One day, Vaivasvata, tha seventh incarnation of Manu found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look after it with devotion for one day it would do him a great service. Vaivasvatatava cared for the fish till the day it grew so huge that he released it into the sea before departing, the fish warned Manu of an Impending deluge when the entire world would be submerged and bade him to build a sea-worthy ark. When the flood came. Vaivasvata and the Seven Sages were towed to safety by Matsya the fish-which is regarded as the first avatara of Lord Vishnu. As the waters subsided the seventh Manu's ark came to rest on a hillside and the place was named Manali (2050 m) after him. As the earth slowly dried. Here arose a place of breath taking natural beauty - which was only appropriate, for it was at Manali that life began again. And today this legendary cradle of all human kind is a prime holiday destination. There are high mountains surrounded by silent snows and deep boulder strewn gorges. There are thick forest full of cool breezes and bird song. There are fields of wild flowers, smell picturesque hamlets and fruit laden orchards.
Places to Visit
Hadimba Devi Temple
Built in 1553 and with a superbly crafted four tiered pagoda roof. It is famous for its exquisitely carved doorway.
Manu Temple
This is dedicated to the sage Manu.
Vashishth (3km)
Well known for its hot springs. There are old temples dedicated to the sage Vashishth and to Lord Rama. These are just beyond the Himachal tourism baths.
Monasteries
There are three recently built Tibetan monasteries at Manali.
Jagatsukh (6km)
The one time capital of Kullu. Here are old temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and to Sandhya Gayatri. The Arjun caves are just ahead.
Solang Valley (l4km)
In a picturesque setting, this has good ski slopes end picnic spots. It has the glacier closest to Manali.
Towards the Rohtang Paas
On the road to keylong is the Nehru kund (6 km) which is a clear water spring end scenic spot named after the late Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. Kothi (12 km) is a picturesque village and has a thrilling view of the deep gorge through which the Beas swiftly races. The beautiful Rahalla falls (16 km) are at an altitude of 2500 m. A crucial link on the old trade route and still the gateway to trans Himalayan Lahaul, the Rohtang Pass is at the height of 3980m.
Keylong
Lying about 120 km from Manali, Keylong is the headquarters of Lahaul and spiti district Monasteries of Kardung and Shashus are important attractions.
Kothi
A place with charming natural beauty, just 10-12 km from Manali.
Triloknath
Located in the Pattan Valley, its an important pilgrimage centre. Noted for its temple dedicated to six armed statue of Avalokiteshwara Bodhisattva.
Udaypur
An important pilgrimage place in the Pattan Valley.
Club House
The club House with its comprehensive facilities that includes roller skating ring, an auditorium, a billiards room, a library, a bar and a restaurants, makes a wonderful outing for the day.
Vashisth Baths
One of Manali's main attractions, is a place to luxuriate in Himachal Tourism's baths where the water of hot sulphur springs renowned for their medicinal qualities has been piped into baths.
Food
Chopsticks : For Chinese, Tibetan and Japanese food.
Gozy Restaurant : For reasonably priced Punjab and Gujarati food located at the southern end of the Mall.
Juniper Restaurant : Good Food, for a bit higher prices. Run by HPDC.
Mahadev Food Corner : For cheap Indian food
Moc Restaurant : Cheaper Chinese, Tibetan and Japanese food. Located near Sukhiran Guest House.
Mona Lisa : Indian and western food at reasonable prices. Located near bus stand.
Mount View Restaurant : A cosy place offering good Chinese, Tibetan Japanese delicacies.
Mayur Restaurant : For vegetarian food. Located near the Mall.
Sher-i-Punjab : Indian food and pizzas. Located on the Mall.
Swamiji's Madras Cafe : A large thali may cost around Rs 40 - RS 45
Dhabas Himalaya : For Indian food
Kamal : For Indian food
CAFES
Jhonson's : For pasta, pizza, deserts and cold beer.
Phuntsok Coffee House : A range of cakes and pies is served here. It's a Tibetan-run place.
Ish : A popular place, located in Old Manali area.
Little Tibet : Cheap Tibetan food is served here.
Mount View : A good seduded place. Located in Old Manali area.
Tibet Kitchen : Popular for its Tibetan noodles and western food. Located in old Manali area.
Shopping
Charitrust Tibetan Handicrafts Emporium (Mall) and Kullu - Kashmir Handicraft Cooperation (Bus Stand) offer local clothes (viz. Pashmina shawl) and souvenirs. Traditional Afghan, Kullu and Kinnawri hats are quite cheap. Go for bargain!
For thangkas and a variety of silver and jewellery, you can go either to the Tibetan Market or the Tibetan and Nepalese shops near the Post Office. Do buy locally made pickles, jams and juices.
Access
Airways
Manali has no airport of its own. The nearest one Bhuntas is around 10 km south of Kullu town and about 50 km from Manali. Flights are available to and from Lucknow, Delhi, Ludhiana and Shimla. Timings and booking details should be checked in advance. Booking could be made through travel agents both at Kullu and Delhi as well as other places.
Roadways
The entire Kullu Valley is connected with various centres both inside and outside the state. Other than HPTDC, a fleet of buses is run by road transport corporations and private operators.
Shimla to Manali (via Mandi)
One has three options for Shimla-Mandi drive.
One which passes through Jalosi Pass. Total distance is about 270 km.
Through Tattapani. Total distance is about 300 km
Via Ghaggas and Sundernagar to Pandoh.
Climate Conditions
In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy wollens are required. Summer temperatures are mild and light woollens/cottons are recommended.
Best time to visit
The climate of Manali is very cold as it is located in the Himalayas and the snow line is not far from the place. The altitude of Manali gives it a climate, which is loved by one and all. The summers are cool and the winters prove to be very harsh. During the winters the snow line comes down and there is snowfall in the region and heavy woollen cloths are required. During the monsoon months due to heavy rainfall there are landslides, which hamper movement. The best time to visit Manali is May and October but one can visit this place during winters too.
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