Manali - Backpackers and Honeymooners Paradise

Manali

Manali:

Manali is a tinsel town in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Situated at an elevation of 2050 m it is revered as paradise for backpackers and honeymooners. It is around 536 km from Delhi. Manali takes its name from the word ‘Manu Alaya’ which literally means Abode of Manu. Legends say that sage Manu stepped out of his ark at this place to recreate human life after the great floods had deluded the world. An ancient temple dedicated to sage Manu still stands tall in old Manali. Located on the banks of Beas River Manali is the gateway to Solang Valley, which is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and skiers. Manali serves as the base camp for mountaineers headed towards the Pir Panjal range. It is also the jump-off point for paragliding and rafting enthusiasts.Trekkers treat it as the starting point for their treks in the Parvati Valley.

Solan Valley / Solang Nullah (2560m):

Solang Valley is one of the most visited destinations near Manali. It is around 13-14 km from Manali. Solang Nullah is an open meadow surrounded by a canopy of Deodar trees. Tourists enjoy sports like paragliding, ballooning, zorbing, quad bike riding, rock climbing during summers and skiing & tube rides during winters. This place is always flooded with tourists.

Rohtang Pass (3978m):

Rohtang pass is around 25 km from Manali and is one of the most visited destinations. It is estimated that around 25 Lakh (2.5 Million) tourists visit this place every year. During winters (after October) Rohtang Pass is completely covered in snow and is in-accessible during this period. Once it is reopened in May it is flooded by tourists and nature enthusiasts. To keep the pristine beauty of the place and to avoid overcrowding government has imposed restrictions on the number of visitors visiting this site. A visitor needs to get Rohtang Pass permit, one can apply for online permit on this Website. Rohtang, literally meaning “pile of dead bodies”, gets its name from the fact that large number of people working in CBRE died here while trying to cross the treacherous pass in bad weather.Famous Bollywood films like “Jab We Met” and “Ye Jawani Hai Diwani” were shot here.

Gulaba:

Gulaba is a picturesque spot on way to Rohtang Pass from Manali. Gulaba gets its name from Raja Gulab Singh of Kashmir who camped here, while leading an invasion to China. It is emerging as a popular tourist attraction in the Manali region. People stop by at this place to enjoy the mesmerizing sights of the snow capped mountains, rich flora and fauna and the Beas River.

Solang Valley / Solang Nullah

Old Manali:

Around 3 km uphill from Manali across the Manalsu River lies the town of Old Manali. Old Manali is covered with apple orchards and is a cleaner, serene and less crowded settlement. Swaying Eucalyptus, curvaceous roads, sweet little eateries, chirping local markets, the gushing river with snowy mountain backdrop is soul nourishing and certainly a visual delight.You can enjoy some delicious continental food at low prices and pamper yourself by shopping knick-knacks from the local markets here. The Sunrise and sunset here is mesmerizing.

Club House Manali:

Located at the foothills of Old Manali, built in British-style is a Club House. It is managed by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) and is a well known entertainment zone. Along the river, Club house offers alluring views of the lush green surroundings where you can enjoy indoor and outdoor games like carom, table tennis ,pool, skating, go-carting , video games, river crossing etc. You can also enjoy some classics in the Library. The Club House also has a Bar and a Restaurant that offers variety of Cuisines and Beverages.     

Old Manali

Manu Temple:

The Ancient Manu Temple is around 3 km from the main bazaar of Old Manali. It is dedicated to Sage Manu who had mediated at this place. This temple is visited by countless devotees. Manali takes its name from the word ‘Manu Alaya’ which literally means Abode of Manu.

According to Legends King Vaivasvata Manu found a small carp fish while washing his hands in a River. The carp fish was actually Lord Vishnu disguised as a fish. The fish requested the King to rescue him. The King brought the fish with him. He put the fish in a pot. The next day the fish became as big as the pot. The King put it in a bigger pot and the fish again grew up in size to outsize the pot. The fish kept increasing size until the King put it back in the river. The fish again grew bigger than the river. The King eventually had to move the fish to the ocean.

It is then Lord Vishnu appeared in his real form and informed the King about the great flood that would drown the world. To save the world the King built a boat, boarded his family, 7 Rishis, the Holy Vedas, few animals, birds and seeds.

With blessings and assistance from the Fish Incarnated Lord Vishnu, King Manu was able to face and survive through the great floods. It is believed that King Manu stepped out of his ark at this place (Manali) and then performed Meditation at the place where the ancient temple was built. King Manu was later known as Sage Manu the savior/creator of Mankind. Manu is also the author of Manu Samhita.

Manu Temple - Manali

Vashishth Temple and Vashishth Baths:

Vashishth Temple is around 6 km from Manali. The temple is dedicated to Sage Vashishth. Rishi Vashishth finds mention in the Rig Vedas and is one of the oldest Vedic Rishis. The temple showcases beautiful wood carvings.

Vashishth Baths also known as Vashishth Springs are hot water sulfur springs, believed to possess medicinal values. It is believed that bathing in these water cures all kinds of skin diseases. Vashishth Baths are housed within the Vashishth Temple complex. The springs are channelized via pipes and end up in a public bath. People take a dip and bathe in these baths. Government has made elaborate arrangements and facilitated with separate bathing areas for men and women. You can take a dip in this bath and revitalize your body and soul.
The area around Vashishth Temple is surrounded with several small shops where you can buy souvenirs and religious merchandise.

