PEAKLIFE

By Neha Mehrotra

Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India, but there’s a place where this festival takes on a unique character, where legends come to life, and where the festivities extend for an entire week. Welcome to Kullu, a stunningly beautiful region in Himachal Pradesh, where Dussehra is more than just a festival; it’s an unparalleled experience.

The International Kullu Dussehra Festival, running from October 24th to October 30th, draws travellers and devotees from far and wide. Given that this year, the festival coincides with a long weekend, it presents the perfect opportunity to pack your bags and immerse yourself in the celebrations. If you’ve made plans to witness the valley’s vibrant culture and are contemplating where to stay, look no further. We have compiled a list of some of the finest accommodations in Kullu to truly savour the Himalayan experience. Take a look.

About the Kullu Dussehra Festival

The week-long festival is steeped in a history that dates back to the 17th century. Kullu Dussehra commences with a grand procession of Lord Raghunath, accompanied by other deities, on a beautifully adorned ratha (chariot) that parades through the town. This year, cultural groups from different states of India, along with participants from foreign countries including Russia, Kazakhstan, Croatia, Vietnam, Thailand, Iran, Maldives, Malaysia, and more, will take part in the festival. With melas, exhibitions, folk dances, music, arts and traditions, and everything festive, the festival will feature a cultural parade on October 25th and the Kullu Carnival on October 30th.

Plan Your Stay Here

Baragarh Resort & Spa, Manali

Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of Manali, Baragarh Resort & Spa is offering a two-night staycation for Dussehra. The package will include a guided tour of unique Kullu Dussehra festivities for a day, along with a complimentary bonfire experience and a lot more. You can savour a diverse array of multi-cuisine delicacies, featuring the best of Indian and continental cuisine, at the all-day diner. The well-stocked bar, Mulkila, offers refreshing beverages with a backdrop of breathtaking mountain views. The resort also offers orchard strolls, an outdoor pool with stunning views of the majestic Dhauladhar range, a fitness centre, and a spa with sauna and massage.

Echor Palm Bliss Riverside Resort & Spa

Nestled along the Parvati Valley, Echor Palm Bliss Riverside Resort & Spa offers a haven with 12 all-wood chambers, including 6 river-facing rooms boasting private balconies, where you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking river views. Enjoy a yoga session in the garden, take languid laps in the river-view pool, or relax in the spa’s inviting steam room. Additionally, you can unwind by the bonfire or enjoy a candlelight dinner by the river. The Pyramid Club on-site serves delectable Himachali and international cuisine. Positioned a short distance from the Kullu-Manali highway, Echor Palm is an ideal retreat to experience the Dussehra festivities in Kullu.

The Himalayan

Built in the Victorian Gothic Revival style and perched at an elevation of 2003 metres, the Himalayan is an exclusive boutique castle resort with an al fresco swimming pool overlooking Manali. Tucked away in its cul-de-sac amidst an apple and cherry orchard are eight opulent guest chambers in the castle with four-poster beds and antique armoires and eight duplex cottages (each with two bedrooms complete with en-suite bathrooms, dining and drawing spaces, and a functional fireplace). All cottages have cosy gardens, balconies, and mountain views. Bar, restaurant, and in-room dining. Amenities like croquet, trampoline, table tennis, and a fully equipped boardroom are provided for children and adults alike.

LaRiSa Manali

Located in the quaint little town of Haripur, on the banks of the mighty Beas River, the resort offers a beautiful blend of serenity, natural beauty, and luxury. To make your stay more memorable and exhilarating, the luxury resort offers tailor-made experiences to your liking. At 6725 feet above sea level, the mountain air has the gift of building up an appetite, and Khambir, the multi-cuisine restaurant, provides a fresh and organic yield for the restaurant. The menu has an expansive listing that can be enjoyed indoors as well as outdoors. Apart from this, the resort hosts a plethora of activities to get that adrenaline pumping, like hiking, paragliding, river rafting, skiing, and more.

Span Resort and Spa

Span Resort & Spa, at an elevation of 4750 ft. by the majestic Beas River, sprawls over 12 acres of lush walnut orchards amid deodar and pine forests. La Riviere Spa by L’OCCITANE is a tranquil sanctuary, offering body and soul rejuvenation. The spa promises an olfactory journey through sensorial textures, relaxing music, and herbal teas inspired by Provencal traditions and hand-performed treatments that blend tradition with modernity. With an array of delectable dishes, the in-house diner Walk Around the World serves international cuisine. It not only offers mouth-watering dishes but also gives a stunning view of mountains and the Beas. The Zing Zing Bar is a truly English hub where you can enjoy classic cocktails, some of the rarest whiskies, and Span Resort & Spa’s very own branded collection of liqueurs, cognac, and malts. The hotel also boasts a riverside restaurant that overlooks the mighty Beas River along with divine views of the mountains.