Indian Cities & Destinations - Comprehensive guide to
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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. Also popular as a
hill resort destination, Manali presents some excellent and well-equipped
accommodation choices for the tourists.
In the past decade Manali
has turned out to be one of the best hill resort destination of India,
particularly in those resorts, which cater Indian domestic tourists and
honeymoon couples. But
the ideal places to stay are the small
guesthouses, providing a tranquil atmosphere of the Himalayas for those who
are looking for solitute. The town provides ample
opportunities for adventure and winter sports. Easily accessible by road and
a major base point for many of the important passes of the country, Manali
draws a good number of tourists from within the country and abroad every
year.
 Major
Attractions of Manali |
 |
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.
Zanskar walk along the frozon river to reach
the Indus River in Nimoo village, which is known as the Chadar trek. Zanskar
is also known as a land of religion and has the greatest concentration of
Gompas in Ladakh, outside the Indus Valley. The important ones are Sani,
Karsha and Stongde in the central plain, Bardan and Phugtal just off the
Padum-Manali trail, and the small hermitage of Dzonkhul on the way to the
Umasi-la.
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.
| How
to Get There |
|
By 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.
By 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.
By 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
