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-storey
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.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.
Vashisht Hot Sulphur Springs
This
small village near Manali is famous for its scenic
beauty. The village has a temple dedicated to Lord
Rama and Vashisht 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.