Agriculture
- The economy of the district basically depends on Agriculture, and more than 80 per cent of the workers are engaged in agricultural activities.
- The forests of Kullu district are rich in various kinds of medicinal herbs like Karu, Dhoop, Muswala and Kakar Singi.
- The Cereal Seed Multiplication Farm at Sainj being maintained by National Seed Corporation.
- The potato development station at Hamta and Kuna (Manali).
- Oil from herbs fruits preservation unit at Katrain, Shamshi and Banjar.
Horticulture
- Regional Horticulture Research Station of Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry is situated at Bajaura.
- The vegetable research station at Katrain maintained by Indian Agriculture research institute.
- The first orchardist of apple was Captain RC Lee who planted his orchard at Bundrloe near Kullu in 1870 and obtained plants from the United Kingdom, his country.
- Padha Bansi Lal of Seobagh was first local apple orchardist.
- In Manali, the first orchard consisting of English Varieties of apple was planted by Captain A. T. Banon in 1884.
Tea Cultivation
- In 1866, Lahore exhibition where Kullu tea was declared the best black tea grown in India.
- Tea gardens are mainly located at Bajaura, Naggar and Raison.
Fisheries
- The most favoured fish is trout which was introduced in this district far back in 1909 by G.C.L.Hovel and General Orborn. Since then this variety of fish has spread to larger areas in the main river Beas and its tributaries.
- A hatchery was set up at Chhaki Nalla near Naggar at Mahili.
- Looking at the successful experiment of trout fish, other farms at Sujjain Nalla and Patli Kuhl were also established in the years 1941 and 1943, respectively.
- Ova fisheries are being supplied to other states like Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh etc. In addition to trout, Himalayan Barbel and Gurgoli are also found in the river waters of this area.
Animal Husbandry
- Livestock is an important source of income. Every household invariably keeps a few cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats etc.
- Sheep and goats are also found in quite a good number in the district. These animals are very useful for milk, meat, wool and manure purposes.
- The exotic varieties of sheep found in the district are Russian marina Rambulitlee which yield more wool of better quality.
- Sheep breeding farm at Nagwain started in 1963 under Indo-German project.
- A private Angora rearing farm was set up at Mohal in 1964.
- Fur animal division at Gorsha/Gursha.
- Angora wool units and mineral water found at “Kalath” (Kullu).
Handicrafts
- In the series of weaving, Kullu shawls are famous among the handicrafts of the district.
- Plain shawls of Pashmina locally known as ‘Loi’ are woven by all households.
- Shawls are of two kinds, one is plain and other is of variety of designs. The shawls are woven from homespun yarn as well as from the imported yarn called “Ruffle”. The designed shawls known as “Phulwali” are of recent origin.
- Another allied craft is the weaving of Pattoos and tweed cloth (Patti). ‘Patti’ is used for making coats, long coats (Cholas) and caps etc.
- Kullu caps are made of coloured woollen cloth with a velvety circular band of shaneel etc. around it.
- ‘Pullans’, footwear like the bedroom slippers made of fibres and wool are other products of handicrafts of upper riches of inner and outer Seraj ‘Pattoos’ are also made of local wool.
- These are thicker and heavier than shawls.
- Ordinary thick and soft one is called “Dohru” are mostly used as bed blankets.
- The “Pattoos” woven of fine wool with coloured strips are used by women folk as a dress in the rural areas.
Bhutti Weavers Cooperative Society
Before country’s independence, a group of 12 progressive handloom weavers joined hands and organized and got registered a Handloom Weavers Cooperative on 18-12-1944 in one of the remote backward Lug Valley of Kullu. The working of the Society remained dormant upto the year 1955. However in the year 1956 one local youth namely Mr. VED RAM THAKUR was motivated to join this cooperative. With a brilliant record in weaving, marketing and management, he transformed this dormant society into a very active institution. He brought in dramatic changes and maintained its unique position as a market leader in shawl industry. He also donated his own shawl weaving industry to this society which is a rare example. He passed away at the age of 50 years in the year 1971. The reins of this society was taken over by his brilliant son Shri Satya Parkash Thakur. Shri Satya parkash Thakur with his able leadership, systematic planning made this society a very successful profit making venture. This society is providing employment to over 1000 weavers families. This society has made economic development amongst the handloom Weaver Members.
Tourism
- Tourism in Himachal Pradesh has been recognized as one of the most important sectors of the economy as it is being realized as a major engine for growth for the future.
- Himachal Pradesh as a whole is endowed with all the basic resources necessary for thriving tourism activity like geographical and cultural diversity, clean, peaceful and beautiful streams, sacred shrines, historic monuments, lush green forests and above all friendly and hospitable people.
- The tourism industry in Himachal Pradesh has been given very high priority and has developed appropriate infrastructure for its development which include the provision of public utility services, road, communication network, airports, transport facilities, water supply and civic amenities etc.
- The district has also created its impact in the tourism sector and attracted a number of tourists to its fold.
Transportation
- Bhuntar Airport, alternatively known as Kullu Manali Airport located at Bhuntar just 9 kms. from district headquarter is the only source of air connectivity in the district.
- The district is not connected with the railway line and the nearest railway station is at Jogindarnagar on the Pathankot – Jogindarnagar narrow – gauge line which is 130 kms. from the district headquarters.
- However, this district has a network of roads where regular buses ply.
Famous Temples in District Kullu
- Mahishasurmardani: Bajaura
- Hidimba Devi: Manali
- Vishveshwar: Bajaura
- Gauri Shankar: Naggar
- Tripura Sundri Devi: Naggar
- Sandya Devi: Jagat Sukh
- Parshu Ram: Nirmand
- Doca – Moca: Gajan