Vashishth Temple and Vashishth Baths

Hidimba Devi Temple / Hadimba Devi Temple:

Hidimba/ Hadimba Devi Temple locally known as Dhungiri Temple is an ancient cave temple. It is surrounded by cedar forest. The Temple is built on a huge rock, which is worshiped as an image of the deity. The current structure was built in 1553 by Maharaja Bahadur Singh. The Temple has a conical structure with wooden doorways and walls. The construction style of this Temple is one of its kinds, entirely different from any other Temple.

Legends suggest that demoness Hidimba used to live here with her demon brother Hidimb. She had vowed to marry the person who defeats her brave and fearless brother. During their exile when Pandavas visited Manali, in an effort to save the villagers from the tortures of Hidimb, Bhima, second brother of the Pandavas, killed him. There after Hidimba married Bhima and later gave birth to Ghatotkach.

When Pandavas left Manali Hidimba stayed back and ruled the kingdom. Later when Ghatotkach grew up Hidimba left the throne to him. To shed her demoness identity and to attain status of a Goddess, Hidimba performed Tapasya (a combination of meditation, prayer, and penance). After long Tapasya her prayers were heard and she attained the status of Goddess. In honor of her penance this Temple was built in 1553.

Ghatotkach was a brave warrior who died fighting for Pandavas in the epic battle of Kurukshetra. A shrine dedicated to him is built near the Hidimba temple.

During Navratris Hidimba Devi is worshiped in this Temple. There are long queues of devotees here during Navratris. During Dussera to bless the ceremonial horse Hidimba Devi Deity is taken to Dhalpur maidan. This tradition is referred as ‘Ghor Puja’.

Hidimba Devi Temple / Hadimba Devi Temple

Tibetan Monasteries:

Another facet of Manali is the presence of vibrant and colorful Tibetan Monasteries. There are two most important Monasteries in Manali namely Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa Monastery and the Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa Monastery. These Monasteries uphold the principles of Buddhism and are places of worship for the Monks and Tibetan People settled in the region. These Monasteries are adjacent to the Mall road and are visited by tourists and devotees of all religions. You can shop beautiful handicraft items made by the Tibetan people.

Tibetan Monasteries

Van Vihar / Van Vihar National Park:

Van Vihar also known as Van Vihar National Park is one of the most visited attractions in Manali. Conveniently located on the Mall Road it is park with a canopy of sky high Deodar Trees. A man-made lake rests in the center of the park. People enjoy boating in this lake. It is a must visit place for nature lovers and is an ideal place for small picnics.

Mall Road:

Mall Road is the heart of the city. It is lined up with a lot of eateries, restaurants, hotels, shops, showrooms and offices. You can spend time shopping and enjoying different cuisines. You can buy stuff ranging from small key-chains to exorbitantly priced pashmina shawls. Mall road is always buzzing with activity and is crowded during peak season.

Mall Road - Manali

Best time/ Best season to Visit Manali:  

September- June.
Manali has to offer a lot in every season except in the Monsoon. During summers one can take refuge here from the scorching heat. During winters you can enjoy snowfall and various adventure sports.

Manali Temperature/ Manali Weather : 

Average Temperature of Manali ranges from -7’C to 30’C over the year. The climate is cold during winter and moderately cool during summers.

How to Reach Manali from Delhi:

Road Route– Delhi--Panipat--Karnal--Kurukshetra--Ambala--SundarNagar--Mandi--Kullu—Manali
There are regular Luxury and Non Luxury Buses for Manali from Delhi.

                   

Train Route– Delhi--Una then by road further.

                      Delhi--Kirtanpur Saheb then by road further.

                      Delhi--Kalka then by road further.

                      Delhi--Chandigarh then by road further.

                      Delhi--Pathankot then by road further.     

Flight Route– Delhi--Bhuntar then by road to Kullu and further. No flight route ahead of Bhuntar.

Distances:  

                    Delhi to Manali: 536 km

                    Delhi to Panipat: 85 km
                    Panipat to Karnal: 35 km
                    Karnal to Kurukshetra: 36 km
                    Kurukshetra to Ambala: 51 km
                    Ambala to SundarNagar : 207 km
                    SundarNagar  to Mandi: 8 km
                    Mandi to Kullu: 66 km
                    Kullu to Manali: 40 km

Other Important Information about Manali:

Manali Altitude / Manali Height: 2050 m

Fooding /Lodging/Hotels on Manali route: Meals and Hotels available at Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Ambala,, Kullu and at Manali etc. Hotels need to be pre booked during peak season.

Petrol Pumps on Manali route: Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Ambala,, Kullu and at Manali etc.
Last Petrol Pump on Manali route: Manali.
ATMs on Manali route available at: Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Ambala,, Kullu and at Manali etc,
Last ATM on Manali route available at: Manali
Bike Repair Mechanics on Manali route available at : Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Ambala,, Kullu and at Manali etc.
Car Repair Mechanics on Manali route available at: Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Kullu and at Manali.

Phone Network Connectivity: Phone Network is available Manali.

Medical Care: Hospitals available at Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Kullu and at Manali.
Any Special Permission Needed by Indian Citizen to Visit Manali: No.
Places to Visit near Manali: Kullu, Manikaran Naggar etc.

+ Disclaimer: Information provided above is based on self experience and collected from various other sources.