Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India derived its name from Manavalaya i.e. the abode of Manu. According to a myth, Manu the divine law-giver, was the only survivor of the Mahajal Pralay - the great flood - and is said to have fathered the human race. He certainly chose enchanting environs as his home, as Manali still maintains its charm and beauty after thousands of years. With the majestic grandeur of the Himalayas on one side and the River Beas flowing on the other, the town is a wondrous canvas for a traveler. Verdant valleys with rolling meadows are dotted with grazing herds. A sweet scent wafts from the apple orchards in the evenings, and the occasional tunes of folk music coming from the local dwellings add to the romance of a holiday in Manali. Experience the local colour and beauty in Kullu-Manali's temples, quaint villages and the vibrant and festive mood of the people and their colourful clothes and handicrafts. Manali’s magical charm enamours your heart and you ebulliently agree that it has rightly been christened as the "Valley of the Gods".
Manali is the ideal place to leave the rest of the world behind and go for long walks, mountain climbing, trekking, river rafting, heli-skiing, Paragliding and trout fishing. Situated at the North end of the Kullu Valley in the western Himalayas, Manali is located at an altitude of 1929 meters. Nestled between the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, Manali stretches up to the famed Rohtang Pass at 13050 feet.
Places of Tourist Interest
- Kothi
A quiet picturesque spot at the foot of the Rohtang pass, it is 12 km away from the Manali town, and lies on the Lahaul-Spiti Leh Highway. Kothi offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers and there is an awe inspiring gorge here, where the Beas enters a chasm about sixty meters deep and just a few meters broad.
- Van Viha
Located just off the Mall with pathways between towering deodhars leading to a boating pond.
- Tibetan Market and Mall
The Tibetan Market is an interesting cluster of shops. Nice to browse around for Knick-knacks, handicraft and imported goods. The market is located on the Mall. You can also find some good restaurants nearby and local transport is easily available here.
- Rahalla Falls
The waterfall is 16 kilometers from Manali town. Located near where the climb to Rohtang Pass begins. The falls are at an altitude of 2501m from sea level.
- Rohtang Pass
Situated at an altitude of 3979 meters above sea level and 51 kilometers outside Manali is the mighty Rohtang Pass - the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti valley. Open for just four months a year, it affords a wide panoramic view of the mountains. Here one sees the majesty of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges at the height of their splendor. At the top of the pass the air seems to glitter against the snow as you look down over herringboned ridges into the Lahaul valley. The beautiful Dashohar Lake lies to the left of the pass. A few kilometers away from the pass is the Sonapani glacier and slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Gaypan – a jagged pyramid of rock, crowned with snow.
- Solang Valley
13 kilometers outside Manali is the Solang Valley, offering spectacular views of the snow-clad mountains and the glaciers all around. Solang is the venue for paragliding and the annual skiing courses.
- Marrhi
35 km from Manali, the place is famous for its natural beauty.
- Rani Nala
46 km from Manali, it is the glacier point where snow is present throughout the year.
- Jagatsukh Temple
About 6 km from Manali is the famous Shiva Temple in "Shikara" style and nearby is the old and alluring Devi Sharvali Temple.
- Naggar Castle
22 kms from Manali, this is the old capital of Kullu. The castle was built by Raja Bhosal.
- Roerich Art Gallery
Situated in Naggar, the museum houses a collection of the paintings by a Russian artist. It is located in a grove of deodars and has lovely views all around.
- Hadimba Temple
Also known as the Doongri Temple, this four-tiered pagoda-like wooden temple stands in a clearing amid tall and stately deodar trees and has beautiful carvings on its ornamental door. Dedicated to Hadimba, the wife of Bhim, this temple is the venue for an annual fair held in May.
- Vashist Spring
Across the Beas river, about 3 km away from Manali, lies the Vashist Spring at an altitude of 1,982 meters (6,200 feet). These are natural Sulphur springs and the village itself is perched upon a steep hillside across the river Beas.
- Tibetan Monastery
A pleasant and tranquil place to visit near Manali.
- Beas Kund
The famous Beas Kund, it is the source of River Beas. It is said that the great sage, Vyas, performed "Tapa" here during the Mahabharat times.
- Manikaran
85 km from Manali and 45 km from Kullu, Manikaran lies in the Parvati Valley. Here, icy cold waters of the Parvati river co-exist with boiling water springs side-by-side. The hot water springs are reputed for their healing properties.
- Kullu
An angelers paradise, Kullu has several spots for both trout and mahaseer fishing. Acclaimed as the best sport fish in the world, both brown and Raibow trout are found in Kullu’s Stream. The upper reaches of the river Beas in Kullu valley, and its streams like the Sarvari, Parbati, Saint, Hurla are excellent for the sport.
- Spiti
The wonderful adventure from Manali to Simla includes a 3 day run upon the scenic Spiti river. The river is surrounded by mountains. Vehicular sightseeing trips and day hikes to historic monasteries and old villages are arranged for travellers.
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