the Kullu valley have drawn many researchers, scientists, artists, and seekers of other kinds to it. The first institution in the Kullu region, dedicated to research on various sciences and mysticism in the Himalayas, was the Urusvati Himalayan Research Institute, established by the Roerich family. They established this centre in 1928 at Naggar, upon their return from the Central-Asian Expedition. By World War II, the institute had become defunct. Nonetheless, the site of the former institute, a part of the Roerich estate in Naggar, continues to operate a library and some exhibitions. At present, there are three institutions in Kullu that are active in generating and preserving Himalaya-specific knowledges. Himalayan Regional Centre of the GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development - This institution is based in Mohal, about 6 km south of Kullu. It was established in Kullu in 1992, and shifted to Mohal in 1993. This government institution conducts research and informs policy on various issues related to climate change, mountain ecology, traditional ecological knowledge, and rural livelihoods. Himachal Pradesh Craftsmanship and Design Innovation Institute NORTH - This institute is based in Naggar, 22 km north of Kullu. It was established in 2017. This institution works to preserve Kullu's traditional kathkuni architectural style. Himalayan Institute of Cultural and Heritage Studies (HICHS) - This institute is based in village Katrain, 30 km north of Kullu. It was established in early 2020. This institution offers curated heritage walks in the Kullu valley; conducts courses related to Himalayan cultures, religions, iconography, and architecture, and hosts weekly online talks by scholars and artists from India and around the world whose work features the Himalayas. Attractions Particularly since the onset of the unrest in Kashmir in the 1980s, the Kullu region has gained in significance as a tourist destination. The Kullu valley is known as the "Valley of the Gods" or "Dev Bhumi" because almost every village in the valley has a local deity and annual festivities around them. The following is a non-exhaustive list of historical, cultural, religious, scenic, and ecological places of interest in the Kullu district. Places of interest Basheshwar Mahadev Temple - This Shiva temple at Bajaura is made completely out of stone in the Shikhara style, and is renowned for its intricate sculpture art. Archeologically, the temple is dated to around the early 9th century A.D. In local belief, this temple is believed to have been built