Manali is situated at the northern end of the kullu valley in Himachal Pradesh. Manali has tremendous views of snowcapped peaks and wooded slopes. Manali is also known as 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.

Location:
Knowing strategic location of Manali, Himachal Pradesh is a must in order to explore various wonders of this town. It is placed approximately at 32.16° N 77.10° E. It also rises approximately to a height of 2625 meters or 8612 feet above the mean sea level.

As far as the demography of Manali, Himachal Pradesh, the Census report issued forth in the year 2001 is significant in throwing light on data like population status, literacy rate. As per this record, the total population has been enumerated to be 6265. Out of it, male population constitutes 64 %. In comparison, female population is less thereby constituting 36 % only. Children who are below six years of age constitute 9 % of the total population. From this report, one also gets to decipher facts about its literacy condition. The average literacy rate of Manali, Himachal Pradesh is 74 %, which is even higher than that of India. 59.5 % is India`s average literacy rate. To be specific, male literacy is as high as 80 %. Female literacy also is no less insignificant and constitutes 63 %.

Etymologically, Manali, Himachal Pradesh got its name from Manavalaya, which means the abode of Manu. As per the myth, Manu is the heavenly lawmaker and also the sole survivor of Mahajal Pralay - the Great deluge. He is the father of the mankind. The small town was the starting point of primitive trade route to Ladakh and then stretches further to the `Karakoram Pass on to Yarkand and Khotan in the Tarim Basin`.


Manali in Himachal Pradesh with its mountaineering institute, is a popular base for trekking and mountaineering in summer and skiing in winter. Interesting routes into the surrounding valleys, over the high passes, are provided with tourist huts and rest houses for trekkign enthusiasts.

Hadimba Temple , Manali, Himachal Pradesh
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. Winding paths through forests and glades of whispering Deodars form the setting for the majestic wooden temple of Hidimba Devi in Manali. The motorable road is shaded by Chestnuts, Chinars and tall deciduous Deodars. This forested backdrop enthral one’s spirit and refresh one’s mind all along the uphill path.

Vashist Springs (1,982m) , Manali, Himachal Pradesh
At about half an hour’s brisk walking distance from town, there are sulphur springs-gush, hot and medicinal - emerging out of the mountains at Vashisht. Here, in a bath complex with a restaurant and a beautiful view, couples can soak in the privacy of their own sunken bath, warming all kinds of ailments out of their systems.

Jagatsukh (6-kms) , Manali, Himachal Pradesh
It is one of the biggest villages in Kullu district. About 6-km from Manali, Jagatsukh is famous for its Shiva temple that is built in "shikhara" style and nearby is the old and interesting Devi Sharvati temple.

Arjun Gufa (5 kms) , Manali, Himachal Pradesh
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.

Beas Kund , Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Further ahead is the Beas Kund. The tiny roundish igloo like stone hut shelters the Beas Kund, the very source of the holy river Beas. Water flows at the source of the river likfe a spring, so clear and icy cold that it almost numbs the fingers. All around is the rocky terrain with very little vegetation. A few mules graze around while all and sundry try to brave the wind on a clear sunny day.

Rohtang Pass (13-kms) , Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Situated about 50-km from Manali town, at an altitude of 4,111m on the highway to Keylong, is the Rohtang Pass. There is a beautiful Dasohar Lake left of the Pass. The Pass, which provides the only access to the Lahaul Valley, is open from June to November each year. Snowfall is, however, unpredictable and blizzards can close the Pass even during this period. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendour. A few km away from the pass is the Sonapani glacier and, slightly to the left are the twin peaks of Gaypan-jagged pyramid of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.

Adventures & Sports in Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Mountaineering Institute
The Mountaineering Institute located at Manali provides training facilities for basic and advance climbing both for Indian nationals and foreigners. This institute also conducts other adventurous sports activities like high altitude trekking, minor mountaineering, rock-climbing, skiing, and high altitude rescue and relief courses. The institute has sufficient lodging and boarding arrangements and equipment can be hired for trekking purposes.

Rafting
The Beas river flowing through Kullu valley is suitable for not only white water rafting but is ideal for canoeing and kayaking too. The Beas River from the Manaki to Jhiri near Bajaura in Kullu district has become very popular among the lovers of river rafting and many competitions have been organised in the same. The trip starts from Mohal and covers a total distance 10-kms. The season normally starts from May to mid-June and rest depends on the arrival of monsoon. The various clubs provide the basic equipment required for the water sports.

Skiing
Near Manali there are some slopes, which have been rated the best for skiing in the world. The Solang Nullah, Patalsu, Kothi, Marhi and Rohtang slopes are very good for skiing in the winters as well as in summers. In fact Patalsu and Rohtang slopes are the only places where one can do summer skiing. The slopes are being further developed to accommodate more trainees and tourists.

The national level skiing competition is held on the slopes of Solang Nullah and the winter carnival is organised at Manali. The place has immense potential to offer some world-class ski slopes and they are being developed on the same lines. There are private organisations that provide training as well as equipment for skiing. The Mountaineering Institute has put up a small ski lift at Solang Nullah.

Paragliding
Paragliding is a combination of hang gliding and parachuting. In parachuting one has to jump from an aircraft whereas in paragliding one has to run down hill. The slopes of Solang Nullah provide just the right kind of slopes for paragliding during summers. There are organisations, which offer packages for paragliding. One can hire equipment from the private organisations in Manali and around.

