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MANALI

Manali is an important hill station of northern India and is a famous tourist destination with thousands of visitors pouring in every year. Manali has got its name from Manavalaya meaning the abode of Manu or "Home of Manu". Its cool environment provides a ideal haven for people troubled by severe summers of India. Manali is also popular for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, Para gliding, rafting and trekking.

Legend has it that Vaivasvata, the seventh incarnation of Manu, the first creation according to Hindu mythology, found a tiny fish in the waters that he was bathing in. The fish then told him to look after it with utmost care and devotion, promising him that one day it would repay him with appropriate help in his times of need. Vaivasvata took care of the fish until it grew so gigantic that he released it into the sea. Before taking leave, the fish warned Manu of a looming deluge when the entire world would be inundated and advised him to build a maritime ark. When the deluge finally occurred Matsya (fish), the first avatar of Lord Vishnu, towed Vaivasvata and the Seven Sages to safety. As the waters subsided, Manu’s ark came to rest on a hillside and the place was thus named Manali after him.

Places of Interest

Hadimba Devi Temple

Built in 1553 with a wonderfully crafted four tiered pagoda roof. This temple is famous for its exquisitely carved doorway.

Manu Temple

This is dedicated to the sage Manu.

Vashishth (3km)

There are old temples dedicated to the sage Vashishth and to Lord Rama at Vashisth. These are just beyond the Himachal tourism baths.

Monasteries

There are three built Tibetan monasteries at Manali in recent times.

Jagatsukh (6km)

The one time capital of Kullu. Old temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and to Sandhya Gayatri are present here. The Arjun caves are just ahead.

Solang Valley (l4km)

In a picturesque locale, this has good ski slopes end picnic spots. It has glaciers closest to Manali.

Rohtang Paas

Enroute to keylong is the Nehru kund (6 km) which is a clear water spring and beautiful spot named after the late Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. Kothi (12 km) is a picturesque village and has an amazing view of the deep canyon through. The beautiful Rahalla falls (16 km) are at an altitude of 2500 m. An important link on the old trade route and yet a gateway to Trans Himalayan Lahaul, the Rohtang Pass is at a height of 3980m.

Keylong

Lying about 120 km from Manali, Keylong is the headquarters of Lahaul and spiti districts. Monasteries of Kardung and Shashus are main attractions here.

Kothi

A place with delightful natural beauty, just 10-12 km from Manali.

Triloknath

Located in the Pattan Valley, Triloknath is an important pilgrimage centre. Renowned for its temple dedicated to the six armed statue of Avalokiteshwara Bodhisattva.

Vashisth Baths

One of Manali's main tourist attractions, is a place to soak up in the waters of the Hot Sulphur springs which is renowned for its medicinal properties.

General Information

Altitude: 2,050 m

Best Time to Visit: May to October

Travel Info

Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar, 52 km south of Manali. There are flights to Delhi via Shimla.

Rail: The closest narrow-gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 135 km away. The closest broad-gauge railheads are Chandigarh (310 km) and Ambala (355 km).

Road: By road, the distance from Delhi via Mandi is 585 km, and from Shimla the distance is 270 km.