Manali
presents some excellent and well-equipped
accommodation choices for the tourists. In the
past decade Manali has turned out to be one of
the best hill resort destination of India,
particularly in those resorts, which cater
Indian domestic tourists and honeymoon
couples. But the ideal places to stay are the
small guesthouses, providing a tranquil
atmosphere of the Himalayas for those who are
looking for solitute.
Manali
literally means the 'Home of Manu'. Manu is
the mythological character who is supposed to
have survived when the world was drowned in
Flood. He then came to Manali and recreated
human life. Thus, the area of Manali is sacred
and Hindus treat the temples over here as
pilgrimage.
PRIME
ATTRACTION IN MANALI
TEMPLES
IN 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.
Temple
Of Manu: Slippery
stones paths lead through the old village
houses up to the temple of Manu. Manali is
named after the sage Manu who meditated when
he came in this area.
Tibetan
Temple: Tibetans
have a base in Manali too. There is a large
modern Tibetan temple to the South of the bus
stand and also a small handicrafts centre.
Arjun
Gufa: 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.
MONASTERIES
IN MANALI
Gadhan
Thekchoking Gompa: This
Gompa dominates the Tibetan area around the
bottom of the Mall in Manali. The Tibetan
refugees built the Gompa in the late 1960's.
The Gompa is covered with brightly coloured
frescoes and a mid size Buddhist statute. It
also carries a list of the martyrs killed in
occupation of Tibet of 1987 to 1989.
MANALI
EXCURSIONS
ROHTANG
PASS TREKKING
Rohtang
Pass: Rohtang Pass is the highest point,
4,112m, on the Manali-Keylong road, 51-km from
Manali town. It provides a wide panoramic view
of mountains rising far above clouds, which is
a sight truly breath-taking.
Vashisth
Hot Sulphur Springs
This
small village near Manali is famous for its
scenic beauty. The village has a temple
dedicated to Lord Rama and Vashisth Muni.
HOW
TO GO TO MANALI
Manali - The
nearest airport is Bhuntar, 52 km south of
Manali. There are flights to Delhi via Shimla.
The closest narrow-gauge railhead is at
Jogindernagar, 135 km away. The closest
broad-gauge railheads are Chandigarh (310 km)
and Ambala (355 km). By road, the distance
from Delhi via Mandi is 585 km, and from
Shimla the distance is 270 km