Getting There
By Air
The nearest airport to Manali is that of Bhuntar, which is 52-km from Manali. From Bhuntar one can take a taxi or a bus to Manali.

By Rail
The nearest railhead is that of and this narrow gauze railway station is 95-km from Kullu. The scenic beauty of Kullu while going to Manali can best be enjoyed on a bus or a taxi. It is better to take a taxi, which one can stop and enjoy the nature at will.

By Road
The road to Manali passes through the picturesque valley of Kullu. The motorable roads to Manali connect the town with other major tourist places in Himachal as well as in the nearby states. At the Manali bus stand there are two booths, which do computerised reservation for buses. The reservations can be made one month in advance. Both private and state government buses are in service over here.

Influx of tourists and visitors from near by and also from the whole of India has facilitated the emergence of a wide ranging hotels and restaurant in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. It ranges from lavish deluxe hotels to budget hotels, which are easily affordable.

Luxury hotels of Manali, Himachal Pradesh are as follows:
Royal Park Resorts, Manali
Apple Country Resort, Manali
Log-Huts Area,
Manali - 175131,
District Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.
Phone: +91 - 1902 254187 - 89
Quality Inn River Resort, Manali
Span Resort, Manali
Kullu - Manali Highway, P.O. Katrain,
Dist. Kullu (HP)
Phone : (01902) 240138, 240538
Holiday Inn, Manali
Prini, Manali Nagar,
Highway, Manali,
Himachal Pradesh - 175 131,
India.
Tel.: 01902-52563, 53312
Timber Trail,(Club Mahindra Holidays), Manali
Club Mahindra Snowpeaks Timber Trail
Prini Village,
Kullu District,
Manali - 175131
Tel : (01902) 254181 / 82/ 83
Ambassador Resorts, Manali
Ambassador Resorts
Sunny Side, Chadiyari, Manali, H.P. - 175131. Tel.: 01902 - 252235 - 38 Fax: 252173
Highland Park, Manali
Nehru Kund, Manali 175 131(H.P) India
Phone: 01902 256501/02/03
Solang Valley Resort, Manali
Solang Valley, VPO Palchan, Manali,
Distt. Kulu, Himachal Pradesh, India
Phone: +91 (01902) 256132, +91 (01902) 256134
Manali Resort, Manali
Manali Deluxe Hotels
Sagar Resort , Manali
Snowcrest Manor ( A Usha Shriram Hotel ) , Manali
Beyond Log Huts, Manali, Distt. Kulu, H.P.-175131. INDIA
Banon Resorts , Manali
Banon Resorts, Manali
] New Hope Orchards,
Manali-175131
Himachal Pradesh
India
Tel: +91-1902-253026, 252490, 253994
Hotel Snow Princess , Manali
National Highway, Manali- 175 131
(Himachal Pradesh) India
Park Inn, Manali
Hotel Snow Line, Manali
Hadimba Road, Manali,
Himachal Pradesh 175131
India.
Phone: +91 (1902) 252482,
Manali Inn, Manali
The Manali Inn
Rangree, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Tel no.: 01902-253550 - 54
Honeymoon Inn (Ram Regency), Manali
Manali
Left Bank,
Ph : 91-1902-253234, 253235, 253236
Shingar Regency , Manali
Shingar Regency, Hadimba Road, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131 India. Stylco
Furnishers, 72-73 The Mall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001 India.
Tel:+91 1902 252251-52
Orchard Greens, Manali
Log Huts Area, Manali, Distt-Kullu (H.P.), INDIA
Snow Valley Resort, Manali
Snow Valley Resorts
Log Hut Area, Manali - 175 131 (HP).India
Manali Heights , Manali
Log Hut Area, Manali - 175 131 (HP).India
PH no: 01902-252621-252061
Kalinga Grand, Manali
Hotel Kalinga Grand
Rangri Manali,
Distt. Kullu (H.P.) India
Ph: 01902-200949, 251014 (STD)
Snow Park Hotel, Manali
Glacier Hotel, Manali
There are few standard hotels also have developed in Manali. Some of them are as follows:
Hotel Vintage , Manali
Manali
Left Bank, Aleo,
Manali
Phone: 01902-253115
Sitara International , Manali
Glacier Hotel, Manali
Whispering Rocks Resort, Palchan, Manali
Rohtang Pass Road, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
Hotel Sun Park, Manali
Piccadily Resorts, Manali
Few budget hotels are found at Manali , Himachal Pradesh . These are as follows:
Classic Hotel, Manali
Hotel Classic, New Manali
Himachal Pradesh- 175131
India
Tel Number: 01902 252315
Ankit Palace, Manali
Hotel Ankit Palace
Naggar Road, New Manali-175 131
Distt. Kullu (H.P)
Sarthak Resort , Manali
VPO Khakhnal, Left Bank, Naggar Road, Teshil Manali, District Kullu (H.P.)
India 175143.
Tel: +91-1902-259323, 259623
Zarim Resorts , Manali
Zarim Resort
Circuit House Road
Manali 175131
Distt. Kullu
Himachal Pradesh
India
Tel: +91 1902 252345, 252225
Sterling Resort, Manali
Prini Naggar Highway, Left Bank Road, Prini,
Manali - 175 131, Kullu Dist, Himachal Pradesh. India