Manali

Nestled in the mountains of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, the resort town of Manali is located near the northern end of the Kullu Valley in the Beas River Valley. Known to be the gateway to Lahaul and Spiti district as well as Leh, Manali is a popular tourist destination in the state.

The small town of Manali is a part of the Kullu district and the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh. From there, the route passes over the Karakoram Pass on to Yarkand and Khotan in the Tarim Basin.

Etymology of Manali : Derived from the Sanatan Hindu lawgiver Manu Smriti, the name Manali is also regarded as the derivative of "Manu Alaya", which literally means "the abode of Manu".

Legend of Manali : As per ancient Hindu texts and legends, it is said that it was here in Manali, also known as the Valley of Gods, is the place where sage Manu stepped off his ark to recreate human life after a great flood had deluged the world. There is also an old temple in the town of Manali dedicated to sage Manu.

It was during the reign of the British East India Company that apple trees were introduced in the area. Before the advent of the British imperialism in India, there were no apple trees in Manali and thus the first apple orchard was set up near Patlikuhl by the British. And in present times, with the abundance in growth of apple along with pear and plum has contributed to the best source of income for the majority of inhabitants. Other than fruits, the colonisers had also introduced rainbow and brown trout into the rivers and streams of the area.

In the late 1980s, there was an increase in disposable incomes and the rise of disturbances in Kashmir had resulted in a surge of tourists in Manali. The once quiet village of Manali was transformed into a bustling town with numerous home stays as well as the occasional boutique hotel.

With a strategic location, Manali rises approximately to a height of 2, 625 m or 8, 612 ft above the mean sea level. The climate of Manali is quite cold during the winter season and during the summer season it remains moderately cool. The temperatures vary from 4 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius throughout the year. The average temperature during summer is between 10 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius, and from -7 degree Celsius to 15 degree Celsius in the winter.

As per reports of Census India 2011, Manali has grown from a trading outpost or village to a small town with a total population of about 8, 096. Out of which 4, 717 were males and 3, 379 were females. The population of children between the ages of 0 to 6 years old is 836, which 10.33 percent of the total population of Manali. The child sex ratio is 841 compared to the state average of 909. The literacy rate in the town of Manali is 82.91 percent, which is a little higher than the state average of 82.80 percent. The male literacy is around 86.49 percent while female literacy rate is 77.81 percent.

Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is a renowned wildlife sanctuary which is present at a distance of nearly 2 kms away from Manali in Kullu District in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is said to represent the catchment area of `Manalsu Khad` and is spread over an area measuring about 31.8 square kilometres. On 26th February, 1954, the area occupied by this Indian sanctuary has been officially proclaimed a sanctuary, under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animals Protection Act of 1933. It boasts of a marvellous landscape enriched with beautiful glaciers, dense jungles and a colourful variety of vegetation and wild creatures and birds. Such natural charm of the place is known to attract innumerable tourists every year. Adventure lovers can indulge in activities of trekking through the various easy and complicated pathways which cross the sanctuary, and even enjoy camping. This sanctuary is considered to be amongst the 32 most popular regional sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh.

Flora of Manali Wildlife Sanctuary
One will find different kinds of flora inside the grounds of Manali Sanctuary which comprises Maple, Willow, Deodar, Horse Chestnut, Robinia, Walnut, Kail, Poplar, Chestnut and several other kinds of vegetation.

Fauna of Manali Wildlife Sanctuary
There exist different types of wild animals and birds in Manali Wildlife Sanctuary which include Snow Leopard, Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Striped Hyena, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Squirrel, Ibex and many other beasts. One will observe herds of Ibex wandering freely in the glacier zone, particularly during the summers. Besides these exotic animals, attractive birds like Tree Creeper, Snow Pigeon, Chukor, Kingfisher, Monal, Kokla and other types of birds. Various migratory birds also approach the sanctuary, especially during the season of summer.

