Manali hill station

General Information

Area : 5.12 sq.kms.

Altitude : 1,926 metres.
Temperature (deg C) : Summer- Max. 25, Min. 12. Winter- Max. 14.5, Min. 2.
Clothings : Summer- Light woollens for both the places.Winter- Heavy woollens for both the places.
Best Season : April to Mid-July and Sep. to Nov. for both the places.
Languages Spoken : Pahari (Local Dialect), Hindi, English.
STD Code : 01902.

Manali - Introduction

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. The Kulluis in brightly patterned puttoos, Tibetan women wearing ankle-length rainbow-striped pinafores, Nepali porters, Buddhist monks, and even the odd party of Zanskaris, swathed in fusty woolen gonchas, muddled together with souvenir-hunting Indian and Western tourists-all add up to the welcoming hub of ManaliManali is a major resort beyond Kullu in the Kullu Valley. Set amidst lovely forests of towering cedars, circled by snowy peaks and the unending roar of the Beas as a constant companion, Manali also offers unparalleled opportunities for trekking, rock climbing, angling, and winter sport.

History of Manali

Manali has a pre-historic legend behind its name. Vaivasvata, the seventh incarnation of Manu, the first creation according to Hindu mythology, found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look after it with devotion, for one day it would do him a great service. The seventh Manu cared for the fish until it grew so huge that he released it into the sea. Before departing, the fish warned Manu of an impending deluge when the entire world would be submerged and bade him to build a seaworthy ark. When the flood came, Matsya (fish), the first avatar of Lord Vishnu, towed Vaivasvata and the Seven Sages to safety. As the waters subsided, the seventh Manu's ark came to rest on a hillside and the place was named Manali after him.

Accessibility

By Air : The nearest airport is Bhuntar airport, south of Kullu town, an inconvenient 50km from Manali. There are no flights between Manali/Kullu (Bhuntar) and Leh.

By Rail : The nearest railhead is CHANDIGARH. Alternative railheads are SHIMLA and JOGINDERNAGAR (narrow guage), connected with KALKA and PATHANKOT (broad gauge).

By Road : There are deluxe buses from Delhi, Shimla and Dharamshala. Delhi-Manali (16 hrs), Manali-Shimla (10 hrs), Manali-Dharamshala (12.5 hrs).

Places to Visit

Arjun Gufa : On the left bank of the river Beas, near Prini village, is the "Arjun Gufa" or the cave of Arjuna. It is believed that Arjuna practiced austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.

Hadimba Temple : Built in 1553, this four-story wooden Hadimba or Dhungiri temple is famous for its exquisitely caved doorway. It is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar.

Jagatsukh : About 6 kms. from Manali is the famous Shiva Temple in "shikara" style. It houses temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri.

Kothi : This is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the Rohtang pass, 12 kms. away from Manali town. It offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers.

Manu Temple : Manali is named after the sage Manu who was the creator of human race on the earth and it is believed that he meditated here. This is supposed to be the only temple of Manu in India.

Monasteries : Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. It is maintained by donations from the local community and by sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop.

Rahala waterfalls : About 16 km from Manali at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, are the beautiful Rahalla Falls at an altitude of 2,501 m.

Rohtang Pass : (3979 m)Rohtang Pass is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road. It provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly a breath taking sight.

Solang Valley : Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. It has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a ski lift for training purpose. The 12-km hike up the western banks of the Beas to the Solang Valley is noteworthy.