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Manali
[ Edit ] Overview
Picturesque Manali, located at the top end of Kullu Valley and on the west bank of the Beas River, is one of the prime hill station destinations in India with its dense forests, mountains, and numerous trekking routes.
Once a sleepy little village, Manali has been commercialised rapidly in the last few years with a profusion of hotels and hostels catering to tourists, hippies, and backpackers - and the population has exploded toa around 30,000. Nevertheless, the beautiful location, access to Rohtang Pass and the charming original village, make this a very attractive hill station. The town’s terrain is varied enough for a challenging trek or two and the surrounding mountains offer some of the best skiiing in India.
Tourism is the main driver of the economy of Manali - which grew in popularity only after the rise of militancy in Kashmir in the late 1980s.
[ Edit ] History
Manali was once just a small village lying on the ancient trade route to the Kingdom of Ladakh.
The British introduced apples and trout fish to the region - both of which were not native to Manali. Apples, and other fruit including plums and pears are one of the key sources of income for the residents of the villages surrounding Manali.
In mythological terms, Manali and the surrounding mountains are beleived to be the abode of the Saptarshi or "Seven Sages".
Quick Facts
[ Edit ] State
[ Edit ] Location
At 6, 730 ft above sea level where the rivers Beas and Manalsu meet.
[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit
Mid-April to end-June and September to mid-November.
[ Edit ] Tourist Offices
HPTDC, New Delhi
Tel: 011-23325320, 23325233
Website: himachaltourism.nic.in
[ Edit ] STD Code
01902
Sightseeing
[ Edit ] Gompas
One of the most distinctive aspects of Manali is the presence of it several shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. These are symbols of the great Tibetan migration into the region. The most memorable of all these sites of learning and worship is the Thekchhokling Gompa which came up in 1969 - reflective of the traditional Tibetan style of temple architecture.
Closer to the heart of Manali is the Nyingamapa Gompa next to the main bazaar Inside you will be greeted by a large idol of Buddha, the fragrance of Tibetan incense and the dazzle of dozens of electric bulbs.
[ Edit ] Great Himalayan National Park
The Great Himalayan National Park is one of the few remaining undisturbed alpine ecosystems in India and the largest in Himachal Pradesh. The Park encompasses snow capped Himalayan mountains, glaciers, alpine meadows, and rare and protected wildlife and flora. The park shares its boundaries with Pin Valley National Park, Rupi Bhabha Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kanawar Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Great Himalayan National Park is located close to Kullu and Manali, the park ranges in altitude from 1,500 to 6,000 meters and is spread over an area of 754 sq kms.
more[ Edit ] Hadimba Temple
One of the most visited religious sites in Manali, the Hadimba Temple is an unusually built mandir from the early 16th Century but nevertheless visually appealing. Reminiscent of Buddhist shrines in China, the temple stands as a four-storey pagoda. The Hadimba Temple is the most important religious shrine for Manali’s residents and is dedicated to the local deity Dhungri, wife of Pandava Bhim. The elaborate wood carvings of the sanctum’s exteriors and interiors are worth noting.
[ Edit ] Museum of Traditional Himachal Culture
The Museum of Traditional Himachal Culture in Manali is worth a visit if one is looking for insights into Kullu Valley culture. Located close to the Hadimba Temple, the museum has displays ranging from the evolving kitchenware, various home and agricultural tools and novelties, folk art and crafts including Kullu shawls and other traditional attire.
[ Edit ] Naggar Fort
The Naggar Fort, south of Manali is an elaborate building made from from rocks and wood and is a legacy of the Pal Dynasty. The Fort has now been converted into a luxury hotel.
[ Edit ] Rohtang Pass
The most breath-taking vantage point in close proximity to Manali is the Rohtang Pass (51 kms uphill from Manali). At over 13,000 feet, Rohtang Pass offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the majestic Lahaul Valley. Travellers have to pass through Rohtang Pass enroute to Leh.
In addition to the views at Rohtang Pass, a walk to the nearby Dassaur Lake is interesting for its sparking water completed by icy milieu of the setting. The Beas Kund Spring - where the Beas River originates, is also in close proximity to Rohtang Pass.
Rohtang Pass is closed during the winters.
[ Edit ] Solang Valley
Solang Valley (also known as Snow Point), located 13 kms northwest of Manali, is known for an abundance of snow and skiing slopes during the winter season and is an expanse of glistening white which tops any of the other locales near Manali.The views from here include snow-capped mountains, the Sonapati Glacier and the Lahaul Valley. In addition to skiing, one can indulge in a series of winter sports including sledging.
[ Edit ] Vashist Hot Water Springs
The hot water springs of Vashist, only 3 kms from Manali, are a great place to get refreshed, particularly during the winter cold. The natural sulphur squirts of the springs have been channeled into Turkish bath-like catchments. A dip in these medicinal waters is believed to be therapeutic to the joints, skin and blood flow.
In addition to the Hot Springs at Vashist, there are several small stone shrines holding intricate wood carvings.
Planning a Trip
Getting There
[ Edit ] Air
Kullu (40 kms away) has the closest airport to Manali. Kullu is well connected with Delhi by Air.
[ Edit ] Rail
The closest major railway station to Manali is at Chandigarh. From Chandigarh, it is possible to rent a taxi or take a bus to Manali.
[ Edit ] Road
Take the highway into the mountains and along the Beas straight to Manali. Overnight HPTDC bus leave from Janpath in Delhi for Manali.
Driving distances to Manali from:
- Chandigarh: 284 kms
- Delhi: 546 kms
- Great Himalayan National Park: 100 kms
- Keylong: 120 kms
- Kullu: 40 kms
- Leh: 224 kms
- Pathankot: 318 kms
- Rohtang Pass: 51 kms
- Shimla: 260 kms
[ Edit ] Getting Around
[ Edit ] Other Information
[ Edit ] Shopping
[ Edit ] Food
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