Manali at a height of 6,398 ft, in the Beas River valley, is a popular hill station in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. Its 40 Kms. away from Kulu to the north and situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape here is breathtaking. One sees well defined snow capped peaks, the Beas river with its clear water meanders through the town. On the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards.
Manali is famous as a Honeymoon Destination among Indian tourists while Western tourists visit Manali for adventure sports and leisure, nature trips in the Himalayas. A gateway to Spiti, lahaul, Kinnaur & Leh regions, Manali has become a hub for multi adventure activities and serious trekking. Little wonder then that it is known as the SWITZERLAND OF INDIA!
Himachal Pradesh - the land of eternal snow peaks - takes in the transition zone from the plains to the high Himalaya and in the trans-Himalayan region of Lahaul and Spiti, actually crosses that mighty barrier to the Tibetan plateau. The Kullu valley, with its developed and tourist-oriented economy, can be considered the backbone of the state. Off the east is thew Parbati valley, popular with long stay visitors. In the Chamba and Kangra regions can be found typical British hill stations and small but beautiful temple complexes.
Attractions in Manali :
Hadimba Temple, Manali :
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, Manali (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, Manali (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, Manali (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,Manali :
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, Manali (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.