The Himalayan range has gifted India numerous beautiful places. Manali is one of them. It is a small town of Himachal Pradesh in the district of Kullu, located at a high altitude of 2050 m from sea level. It is sitting between the snowy ranges of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal. Manali is a well-known and very important hill station in India. People from everywhere in the country want to visit this place at least once. Manali is most favorable to the young generation. Every youth dreams to have a bike trip with friends to Manali with Leh-Ladakh. Thousands of tourists gather in Manali to spend their holidays. A huge number of foreign tourists also come here to enjoy the beauty of this place. Its cool climate provides a perfect heavenly atmosphere for the people of this region and for those who come to spend their holiday here.
Besides visiting places, Manali offers some daring adventurous sports like paragliding, kayaking, skiing, river rafting, mountain biking, trekking, etc. Adventurers from the country and from abroad come all over the year to taste the adventures.
It is said in the myth that the great saint Manu came out to create human life. The name ‘Manali’ came from ‘Manu alaya’, which means home of Manu. Kullu valley near the Manali is known as the ‘Valley of gods’ for this reason. There is a temple near Manali, dedicated to Manu.
Later British came here and started to cultivate apples. Since then the apple cultivation got started in Manali. With apple, pear and palm also cultivated here.
How to reach-
Jogindranagar railway station is the nearest railway station to Manali, which is about 140 km from Manali. Chandigarh railway station is an important railway station near Manali. (About 320km)
Bhuntar airport is the only airport in Manali which is 50 km away from the main town. The airport is connected with major airports like Delhi and Chandigarh.
The roadway is connected with Delhi, Chandigarh, Punjab, Shimla etc. big cities. Govt. and private buses are also available.
Things to visit in Manali-
Hidimba Devi temple
This temple is dedicated to the wife of one of the Pandavas, Bhim. Local people call it Dhungiri temple. This temple was built in a forest. It is said that the temple is about 500 years old and was built by King Bahadur Singh. These temple walls are made with stones and mud and the doors are made from wood and the roof has a pyramidal shape.
Rohtang pass
Rohtang pass is a must-visit place for the tourists of Manali. You can reach there only by road. The Rohtang pass is 51 km away from Manali. Situating on 13000 ft. high from sea level, this place creates a magical view. Over 20 lakh people visit Rohtang pass every year including 1 to 1.5 lakhs foreigners. Many popular Bollywood movies were shot here to describe a foreign location. Some enthusiastic people also go to the famous Beas Kund, the source of the Beas River. Camping under the starry night in this area is another fun that is very difficult to describe in words.
Solang valley
Solang valley is another must-visit place for the tourists of Manali. Located on the way from Manali to Rohtang, the valley welcomes a vast number of tourists every year. Solang valley has another name and it is ‘snow valley’. This ‘snow valley’ is lied at an elevation of 2560 meters. and it becomes a mecca for skiing in winter. Besides skiing to adventure seekers paragliding (in summer), ride on horseback in the Solang Valley is also fun.
Great Himalayan National Park
This national park is situated at Kullu. This huge park is home to various wild animals. Snow leopard, bharal, brown bear, goral, Himalayan tahr, etc. It got the tag of a national park in the year 1999. Over 380 species of animals, 31 species of mammals, and 181 species of birds are found. A park is a great place away from the fast life of the city. This is a must-see for all nature lovers.
It is needed to know that, one needs to make permission to visit the Great Himalayan National Park.
Manu temple
This temple is dedicated to the saint Manu, who was sent to create human life (according to a tale). This temple is situated on the Beas river valley in old Manali. Travelers usually come here for peace and feel the spirituality. It has been a tourist attraction for many years. To get entry into this temple one has to dress properly.
Manali sanctuary
The sanctuary is within walking distance of Manali’s main city. Manali trip is nothing if one misses this sanctuary. In addition, to see a variety of reptiles, birds, animals, and mammals, Manali Sanctuary has many options that will captivate adventurous and fun-loving souls. Trekking and camping are some of them. Rare, moribund species like – Himalayan Black Bear, Kashmir Flying Squirrel, Himalayan Palm Civet, Himalayan Yellow-necked Marten, Barking Deer, Flying Fox, etc. are preserved here. Keeping aside the wildlife, the sanctuary presents a mesmerizing natural beauty.
Trek in Beas Kund
Beas Kund trekking trail is another acceptable trail in Manali. Admire the outstanding view of the Pir Panjal Mountains over the Beas River. This is the first point for several tracks in Himachal. To reach here you have to go down to the Solang valley, then you reach Dhundi. In Dhundi you have to spend the night intent. From the next, your journey to trek will start.
Bhrigu Lake
Bhrigu Lake has occupied its place in Kullu, which is 40 km away from Manali. The lake was named after Maharshi Bhrigu. A special feature of this lake is that the lake never gets frosted. In front of the lake is an outstanding location to camp at night.
So, these were the most important places in Manali.
Time to visit
Though Manali is a place, where one can spend time any time of the year. But if you want to see snowfall, willing to skiing and visit wildlife, then it is better to visit in winter, in summer months you will see the blooming unknown flowers in valleys, you can enjoy paragliding, hiking, and trekking adventures.
