Manali, in Himachal Pradesh is
located at an altitude of 2050 m, is situated along the banks of the Beas,
close to the Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley. Manali derieved its name from
Manavalaya that means home of Manu. According to mythology, Manu is a
significant character that survived when the world was drowned in a flood,
he recreated human life in Manali. Thus the place is considered sacred for
pilgrimage and has many temples.
Traveller's Delight:
Manali presents a wonderous canvass to the traveller. Its picturesque
hillside, gurgling streams, snocapped peaks exhibit sheer magic. This place
is quite popular for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering,
paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. Manali is the
centre of a flourished orchard industry, apple growing has been the mainstay
of the local economy.
The place gives you ample opportunity to experience the local beauty in
Manali's temples,
quaint villages, festive mood of the people, their colorful clothes and
handicrafts and to encounter adventure on the trekking trails.
Popular Sites:
» Solang Valley: Around 14 kms from Manali, is the Solang
valley, that boasts of the glacier nearest to the resort. Replete with
terrific picnic - spots, the amazing ski slopes here are full of hectic
activity, come January - February.
» Monasteries : Manali also houses three Tibetan
monasteries, that have been built recently.
Excursion Adventure:
» Rohtang Pass: Located at a height of 3980 m, the Pass
once served as a crucial trade route, and still remains the gateway to
the districts of Lahaul and Spiti.The Pass is open from June to November
each year, and provides wonderful views of the entire surroundings.
» Arjun Gufa : Five kms from Manali near the village of
Prini is the Arjun Gufa, Arjuna's cave. Arjuna, one of the Pandava
brothers, is believed to have performed his penance here.
» Trekking :There are number of interesting trekking
possibilities out of Manali or from the nearby villages of Jagatsukh or
Nagar, or from Manikaran in the Parbatti Valley. There is a
Mountaineering Institute, which offers training courses to organised
groups. The institute staff will offer expert advice to trekkers. There
are several agencies which can assist with the hiring of staff.
Shopper's Paradise :
The Kullu topis or caps are the most famous of all the items. The
Tibetan curios are other specialty of Manali. Manali's woolen goods can
be good souvenirs. Buddhist artefacts are very popular such as prayer
wheels, amulets, dorjes (thunderbolts), masks, musical instruments and
thangkas. Handicrafts can be purchased from the Main Market, New
Shopping Centre, Tibetan bazaar and Tibetan Carpet Centre. The
government shop on the Mall also has good collection. For shawls,
Bhutico, Himachal Handicrafts at Circuit House Road, and NAC Market can
be visited.
Climatic Condition :
Winters: Maximum temperature is 15 degree with a minimum of 3
degree, when heavy woolens are required. Summer: maximum temperature
hovers around 25 degree Celsius and minimum temperature 12 degree.
Summer temperatures are mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended.
Travel connectivity:
The hill resort of Manali is well connected with the other important
cities of India through air, road and rail.
» Airway : The airport at Bhuntar is the nearest. There are
other regular flights from Delhi. Shimla, Chandigarh and other cities
that offer easy commuting to Manali.
» Railway : The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at
Jogindernagar (135 km). The nearest broad gauge raiheads are at
Chandigarh (310 km), and Ambala (355 km).
» Roadway : The distance from Delhi via Mandi is 585 km,
and from Simla the distance is 270 km. From
Simla,
Chandigarh and Delhi, luxury buses run by Himachal Tourism regularly ply
to Manali.
