Manali is a resort town in the mountains of the state of Himachal Pradesh near the Kullu Valley. It is located in the Kullu District at a distance of 270 km north from the state capital Shimla. 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. Temperature of Manali ranges from -7 degrees centigrade to 30 degrees with the hottest day crossing 30 degrees and coldest day going below -7 degrees centigrade. 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
Hidimba Devi Temple, also known as Dhungri Temple, is dedicated to the presiding goddess of Manali. The temple is built out of stone and is made on Pagoda structure. The temple dates back to 16th century. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is a cave shrine, which is believed to have foot prints of Hidimba Devi according to the locals. Hidimba Devi is only worshipped in Manali in all over the India. The goddess is mentioned in the epic "Mahabharata" as one of the wives of Bhima, one of the five Pandavas.
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.
Manali Wildlife Sanctuary
Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is bounded with dense forests of deodar, kali, walnut and maple and several wildlife species. It also offers a great camping site to observe the wildlife around. The wildlife species of this park include monal, musk deer, brown bear, blue sheep, ibex and snow leopard and others.
Other Tourists Spots in Manali
Apart from the above mentioned ones, some other nearby tourist places of Manali are Nehru Kund, Jagat Sukh Village, Manu Temple, Naggar etc.
