Located at an altitude of 2050 m, Manali is situated along the banks of the Beas, close to the Rohtang Pass and Solan Valley. Legend has it that Manu stepped off a boat in in Manali, to recreate human life after floods had destroyed the world. Manali means 'home of Manu'. One of the most popular places for honeymooners, Manali is the main holiday spot in the entire valley. The lovely countryside of forests and orchards, the proud, snow clad mountains, dense forests, lush valleys, exotic flowers and gurgling streams flowing through meadows turn this place into sheer magic. The beauty of Manali is seen to be believed.

Prime Attractions of Manali

» 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. Legend has it that Bhima, one of the five great Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata killed the evil Hadim and married his sister. She later became the patron goddess of the Kulu royal family.

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

» Manu Temple
Just near the Hadimba temple flows the Manalsu River, that joins 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.

» Vashisht
Three kms from Manali is the village of Vashisht, which is famous 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.

» 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.

» 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.

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.

Visitors can visit this pass from June to November each year. It 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

Manali is a good place to go skiing, rock climbing or mountaineering. The Mountaineering Institute in Manali organises course on these sporting activities. The common trek routes lead out from Manali to Leh, Bhrigu Lake, Chandratal, and Spiti. Katrain, Raison, Kasol, Larji, and Nagar are paradise for anglers as they are ideal places for trout fishing.

Shopping in Manali

The Mall in Manali offers many interesting items to be purchased, from cloths to decorative pieces and gift items. Woollen goods are the town's real forte, particularly the brilliantly patterned shawls for which it is known for. The NSC or 'New Shopping Centre' Market near the bus stand sells a good selection. Another reliable emporium is the government - sponsored Bhutico, which has an outlet on the Mall, just opposite the tourist office.

Around the bazaar there are innumerable stalls stacked with hand-woven goods and pillbox Kullu Topis. Manali's other specialty is Himalayan handicrafts, mainly assorted Tibetan curios such as prayer wheels, amulets, dorjees or thunderbolts, masks, musical instruments, jewellery and thangkas.

Places to Stay in Manali

Check out the Manali Hotels & Resorts Guide, offering a list of options to get online Hotel bookings and instant hotel reservations before planning your trip to Manali.

How to get there

» Air
The nearest airport is at Bhuntar (50 km).

» 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).

» 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.