Welcome to Manali !!
Manali, located at an altitude of 2050 m, is situated along the banks of the Beas,
close to the
Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley.
The river with the wild flowers, hamlets
and fruit-laden orchards present the gifts of the sight, sound and smell.
Manali is situated at the northern end of the Kullu Valley, Manali literally means
the 'Home of Manu' , the mythological character who survived when the world was drowned
in a flood. Spectacular views of snowcapped peaks and wooded slopes, grassy meadows
carpeted with wild flowers, makes Manali the perfect retreat for a family holiday.
Manali is a popular Himalayan tourist destination, and is visited by many trekkers
who follow the hashish trail. It also offers hot springs, spectacular religious shrines
and temples, Tibetan Buddhist temples, and trekking in the surrounding mountains.
Manali is also the starting point for the two-day journey along the spectacular road
to Leh in Ladakh. Manali's now turning into a base camp for trekkers and
intrepid mountaineers. Honeymooners and families from all across India still descend
on the town throughout summer.
Attractions - In & Around Manali :
Hadimba Devi Temple :
Hadimba or Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the region.
Built in 1553 and with a superbly crafted four tiered pagoda roof. It is famous for its
exquisitely carved doorway. This four-story wooden temple is located in the middle of a
forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar.
Winding paths through forests and glades
of whispering Deodars form the setting for the majestic wooden temple of Hidimba Devi in
Manali. The motorable road is shaded by Chestnuts, Chinars and tall deciduous Deodars.
This forested backdrop enthral one's spirit and refresh one's mind all along the uphill path.
Vashist Springs (1, 982m):
At about half an hour's brisk walking distance from town, there are sulphur springs-gush,
hot and medicinal - emerging out of the mountains at Vashisht. Here, in a bath complex
with a restaurant and a beautiful view, couples can soak in the privacy of their own sunken
bath, warming all kinds of ailments out of their systems.
Jagatsukh (6-kms):
It is one of the biggest villages in Kullu district. The one time capital of Kullu.
Here are old temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and to Sandhya Gayatri. The Arjun caves
are just ahead. About 6-km from Manali, Jagatsukh is famous for its Shiva temple that
is built in "shikhara" style and nearby is the old and interesting Devi Sharvati temple.
Arjun Gufa (5-kms):
On the left bank of the Beas, 5-km from Manali near the village of Prini, is
the 'Arjun Gufa' or the cave of Arjuna. In here Arjuna practised austerities to get
Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.
Beas Kund:
Further ahead is the Beas Kund. The tiny roundish igloo like stone hut shelters
the Beas Kund, the very source of the holy river Beas. Water flows at the source of the
river like a spring, so clear and icy cold that it almost numbs the fingers. All around is
the rocky terrain with very little vegetation. A few mules graze around while all and sundry
try to brave the wind on a clear sunny day.
Rohtang Pass (13-kms):
Situated about 50-km from Manali town, at an altitude of 4, 111m on the highway to
Keylong, is the
Rohtang Pass .
There is a beautiful Dasohar Lake left of the
Pass. The Pass, which provides the only access to the Lahaul Valley, is open from
June to November each year. Snowfall is, however, unpredictable and blizzards can close
the Pass even during this period. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height
and splendour. A few km away from the pass is the Sonapani glacier and, slightly to
the left are the twin peaks of Gaypan-jagged pyramid of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.
Kothi :
This is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the
Rohtang Pass , 12 km away Manali
town, situated on the Lahaul-Spiti Leh Highway. It offers a magnificent view of the
snow-capped peaks and glaciers and an awe inspiring gorge where the Beas enters a chasm about
sixty metres deep and just a few metres broad.
Solang Valley :
13 kms outside Manali is the Solang Valley, offering spectacular views of the snow-clad mountains
and the glaciers all around. Solang is the venue for paragliding and the annual skiing courses.
Marrhi :
35 km from Manali, is famous for its natural beauty.
Rani Nala :
46 km from Manali, it is the glacier point where snow is available throughout the year.
Naggar Castle :
22 kms from Manali, this is the old capital of Kullu. The castle was built by Raja Bhosal.
Manikaran :
85 km from Manali and 45 km from Kullu, lies in the Parvati Valley, the holy pilgrimage place
of Manikaran. Here icy cold waters of the Parvati river co-exists with boiling water side-by-side.
The hot water springs are reputed for their healing properties.
Travel Information :
Best Time to Visit:
May To October.
How to reach Manali:
By Air: The nearest airport to Manali is that of Bhuntar, which is 52-km from Manali.
From Bhuntar one can take a taxi or a bus to Manali.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is that of Joginder Nagar and this narrow gauze railway station
is 95-km from Kullu.
By Road: The road to Manali passes through the picturesque valley of Kullu. The motorable
roads to Manali connect the town with other major tourist places in Himachal as well as in the nearby states.
