Manali

Location: Himachal Pradesh
Significance: Switzerland Of India
Altitude: 2050m above sea level.
Best Time to Visit: May to October

Main Attractions: Rohtang Pass , Manali Gompa ,Hadimpba , Rahala Falls, Kothi,Jagatsukh, Vashisht, Solang Valley , Naggar , Manu Temple

Manali literally means the 'Home of Manu'. Manu is the mythological character who is believed to have survived when the world was drowned in Flood. He then came to Manali and recreated human life. Thus, Manali is blessed and Hindus treat the temples over here as pilgrimage.

Besides this manali is picturesque hill resort, encircled by snowy mountains and dense pinewoods. Manali is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. In brief, Manali-the veritable "valley of the Gods"-is an ideal place for the ones in search of both adventure and comfort.

The unexplored hilly route to the adjacent valleys is really a miraculous experience that one should not miss it in a lifetime. Manali is a flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for innumerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers and nature seekers.

Places to Visit in Manali

Hadimba or Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the region. This temple is dedicated to the local deity Hidimba, wife of the Pandava prince, Bhim. A major festival is held here in the month of May. The temple is noted for its four-storeyed pagoda and exquisite wooden carvings.

The area of this sanctuary is 3,180 hectares. The sanctuary was notified on 26th February 1954, under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animals Protection Act, 1933.

Himachal Pradesh has some exigent peaks and each year voyage are organized by the Mountaineering Institute at Manali. The sport is available in the area abound by the Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass near Manali.

The Mountaineering Institute located at Manali provides training facilities for basic and advance climbing both for Indian nationals and foreigners. This institute also conducts other adventurous sports activities like high altitude trekking, minor mountaineering, rock-climbing, skiing, and high altitude rescue and relief courses.

Slippery stones paths lead through the old village houses up to the temple of Manu. Manali is named after the sage Manu who meditated when he came in this area.

Tibetans have a base in Manali too. There is a large modern Tibetan temple to the South of the bus stand and also a small handicrafts centre.

Famous for the sweeping valley views and sulphurous hot-water springs, is an amorphous jumble of traditional timber houses and modern concrete cubes, divided by paved courtyards and narrow muddy lanes. 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 Vashista, Manali is also known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries.

Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 13,050 feet above sea level, is another adventure tourist site where it can be chilly even on summer day. Close by is a small lake called Dassaur Lake. Beas Kund, the source of river Beas, is also nearby.

It is famous for its 300-meter ski lift. It is a picturesque spot and offers splendid views of glaciers and the snow-capped mountains. Jagatsukh, the former capital of Manali, is also an important spot.

Manali serves as a perfect place for those who want to be in the midst of blossoming green and stimulating surroundings.