Location : In the north Indian state
of Himachal Pradesh
Major Tourist Attraction : Vashisth Hot Sulphur Spring,
Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple
Best Buys : Woollen goods Manali's other specialty is
Himalayan handicrafts, mainly assorted Tibetan curios such as prayer wheels,
amulets, dorjees or thunderbolts, masks, musical instruments, jewellery and
thangkas.
Best Activities : Rafting, Skiing, Paragliding,
Mountaineering, Heli Skiing
Festival : Winter Carnival
Nearby Tourist Destination : Rohtang Pass, Arjun Gufa,
Beas Kund, Jagatsukh Temple, Kothi, Old Manali, Rahalla Falls, Solang
Nullah, Vashisth Hot Sulphur Springs
When to Visit : Any Time of the year.
About Manali
The Kullu valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh has an ancient town in
its lap called Manali. Surrounded by sky kissing peaks at an arm length,
Manali's major treasure is its proximity to the snow clad peaks. Manali is a
flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead
for innumerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal for adventure
sport lovers and nature seekers.
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, Manali is sacred and Hindus
treat the temples over here as pilgrimage.
Tourist Attractions in Manali
Hidimba Devi Temple
Hadimba or Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples
in the region. This four story wooden temple is located in the middle of a
forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar.
Manali Sanctuary
This sanctuary is located in District Kullu's nearest town, Manali. The
area of this sanctuary is 3,180 hectares. The sanctuary wasnotified on 26th
February 1954, under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animals Protection Act, 1933.
Adventure Sports
Himachal Pradesh has some challenging peaks and each year expeditions are
organised by the Mountaineering Institute at Manali. The Mountaineering
Institute has regional centres at Dharamsala, Bharmour and Jispa, which
organise adventure courses as well.
For high mountain thrills perhaps nothing can surpass the magic of heli-
skiing. The sport is available in the area abound by the Hanuman Tibba,
Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass near Manali.
Mountaineering Institute
The Mountaineering Institute located at Manali provides training facilities
for basic and advance climbing both for Indian nationals and foreigners.
This institute also conducts other adventurous sports activities like high
altitude trekking, minor mountaineering, rock-climbing, skiing, and high
altitude rescue and relief courses. The institute has sufficient lodging and
boarding arrangements and equipment can be hired for trekking purposes.
Temple Of Manu
Slippery
stones paths lead through the old village houses up to the temple of Manu.
Manali is named after the sage Manu who meditated when he came in this area.
Tibetan Temple
Tibetans have a base in Manali too. There is a large modern Tibetan temple
to the South of the bus stand and also a small handicrafts centre.
Vashisth Village
Famous for the sweeping valley views and sulphurous hot-water springs, the
large settlement of Vashisht, formerly known as Bashist, just 3km from
Manali, is an amorphous jumble of traditional timber houses and modern
concrete cubes, divided by paved courtyards and narrow muddy lanes.
Getting There
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.
Rail : The nearest railhead is that of Joginder Nagar and this
narrow gauze railway station is 95-km from Kullu. The scenic beauty of Kullu
while going to Manali can best be enjoyed on a bus or a taxi. It is better
to take a taxi, which one can stop and enjoy the nature at will.
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. At the Manali
bus stand there are two booths, which do computerised reservation for buses.
The reservations can be made one month in advance. Both private and state
government buses are in service over here.
Accommodation
There are dozens of places to stay in Manali, including Hotel Tourist, Jhon
Banon'n Guesthouse, Sunshine Guest House, Sunshine Guest House, Hotel
Highlands, Pinewood Hotel, Hotel Chetna, Beas Hotel and Hotel Rohtang
Manalsu. HPTDC runs several places and bookings can be made at the HTPDC
Marketing Office on the Mall.
