This valley is known for its temples and its hills covered with pine and deodar forest and sprawling apple orchards.

Historical references about the Kullu valley dates back to ancient Hindu literary works of Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas.

[3] The name Kullu derives from the word "Kulant Peeth", meaning "end of the habitable world".

As per legends, during the Great Flood, Manu visited this valley but was unable to cross the Rohtang pass.

He named the last settlement he found as Kulant Peeth and chose to settle and meditate in what has now become the town of Manali (Manu's Place).

The long centuries of seclusion have, however, allowed the area to retain a considerable measure of its traditional charm.

The road through the Kullu Valley and Lahaul is now paved all the way, to connect and provide the major access route between the northern Indian plains to Leh in Ladakh.

A major tributary, Sarvari, (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, Anant Nag and Peej.

Historically Kullu was accessible from Shimla via the Seraj valley, or through passes on the west leading to Jogindernagar and onto the district of Kangra.

A few hours of a very winding car ride on the main highway leads to Rohtang Pass and the source of the Beas river, at 13,500 ft, 4110 m. The same road continues on to the Lahaul and Spiti Valley(now also accessible by Atal tunnel).

One 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.

The temperature in Kullu valley in summer season is about 20 to 30 degree C. December and January during winter observe lowest temperatures ranging from −4 to 20 °C (25 to 68 °F), with heavy snowfall in the higher regions and very light snowfall in the main town, though the frequency is declining.