MANALI(Introduction)
Manali
is an important hill station of northern India and is the destination
of thousands of tourists every year.Manali derived its name from
Manavalaya meaning the abode of Manu or "Home of Manu"
and here, the temples are treated as pilgrimages. Its cool atmosphere
provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian
summers. Manali is also famous for adventure sports like skiing,
hiking, mountaineering, para gliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking,
and mountain biking.
MANALI (Location)
Manali
is situated in the central parts of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is
32 km from Kullu valley, 280 km north of the state capital Shimla
and 108 km from Mandi. Manali is located at an altitude of 2050
meters above sea level and is spread along the banks of the river
Beas.
MANALI
(Places To See)
Arjun Gufa
On
the left bank of the river Beas, near Prini village, is the "Arjun
Gufa" or the cave of Arjuna. It is believed that Arjuna practiced
austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.
Hadimba Temple
Built
in 1553, this four-story wooden Hadimba or Dhungiri temple is famous
for its exquisitely caved doorway. It is located in the middle of
a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar.
Jagatsuhk
About
6 kms. from Manali is the famous Shiva Temple in "shikara"
style. It houses temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri.
Kothi
This
is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the Rohtang pass,
12 kms. away from Manali town. It offers a magnificent view of the
snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
Manu Temple
Manali
is named after the sage Manu who was the creator of human race on
the earth and it is believed that he meditated here. This is supposed
to be the only temple of Manu in India.
Monasteries
Manali
is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. It is maintained
by donations from the local community and by sale of hand-woven
carpets in the temple workshop.
Rahala waterfalls
About
16 km from Manali at the start of the climb to the Rohtang
Pass, are the beautiful Rahalla Falls at an altitude of 2,501 m.
Rohtang Pass
(3979 m)Rohtang Pass is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong
road. It provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far
above clouds, which is truly a breath taking sight.
Solang Valley
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. The 12-km hike up the
western banks of the Beas to the Solang Valley is noteworthy.
Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple
(3 kms)Across the Beas river is Vashist, a small village
with natural sulphur springs. Modern bathhouses, with Turkish-style
showers, have the hot water piped into them for the convenience
of the visitors who come here to benefit from the medicinal properties.
There is a pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni and
another Temple of Lord Ram.
MANALI (History)
Manali
has a pre-historic legend behind its name. Vaivasvata, the seventh
incarnation of Manu, the first creation according to Hindu mythology,
found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look
after it with devotion, for one day it would do him a great service.
The seventh Manu cared for the fish until 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 seaworthy ark. When the flood came, Matsya
(fish), the first avatar of Lord Vishnu, towed Vaivasvata and the
Seven Sages to safety. As the waters subsided, the seventh Manu's
ark came to rest on a hillside and the place was named Manali after
him.
MANALI (Weather)
In
winters, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy
woolens are required. Summer temperatures are mild and light woolens/cottons
are recommended. In Manali, one can find high mountains shrouded
by silent snows and deep boulder strewn gorges. There are thick
forests, filled with cool breezes and bird song.
MANALI(Shooping)
Woolen
goods are the town's real forte, particularly the brilliantly patterned
shawls. The New Shopping Center (NSC) near the bus stand has a good
selection. A good place to familiarize oneself with fair prices
is the Shawl Factory Shop, just off the Mall south of the bus stand,
which sells high-quality shawls at fixed rates. Elsewhere around
the bazaar, innumerable stalls are stacked with hand-woven goods
and pillbox Kullu topis or caps. Manali's other specialty is Himalayan
handicrafts: mainly assorted Tibetan curios such as prayer wheels,
amulets, dorjes (thunderbolts), masks, musical instruments and thangkas.
MANALI (Adventure
Activities)
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.
There
are several good hikes from Manali. The 12-km hike up the western
banks of the Beas to the Solang Valley is noteworthy. Lama Dugh
meadow is a 6-km hike up to the Manalsu Nala, west of Manali town.
MANALI (How
to Get There)
The
nearest airport is Bhuntar, 52 km south of Manali. There are flights
to Delhi via Shimla. The closest narrow-gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar,
135 km away. The closest broad-gauge railheads are 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.
MANALI
(Accommodation)
There are number of hotels from luxury
to budget class in manali which suits to every traveller's pocket
Languages : Hindi, Himachali, English
Best Time to visit :
Throughout the year
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