Manali
Manali, situated in the Kullu district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is at the northern end of the Kullu valley on the National Highway leading to Ladakh. Endowed with most of the ingredients that a traveler looks for, Manali is a tourist’s paradise with some of the most magnificent and awesome views of snow clad mountains, deep gorges, verdant valleys, fast flowing rivers, fruit orchards, beautiful temples and colorful gompas and opportunities galore for adventure sports or the more sedate sight seeing and golfing in holiday travel.
The Hadimba or Doongri Temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, the wife of Bhim of the Mahabharata is easily an important landmark. The four tiered pagoda shaped roof and the door way carved with legendary figures make it distinctive. This temple, built in 1533 is situated in a wooded forest called the Doongri Van Vihar. Near the Hadimba temple stands the Museum of Traditional Himachal Culture showcasing the exquisite artifacts of the folk art of the Kullu valley. The Manu Temple, dedicated to the ancient Hindu law giver Manu Rishi is the only temple in India in his name. 3 km from Manali is Vashist, a small village on the left bank of the river Beas, famous for its hot water springs and the temples dedicated to Vashist Muni and Lord Rama. Near Rohtang Pass, enroute to Kothi, is the picturesque Solang valley, with breathtaking views of the snow clad peaks and glaciers. A popular resort in winter, there are very fine ski slopes and ski lifts. Another interesting place which should not be missed is Kothi located at the foot of the Rohtang Pass and used as a camping site when the pass was crossed on foot. It offers very scenic views of the lofty mountains. Nearby the river Beas rushes through a deep chasm. Four miles from Kothi is the splendid Rahalla Falls. Manali is the gateway to Lahaul and Spiti valleys over the Rohtang pass which is open for just four months in the year from June to October when the snow melts. It is not always easy to reach the sources of rivers, but Beas Kund, the source of the river Beas is accessible from Rohtang Pass. The great sage Vyas is believed to have meditated here. Manali has a large Tibetan settlement and many new gompas with brightly colored frescos have come up and the prayer wheels and prayer flags fluttering over the houses add color and gaiety to the landscape. Gadhan Thekchokling Gompa built by Tibetan refugees in the 1960s has a statue of Sakyamuni.
The Naggar Fort made of stones, rocks and elaborately carved wood is a good example of the architecture of Himachal Pradesh. The Fort which has now been converted to a hotel stands in Naggar, the erstwhile capital of the Rajahs of Kullu. The Mountaineering Institute situated in Manali offers basic and advanced training courses in trekking, mountaineering, and skiing and water sports. Adventure sports enthusiasts can indulge in a wide variety of activities like skiing, heli-skiing, paragliding, hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking and mountain biking. Yak skiing is another sport that is gaining popularity. The Kullu valley has some excellent places for trout fishing. It is no wonder that Manali attracts tourists from India and abroad through out the year.
The Hadimba or Doongri Temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, the wife of Bhim of the Mahabharata is easily an important landmark. The four tiered pagoda shaped roof and the door way carved with legendary figures make it distinctive. This temple, built in 1533 is situated in a wooded forest called the Doongri Van Vihar. Near the Hadimba temple stands the Museum of Traditional Himachal Culture showcasing the exquisite artifacts of the folk art of the Kullu valley. The Manu Temple, dedicated to the ancient Hindu law giver Manu Rishi is the only temple in India in his name. 3 km from Manali is Vashist, a small village on the left bank of the river Beas, famous for its hot water springs and the temples dedicated to Vashist Muni and Lord Rama. Near Rohtang Pass, enroute to Kothi, is the picturesque Solang valley, with breathtaking views of the snow clad peaks and glaciers. A popular resort in winter, there are very fine ski slopes and ski lifts. Another interesting place which should not be missed is Kothi located at the foot of the Rohtang Pass and used as a camping site when the pass was crossed on foot. It offers very scenic views of the lofty mountains. Nearby the river Beas rushes through a deep chasm. Four miles from Kothi is the splendid Rahalla Falls. Manali is the gateway to Lahaul and Spiti valleys over the Rohtang pass which is open for just four months in the year from June to October when the snow melts. It is not always easy to reach the sources of rivers, but Beas Kund, the source of the river Beas is accessible from Rohtang Pass. The great sage Vyas is believed to have meditated here. Manali has a large Tibetan settlement and many new gompas with brightly colored frescos have come up and the prayer wheels and prayer flags fluttering over the houses add color and gaiety to the landscape. Gadhan Thekchokling Gompa built by Tibetan refugees in the 1960s has a statue of Sakyamuni.
The Naggar Fort made of stones, rocks and elaborately carved wood is a good example of the architecture of Himachal Pradesh. The Fort which has now been converted to a hotel stands in Naggar, the erstwhile capital of the Rajahs of Kullu. The Mountaineering Institute situated in Manali offers basic and advanced training courses in trekking, mountaineering, and skiing and water sports. Adventure sports enthusiasts can indulge in a wide variety of activities like skiing, heli-skiing, paragliding, hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking and mountain biking. Yak skiing is another sport that is gaining popularity. The Kullu valley has some excellent places for trout fishing. It is no wonder that Manali attracts tourists from India and abroad through out the year.
