MANALI District : Kullu District in Himachal Pradesh Famous As : Himachal's famous Tourist Resort Altitude : 2,050 m Above Sea Level Major Highlight : Vashisth Hot Sulphur Spring, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple

Cultural Life of Manali - Priest Preaching Outside a Temple

Shimla Kufri Chamba McLeodganj

Kullu Dalhousie Chail Bilaspur

Palampur Kasauli Dharamshala Kinnaur

Manali – The Prelude of an 'Ending Habitable World'

Come to the town where the clouds whispers to the land, where majestic mountains greet the tourists with powdery ambiance, winds seem to play music for the ears and where temples and monasteries welcome the travelers with open arms. Come to Manali to experience all this, and more. The major attraction of the town are the majestic peaks that make way for other attractions. Due to its proximity with the snow line, Manali is becoming one of the most celebrated honeymoon destination in the world. This word Manali, in literal sense means 'Home of Manu', a mythological character who is believed to have been the creator of human life in Manali. Located in the Kullu valley district of Himachal Pradesh, the asset of Manali lies it its flourishing orchard industry, trail head for numerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers.

Alighted on a height of 1928 m above sea level, and roofed by the shades of Pine and deodars, along with greens and blues of river Manalsu, this land was earlier called as 'end of the habitable world'. Though the town is always at its best, but if you want to give a real treat to your eyes, then proceed along the bank of River Bipasa during a full moon night. At his time, the entire Manali town seems to be flooded with moonlight for lover's rendezvous. Located at a expedient distance from Kullu, accessibility to this town is not difficult.

History – As Fairy as the White Snow Powder

History

The history of this town revolves around a riveting pre historic legend. Hindu mythology has it that Manali was the abode of the life giver, Manu, which is the reason behind the name 'Manali. It is said that when a flood tormented the earth, Manu and the gods were hauled to dry the ground by a fish, which is said to have been the seventh `avatar' of the god Vishnu. The area where Manu finally found resort was Manali.

This town was a quaint place until the mid twenties, when the British started to stalk the town, making it a favorable tourist destination. However, due to the discovery of Marijuna in the 80's, this town grew dominant in Hippie population.

Today, it stands as an epitome of adventure destinations across the word, inviting trekkers and intrepid climbers and not to miss – secluding honeymooners.

Pious Ma Himabada Temple

Attractions of Manali – Colorful Gems Studded in the Silvery Peaks

Yak Ride

Manali is the hub of tourist attractions along with the adventure and scenic spots. Here one can find the presence of two distinct faiths – Hinduism and Buddhism. There are temples, monasteries, that have been intricately woven with mythological beliefs.

While taking the temple tour of Manali the first recommendation that will fall you way will be the Hadimba Temple. As the name implies, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba and you should see the pagoda shape roof. Notice the exquisite wooden carvings, and come to this temple during the famous Winter Carnival Festival. In the month of January, this five day long festival starts from the Hadimba Devi Temple and various cultural events and winter sports are organised. Climb the slippery stones of the old villages houses that will lead you to the Temple of Manu, named after the sage who is believed to have meditated here.

Marking the Tibetan culture, here is a Tibetan temple that lies to the South of the bus stand. Here there is also a small Handicrafts Center that you should not miss. There is the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, which is said to be having the highest concentration of Tibetan refugees. Buy the locally made hand-woven carpets from the temple workshop, as they are the only means of livelihood for the monastery. The more modern yet smaller monastery lying close is the Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa, whose shrine is lit by dozens of electric bulbs and fragrant with Tibetan incense. From the small room on the first floor of the monastery, you should see the humongous gold-faced Buddha.

Take an excursion to explore the nearby attractions of Manali, to enjoy the panoramic vista of other heritage sites. There is Old Manali, located at a distance of 3 kms. There is an old fort here called Manaligarh, that today lies dilapidated. There is Arjun Gufa or the cave of Arjuna, located 5 kms from the main town. It is said that In here Arjuna practised austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or the weapon from Lord Indra.
For the scenic attractions, you should visit the Vashisth Hot Sulphur Springs. Vashisth, also 3 kms away, is a small village that also owns a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Vashisth Muni. Known for its medicinal water, take a refreshing warm dip in one of the kunds. Another inevitable destination will be Jagatsukh, the former capital of Manali.

Rohtang Pass at an altitude of 13,050 feet above sea level, is an adventure site where you can get chilly even during summers. Close by is a small lake called Dassaur Lake and not so far away is the source of river Beas, known as Beas Kund. Another important attraction is the Solang Nullah, lying 13 kms away. Here you should enjoy the 300 mt ski lift that will let you enjoy the splendid views of glaciers and the snow-capped mountains. About 4 km away from Kothi and 16 km from Manali town, at the beginning of the Rohtang Pass, are the bonnie Rahalla waterfalls at an altitude of 2,501m. It is accessible by bus, jeep or pony.

