Manali
Manali is a picturesque hill station and snow covered mountain, located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India, at an high altitude of 2050 m (approximately) above the sea level. The name "Manali" is derived from "Manu-Alaya", mean "The abode of Manu".
The Manali is surrounded by the snow capped mountain, lush green valleys, alpine forests and flowing Beas river, gracefully through town enhancing the scenic charm of Manali. It is known for its pleasant climate, natural beauty, vibrant culture and adventure activities like trekking, paragliding, skiing, snowboarding, zorbing, ziplining and ATV riding.
Manali is broadly divided into two parts, one is old Manali and another is new Manali. The old Manali is known for its traditional charm, narrow lanes, wooden houses and apple orchards. Due to this, its became most popular among backpackers and tourists. New Manali is the commercial centre of the town, which features hotels, restaurants, hospital and market.
Temperature of Manali
The Temperature of the Manali is change with the season because of High Altitude.
In Summer (March to June)
- Temperature around : ( 10°C to 25°C )
- Best time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
In Monsoon (July to September)
- Temperature around : ( 10°C to 20°C )
- Very Risky time because of landslides due to heavy rain.
In Winter (December to February)
- Temperature around : ( -5°C to 10°C )
- Best time for snow activity.
How to Reach Manali
Nearest Airport
- Bhuntar Airport (IATA: KUU) : About 50 km from Manali
Nearest Railway Station
- Joginder Nagar Railway Station (JDNX) : About 160 km from Manali
Places to Visit in Manali
Solang Valley
Solang Valley, is one of the most popular and scenic tourist destination in Manali, nestled between Beas kund and Solang villages about 12 km from Manali.
In Summer Month, Solang Valley offers adventure activities such like paragliding, zorbing, horse riding, ATV rides and Cable Car ropeway that provide breath taking view of the surrounding mountains.
In Winter Month, Solang Valley transforms into snowy wonderland and becomes a major centre for snow based activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and zorbing on snow.
Apart from adventure, Solang Valley is known for its peaceful environment and stunning landscape. The open grasslands in summer bloom with wildflowers, while pine and deodar trees which add charm to the Valley. This scenic beauty makes it favorite spot for photography and nature walkers.
Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass is a high mountain popular pass that connect Kullu Valley with Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. It is located about 51 km from Manali, the area is surrounded by the dramatic peaks, glaciers and snowfields.
For centuries, Rohtang Pass was an important trade route for local people who transported goods such as barley, wool and salt between Kullu Valley and Lahaul and Spiti. Rohtang Pass reflecting the harsh and treacherous conditions that once claimed many travelers attempting to cross the pass.
Rohtang Pass offer the adventure activities like snow scooter rides, skiing, sledging and photography.
Hadimba Devi Temple
Hadimba Devi Temple, also known as Hidimba Temple or Dhungari Temple, it is one of the most reversed and iconic landmark of Manali, dedicate to Goddess Hadimba, the wife of Bhima (In Mahabharata).
The Hadimba Devi Temple was built in 1553 by Maharaja Singh of Kullu. The temple consist of sacred rock inside the sanctum is worshipped as the manifestation of the goddess.
The Architecture of the temple is in Pagoda style, which featuring a tall conical roof made of wood, intricate carvings and beautiful crafted doors that shows the mythological figures and symbols.
Old Manali
Old Manali is a charming and culturally rich part of Manali, located about 2 km from New Manali. It offers a peaceful and laid back atmosphere that contracts sharply with the crowded markets and busy streets of the main town. Old Manali is well known for its scenic beauty, traditional lifestyle and relaxation vibe.
Historically, Old Manali was served as a key stop for ancient trade routes that connecting Kullu Valley with Lahaul, Spiti and Central Asia. Now, Old Manali has known much of its old world charm which were reflected in its wooden houses, narrow lanes and terraced fields.
Manu Temple
Manu Temple is dedicate to Sage Manu, who is the first king and establishing order, morality and social codes. It is located about 3 km from the Manali, temple consists of idol of Sage Manu in a meditative posture which symbolizing wisdom, discipline and harmony with Nature.
Devotees from all over the world come to seek blessings for knowledge, peace and righteous living. The Surrounding area of the Manu temple is calm, which make it perfect place for meditation and relaxation.
Beas River
Beas River is an integral part of Manali natural landscape, flowing form Beas Kund, near the Rohtang Pass and enhancing the scenic beauty of Manali. Beas river is the lifeline of Manali and Kullu Valley, it is surrounded by the snow-covered mountain, dense forest and green valleys of Manali.
Beas River plays a vital role in sustaining local life because its water is used for irrigation, cultivation crops like apples, vegetables and grains. The river water is used for hydroelectric power generation in that region.
The riverbanks offers breath-taking vies and peaceful spots for walking, photography, relaxation and adventure activities like river rafting, angling and river side camping.
Jogini Waterfall
Jogini Waterfall, one of the most beautiful and serene natural place in Manali, it is surrounded by the lush green forests, snow-capped mountain and peaceful Himalayan landscape. It is flowing down from 150 feet (approximately) from a height.
Jogini Waterfall is named from Goddess Jogini, who is belivied to be a local deity of region, who is protecting the village of Manali and At the base of waterfall, there is small shrine of goddess, where the locals and devotees offer prayers.
Naggar Castle
Naggar Castle is a historical fort, located about 20 km from Manali in the village of Naggar. It offers breath-taking views of Beas river and the surrounding snow-capped Himalayan ranges. It stands as a remarkable symbol of rich cultural heritage and architectural ingenuity.
The Castle was constructed by Raja Sidh Singh, the ruler of Kullu who made Naggar his capital and for several centuries, it served as the administrative and residential centre of the Kullu kingdom until the capital was shifted to Sultanpur.
Naggar Castle is an excellent example of the Kath-Kuni style, a unique method that combines wooden beams and stone masonry without using of cement. The type of technique not only enhances durability but also provides flexibility during seismic activity.
Vashisht Hot water Spring
The Vashisht Hot water Spring is a famous natural hot spring place located in Vashisht village, about 3 km from Manali. It is surrounded by pine forests and snow clad mountains, these spring are renowned for their therapeutic properties as well as their religious significance.
The Hot water springs are associated with Sage Vashisht, one of the seven great sages (Saptarishis). It is believed that the sage meditated in this area and performed penance.
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