CITY INFORMATION
MANALI
| Location : |
40-kms From Kullu, Himachal Pradesh |
| Altitude : |
2,050m |
| Main Attractions : |
Vashisth Hot Sulphur Spring, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple
|
| Best Time To Visit : |
April To June & September To October |
Situated at the northern end of the kullu valley, Manali has spectacular views
of snowcapped peaks and wooded slopes. Manali literally means the 'Home of Manu'.
Manu is the mythological character who is supposed to have survived when the
world was drowned in Flood. He then came to Manali and recreated human life.
Thus, the area of Manali is sacred and Hindus treat the temples over here as
pilgrimage.
Surrounded by towering peaks at an arm length, Manali's major asset is its
proximity to the snowline. It is a flourishing orchard industry, a popular
honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks as well as a great
countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers.
Manali, with its mountaineering institute, is a popular base for trekking
and mountaineering in summer and skiing in winter. Interesting routes into
the surrounding valleys, over the high passes, are provided with tourist huts
and rest houses for trekkign enthusiasts.
AROUND MANALI
Hadimba Temple
Hadimba
or Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the region.
This four-story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the
Dhungiri Van Vihar. Winding paths through forests and glades of whispering Deodars
form the setting for the majestic wooden temple of Hidimba Devi in Manali. The
motorable road is shaded by Chestnuts, Chinars and tall deciduous Deodars. This
forested backdrop enthral one’s spirit and refresh one’s mind all
along the uphill path.
Vashist Springs (1,982m)
At about half an hour’s brisk walking distance from town, there are sulphur
springs-gush, hot and medicinal - emerging out of the mountains at Vashisht.
Here, in a bath complex with a restaurant and a beautiful view, couples can
soak in the privacy of their own sunken bath, warming all kinds of ailments
out of their systems.
Jagatsukh (6-kms)
It is one of the biggest villages in Kullu district. About 6-km from Manali,
Jagatsukh is famous for its Shiva temple that is built in "shikhara"
style and nearby is the old and interesting Devi Sharvati temple.
Arjun Gufa (5-kms)
On the left bank of the Beas, 5-km from Manali near the village of Prini,
is the 'Arjun Gufa' or the cave of Arjuna. In here Arjuna practised austerities
to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.
Beas Kund
Further ahead is the Beas Kund. The tiny roundish igloo like stone hut shelters
the Beas Kund, the very source of the holy river Beas. Water flows at the
source of the river likfe a spring, so clear and icy cold that it almost numbs
the fingers. All around is the rocky terrain with very little vegetation.
A few mules graze around while all and sundry try to brave the wind on a clear
sunny day.
Rohtang Pass (13-kms):
Situated about 50-km from Manali town, at an altitude of 4,111m on the highway
to Keylong, is the Rohtang Pass. There is a beautiful Dasohar Lake left of
the Pass. The Pass, which provides the only access to the Lahaul Valley, is
open from June to November each year. Snowfall is, however, unpredictable
and blizzards can close the Pass even during this period. Here one sees the
majesty of the mountains at its height and splendour. A few km away from the
pass is the Sonapani glacier and, slightly to the left are the twin peaks
of Gaypan-jagged pyramid of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.
ADVENTURE SPORTS IN MANALI
Manali Mountaineering Institute
The Mountaineering Institute located at Manali provides training facilities
for basic and advance climbing both for Indian nationals and foreigners. This
institute also conducts other adventurous sports activities like high altitude
trekking, minor mountaineering, rock-climbing, skiing, and high altitude rescue
and relief courses. The institute has sufficient lodging and boarding arrangements
and equipment can be hired for trekking purposes.
Rafting in Manali
The
Beas river flowing through Kullu valley is suitable for not only white water
rafting but is ideal for canoeing and kayaking too. The Beas River from the
Manaki to Jhiri near Bajaura in Kullu district has become very popular among
the lovers of river rafting and many competitions have been organised in the
same. The trip starts from Mohal and covers a total distance 10-kms. The season
normally starts from May to mid-June and rest depends on the arrival of monsoon.
The various clubs provide the basic equipment required for the water sports.
Skiing in Manali
Near Manali there are some slopes, which have been rated the best for skiing
in the world. The Solang Nullah, Patalsu, Kothi, Marhi and Rohtang slopes
are very good for skiing in the winters as well as in summers. In fact Patalsu
and Rohtang slopes are the only places where one can do summer skiing. The
slopes are being further developed to accommodate more trainees and tourists.
The national level skiing competition is held on the slopes of Solang Nullah
and the winter carnival is organised at Manali. The place has immense potential
to offer some world-class ski slopes and they are being developed on the same
lines. There are private organisations that provide training as well as equipment
for skiing. The Mountaineering Institute has put up a small ski lift at Solang
Nullah.
Paragliding in Manali
Paragliding is a combination of hang gliding and parachuting. In parachuting
one has to jump from an aircraft whereas in paragliding one has to run down
hill. The slopes of Solang Nullah provide just the right kind of slopes for
paragliding during summers. There are organisations, which offer packages
for paragliding. One can hire equipment from the private organisations in
Manali and around.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air
The nearest airport to Manali is that of Bhuntar, which is 52-km from Manali.
From Bhuntar one can take a taxi or a bus to Manali.
Rail
The nearest railhead is that of and this narrow gauze railway station is 95-km
from Kullu. The scenic beauty of Kullu while going to Manali can best be enjoyed
on a bus or a taxi. It is better to take a taxi, which one can stop and enjoy
the nature at will.
Road
The road to Manali passes through the picturesque valley of Kullu. The motorable
roads to Manali connect the town with other major tourist places in Himachal
as well as in the nearby states. At the Manali bus stand there are two booths,
which do computerised reservation for buses. The reservations can be made
one month in advance. Both private and state government buses are in service
over here.
DISTANCE FROM MAJOR CITIES
Kasidhar: 15-km
» KasoRohtang Pass: 50-km
» Kothi: 12-km
» Solang Nullah: 14-km
» Bhuntar: 52-km
» Kullu: 40-km
» Jogindernagar: 135-km
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