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Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali situated in the north Indian hill state of Himachal Pradesh. Situated at the Northern end of the Kullu valley with its spectacular views of the snowcapped peaks and wooded slopes, the Beas rushing along its rocky course amid grassy wild flowered meadows, is ideal for honeymooners and adventure sport lovers. As the earth slowly dried, here across a place of breath taking natural beauty which was only appropriate for it was at Manali that life began again. Today this legendary cradle of all human kind is a prime holiday destination. There are high mountain surrounded by silent snows and deep boulder strew gorges. There are thick forest full of cool breezes and bird songs. There are fields of wild flowers small picturesque and fruit laden orchards.

Sightseeing in Manali

Vashisht Ashram

It's a lovely little village, about 4 km by road up the hillside from the Mall. There are several decaying temples in the village dedicated to the sage Vashisht Muni and the Lord Rama.

Jagatsukh

Situated about 6 km from Manali, it was originally known as Nast, which was capital of Kullu for 10 generations. Famous for a Shiva temple in shikhara style.

Around Manali

Hadimba Temple
Hadimba or Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the region. This four-story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar. Winding paths through forests and glades of whispering Deodars form the setting for the majestic wooden temple of Hidimba Devi in Manali. The motorable road is shaded by Chestnuts, Chinars and tall deciduous Deodars. This forested backdrop enthral one’s spirit and refresh one’s mind all along the uphill path.

Arjun Gufa
Just the 5 Km. On the left bank of the Beas, 5-km from Manali near the village of Prini, is the 'Arjun Gufa' or the cave of Arjuna. In here Arjuna practised austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.

Beas Kund
Further ahead is the Beas Kund. The tiny roundish igloo like stone hut shelters the Beas Kund, the very source of the holy river Beas. Water flows at the source of the river likfe a spring, so clear and icy cold that it almost numbs the fingers. All around is the rocky terrain with very little vegetation. A few mules graze around while all and sundry try to brave the wind on a clear sunny day.

Rohtang Pass
Situated about 50-km from Manali town, at an altitude of 4,111m on the highway to Keylong, is the Rohtang Pass. There is a beautiful Dasohar Lake left of the Pass. The Pass, which provides the only access to the Lahaul Valley, is open from June to November each year. Snowfall is, however, unpredictable and blizzards can close the Pass even during this period. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendor. A few km away from the pass is the Sonapani glacier and, slightly to the left are the twin peaks of Gaypan-jagged pyramid of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.

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