40 kms. away from Kulu to the north, Manali is situated
near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading
to Leh. The landscape here is breath taking. One sees well-defined
snow capped peaks, the Beas river with its clear water meanders
through the town. On the other side are deodar and pine trees,
tiny fields and fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for
a holiday, a favorite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti,
Kinnaur, Leh and Zanskar regions in Kashmir valley. It is
known as the SWITZERLAND OF INDIA.
Once called the "end of the habitable world," Manali
is an important hill station of northern India and is the
destination of thousands of tourists every year. Its cool
atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted
by the hot Indian summers. Besides offering quite a few places
for sightseeing, Manali is also famous for adventure sports
like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting,
trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. In brief, Manali-the
veritable "valley of the Gods"-is an ideal place
for the ones in search of both adventure and comfort. The
Kulluis in brightly patterned puttoos, Tibetan women wearing
ankle-length rainbow-striped pinafores, Nepali porters, Buddhist
monks, and even the odd party of Zanskaris, swathed in fusty
woolen gonchas, muddled together with souvenir-hunting Indian
and Western tourists-all add up to the welcoming hubbub of
Manali.
Situated in the central parts of the northern state of Himachal
Pradesh, Manali is at the head of the Kullu valley, 280 km
north of the state capital Shimla and 108 km from Mandi. Manali
is perched at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level and
is spread along the banks of the river Beas. In winters, the
temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens
are required. Summer temperatures are mild and light woolens/cottons
are recommended. In Manali, one can find high mountains shrouded
by silent snows and deep boulder strewn gorges. There are
thick forests, filled with cool breezes and bird song. There
are fields of wild flowers, small picturesque hamlets and
fruit-laden orchards, especially apples.
Surrounded by towering peaks at an arm length, Manali's major
asset is its proximity to the snowline. It is a flourishing
orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination for honeymoon
couples and trailhead for numerous treks as well as a great
countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers.
Manali literally means the 'Home of Manu'. Manu is the mythological
character who is supposed to have survived when the world
was drowned in Flood. He then came to Manali and recreated
human life. Thus, the area of Manali is sacred and Hindus
treat the temples over here as pilgrimage.
Manali Sightseeing - Places
of Attraction at Manali
HADIMBA TEMPLE: Manali
has many attractions but the chief centre of interest, historically
and archeologically, is undoubtedly the DHOONGRI TEMPLE dedicated
to goddess Hadimba, the Bhim of Mahabharat fame. It has four-tiered
Pagoda shaped roof and the doorway is carved with legendary
figures and symbols. This temple located amidst wooden forest
of deodar is about 2.5 kms. from the tourist office. It is
a pleasant experience to stroll in the temple complex which
was built in 1533 A.D. A large festival is held here in May.
MANU TEMPLE: 3 kms.
from the main bazar in old Manali lies the temple of MANU
RISHI. It is believed that this is the only temple of Manu
in India, who was the creator of human race on the earth.
CLUB HOUSE: 2 kms.
from the town, club house has indoor games facilities which
has been located on the left bank of Manalsu Nallah. There
are some picnic spots near it.
TIBETAN MONASTERIES:
There are 3 newly constructed colorful monasteries, where
visitors can buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts. Two
are located in the town and one at Aleo on the left bank of
Beas river.
MOUNTAINEERING INSTITUTE:
Located 3 kms. on the left bank of river Beas towards Kulu.
This Institute organises basic & advance training courses,
in trekking, mountaineering, skiing and water sports. Skiing
and trekking equipments can be hired from here by booking
in advance. Tourists can visit an interesting showroom here.
VASHIST HOT WATER SPRINGS
AND TEMPLE (3 Kms): Vashist, a small village located
on the left bank of river Beas towards Rohtang pass is worth
a visit. It is renowned for its hot springs and temples. Nearby
is the pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni. There
is another Temple of Lord Ram here. Natural hot sulphur springs
with two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies are always
full of tourists. Turkish style showers fitted baths have
also been built nearby. Hot water from the nearby spring is
provided for bathing.
