08.Basheshwar Mahadev Temple
Basheshwar Mahadev Temple in Bajaura is widely regarded as one of the most architecturally significant Hindu temples in Himachal Pradesh. Built in the Pratihara Nagara style, the temple's exterior is covered in extraordinary stone carvings depicting deities, celestial dancers, erotic motifs, and narrative panels from the Puranas. It has been under Archaeological Survey of India protection since 1915.
How to reach
Bajaura is on the Kullu–Manali National Highway (NH3), 23 km north of Kullu and 10 km south of Bhuntar Airport. All buses between Kullu and Manali stop at Bajaura. The temple is 500 m from the highway. Taxis from Kullu take 35 minutes.
09.Tripura Sundari Mandir
Tripura Sundari Mandir in Naggar is a beautifully preserved wooden pagoda-style temple perched on the hillside above the historic Naggar Castle. Dedicated to Devi Tripura Sundari, one of the ten Mahavidyas of the Shakta tradition, the temple commands panoramic views of the Kullu Valley and the Beas River far below. The wooden architecture with its carved brackets and sloping roof is a masterpiece of Himachali craftsmanship.
How to reach
Naggar is 32 km north of Kullu on the left (west) bank of the Beas River. From Kullu, take a bus or taxi via Patlikuhl. The temple is a 15-minute uphill walk (or short taxi ride) from Naggar Castle. From Manali (13 km), hire a taxi — about 30 minutes.
10.Murlidhar Krishna Mandir
Murlidhar Krishna Mandir in Naggar is a charming temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in his form as Murlidhar — the player of the divine flute. Located on the road to Naggar Castle, the temple is a beloved pilgrimage stop for Vaishnavas visiting the Kullu Valley. Its wooden architecture and serene mountain setting make it an exceptionally peaceful place for meditation and prayer.
How to reach
The temple is on Naggar Castle Road, about 300 m below the castle. From Naggar village, walk uphill for 10 minutes or take a short taxi ride. Naggar is 32 km from Kullu and 13 km from Manali.
11.Gauri Shankar Temple
The Gauri Shankar Temple in Naggar is a 12th-century Shaivite shrine considered one of the oldest and most historically significant temples in the Kullu Valley. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati (Gauri), represented together as the divine couple who embody the cosmic balance of masculine and feminine energy. The domed stone structure features some of the finest medieval temple carvings in the region.
How to reach
The temple is on Naggar Castle Road, approximately 800 m uphill from Naggar village. Walk from the village in 20 minutes or take a taxi. Naggar is 32 km from Kullu and 13 km south of Manali.
12.Manu Temple
Manu Temple in Old Manali is one of the most uniquely significant temples in India — it is believed to be the only temple in the world dedicated to Sage Manu, the first man and progenitor of the human race according to Hindu cosmology. Perched on a hillside above the charming Old Manali village, accessible by a short but steep walk through cedar and apple trees, the temple is both a pilgrimage site and a deeply philosophical destination.
How to reach
Old Manali is 2 km from Manali town centre, across the Manalsu Nala. Walk or take a taxi to Old Manali village, then walk uphill for 10–15 minutes through the village lanes. A taxi can get you to the base of the hill. Manali is 45 km north of Kullu (90 minutes by road).
13.Shri Vasishtha Temple
Shri Vasishtha Temple in Vashisht village is one of the most visited temples in the Manali area, dedicated to Brahmarshi Vasishtha, the great seer and royal preceptor of the Raghu dynasty (including Lord Ram). The temple complex is renowned for its elaborate wood carving and for the natural hot water springs (sulphurous geothermal springs) that flow adjacent to the temple — one of the unique sacred bathing experiences in the Himalayas.
How to reach
Vashisht is 3 km from Manali town, across the Beas on the road towards Solang Valley. All taxis and local shared jeeps from Manali pass through Vashisht. It is 47 km from Kullu (about 90 minutes). Many visitors combine this with a trip to Solang Valley.
14.Prachin Shri Ram Mandir
Prachin Shri Ram Mandir is the most significant Hindu temple in Manikaran, the sacred hot spring village in the Parvati Valley. The ancient temple complex comprises seven shrines, each with its own spire, dedicated to Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, and associated deities. Manikaran is a holy site for both Hindus and Sikhs, and the Ram Mandir is the beating heart of its Hindu religious life.
How to reach
Manikaran is 45 km from Kullu (1.5 hours by road) in the Parvati Valley. Regular buses run from Bhuntar (near Bhuntar Airport) to Manikaran. Taxis from Kullu take about 90 minutes on the winding valley road. The temple is in the village centre, 5-minute walk from the bus stand.
15.Shri Shringa Rishi Temple
Shri Shringa Rishi Temple in Banjar is the presiding devata shrine of the Seraj Valley and one of the most revered temples in the southern Kullu district. Dedicated to Sage Shringa Rishi (the sage born with deer antlers, famous in the Ramayana as the sage who conducted the Putrakameshti yajna for King Dasharatha), the temple is considered a major cultural and religious anchor for the entire Seraj region.
How to reach
Banjar is the main town of the Seraj Valley, 58 km from Kullu town. Take the road via Aut (on NH3) turning into the Seraj Valley. Regular buses connect Kullu to Banjar (2.5 hours). The temple is in the centre of Banjar town, a 5-minute walk from the bus stand. From the temple, Jalori Pass is 30 km further.
Frequently asked questions
Kullu temples — quick answers
More Kullu guides