The sanctuary is present at an elevation of about 6, 398 feet above mean sea level in the Himalayan Mountain Ranges. If visitors look forward to trekking in the sanctuary they must approach this place during the months of May and June.

Recent activities surrounding hydroelectric power and an influx of tourists, there have been a flurry of activity in Manali. This along with unplanned and rampant construction has led to severe depletion of forests and pollution of river bodies, along with garbage being disposed on the side of the mountains. This kind of pollution has also resulted in a loss of habitat to various species of fauna, including the Himalayan Monal, which is the state bird of Himachal Pradesh.

Visiting Information on Manali
The nearest airport is the Bhuntar Airport about 50 km south of Manali. There is no close railhead available close to the town and with plenty of broad gauges; the nearest one is at Kiratpur Sahib at a distance of 268 km from Manali. And the nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar at a distance of 175 km. By roadways, Manali can be reached by using the National Highway 1 and 21 that passes through the towns of Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi and Kullu.

Manali is the beginning of the ancient trade route to Ladakh, Karakoram Pass and Yarkandand Khotan in the Tarin Basin. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India, which also serves as the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti and Leh Districts. The British first introduced apple trees to the country in this area.  Manali is consisted of several tourist spots along with its astounding scenic beauty. The tourist spots are enlisted below.

Rohtang Pass in Manali
Rohtang Pass is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Manali. The pass gives summer access to Lahaul and Spiti. The pass is encompassed by small streams, alpine pastures and waterfalls. This place is often visited by tourists who enjoy the snow along with some other activities like paragliding, trekking and skiing. The nearby places of Rohtang Pass to visit are Nehru Kund, Jogini Falls and Kothi. The pass remains closed due to heavy snowfall from November to April.

Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali
Also known as Dhoongri temple, this temple becomes the chief attraction of Manali. It is built in commemoration of deity Hadimba , wife of Bhim , the famous Pandava prince. It was constructed as early as 1533 AD. The architectural design of the temple also has caught attraction of the people. It has got 4 -tiered roof made in the shape of a Pagoda . Legendary figures and symbols embellished its entrance. In the backdrop the beauty of wooden forests thronged with deodhar trees also can fascinate any one. This temple is in the midst of this forest and almost `2.5 kms from the tourist office`. Every year during the month of May, a pompous festival use to be organized where the local people take part in great delight.

Solang Nullah in Manali
Solang Nullah, encompassed by rich deodar forests, is a popular tourist destination. It is just 13 km away from Manali. The place is visited by people during all seasons. Tourists often like to indulge in sports activities here like quad-bike rides, zorbing, paragliding and ropeway ride, rock climbing, ballooning, camping and mountaineering. Solang also serves as a base camp for mountaineering expeditions to Anjani Mahadev, Hanuman Tibba and Patalsu peak.

Vashisht Village in Manali
It is a sacred village located near the Manali market. There is temple in the village, which is dedicated to the Sage Vashisht, who is also mentioned in the Rig Veda. Along with the temple visit, a hot water spring bath is also popular of this village among tourists.

Brighu Lake in Manali
Located at the base of the Brighu Peak, the lake attracts several trekkers around the year. Brighu Lake is also encompassed by several snow-capped mountains on all sides of it. According to the legends, sage Brighu meditated here. The local people of this place consider it as sacred spot because Gods and Goddesses visit this lake to take holy dip in it.

Manali Gompa
This Buddhist monastery houses a large Buddha statue at the entrance of it. Manali Gompa is adorned with painted facades, mowed lawns and colourful murals on the walls, which depict the life of Buddha. It was built in the early 1960"s.

Manu temple lies at a distance of near about three kms from the main market in Old Manali. This temple is dedicated to `Manu Rishi`. Legend says that it is the only temple in the whole of India, which has been devoted to Manu, who is believed to have created human kind on earth.

Club house: Club house is a place of attraction and it lies nearly two kms from the town . It is on the left bank of Manalsu Nallah. Special arrangements for playing indoor games are available. One also can visit some of the picnic spots, which have been built near by.

