Situated in the central parts of the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is at the head of the Kullu valley. In Manali, one can find high mountains shrouded by silent snows and deep boulder strewn gorges. There are thick forests, filled with cool breezes and bird song. There are fields of wild flowers, small picturesque hamlets and fruit-laden orchards, especially apples. Manali is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking.
There are a good number of tourist attractions in Manali to keep you engrossed for three or four days, if sheer beauty of the apple orchards against the backdrop of the soaring snow-laden mountains have not satiated your hunger.
Mythology has major role to play in forming the tourist attractions in Manali.
HADIMBA TEMPLE
Manali has many attractions but the chief centre of interest, historically and archeologically, is undoubtedly the DHOONGRI TEMPLE dedicated to goddess Hadimba or Hadimba Devi. It has four-tiered Pagoda shaped roof and the doorway is carved with legendary figures and symbols. Hadimba Devi Temple in Manali is located amidst wooden forest of deodar is about 2.5 kms. from the Manali Tourist Office. It is a pleasant experience to stroll in the Hadimba Devi Temple complex which was built in 1533 A.D. A large festival is held here in May every year.
MANU TEMPLE
3 kms. from the Main Bazar in Old Manali, lies the Temple of MANU RISHI. It is believed that this is the only temple of Manu Rishi in India, and Manu Rishi was the creator of human race on the earth.
JAGATSUKH
Situated on the left bank, Jagatsukh is famous for it's Shiva temple in Shikhara style.
Shooru village, nearby, has the old and historically interesting Sharvali Devi temple. Jagatsukh was formerly the capital of Kullu state.
TIBETAN MONASTERIES
There are 3 newly constructed colorful Monasteries in Manali. The Tibetans living around these Monasteries in Manali offer a vide range of Tibetan Handicrafts and Carpets to the visitors to buy. Two of these Monasteries are located in the main down-town of Manali and one Monastery in Aleo. Aleo is located on the Left Bank of River Beas in Manali.
VASHIST HOT WATER SPRINGS AND TEMPLE (3 kms)
Vashist, a small village located on the Left Bank of River Beas in Manali towards Rohtang pass is worth a visit. Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple is renowned for it's Hot Water Springs and Temples. Nearby is the Pyramidal Stone Temple dedicated to Vashist Muni. There is another Temple of Lord Ram as well. Natural Hot Sulphur Water Springs with two separate bathing tanks for Gents and Ladies, which are always full of tourists. Turkish Style Showers fitted baths have also been built nearby. Hot water from the nearby Spring is provided for bathing.
CLUB HOUSE
Club House in Manali is 2 kms. walking distance from down town, Club House has indoor games facilities and Club House is located on the Left Bank of Manalsu Nallah which further flows down to River Beas. Club House and it's surroundings have been developed into beautiful PICNIC spots.
MOUNTAINEERING INSTITUTE
Mountaineering Institute in Manali is located 3 kms. from down-town on the Left Bank of River Beas. Mountaineering Institute in Manali organizes basic & advance training courses in, trekking, mountaineering, skiing and water sports. Skiing and trekking equipments can be hired from Mountaineering Institute by booking in advance. Tourists can visit an interesting showroom of Mountaineering Institute.
SOLANG VALLEY
Solang Valley in Manali is located at a distance of 13 kms. is a splendid valley between Solang village and Beas Kund. Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. Solang Valley has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute of Manali has installed a ski lift for training purpose. Located here is a hut and guest house of the Mountaineering and Allied sports Institute, Manali. Now a few hotels have also come up. The winter skiing festival is organised in Solang Valley. Training in skiing is imparted at this place. |
