Manali, located at an altitude of 2050 m, is situated along the banks of the Beas, close to the Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley. It is the main holiday destination in the entire valley. The raw magnificence of Manali's natural beauty has to be seen, and experienced, to be believed. Proud, snowclad mountains, dense forests, emerald valleys, exotic flowers, gurgling streams meandering through meadows, it is sheer magic.

What to See

Hadimba Temple: This temple, with a finely wrought four - tiered pagoda roof, dating back to 1553, is built around a natural cave, which enshrines the footprints of the goddess Hadimba. Hadimba was the wife of Bhima, one of the five great Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata, and later became the patron goddess of the Kulu royal family.

Manu Temple: Just near the Hadimba temple flows the Manalsu River, that culminates in the main Beas river. Across the Manalsu river is the original village of Manali, that houses the ancient temple of the sage Manu. Manali itself is named after Manu, who is said to have dwelt here.

Monasteries: Manali also houses three Tibetan monasteries, that have been built recently.

Arjun Gufa: Five kms from Manali near the village of Prini is the Arjun Gufa, Arjuna's cave. Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, is believed to have performed his penance here.

Vashisht: Three kms from Manali is the village of Vashisht, which is renowned for its hot sulphur springs. The village is also the site of some old temples, dedicated to the great sage Vashisht, and to Lord Rama. The Himachal Tourism sulphur baths are just beyond these shrines.

Jagatsukh: The erstwhile capital of Kulu, Jagatsukh houses temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri.

Solang Valley: Around 14 kms from Manali, is the Solang valley, that boasts of the glacier nearest to the resort. Replete with terrific picnic - spots, the amazing ski slopes here are full of hectic activity, come January - February.

Towards the Rohtang Pass: Six kms from Manali, on the way to Keylong, is the Nehru Kund, a beautiful spring named after the late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, former Prime Minister of India. 12 kms from the resort is Kothi, an idyllic village, which boasts of a superb view of the deep gorge, and the Beas river rushing through it. Sixteen kms from Manali, at an altitude of 2500 m are the magnificent Rahalla Falls, beyond which is the Rohtang Pass, 51 kms from Manali. Located at a height of 3980 m, the Pass once served as a crucial trade route, and still remains the gateway to the districts of Lahaul and Spiti.The Pass is open from June to November each year, and provides wonderful views of the entire surroundings. Just beyond the Pass is the Sonapani Glacier and the twin peak of Gaypan. The Beas Kund, the source of the Beas river, a holy site for Hindus, as the sage Vyas is said to have meditated at this spot, is also accessible from the Rohtang Pass.

Adventure and Fishing: The Mountaineering Institute in Manali organises skiing, rock climbing and mountaineering courses. The common trek routes lead out from Manali to Leh, Bhrigu Lake, Chandratal, and Spiti. For fishing enthusiasts, Katrain, Raison, Kasol, Larji, and Nagar are some of the ideal places for trout.

How to Get There

By air: The nearest airport is at Bhuntar (50 km).

By rail: The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar (135 km). The nearest broad gauge raiheads are at Chandigarh (310 km), and Ambala (355 km).

By road: The distance from Delhi via Mandi is 585 km, and from Simla the distance is 270 km. From Simla, Chandigarh and Delhi, luxury buses run by Himachal Tourism regularly ply to Manali.

Where to Stay

The Log Huts and Hamta Cottages run by Himachal Tourism, about 2 km from Manali, are just perfect for a comfortable stay.

Address: Log Huts, Manali, Himachal Pradesh - 175131. Tel: ( 01901 )2407

For those who crave for a hint of solitude, the Hadimba cottages are ideal.

Address: Hadimba Cottages, Manali, Himachal Pradesh - 175131. Tel: ( 01901 )2334

The Himachal Tourism - run deluxe Hotel Kunzam is placed right at the centre of the town, and comes furnished with all facilities.

Address: Hotel Kunzam, Manali, Himachal Pradesh - 175131. Tel: (01901) 3197

A bit away from the town, yet quite accessible, is Himachal Tourism's Hotel Rohtang Manalsu. It offers a splendid view of Vashisht.

Address: Hotel Rohtang Manalsu, Manali, Himachal Pradesh - 175131. Tel: (01901) 2332

By the banks of Beas, is the economical Himachal Tourism run Hotel Beas, its main attraction being, that most of its rooms come with a wonderful view of the Beas down below.

Address: Hotel Beas, Manali, Himachal Pradesh - 175131. Tel: (01901) 2360

The Club House and the hot water baths at Vashisht are the other great facilities offered by Himachal Tourism.

Contact

Himachal Tourism Information Centre