Kulu-Manali

KULLU - MANALI: VALLEY OF THE GODS

Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India derived its name from Manavalaya i.e. the abode of Manu. According to myth, Manu the divine law-giver, was the only survivor of the Mahajal Pralay - the great flood - and is said to have fathered the human race. He certainly chose enchanting environs. Manali still maintains its charm and beauty. With the majestic grandeur of the Himalayas on one side, river Beas cutting across the town, verdant valleys with rolling meadows and grazing herds dotting the hillsides, apple orchards and the folk music adding romance to the ambience and presenting a wondrous canvas to the traveller. Experience the local color and beauty in Kullu-Manali's temples, quaint villages and the vibrant and festive mood of the people and their colorful clothes and handicrafts. Or encounter adventure; on the myriad trekking trails and routes, while skiing on the snow slopes, rafting down the Beas or just as you try your hand at some amateurish angling. Discover for yourself the Kullu Valley, going upto the Rohtang Pass at 13050 feet and encompassing the beautiful Manali in-between, nestled between the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. As its magical charms enamour, you ebulliently agree that it has rightly been christened as the "Valley of the Gods".

IN AND AROUND MANALI

Kothi - This is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the Rohtang pass, 12 km away Manali town, situated on the Lahaul-Spiti Leh Highway. It offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers and an awe inspiring gorge where the Beas enters a chasm about sixty metres deep and just a few metres broad.
Van Vihar: This is just off the Mall with pathways between towering deodhars and also leads to a boating pond.

Tibetan Market and Mall: The Tibetan Market is an interesting cluster of shops. Nice to browse around for knick knacks, handicrafts and imported goods. Located on the Mall. The Mall also has other shops selling local handicrafts and clothes. It also has some good restaurants. Buses, taxis and autos are easily available from the Mall for local sightseeing or excursions.

Rahalla Falls - 16 km from Manali town at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 2501m.

Rohtang Pass - Situated at an altitude of 3979 mtrs above sea level and 51 kms outside Manali is the mighty  the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti valley. Open for just about four months a year, it affords a wide panoramic view of the mountains. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendour. At the top of the pass the air seems to glitter against the snow as you look down over herringboned ridges into the Lahaul valley. There is the beautiful Dashohar Lake left of the pass. A few km away from the pass is the Sonapani glacier and slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Gaypan-jagged pyramid of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.

Solang Valley - 13 kms outside Manali is the Solang Valley, offering spectacular views of the snow-clad mountains and the glaciers all around. Solang is the venue for paragliding and the annual skiing courses.

Marrhi - 35 km from Manali, is famous for its natural beauty.

Rani Nala - 46 km from Manali, it is the glacier point where snow is available throughout the year.

Jagatsukh Temple - About 6 km from Manali is the famous Shiva Temple in "shikara" style and nearby is the old and interesting Devi Sharvali Temple.

Naggar Castle - 22 kms from Manali, this is the old capital of Kullu. The castle was built by Raja Bhosal.

Roerich Art Gallery - In Naggar, the museum, houses a collection of the paintings by the Russian artist. It is located in a grove of deodhars and has lovely views all around. Naggar is very serene and picturesque.

Hadimba Temple - Also known as the Doongri Temple, this four-tiered pagoda-like wooden temple stands in a clearing amid tall and stately deodar trees and has beautiful carvings on its ornamental door. Dedicated to Hadimba, the wife of Bhim, this temple is the venue for an annual fair held during May.

Vashist Spring - Across the Beas river, about 3 km away from Manali, at an altitude of 1,982 meters (6,200 feet), are the natural sulphur springs. The village itself is perched on a steep hillside across the river Beas.

Tibetan Monastery - This is new and colorful. A pleasant place to visit.

Beas Kund - The famous Beas Kund, the source of the Beas river, at the Rohtang Pass is easily accessible. The great rishi, Vyas performed "Tapa" here during the Mahabharat times.
Manikaran: 85 km from Manali and 45 km from Kullu, lies in the Parvati Valley, the holy pilgrimage place of Manikaran. Here icy cold waters of the Parvati river co-exists with boiling water side-by-side. The hot water springs are reputed for their healing properties.