Manali
 Once
called the "end of the habitable world," Manali is an important hill
station of Northern India and is the destination of thousands of
tourists every year. Its cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for
the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. Besides offering quite a
few places for sightseeing, Manali is also famous for adventure sports
like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking,
kayaking, and mountain biking. In brief, Manali-the veritable "valley of
the Gods"-is an ideal place for the ones in search of both adventure and
comfort. Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National
Highway leading to Leh. The landscape here is spectacular.
Accommodation at Manali:
Apple Country Resort,
Orchard Greens,
Royal Park new,
Sterling Resort,
Snow Valley Resort,
Glacier Resort
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
In Summer the temperature ranges from 33C to 15C and from 8C to 0C
in Winter.
Major Attractions at 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.
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.
Access
Air: The nearest airport is Bhunter which is about 50 km and 10 Km
beyond Kullu. Archana Airways and Jagson Airways operate daily flights
from Delhi to Kullu & Shimla & Kullu.
Road: It is well connected by road from Chandigarh and Delhi and
situated on National Highway No 21. Regular buses, coaches and taxies
play from Delhi and Chandigarh.
Rail: The nearest rail head is Chandigarh which is 320 km away.
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