Manali
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 SWITZERLAND OF INDIA.
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 heaven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. Besides offering quite a few places for sightseeing, The city is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. In short, Manali-is the "Valley of the Gods" and an ideal place for the ones in search of both adventure and comfort.
General Information
Language spoken English, Hindi, Himachali
Best time to visit Throughout the year, but the best time is between April to June & September to October.
STD Code 01902
Altitude 2050 meters above sea level
Places To See
1. Hadimba Devi Temple
Built around a natural cave, the temple has a finely wrought four- tiered pagoda roof, dating back to 1553. It enshrines the footprints of Goddess Hadimba. Hadimba was the wife of Bhima, one of the five great Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata, and later became the patron goddess of the Kullu royal family.
2. Gadhan Thekchokling Gompa
Built by Tibetan refugees in the late 1960's, this is a colourful and pleasant monastery
3. Jagatsukh
Jagatsukh was the erstwhile capital of Kullu. Originally known as Nast, it remained the capital for almost ten generations. Here are old temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Gayatri Devi.
4. Old Manali
Is the hamlet out of, which grew the large tourist town that Manali is today. It is also the site of Manu temple dedicated to Sage Manu.
5. Vashisht
About 4km from the town is a village, which is renowned for its hot sulphur springs. The village is also the site of some old temples, dedicated to the great sage Vashisht, and to Lord Rama.
Solang Nullah
Located about 14km from Manali, it offers good views of glaciers and snow-capped mountain peaks. It is also one of Himachal's best skiing slopes. It has the glacier closest to Manali. The region is also replete with terrific picnic spots.
Around Manali
1. Vaishisht
Around 3 km from Manali, also boasts a pair of old stone temples, opposite each other above the main square. Dedicated to the local patron saint Vaishisht, the smaller of the two opens on to a partially covered courtyard, and is adorned with elaborate woodcarvings. Those lining the interior of the shrine, blackened by years of oil-lamp and incense smoke, are particularly fine. The temple tanks are underground hot-water/sulfur springs.
2. Rohtang Pass
Is situated at an altitude of 13,050 feet above sea level., it is an adventurous place where in summer too it can be chilly . A small lake nearby it is called Dassaur Lake. Also the main source of river Beas is nearby.
Getting There
By Air
The closest airport from Manali is Bhuntar, around 52-km away. Taxis and buses are available from Bhuntar to bring you to Manali.
By Rail
The closest railhead is in Joginder Nagar which is the narrow gauge railhead. The nearest broad gauge railhead is at Chandigarh which is 315 km away.
By Road
Manali is connected by NH-21 to Delhi. Tha highway which reaches Leh is the world's highest motorable road. The bus stand at Manali offers reservation for both private and government run buses from the town.
