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Manali the pride of Himachal Pradesh, a tourist destination in winter as well as in summer. It is situated in mid Himalayas , lacs of tourists visit Manali from India & abroad. Manali is extremely popular for its lavish display of natural scenic beauty. To its North, South &West there are pinnacles and ridges which, in fine weather, stand out in bold relief against skyline. At the lower elevation and in every direction there are green grass lands, evergreen valleys and fields ascending in irregular formation which present the best view in the country.
Manali is situated at an altitude of 1926
metres from mean sea level having area 12.5 square km. The original name of this area was "Dana" later it was named "Duff-Dunbar"
According to legend 'Manu' the great Hindu Lawgiver first stepped on the earth from the celestial boat at a place in this land after the great deluge, the particular place where 'Manu ' established his abode known as "Manu-Alaya" the home of Manu is present Manali the changed name of "Manu -Alaya".A temple dedicated to Manu still exists in Manali village. It is believed that the human race came into being after the great deluge.
Transport Facilities :-The Indian Airlines kingfisher & other airlines operate flights on the Delhi -Chandigarh-Kullu and Delhi-Shimla -Kullu sectors to the nearest airport at Bhunter which is 50 km from Manali. The convenient railway facilities to Manali is:- broad gauge upto Chandigarh, Una and Pathankot and narrow gauge is Kalka -Shimla and Jogindernagar. Manali is well connected with direct bus services from all cities of Himachal, Punjab, Haryana and Utter Pradesh.
Snow capped Mountains of Manali
Distances:-The distances from Manali to Mandi is 110 km, Kullu 40km, Shimla 280 km, Chandigarh 312 Km, Delhi 583 km, Pathankot 326 km, Dharmshala 253 km, Udaipur (in Lahaul-Spiti), 109 Km, Keylong 70 km and Kaza 183km the Atal Tunnel has reduced the distances from kaza, keylong and Udaipur.
Panoramic view of Manali under snow
IMPORTANT PLACES FOR VISIT :-
Hidimba Devi Temple (हिडिंबा देवी मन्दिर) it is, 1.5 km from Manali built in 1553 A. D also known as "Doongri Temple" dedicated to the Goddess Hidimba the wife of Bheema , the great Gadadhar of Mahabhart. The temple is constructed in Pagoda art having beautiful carving. It is built by Raja Bahadur Singh of Kullu
Hadimba Devi Temple Manali
Vashisht :- (वशिष्ट्) This place is having hot water springs and famous for temples of Lord Rama &Maharishi Vashisht. It is located on the bank of river Beas well above the river. It is at a distance of, 3 Km from Manali.
Jagatsukh :- (जगत् सुख) It was the ancient capital of Kullu for about ten generations, the original name of this place was "Nast" . Jagatsukh has a famous Lord Shiva temple constructed in Shikhara art. Here the famous old temple of "Gayatri Devi" and "Devi Sharvali " are also visited by tourists. Jagatsukh is 6 Km from Manali.
Nehru Kund :-(नेहरू कुंड) It is 6 Km from Manali , a natural spring of clean cold water , named on the name of first Prime Minister of India late pt. Jawhar Lal Nehru, who used to drink water from this spring during his stay in Manali. It is located on Manali Keylong road originating from Bhrigu lake.
Kothi :- (कोठी) Very beautiful, quite & calm place, 12 Km from Manali famous for movie picturisation scenes and resting resort for poets, writers and nature lovers. The rest house here overlooks the narrow valley and having commanding views of the mountains.
Arjun Gufa :- (अर्जुन गुफा) It is a legendary cave village "Prini" on the left bank where Arjuna practised austerities to get the powerful astra "Pashupati astra " tourists used to visit this cave.
Tibetan Monastery :- It has a colourful Buddhist temple. This Monastery is famous for its carpet weaving and Tibetan handicrafts It is just 300 metres from Manali bus stand.
Marhi :- (मढी) It is barren landscape having extensive views of the mountains and valley , 39 Km from Manali. Marhi a mountain plateau is surrounded by green meadows strewn with myriad wild flowers. Fifteen kms short of 13050 feet high Rohtang pass on Manali-Leh road lies one of the most picturreque spot in this reigon. Before the early seventies, Marhi was a halting place for shepherds and tradesmen, who would rest a while before taking on the steep ascent to Rohtang Pass. The pass turns very windy in the after noons and can be treacherous during winter, the local people call this fiery wind the " Biana" in harsh winters always took their toll and thus this place was named Marhi means graveyard. Now Marhi is attracting the tourists and the tourists who visit Manali stop over at Marhi for the magnificent views in the daytime.
Rohla Falls :- It is 15 Km from Manali, very charming picnic spot. Here river Beas hurtles down from a height of nearly 50 metres.
Solang Valley :- It is a very beautiful valley between Manali and Kothi 13 Km from Manali. It offers beautiful view of the glaciers and snow covered mountains. The plateau is used for camps by trekking Parties.
Mountaineering Institute :- This Institute was established in 1961A.D. it imparts training in basic and advance courses of mountaineering, adventure sports, rock climbing, skiing and trekking etc.
Rohtang Pass :- It is situated at an altidude of 3978 metres from mean sea level at distance of 51Km from Manali on the highway to Keylong. Here we can see a range of precipitous cliffs, huge glaciers, piled moraine and deep ravines. To the opposite is Sonepani glacier, slightly to the left peaks of the Geyphang snow covered. The Beas river rises near the crest of Rohtang from a block of Mica-Schist.To its left, , 200 metres higher, is the "Sarkund" a little lake, large number of people used to visit this place every year. The Pass remains open from June to October.
Beautiful View at Manali
So Manali is a very beautiful place also called "Goa of North"as beautiful as Kashmir.
" The According to The Puranas "
"He who goes to the hills, goes to his mother, the loving, nourishing bounteous mother. "
I love Himachal Pradesh.
Er. R C Verma
