Manali Hill Station
Manali is an important hill station of northern India and is the destination
of thousands of tourists every year.Manali derived its name from Manavalaya
meaning the abode of Manu or "Home of Manu" and here, the temples
are treated as pilgrimages. Its cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for
the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. Manali is also famous for adventure
sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, para gliding, rafting, trekking,
kayaking, and mountain biking.
MANALI (Location)
Manali is situated in the central parts of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is 32
km from Kullu valley, 280 km north of the state capital Shimla and 108 km
from Mandi. Manali is located at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level
and is spread along the banks of the river Beas.
MANALI (Places To See)
Arjun Gufa
On the left bank of the river Beas, near Prini village, is the "Arjun
Gufa" or the cave of Arjuna. It is believed that Arjuna practiced austerities
to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.
Hadimba Temple
Built in 1553, this four-story wooden Hadimba or Dhungiri temple is famous
for its exquisitely caved doorway. It is located in the middle of a forest
called the Dhungiri Van Vihar.
Jagatsuhk
About 6 kms. from Manali is the famous Shiva Temple in "shikara"
style. It houses temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri.
Kothi
This is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the Rohtang pass, 12
kms. away from Manali town. It offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped
peaks and glaciers.
Manu Temple
Manali is named after the sage Manu who was the creator of human race on the
earth and it is believed that he meditated here. This is supposed to be the
only temple of Manu in India.
Monasteries
Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. It is maintained
by donations from the local community and by sale of hand-woven carpets in
the temple workshop.
Rahala waterfalls
About 16 km from Manali at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, are
the beautiful Rahalla Falls at an altitude of 2,501 m.
Rohtang Pass
(3979 m)Rohtang Pass is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road. It provides
a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly
a breath taking sight.
Solang Valley
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. The 12-km hike up the western banks of the Beas to the
Solang Valley is noteworthy.
Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple
(3 kms)Across the Beas river is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur
springs. Modern bathhouses, with Turkish-style showers, have the hot water
piped into them for the convenience of the visitors who come here to benefit
from the medicinal properties. There is a pyramidal stone temple dedicated
to Vashist Muni and another Temple of Lord Ram.
MANALI (History)
Manali has a pre-historic legend behind its name. Vaivasvata, the seventh
incarnation of Manu, the first creation according to Hindu mythology, found
a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look after it with
devotion, for one day it would do him a great service. The seventh Manu cared
for the fish until it grew so huge that he released it into the sea. Before
departing, the fish warned Manu of an impending deluge when the entire world
would be submerged and bade him to build a seaworthy ark. When the flood came,
Matsya (fish), the first avatar of Lord Vishnu, towed Vaivasvata and the Seven
Sages to safety. As the waters subsided, the seventh Manu's ark came to rest
on a hillside and the place was named Manali after him.
MANALI (Weather)
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.
MANALI(Shooping)
Woolen goods are the town's real forte, particularly the brilliantly patterned
shawls. The New Shopping Center (NSC) near the bus stand has a good selection.
A good place to familiarize oneself with fair prices is the Shawl Factory
Shop, just off the Mall south of the bus stand, which sells high-quality shawls
at fixed rates. Elsewhere around the bazaar, innumerable stalls are stacked
with hand-woven goods and pillbox Kullu topis or caps. Manali's other specialty
is Himalayan handicrafts: mainly assorted Tibetan curios such as prayer wheels,
amulets, dorjes (thunderbolts), masks, musical instruments and thangkas.
MANALI (Adventure Activities)
Skiing is a major pastime in Manali. Facilities for skiing are available at
Solang Nullah (January-March) and Rohtang La (during summer). The Mountaineering
Institute at Solang Nullah is a good training institute. Heli skiing is possible
at the deep snowfields.The Mountaineering Institute and Allied Sports is about
3 km from the Mall and offers mountaineering and kayaking courses.
There are several good hikes from Manali. The 12-km hike up the western
banks of the Beas to the Solang Valley is noteworthy. Lama Dugh meadow is
a 6-km hike up to the Manalsu Nala, west of Manali town.
MANALI (How to Get There)
The nearest airport is Bhuntar, 52 km south of Manali. There are flights to
Delhi via Shimla. The closest narrow-gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 135
km away. 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.
MANALI (Accommodation)
There are number of hotels from luxury to budget class in manali which suits
to every traveller's pocket
Languages : Hindi, Himachali, English
Best Time to visit : Throughout the year
Manali Hill Station Tour Reservation Form
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