Manali
Manali is a beautiful Himalayan hill station which is popular for its lush green forests, pollution free cold breeze, flower gardens, beautiful villages, snow covered mountains, chirping of birds, apple trees and fruit orchards. This hilly region has something to satisfy both the honeymooners and the adventure sport lovers.
Location
The picturesque hill station of Manali, is located in the heart of the North Indian state Himachal Pradesh and at the top of the valleys of Kullu. The distance between Manali and the capital city Shimla is around 280km and Manali is situated 108 km away from the Kulu Valley. This hilly region is placed at 2050 meters above the sea level and spreads along the bank of the Beas River.
Places to see
Adhan Thechoking Gompa: Gompa is a Tibetan community dominated area situated at the bottom of the Manali Mall. This Gompa was constructed by the Tibetan refugees during the last part of the 1960’s. It is entirely covered with colorful frescoes and a Buddhist statue is also situated there. The Gompa also holds the names of the victims who were killed during 1887 to 1989 in Tibet.
Malana Valley: Malana Valley is a centre of 100 tiny little hamlets. This village comprises of 1000 distinct tribes and is a self governed body within the state. Malana Valley is positioned at an altitude of 276m in the lap of the Kullu Manali Valley beneath the Chanderkhani Pass.
Manali Sanctuary: This reserve forest was introduced in the year 1954 under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animal’s Protection Act, 1933. Located in Manali of Kullu District this sanctuary stretches over an area of 3,180 hactors. Manali Sanctuary is a safe and happy home for the diverse wildlife varieties of Himachal Pradesh.
Gulaba Comp: This Comp is situated 20 km away from Manali. The place is famous for its natural beauty and is an amusing place for picnic and sightseeing. The scenic beauty of this place is a photographer’s delight. Take a few snaps there and make your Manali trip memorable forever.
Nehru Kund: A popular tourist spot of Manali named after the first Prime minister of India Late Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru Kund is basically a spring of clear cold water which is situated 6km away from Manali beside the Keylong Road.
Naggar: Naggar was the past capital of the Kullu Valley and is a picturesque village positioned on a hill amidst lush green forests. The 16th century glory of this region could be found in the monuments of this village.
Vashisth Village: Vashisth Village is situated only at a 3km distance from Manali. The village is popular for its conventional houses made of timber, for the hot water springs and cascading valleys.
Temple of Manu: It is believed that the 7th Manu mediated here when he came to this region. A path of stone leads to this temple through an old village. Manali was named after the saga of Manu therefore people with sheer interest gather to visit this place every year.
Tibetan Temple: This contemporary Tibetan temple is situated in Manali. The Tibetan temple is a large shrine and a popular place for worshipping.
Winter Carnival: The Winter carnival is a popular fest of Himachal Pradesh which is organized during the month of February. This is the period when the entire Manali region gets enveloped by the continuous snowfall offering adventure seekers the best opportunity to enjoy their visit in Manali.
Arjun Gufa: Arjuna Gufa is situated on the left bank of the Beas River 5km away from the Manali city. It is believed that this was a cave of Arjuna who used to practice austerity to get the desired weapon from Lord Indra.
Rohtang Pass: Rohtang is the highest point situated at an approximate altitude of 4,112m above from the sea level placed on the Manali Keylong Road. It offers a panoramic vision of the surrounding hills and valleys and the experience is truly mesmerizing.
Beas Kund: Beas Kund is the starting point and the source of the river Beas which is situated at the Rohtang Pass. Many devotees and tourists come to visit this sacred place every year.
Old Manali: The former Manali is situated approximately 3km away from the present Manali region. This is a popular sightseeing destination famous for its ancient guesthouses and orchards.
Rahalla Falls: Rahalla Falls is situated 4km away from the Manali city at the starting point of the Rohtang Pass. The gorgeous cascading Rahalla Falls is situated at an altitude of 2,501m and is a famous place for sightseeing.
Vashisth Hot Sulphur Springs: This popular village is situated 3km away from Manali and is famous for its picturesque beauty. The village has two dedicated temples of Lord Rama and Vashisth Muni. The hot water springs flowing in that village are believed to be carrying some medical properties.
How to reach
Manali, the most sought after tourist destination of India can easily be reached from different parts of the country through different modes of transportation.
By Air: Bhuntar is the nearest airport situated 50 km away from the Manali city. This domestic airport is connected with major Indian states through regular flight services. One can board a bus or hire a taxi from Bhuntar to reach Manali which is only a few a kms journey.
By Rail: A 95 km long narrow gauge railway line links Kullu with Joginder Nagar which is the nearest railhead of Manali. One can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayan ranges while travelling through a narrow gauze train.
By Road: A smooth road network connects this state with other important tourist destinations of Himachal Pradesh as well as with the neighboring states of Manali. Public and private bus services are available in this city to make movement much easier.
What to do
Mountaineering: When it comes to leisure activities Manali is the right place for adventure sports like mountaineering. The lofty mountains provide the best opportunity for mountaineering. The Mountaineering Institute at Manali organizes numerous expeditions every year. The regional units of this institute are located at Bharmour, Jispa and Dharmasala.
Heli Skiing: Heli skiing is perhaps one of the most exciting and thrilling adventure sports of Manali. Skiing is being enjoyed during the peak wintry season. The popular spots for Heli Skiing in Manali are Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass and Chanderkhani.
Trekking: Manali is a favorite holiday destination and a paradise for adventure sports. Enthusiastic travelers can take the pleasure of trekking while visiting Manali. Spiti, Lahaul, Zanskar Ranges, Bara Bhangal are some popular trekking routes that are very diverse in character and each of them offers thrill, adventure and excitement to the trekkers.
Best time to visit
Though Manali is almost loaded by tourists throughout the year but the perfect season to visit Manali is Summer. The weather remains very pleasant during this period which is neither so hot nor too cold. On top of it, if somebody is looking for a scope to avoid the scorching heat of the summer then this is the right place where one can move to. The colorful Spring season can also be a good option for visitors to make a trip to Manali. Those who want to experience snowfall from a very close distance they can make a visit during the peak winters. Monsoon is the season for trekking there, therefore a lot of vacationers loves to visit Manali during the Rainy season.
History
The history of Manali is quite interesting. As per the Hindu legends, Vaivasvata, the 7th embodiment of Manu saw a fish swimming in his bathing water. The fish assured Manu that someday it would be of a great utility for him. Manu looked after this fish and discharged him into the sea once it grew big. While leaving the fish cautioned Manu about an approaching flood and asked him to make a seaworthy ark to save the world. When the flood actually occurred then the fish which is considered to be the first avatar of Lord Vishnu tugged Vaivasvata along with those seven sages of shelter. As the water moved down the 7th ark, Manu took some rest and mediated on a hilly region and that region later on was named as Manali after the name of Manu.
Climate
The hilly region of Manali experiences a comfortable weather throughout the year. Manali is very receptive to nature and the distinct shades and colors of every season can easily be seen on the hills and the valleys of this hilly region. Manali receives a vibrant colorful look during the spring which appears in the month of May. Wild flowers, multicolored butterflies and fruit laden trees are some general characteristics of spring in Manali. Summer is generally the period when tourists at a large number head towards this hill station. Summer appears in the month of May and lasts till June. The climate remains moderately warm and the temperature usually never exits 26°C. Monsoon appears in the month of June and lasts till August. Manali experiences adequate rainfall every year and the thick forest becomes greener during this season. Winter in Manali is freezing cold but the snow wrapped mountains of this hill station make it attractive and mesmerizing.
