Himachal Pradesh
For al dente pesto-pastas, a range of Mexican options and Kullu's best coffee (robust single/double espressos ₹60/80), head 2km south of the centre and take the stairway down to Valentino's.
Decor isn't a strong point but there are glimpses of the river from the balcony, and there's further basic seating in a somewhat scrappy garden.
26.33 MILES
Unspoilt Chehni village is one of the most magical villages imaginable. Surveying a wide sweep of valley and ridgetops from 2110m, its antique core…
28.23 MILES
Between Palampur and Bir, don't miss a stop in Baijnath, whose uninteresting main-street buildings hide one of Himachal's most exquisite ancient temples…
International Roerich Memorial Trust
12.28 MILES
This fascinating complex, set in lovely hillside gardens 1km above the castle, is centred on the former home of Russian painter, writer and Inner Asian…
25.29 MILES
On a clear November day, it's hard to imagine a more perfectly framed view than that of Bahu's remarkably preserved village core, perched on a ridgetop…
2.82 MILES
A popular day trip from Kullu starts with a 20km uphill drive southeast to Chansari followed by a 2.5km uphill hike to the Bijli Mahadev. The temple…
27.06 MILES
Dominating Rewalsar's western flank is an enormous, 12m-high statue of Padmasambhava. He's dressed in brown with a gold face setting off his trademark…
21.29 MILES
This much-revered wood-and-stone temple, constructed in 1553, has a three-tier pagoda-style roof plus conical top. The wooden doorway is richly carved…
11.92 MILES
Built by the rajas of Kullu around 1500, this fort-cum-mansion is a splendid example of the earthquake-resistant, Kathkuni (alternating stone-and-timber)…
1.1 MILES
Though little to look at, this is Kullu's pre-eminent temple enshrining the valley's major deity, a tiny bronze idol of Raghunath Ji (Rama), star of the…
1.17 MILES
This former palace of the Kullu rajas has a gaudily redecorated gateway with impressively heavy wooden doors, but inside is a fairly forgettable colonial…
2.06 MILES
High on the hillside in Bhekhali village, less than 2km north of Kullu as the crow flies but 10km by road, the 1600-year-old Jagannathi Temple commands…
2.82 MILES
A popular day trip from Kullu starts with a 20km uphill drive southeast to Chansari followed by a 2.5km uphill hike to the Bijli Mahadev. The temple…
7.48 MILES
Sitting amid young orchards beside a holy peepul tree, this 9th-century stone sikhara is a small but ornately carved national monument. Niches on the…
11.75 MILES
Naggar's most magical temple sits on a hilltop terrace with lovely views. This was the site of the ancient town of Thawa, which pre-dated Naggar by around…
11.92 MILES
Built by the rajas of Kullu around 1500, this fort-cum-mansion is a splendid example of the earthquake-resistant, Kathkuni (alternating stone-and-timber)…
11.95 MILES
Just 50m down the lane beside the castle, this 11th-century stone temple is a relatively squat example of the sikhara style and contains a staring-eyed,…