Mountaineering institute: This institute provides an enthusiast with fundamental and advanced training courses and other facilities like trekking, mountain climbing, skiing and water games. It is situated almost three kms on the left bank of Beas river towards Kulu. In order to get equipments for skiing and trekking one needs to hire them from the institute. This is done through advance booking. There is also a beautiful showroom.

Vashist hot water springs and temple (3 Kms): Vashist, is a tiny village which tourists visit in large numbers. It has a plethora of temples, hot springs that made it a popular name amongst Manali tourists. It has its location on the River Beas`s left bank leading to Rohtang pass. In the close proximity there is also a wonderful pyramidal temple made of stone. It has been devoted to Vashist Muni. One also finds a beautiful temple, which is dedicated to Lord Rama. Natural hot sulphur springs also are unique. Any person can bask into fun of bathing. There are two individual tanks for both men and women. . Moreover stylish shower fitting baths built in the Turkish mode are built in the close locales. There also one can get the facility of getting hot water for bathing from the springs situated in and around.

Nehru kund is a landmark at Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Lying almost five kms on National Highway to Leh, it is the names of a natural spring of icy and clean water. It has derived its name from Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. The popular saying is that while staying in Manali, Himachal Pradseh PT. Nehru also drank water from the spring. Also a story is popular about the origination of Nehru Kund at Manali, Himachal Pradesh. It has its source in the Bhrigu Lake, which lies in the top of the mountains.

Beas Kund - Beas Kund is quite popular, whose source is at the Rohtang Pass. An interesting story is popular. It is believed that great rishi, Vyas executed "Tapa" during the days of Mahabharata.

Kothi: Kothi is a wonderful tourist locale, which lies almost twelve kms from Manali, Himachal Pradesh. To be more specific, it is on the road that leads to Rohtang Pass. IT is ideal for shooting movies and also stimulates one to nurture the creative zeal. A PWD rest house and also a number of hotels are built to meet the increasing tourists, nature freaks.

Rahala waterfalls: It is situated almost sixteen kms on the way to Rohtang pass. From Kothi from the old road, strolling down Marhi enables one to come across a captivating water fall. The place has become ideal for picnicking.

Arjun gufa: Another spectacular site of Manali , Himachal Pradseh is Arjun Gufa. It is a cave, which lies almost four kms from Manali, Himachal Pradseh towards Naggar. Its is a part of Prini village almost one km above the road, where Pandava prince Arjun carried on with his meditation. Captivating view of snowy mountain ranges is a treat for the tourists who visit the place for excursion again and again.

Marrhi - It lies almost thirty-five kms from Manali, Himachal Pradseh widely noted for its nature`s glory.

Jagatsukh: This locale in Manali, Himachal Pradseh is popular for various ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri. The later temple is constructed following the Shikhara style. It is placed almost six kms from Manali, Himachal Pradseh on the River Beas`s left bank on roadway to Naggar.

Naggar Fort is another attractive tourists destination in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Lying south part of Manali it stands as an epitome of heritage of the golden past of almost 1500 years of Pal Dynasty. Constructed with stones, and intricate woodcuttings, it is a symbol of exquisite and graceful artistic works of the whole of Himachal region. In the later period, this fortress was transformed into a hotel and resting house which provides comforts and luxury to the lodgers. Lodgers also get mesmerized by the beauty of a tiny shrine, which is placed in the courtyard of the fort building. Truly it represents as the exquisite art and architecture of the then Pal Dynasty.

Sissu, Udaipur ,Triloknath, Baralacha Pass, Keylong, Tandi, Gondla ,Lahaul are some of the places of interests which are found in the vicinity. Manikaran is one such significant tourist locale. Manikaran is a pilgrimage hub for community people like Hindus and Sikhs. It lies almost eighty-five kms from Manali and also forty-five kms from Kullu. It is on the Parvati Valley. Unique is the presence of Parvati river water. Also there are hot water springs, which are noted for their medicinal values.