Manali
:
Manali with its unspoilt scenic grandeur is extremely popular with the tourists, for a lavish display of natural scenery. It is one of the principal show places of the Kullu region. To its North, South and West are an ostentation of pinnacles and ridges which, in fine weather, stand out in bold relief against skyline. At the lower elevation and in every direction there are vivid green patches of grassland and evergreen valleys ascending in irregular formation present probably the best view in the country. Manali is situated at an altitude of 1,926 metres and spreads in 12.5 square km. It is the real starting point of an ancient trade rout.
Famous Places Around Manali :
Rohtang Pass : ( 51 km. ) At an altitude of 3,978 metres
on the highway to Keylong, the mass affords a wide-spread panorama of
mountain scenery. Here eye meets a range of precipitous cliffs, huge
glaciers and piled moraine and deep ravines. To the opposite is the
well defined 'Sonepani Glacier' slightly to the left are the twin peaks
of the Geyphang snow crowned. The Beas river rises near the crest of
Rohtang from a block of Mica-Schist. To its left, 200 metres higher,
is the little lake of 'Sarkund' ( Dashahr ) visited by a large number
of people every year. The bath in the water of Sarkund lake effects
cure of all bodily ailments or imaginary. The pass is open from June
to October each year although trekkers can cross it earlier. It is the
gateway to Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley.
Mountaineering Institute : This institute imparts training
in basic and advanced courses of mountaineering. Institute speedily
gaining prominence for conducting adventurous sports - rock climbing,
high altitude trekking and skiing. It was set up in 1961 A.D.
Solang Valley : ( 13 km. ) A beautiful valley between
Manali and Kothi which offers views of the glaciers and snow covered
mountain peaks. The plateau is frequently used for holding camps by
the trekking parties. The surrounding areas of Manali from 3 to 20 km.
are suitable for rock climbing. The winter skiing festival is organised
here as well as training in skiing is imparted at this place.
Rohla Falls : 16 kms. on way to Rohtang pass. If one
goes to Marhi on foot from Kothi from the old road, the sight of the
falls is fascinating. It is a good picnic spot as well.
Marhi : ( 39 km. ) A barren landscape offering extensive
views of the valley and the mountains. 15 km. short of the 13,050 feet
high Rohatang Pass on the Manali-Leh road lies one of the most picturesque
places in Manali region. Marhi - a mountain plateau surrounded by lush
green meadows strewn with myriad wild flowers. The place remains a stopover
for transit visitors and tourists during summer and autumn seasons and
a transit place for the people to wait for the ferocious weather to
improve at Rohtang Pass to cross over to Lahaul and Spiti valley, during
the winter months.
Club House : 2 kms. from the town, club house has indoor
games facilities which has been located on the left bank of Manalsu
Nallah. There are some picnic spots near it.
Nehru Kund : ( 6 km. ) A natural spring of clean cold
water named after the late Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, who used
to drink water from this spring during his stay in Manali. It is located
on the Manali-Keylong road. This spring is believed to be coming from
'Bhrigu Lake'.
Tibetan Monastery : A new but colorful Buddhist temple.
It contains many idols of Buddha. This monastey is famous for its carpet
weaving and Tibetan handicraft.
Kothi : ( 12 km. ) A beautiful and quiet spot. The
rest house here overlooks the narrow valley and commands views at the
mountains. Below Kothi, for more than a km. the river Beas flows through
a deep gorge, 30 metres or more in depth. The site of the bridge provides
an interesting historical episode in early annals of Kullu. This place
is famous for movie picturisation and resting resort for poets, writers
and lovers of peaceful environments.
Vashisht : ( 3 km. ) This place is famous for its hot
water springs and temples of Vashisht Rishi and Lord Rama. It is located
on the bank of Beas, but well above the river. Natural hot sulphur springs
with two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies are always full
of tourists. Turkish style showers fitted baths have also been built
nearby. Hot water from the nearby spring is provided for bathing.
Jagatsukh : ( 6 km. ) The original name of this was
'Nast', it remained the ancient capital of Kullu for about 10 generations.
Jagatsukh is famous for its Shiva temple in Shikhara Style and interesting
old temple of 'Gayatri Devi' and Devi Sharvali.
Hadimba or Hidimba Devi Temple : ( 1.5 km. ) Built
in 1553 A.D. also known as 'Doongri Temple' dedicated to the Goddess
Hidimba ( Hirma Devi ), the wife of Bhima, has a four tiered pagoda
shaped roof with a doorway carved with figures and symbols. Although
carving is simple yet beautiful. This temple was built by Raja Bahadur
Singh of Kullu.
Arjun Gufa : ( 15 km. ) A legendary cave near the village
of 'Prini' on the left bank where Arjuna practised austerities to get
the powerful 'Pashupati astra' ( weapon ).
Tourism
in Manali :
Tourism in Manali offers complete satisfaction as far as the tourism is concerned. Tourism in Manali offers skiing, trekking, snow scooters, heli skiing, hot springs, breath taking valleys, rock climbing, mountaineering, mountaineering institute, old temples, waterfalls, etc. Being in the direct snow line, Manali area experiences a very heavy snowfall and because of its supreme display of natural beauty, Manali is always on the top of tourist books. Tourism in Manali offers a complete round to Manali with various advanture activities. You can take part in skiing, play with snow, take long walks in the wonderful valleys of Manali, take a dip in healing waters of various hot springs and much more. The possibilities of tourism in Manali are endless. The various areas of Manali are so easily accessible, that anyone can create his own route of adventure journey. Tourism in Manali is highly reccomended for honeymoon, summer holidays and winter sports activities. No matter why you visit Manali, once you get here, you never want to leave.
Manali : General Information
Altitude : 1,950 meters.
Headquarter : Kullu ( altitude 1,220 meters )
Location : In district Kullu. ( 40 km. approx.)
Access by Air : The nearest airport to Manali is Bhunter
at 50 km. distance.
Access by Rail : The convenient railheads are Chandigarh
320 km., Jogindernagar and Shimla 260 km. approx.
Access by Road : Almost each and every part of the
state is linked by roads. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation is
running its buses covering the whole state. There is huge network of
HRTC to cater the needs of the people.
Distances : Manali is connected with direct bus services
from all cities of Himachal, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The
distance from Manali to Shimla is 260 km., Chandigarh 320 km., Delhi
583 km., Pathankot 326 km., Dharamshala 253 km., Udaipur ( in Lahaul-Spiti
) 166 km., Keylong 104 km. and Kaza 244 km.