Popular Adventure Practiced in Manali

Adventure in Manali – For the Sedentary and Strenuous

Himachal Adventure Water Sports Trekking

Skiing Mountain Sports Para Gliding

Camping Mountaineering

Being a highland resort, adventure seekers find their feet in Manali. In fact, there are so many adventure options in Manali, then it can called as the Adventure world of India. The every first thing you should indulge in – is to soak the picturesque sites of the natural world. De facto, if possible, you should explore Manali on foot. The mind boggling scenery and the narrow path that lead to undiscovered trails can only be enjoyed on foot. Manali is one of the rare places where one finds it difficult to go back home.

Tread through the winding paths through forests and glades of susurrant Deodars to the gallant wooden temple of Hidimba Devi in Manali. Another important area that you should excavate is the Old Manali, just 3 kms from the main town. Indulge in brisk walking for Vashisht, that will take up approximately half an hour. Some of the most important trekking routes that you should enjoy are Manali - Chandertal - Deo Tibba Base – (6 day), Manali - Beas Kund - Sollang Nallah (4 days), Manali - Naggar - Malana - Manikaran (8 days), Manali - Batal - Chandertal Lake - Baralacha La (13 days). These are easy to moderate treks but if you are looking for strenuous treks then Pin Parvati Pass (13 days), will be the most challenging.

Hike the unaccessible roads of Manali to get closer to the cultural life and lifestyle of the hospitable Manali people. Try some off the beaten tracks of Jogini fall, Solang valley and Lama dugh that will take around 5 – 7 hours to complete.

If you want to enjoy Rafting, then visit Manali during the months of May and October, when the Beas river is overflowing due to to the monsoons. The most famous place for rafting is Pirdi to Jhidi, covering a stretch of about 14 kms. This expedition can stretch up to 2 hours and you should be equipped with the essentials.

If you want to play with the snow or enjoy a bird's eye view of the mountains, then the adventure of Skiing and Para Gliding is being conducted at Solang Valley, 13 kms from Manali. Between the months of April to December, the experience of para gliding in Solang is fascinating and sensational. For Skiing, Solang has has a skiing slope in Dhundi, Gulaba, Marhi or Rohtang, that are opened in January and February and from March to to mid June. Heli skiing is possible at the deep snowfields.

Another internationally famed adventure sport that yo can enjoy from Manali is – Mountain Biking. Earlier considered to be only for the elites and sporty, this is a very pleasurable sport that will take you in world's highest motor able road - Khardung la (18,370ft ). Beginning at Manali, the tour will take you to Rohtang Pass, Baralachala Pass (4,892 m), Lachalangla Pass (5,065m), Tanglang la (5,360m) and Khardung la (18,370ft ).

Besides these, there are other soft adventures organised in Manali, that will give you a chance to escape the tedious efforts and enthusiasm. Come down of the cliff with help of ropes & carabiners in Rappelling. Some sports that revolve around the Beas river will be River Crossing, Kayaking, Angling, and fishing.

Amicable People of Manali

Manali Shopping – A Sure to Enjoy Activity

Shopping

Arts and Crafts

If you are a perspicacious shopper, then Manali has a lot to offer you. All you need is – vigilance and a few bargaining tips. The traditional handicrafts and rich hand looms, make shopping a unique experience in Manali. Like other hill stations, Manali too has a vast area producing vast amount of timber wood – the favorite of local craftsmen. Go to the Tibetan market, located at the extreme south end of Manali, where you should buy Kullu topis, shawls, woolens and Tibetan souvenirs. Here do not miss buying thangkas (Buddhist paintings on cloth), silver and turquoise jewellery. To buy exclusive shawls, the Bhutico and Himachal Handicrafts on Circuit House Road, is the place.

The most authentic shopping outlets are the government owned charitable trust Tibetan Handicrafts and other co operatives that are run by local women. To fill your shopping cart, you cannot miss buying Pulla (grass slippers made in Chamba), Patti (local tweed) and Pattoo (local blanket). Enjoy a pleasant shopping spree by picking pullovers, local tweeds and rugs while shopping in Manali. The list of Tibetan curios includes prayer wheels, amulets, dorjes (thunderbolts), masks and musical instruments.

Tourist's Travel Route to Manali

As it is in close vicinity to Kullu, reaching Manali is not an enduring task at all. It is very well connected by all the means of transport. If planning to take a flight to reach Manali, then the nearest airport for the town will be Bhuntar, that lies 52 km south of the town. Regular flights via Shimla connect Manali to different part of the state and country.

Railways too are important means if you want to reach Manali. The closest narrow-gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 135 km away while the closest broad-gauge railheads are Chandigarh (310 km) and Ambala (355 km).

By road, the distance from Delhi via Mandi is 585 km, and from Shimla the distance is 270 km. Well linked roads connect Manali to these cities in HImachal that are further easily accessible form the other parts of the country.