Manali is a popular hill station of Himachal Pradesh. It is on the northern side of Kullu valley. During snowfall the place adorns a heavenly look covered with snow all over. It is located at 6398ft height above the sea level. The temperature here would be pleasant throughout the year except for the three months in winter during when it comes to freezing point. Manali provides beautiful picnic spots, trekking spots, and natural waterfalls for the travelers. To go for a rafting on white snow water would be a different experience altogether.
How to Reach: Manali can be reached via Delhi by road, train and there are limited flights. From Delhi (about 14 hour journey) there are frequent Volvo buses to reach Manali. One can go to Manali via Shimla or via Kullu. You may need minimum three hours to reach Manali from the Kullu valley by road. Ambala and Chandigarh are the nearest railway stations. Nearest airport is Bhuntar which is 50kms far from Manali. For sightseeing, it is better to book a taxi.
Places in and around:
» Rohtang Pass: This is a mountain pass in the Himalayas which was a trade route in the ancient times. The pass attracts tourist due to the serene beauty of it. To walk in the snow covered valley is itself an experience. The pass is closed during winter.
» Hidimba temple: It was built in 1553. It is the temple of Hidimba devi a giantess who appears in the story of Mahabharatha. There is Fun Park near this temple. Tourists can go for a boat ride here.
» Bias Kund: It is the birth place of the river Bias. The temple has an Igloo shape.
» Maa Shaarvari Temple: Sharvari Devi is a family Godess of Kullu kingdom. The deity will be taken to Kullu during every Dasshera for the rituals. The temple is just 5kms far from Manali.
» Hot water spring: This place is just 3kms away from Manali. This is known by its natural hot water spring and temples besides it. The place is well equipped with bathing facilities. It is said that in this place Rishi Vashishta used to live. Therefore it is also called Vashishta spring.
There is a Himalayan adventure club here which takes care of trekking, rafting, mountaineering and skiing.
» Solang Valley: It is a snow point that is good for ice skiing. Here you can go for paragliding.
» Roerich art Gallery: This art gallery displays paintings of Nicholas Roerich. It is located in Naggar. Bijali Mahadev temple of the Kullu valley is just 20kms away from the place.
Apart from above mentioned places there are quite a few natural waterfalls, snow points, and Buddhist monasteries. In Manali you can buy woolen clothes and variety of fruit jams. Manali along with Kullu is famous for fruits. For an evening hangout old Manali is the best option. Try the local made beer (lugdi and Chang the Himalayan beverages) if you are interested. There are many good hotels with reasonable charges and home-stay cottages are also available.
