Just 40 Km away from Kullu 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 meandering 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, Bara Bhangal (Kangra), and Zanskar ranges. From temples to antiquity, to picturesque sight-seeing spots and adventure activities, Manali is a popular resort for all seasons and for all travelers.
According to mythology, one day, Varvasvata, the seventh incarnation of Manu found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look after it with devotion as one day it would do him a great service. The seventh Manu cared for the fish till the day 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 sea worthy ark. When the flood came, Varvasvata and seven sages were towed to safety by Matsya, the fish which is regarded as first avatar of Lord Vishnu. As the water subsided the seventh Manu's ark came to the rest on a hill side and the place was named Manali (2,050 m) after him.
As the flood slowly dried, here arose a place of breath-taking natural beauty which was only appropriate at Manali that life began again. Today this legendary cradle of all human kind is a prime holiday destination.
PLACES
TO VISIT
Hadimba Temple
Manali has many attractions but the chief centre of interest,
historically and archeologically, is undoubtedly the DHOONGRI TEMPLE
dedicated to goddess Hidimba, 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.
Jagat Sukh
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. Arjun Gufa
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.
Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass (3979 m) 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. Rohtang Pass is best visitable between May/June to
October/November. For latest information about opening of Rohtang Pass.
Hadimba Temple
Jagat Sukh
Rohtang Pass
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.
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.
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.
Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temples
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.
Rahala Water Falls
Solang Valley
Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temples
BEST SEASON/ BEST TIME TO VISIT
City Facts Height:
2,050 m Languages: Hindi, Pahari, Punjabi, English Local Transport: Local buses operate between
Kullu-Manali
and Manikaran regularly. Taxis are also available.
Temperature :
In winter, the temperature gets quite low and it gets pleasant in
summers
Clothing :
Heavy woollens in winters and cottons in summers are recommended.
