State:
Himachal Pradesh
Location: Northern end of Kullu valley .
Area : 7.12 sq km
Language: Pahari, Hindi, English
Introduction:
Manali, one of the spectacular hill resort of Himachal Pradesh, is
positioned at the northern end of Kullu valley. Manali which is named
after saint Manu, is located on the national highway that leads to Leh.
This picture perfect town is also popular as gateway to the remote and
forlorn valleys of Lahual and Spiti.
Its for sure that 'Mother Nature' has taken special care to create
Manali. This popular north Indian town has scenic beauty that would
charm anyone. Manali provides a panoramic view of snow-capped peaks, the
Baes river that flows through the town, vast canopy of deodhar and pine
trees, tiny green fields and fruit orchards.
Places To Visit:
Embellished with numerous alluring tourist spots, Manali is one of the
favourite holiday destination of North India. Some of the famed tourist
spots of Manali are
Hadimba Temple: One of the oldest shrine of Manali, Hadimba
temple is dedicated to Hadimba(or Harima devi), wife of Bhima. Hadima
temple which has massive triple tiered wooden pagoda crowned by crimson
pennants and a brass ball, is located at a distance of 15 minutes
towards the northwest of the main bazaar of Manali town. Also known as
Dhoongri temple, it is adorned trident (Shiva temple) that dated back to
the 1553 A.D. Another famous attraction of this temple is a hollow which
is positioned at the middle of the temple. It is believed to be the
footprint of Lord Vishnu.
Manu Temple: Dedicated to saint Manu, this ancient temple is 3
km (1.9 miles) from the main bazaar in Old Manali town. This temple is
the sole temple of Manu in India, who has created Manu smriti in
Sanskrit language.
Tibetan Market and Mall: Another prime attraction of Manali is
its Tibetan market. This market has cluster of shops that are overflowed
with local handicrafts and other stuffs. Situated on the Mall road,
Tibetan market has some good restaurants that serves multi-cuisines.
Tibetan Monasteries: Manali has great number of Buddhist people
and their monasteries. There are three newly constructed monasteries
from where you can purchase some finely designed carpets and other
Tibetan handicrafts. Out of these three, two are located within the town
and one at Aleo on the left bank of Baes river.
Apart from these, you can also visit some more interesting tourist
spots like Mountaineering Institute, Vashist hot water sulphur spring,
Nehru kund, Solang Valley, Rahala Falls, Kothi, Rohtang Pass etc.
Adventure Activities To Do:
Apart from being a picturesque hill resort, Manali is also a hot
adventure destination of India. Adventure enthusiasts from various
corners of world, comes to Manali to experience some of the exciting
forms of adventure sports such as
Trekking: Kullu-Manali region is one of the popular region for
trekking in India. The trekking routes in this region varies from the
best soft, medium and hard trekking routes. Some of the famous popular
treks in the Kullu-Manali valley are Raison-Manala-Chandra Khani-Raison,
Manali-Bhrigu-Rohtang Pass-Manali, Manali-Chhika-Hamta Pass-Manali,
Raison-Padri-Khauli, Pass-Garsa-Raison, Manali-Chandratal-Manali.
Skiing: Solang valley, just 13 km(8.08 miles) north-west of
Manali is an excellent place for winter sports like Skiing. This
splendid valley is located amidst Manali and Kothi and provides a scenic
view of glaciers and snow-capped mountain peaks. For almost three
months, January to March, Solang valley brim with tourists.
White-water rafting: White-water rafting is another adventurous
sports for which Manali is famous among the adventure buffs. Beas river
that meander through Manali is an excellent site for white-water
rafting. The stretch between from Manali to Aut, beckons the rafter to
experience the thrill of rafting in the untamed Baes river. Raison and
Mohal are the points from where rafting trip starts. The time period
from May to mid June is best for white water rafting.
Beside these three, adventure lovers can also indulges themselves in
Jeep safari, para-gliding, angling and fishing.
Best Time To Visit: The ideal time to visit this
salubrious hill station in summer season from April to June to get rid
of scorching summer season. If you are an adventure seeker than visit
Manali in winter season from September to December.
How to Reach:
By Road: Manali is well connected to many nearby Indian cities
like Delhi, Ambala, Chandigrah, Dehradun, Haridwar, Shimla, Dharmshala
and Chamba/ Dalhousie by road. Regular private and state run buses
operates from these places.
By Rail: The nearest broad gauge railheads to Manali are at
Chandigarh, Pathankot and Kalka. But the nearest narrow gauge rail head
is at Joginder Nagar.
By Air: The nearest airport to Manali is at Bhuntar, which is 52
km (32.31 miles) from it. Both Kingfisher Airlines and Indian Airlines
operates daily and twice in a week respectively from Delhi to Manali.