  
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 heaven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. Besides offering quite a few places for sightseeing, The city is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. In short, Manali-is the "Valley of the Gods" and an ideal place for the ones in search of both adventure and comfort.
Manali is situated at the northern end of the Kullu Valley, Manali literally means the 'Home of Manu', the mythological character who survived when the world was drowned in a flood. Spectacular views of snowcapped peaks and wooded slopes, grassy meadows carpeted with wild flowers make Manali the perfect retreat for a family holiday. Manali is a popular Himalayan tourist destination, and is visited by many trekkers who follow the hashish trail. Manali's charas is considered to be the best in India. It also offers hot springs, spectacular religious shrines and temples, Tibetan Buddhist temples, and trekking in the surrounding mountains. Manali is also the starting point for the two-day journey along the spectacular road to Leh in Ladakh. 
Solang Valley
13 kms. is a splendid valley between Solang village and Beas Kund. 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. Located here is a hut and guest house of the Mountaineering and Allied sports Institute, Manali. Now a few hotels have also come up. The winter skiing festival is organised here. Training in skiing is imparted at this place.  Hadimba Temple
Manali has many attractions but the chief centre of interest, historically and archeologically, is undoubtedly the DHOONGRI TEMPLE dedicated to goddess Hadimba, the Bhim of Mahabharat fame. It has four-tiered Pagoda shaped roof and the doorway is carved with legendary figures and symbols. This temple located amidst wooden forest of deodar is about 2.5 kms. from the tourist office. It is a pleasant experience to stroll in the temple complex which was built in 1533 A.D. A large festival is held here in May.  Rohtang Pass
Rohtang pass is 51kms. from Manali on highway to Keylong/Leh. It offers a panorama and spectacular mountain view. The pass is open from June to October each year although trekkers can cross it earlier. It is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley just as Zojila pass is a gatway to Ladakh. There are a beautiful sight of glaciers, peaks and Chandra river flows down in the Lahaul valley. Slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypan. During summer(mid June to October) regular buses ply between Manali-Keylong/Darcha, Udaipur, Spiti and Leh. Scenic Attractions
The often visited places in Manali are the Hadimba or Dhungri Temple. Built in 1533, this temple is dedicated to the deity Hadimba who was the wife of Bhim. One can enjoy major Festival held here in the month of May. The temple is known for its four-storeyed pagoda and exquisite wooden carvings. The city is also known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. It is also famous for its Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, built in 1969. The monastery is maintained by donations from the local community and through the sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop. The smaller and more modern Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa stands nearer the bazaar, in a garden blooming with sunflowers. Its main shrine, lit by dozens of electric bulbs and fragrant with Tibetan incense, houses a colossal gold-faced Buddha, best viewed from the small room on the first floor. The Museum of Traditional Himachal Culture, near the Hadimba temple, is worth a visit, which houses artifacts of folk art of the entire Kullu valley. Around Town Situated at a distance of 3 km northwest of Manali is Old Manali, the place is very popular because of orchids. Here you can have a look at the fort by the name of Manaligarh. One can also visit Manu Maharishi Temple, dedicated to sage Manu. Being situated at 13 km northwest of Manali Solang Nullah, is famous for its 300-meter ski lift. This very place offers picturesque spot and exotic views of glaciers and the snow-capped mountains. Vaishisht, around 3 km from Manali, also boasts a pair of old stone temples, opposite each other above the main square. Dedicated to the local patron saint Vaishisht, the smaller of the two opens on to a partially covered courtyard, and is adorned with elaborate woodcarvings. Those lining the interior of the shrine, blackened by years of oil-lamp and incense smoke, are particularly fine. The temple tanks are underground hot-water/sulfur springs. Rohtang Pass, is situated at an altitude of 13,050 feet above sea level., it is an adventurous place where in summer too it can be chilly . A small lake nearby it is called Dassaur Lake. Also the main source of river Beas is nearby. Location : Manali is a beautiful hill resort in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is 40 kms away from Kullu, another popular hill station of North India.The city is situated in the central parts of the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is at the head of the Kullu valley, 280 km north of the state capital Shimla and 108 km from Mandi. In winters, the temperature can drop below freezing point, so don't forget to carry your woolies.. Summer temperatures are mild and light woolens/cottons can play safeguards .In Manali, one can find high mountains . Manali is filled with thick forests, cool breezes and bird song & snowfalls. One can easily find small picturesque hamlets and fruit-laden orchards, especially apples. Climate : The temperature drops below freezing point in winter months when it shows heavily. Summers are generally mild and light, punctuated by monsoons during July - September. Getting there Air : The nearest airport is Bhuntar, 52 km south of Manali. Jagson Airlines operate daily flights from Delhi to Kullu. 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). By road : The distance from Delhi via Mandi is 585 km, and from Shimla the distance is 270 km. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too. Best time to visit : The best time to visit Manali is either between April to June or September to October  |
