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The Kullu valley has an ancient
 town
in its lap called Manali. 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 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.
Prime Attractions of Manali
Heli Skiing : For high mountain thrills perhaps nothing can
surpass the magic of heli- skiing. The sport is available in the
area abound by the Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and
Chanderkhani Pass near Manali.
Hidimba Devi Temple : Had imba 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.
Mountaineering : Himachal Pradesh has some challenging
peaks and each year expeditions are organised by the
Mountaineering Institute at Manali. The Mountaineering Institute
has regional centres at Dharamsala, Bharmour and Jispa, which
organise adventure courses as well.
Malana Valley : In the valleys of Kullu and Manali below
Chanderkhani Pass, situated at an altitude of 2,76m is a little
hub of hundred houses. The village, which consists of 1,000
tribals, has an immaculate system of self-governance.
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.
Naggar : Taken as an excursion from Kullu or Manali, Nagar
also known as Naggar, is a very lovely village set on a hill
surrounded by forests. Naggar was the capital of Kullu valley in
the 16th century and the monuments in the region are witnesses to
the glory it had once lived in.
Nehru Kund : It is a spring of clear, cold water, named after
the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and is 6-km from Manali
on Keylong road.
Temple Of Manu : Slippery stones paths lead through the old
village houses up to the temple of Manu. Manali is named after the
sage Manu who meditated when he came in this area.
Tibetan Temple : Tibetans have a base in Manali too. There is
a large modern Tibetan temple to the South of the bus stand and
also a small handicrafts centre.
Vashisth Village : Famous for the sweeping valley views and
sulphurous hot-water springs, the large settlement of Vashisht,
formerly known as Bashist, just 3km from Manali, is an amorphous
jumble of traditional timber houses and modern concrete cubes,
divided by paved courtyards and narrow muddy lanes.
Excursions from Manali
Rohtang Pass (50Km.) Rohtang Pass is the highest point,
4,112m, on the Manali-Keylong road, 51-km from Manali town. It
provides a wide panorami c
view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is a sight truly
breath-taking.
Arjun Gufa (5Km.) 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 (50Km.)
It is the source of river Beas, at the Rohtang Pass and is easily
accessible. The great sage, Vyas performed `Tapa' here during the
Mahabharat times. The place is still hallowed by the celestial
light. It was because of this that the river got the present name
of Beas.
Jagatsukh Temple (6Km.)
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.
Old Manali (3Km.) The old Manali area is located some 3-km
from the present
day Manali. The old Manali is covered with guesthouses, which look
ancient now, and orchards where the livestock move at will.
Rahalla Falls (16Km.)
About 16-km from Manali and 4-km away from Kothi, at the start of
the climb to the Rohtang Pass, are the beautiful Rahalla Falls at
an altitude of 2,501m.
Solang Nullah (14Km.)
14-km northwest of Manali in the Solang Valley, this place offers
Himachal Pradesh's best ski slopes. The Mountaineering and Allied
Sports Institute operates a 300m high ski lift and the month of Fe bruary
is the best month to ski over here. HPTDC runs seven-day package
for ski courses with accommodation in the Hotel Rohtang Manaslu in
Manali. Courses are also offered by the Mountaineering and Allied
Sports Institute and the North Face Ski School.
Vashisth Hot Sulphur Springs (3Km.)
This small village near Manali is famous for its scenic beauty.
The village has a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Vashisth Muni.
The village has some hot water springs, which are said to carry
medicinal properties. It is a picturesque little place, 3-km out
of Manali but on foot the distance is a bit shorter.
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