NEHRU KUND: 5 kms.
on National Highway to Leh,a natural spring of cold clear
water named after Pt. Jwahar Lal Nehru, who used to drink
water from this spring during his stay in Manali. This spring
is believed to originate from the Bhrigu lake situated high-up
in the mountains.
SOLANG VALLEY: 13 kms.
is a splendid valley between Solang village and Beas Kund.
Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped
mountains and peaks. It has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering
Institute has installed a ski lift for training purpose. Located
here is a hut and guest house of the Mountaineering and Allied
sports Institute, Manali. Now a few hotels have also come
up. The winter skiing festival is organised here. Training
in skiing is imparted at this place.
KOTHI: Situated on
the road to Rohtang pass, a picturesque spot, Kothi is 12kms.
from Manali. A PWD rest house is situated on a ridge overlooking
a narrow valley with a very good view of mountains and valleys.
Large number of films (movies) have been picturised at this
place and is the ideal resting resorts of poets, writers and
the lovers of peaceful environs.
RAHALA WATER FALLS:
16 kms. on way to Rohtang pass. If one goes to Marhi on foot
from Kothi from the old road, the sight of the falls is fascinating.
It is a good picnic spot as well.
ROHTANG PASS (3979 m):
Rohtang pass is 51kms. from Manali on highway to Keylong/Leh.
It offers a panorama and spectacular mountain view. The pass
is open from June to October each year although trekkers can
cross it earlier. It is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and
Leh valley just as Zojila pass is a gatway to Ladakh. There
are a beautiful sight of glaciers, peaks and Chandra river
flows down in the Lahaul valley. Slightly to the left are
the twin peaks of the Geypan. During summer(mid June to October)
regular buses ply between Manali-Keylong/Darcha, Udaipur,
Spiti and Leh.
ARJUN GUFA(CAVE): 4kms.
from Manali towards Naggar, the cave is situated near Prini
village 1km. above the road where Arjun had meditated. This
is good 1/2 a day excursion with charming view of the brilliant
mountains.
JAGATSUKH: 6 Kms. from
Manali located on the left bank on Beas on the road to Naggar.
The place is famous for very old temples of Lord Shiva and
Sandhya Gayatri in Shikhara style, these are worth a visit.
How to reach Manali
AIR : The nearest airport
is Bhuntar, 52 km south of Manali. There are flights to Delhi
via Shimla.
RAIL : The closest
narrow-gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 135 km away. The
closest broad-gauge railheads are Chandigarh (310 km), Pathankot
and Ambala (355 km). These places are well connected through
road to Manali
ROAD : Manali is well
connected by road with Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Dehradun,
Haridwar, Shimla, Dharamsala and Chamba/Dalhousie. Regular
buses ply between these stations. It is connected with Leh
during July to October. By road, the distance from Delhi via
Mandi is 585 km, and from Shimla the distance is 270 km.
General Information
- Manali |
Area
of Manali |
5.12 sq.kms. |
Population
of Manali |
4200 aproximately |
Altitude
of Manali |
2050 m (Manali) |
Climate of
Manali |
Pleasant temperature in summer and
cold below 0 C with heavy snow fall in winter. In general
the climate of Manali is cold as it is located in the
Himalayas and the snow line is not far from the place.
The altitude of Manali gives it a climate which is loved
by one and all. The summers are cool and the winters prove
to be very harsh. During the winters (in November, in December, in January, in February) the snow line comes
down and there is snow fall in the region. Heavy Woollen
cloths are required during the winters. But even the harsh
winters attracts skiers and tourists who love snow. During
the monsoon months there is heavy rainfall and there are
land slides which hamper the movement. |
Best Visiting
Season for Manali |
Honeymoon couples and other tourists
comes throughout the year. Best season is considered May
to October. |
Rainy Season
of Manali |
July and August |
Automun of
Manali |
September to November for trekking,
climbing, sight seeing and river rafting |
Winter of
Manali |
December to February- snow-skiing
and heli-skiing in Manali and above |
Languages
of Manali |
Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari, Himachali,
English are understood and spoken by the people engaged
in tourism trade |
Clothing
requirements in Manali |
In winter, the temperture can drop
below freezing point when heavy wollens are required.
Summer temperture are mild and light wollens/cottons and
tropicals are recommended. |
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