Manali,
located at an altitude of 2050 m, is situated along the banks of the Beas,
close to the Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley. It is the main holiday
destination in the entire valley. The raw magnificence of Manali's natural
beauty has to be seen, and experienced, to be believed. Proud, snowclad
mountains, dense forests, emerald valleys, exotic flowers, gurgling streams
meandering through meadows, it is sheer magic.
Getting there
By air : The nearest airport is at Bhuntar (50 km).
By rail : The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at
Jogindernagar (135 km). The nearest broad gauge railheads are at 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. From Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi,
luxury buses run by Himachal Tourism regularly ply to Manali.
Tourist attractions
Hadimba Temple : This temple, with a finely wrought four
- tiered pagoda roof, dating back to 1553, is built around a natural cave,
which enshrines the footprints of the 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 Kulu royal family.
Manu Temple : Just near the Hadimba temple flows the
Manalsu River, that culminates in the main Beas river. Across the Manalsu
river is the original village of Manali, that houses the ancient temple of
the sage Manu. Manali itself is named after Manu, who is said to have dwelt
here.
Monasteries : Manali also houses three Tibetan
monasteries, that have been built recently.
Arjun Gufa : Five kms from Manali near the village of
Prini is the Arjun Gufa, Arjuna's cave. Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers,
is believed to have performed his penance here.
Vashisht : Three kms from Manali is the village of
Vashisht, 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. The Himachal Tourism sulphur baths are just beyond these shrines.
Jagatsukh
: The erstwhile capital of Kulu, Jagatsukh houses temples dedicated to
Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri.
Solang Valley : Around 14 kms from Manali, is the Solang
valley, that boasts of the glacier nearest to the resort. Replete with
terrific picnic - spots, the amazing ski slopes here are full of hectic
activity, come January - February.
Towards the Rohtang Pass : Six kms from Manali, on the
way to Keylong, is the Nehru Kund, a beautiful spring named after the late
Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, former Prime Minister of India.
Adventure sports in Manali
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. Kayaking is possible on the Beas River.
Best Season
Climate, and Clothing: Manali is perched at an altitude of 2050 meters
above sea level and is spread along the banks of the river Beas. In winters,
the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are
required. Summer temperatures are mild and light woolens/cottons are
recommended.
