Hill Stations of India - a unique way of spending your
holidays in India. The picturesque
Hill stations are
popular as resorts among both Indian and foreign visitors, providing a
relaxing and salubrious retreat from the heat and dust of the plains.
The Kullu valley has an
ancient town in its lap called Manali. Surrounded by towering peaks
at an arm length, Manali's major asset is its proximity to the snowline. It
is a flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination and
trailhead for numerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal for
adventure sport lovers.
Manali
literally means the 'Home of Manu'. Manu is the mythological
character who is supposed to have survived when the world was drowned in
Flood. He then came to Manali and recreated human life. Thus, the area of
Manali is sacred and Hindus treat the temples over here as pilgrimage.
 Major
Attractions of Manali |
 |
Hidimba Devi Temple : This temple, with a
finely wrought four - tiered pagoda roof, dating back to 1553, is built
around a natural cave, which enshrines the footprints of the goddess
Hadimba. Hadimba was the wife of Bhima, one of the five great Pandava
brothers of the Mahabharata, and later became the patron goddess of the Kulu
royal family. 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. From the name of the
forest parkland this temple derives its name. This temple was erected in
1553 and is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba. The legend goes that Bhima, one of
the five Pandav brothers in Mahabharata, killed demon Hadimb and married his
sister Hadimba. She became Goddess and is worshipped at time of distress.
Rohtang
Pass : Rohtang Pass is the highest point, 4,112m, on the Manali-Keylong
road, 51-km from Manali town. It provides a wide panoramic view of mountains
rising far above clouds, which is a sight truly breath-taking.
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.Towards the Rohtang Pass : Six kms from
Manali, on the way to Keylong, is the Nehru Kund, a beautiful spring named
after the late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, former Prime Minister of India. 12 kms
from the resort is Kothi, an idyllic village, which boasts of a superb view
of the deep gorge, and the Beas river rushing through it. Sixteen kms from
Manali, at an altitude of 2500 m are the magnificent Rahalla Falls, beyond
which is the Rohtang Pass, 51 kms from Manali. 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.
Just beyond the Pass is the Sonapani Glacier and the twin peak of Gaypan.
The Beas Kund, the source of the Beas river, a holy site for Hindus, as the
sage Vyas is said to have meditated at this spot, is also accessible from
the Rohtang Pass.
Heli Skiing : For high
mountain thrills perhaps nothing can surpass the magic of heli- skiing. The
sport is available in the area abound by the Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass,
Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass near Manali.
| Shopping
in Manali |
|
The Mall in Manali offers many interesting items to be
purchased, from cloths to decorative pieces and gift items. Woollen goods
are the town's real forte, particularly the brilliantly patterned shawls for
which it is known for. The NSC or 'New Shopping Centre' Market near the bus
stand sells a good selection. Another reliable emporium is the government -
sponsored Bhutico, which has an outlet on the Mall, just opposite the
tourist office.
Around the bazaar there are innumerable stalls
stacked with hand-woven goods and pillbox Kullu Topis. Manali's other
specialty is Himalayan handicrafts, mainly assorted Tibetan curios such as
prayer wheels, amulets, dorjees or thunderbolts, masks, musical instruments,
jewellery and thangkas.
| How
to Get there |
|
Air : The nearest airport to Manali is that
of Bhuntar, which is 52-km from Manali. From Bhuntar one can take a taxi or
a bus to Manali.
Rail : The nearest railhead
is that of and this narrow gauze railway station is 95-km from Kullu. The
scenic beauty of Kullu while going to Manali can best be enjoyed on a bus or
a taxi. It is better to take a taxi, which one can stop and enjoy the nature
at will.
Road : The road to Manali passes
through the picturesque valley of Kullu. The motorable roads to Manali
connect the town with other major tourist places in Himachal as well as in
the nearby states. At the Manali bus stand there are two booths, which do
computerised reservation for buses. The reservations can be made one month
in advance. Both private and state government buses are in service over
here.
Destinations
