Manali
Jewel In The Crown
Situated at the northern end of the Kullu Valley, Manali has spectacular views od snowcapped peaks and wooded slopes and the popular resort of Manali is the major settlement in the Kullu Valler. The Beas rushes along its rocky course amid grassy meadows carpeted with wild flowers and wagtails edge. There are marvellous walks too through dappled orchards and fairy tale forests of deodar. It is named after Manu, the Law Giver who arrived here by boat when fleeing from a great flood. In the summer Manali is packed with Pahari-speaking Kullus, Lahaulis, Nepali labourers, Tibetan refuges and foreign and Indian tourists and the new town has become increasingly crowded with dozens of new hotels.
Manali 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 hits and rest houses for trekking enthusiasts.
One of the most alluring features of Manali is its stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, and meandering rivers. The Beas River, flowing through the town, adds to its scenic charm, offering opportunities for river rafting and leisurely strolls along its banks. Adventure enthusiasts flock to Manali for activities like trekking, paragliding, skiing, and mountaineering, making it a haven for adrenaline junkies.
Thes Manali market is crowded with myriads of interesting shops selling Tibetan carpets and crafts and the appetizing aroma of steaming noodles hanging about the little restaurants. The main market areas are the Underground Market under Hotel Ibex and the NAC market behind the bus stand.
Best 10 Hotels in Manali
Here are ten well-regarded hotels in Manali, known for their comfort, amenities, and scenic locations:
1. Span Resort and Spa
– Location: Kullu Manali Highway
– Highlights: Riverside resort, spa services, scenic views
2. The Himalayan
– Location: Hadimba Road, Manali
– Highlights: Luxury accommodations, Himalayan views, fine dining
3. Johnson Lodge & Spa
– Location: Circuit House Road, Manali
– Highlights: Colonial-style lodge, spa treatments, central location
4. Manu Allaya Resort & Spa
– Location: Prini, Manali
– Highlights: Mountain views, wellness facilities, outdoor activities
5. Snow Valley Resorts
– Location: Log Huts Area, Manali
– Highlights: Comfortable rooms, mountain views, family-friendly
6. The Orchard Greens
– Location: Log Huts Area, Manali
– Highlights: Orchard setting, modern amenities, restaurant
7. La Ri Sa Resort
– Location: Haripur, Manali
– Highlights: Eco-friendly resort, Himalayan views, luxury accommodations
8. Apple Country Resort
– Location: Log Huts Area, Manali
– Highlights: Apple orchard setting, spa services, panoramic views
9. Hotel Sandhya Palace
– Location: Mall Road, Manali
– Highlights: Central location, comfortable stay, restaurant
10. Rock Manali Hotel & Spa
– Location: Nehru Kund
– Highlights: Contemporary rooms, spa treatments, mountain views
These hotels offer a range of experiences from luxury resorts with spa services to comfortable lodges with beautiful mountain views, catering to various preferences and budgets of travelers visiting Manali.
Sightseeing Near Manali
Gadhan Thekcockling Gompa :
Tibetan refugees built this gompa in the late 1960s; the gompa has some brightly coloured frescoes and a central statue of Sakayamuni Buddha and dominates the Tibetan area at the bottom of The Mall. Ot is open from 6 am. to 7 pm. And there’s a Rs. 2 charge for photography.
Old Manali :
The original settlement of Manali is about 2.5 km. north-west if ‘New’ Manali. It is a pleasant area of okd guesthouses and orchards. The modern but tasteful Manu Maharshi Temple is built on the site where Manu meditated after he arrived in the area.
Hidimba Temple :
A pretty path leads to the Hidimba Temple standing tall amidst the stately deodars. The ancient temple is built like a pagoda and its lintel and door frame have intricately carved wood. Inscriptions proclaim that it was built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1553. A colourful festival is held here in May every year.
Vashist Springs :
Above it are the sulphur springs at Vashist. Near the modern baths is an old stone lined pool.
Jagatsukh:
At Jagatsukh, in the midst of a picturesque cillage are old temples. The elegant Gauri Shankar shrine built in the 8th century is the earliest surviving stone temple in this area Jagatsukh was also once the capotal of Kullu.
Arjun Gufa :
Legend has it that it was here that Arjun practiced austerities to get the Pashupata Ashtra the sacred weapon from Lord Indra.
Nehru Kund:
Aspring of cold clear water along the road to the Rohtang Pass.
Solang Valley :
Enroute to Kothi close to the Rothang Pass is the beautiful Solang Valley. There are marvellous view of the snowcapped peaks and glaciers. Excellent ski slopes and a good ski lift make it a popular resort in winter.
Kothi:
Located at the foot of the Rohtang Pass. Kothi is a picturesque spot and a convenient camping site not to long ago, when the pass was crossed on foot. The River Beas swirls through a deep chasm.
Rahalla Falls :
This splendid cascade is about 4 km. from Kothi.
Rothang Pass :
It is also a good starting point for visits to the Lahaul and Spiti valley over the Rohtang Pass. The pass is open for just four months in the year from June to October, when the snow melts.
Beas Kund : Manali
Easily accessible from the Rohtang Pass the Beas Kund is the origin of the River Beas. The river gets its name feim the great safe Vyas, who is said to have meditated here.
Brighu Lake : Manali
A fine 2-days excurision from Manali is the trek to Brighu Lake below Brighu Peak. The lake can be approached from Vashisht and Gulaba, the latter being the easier route.
How to get Manali
Air: Bhuntar airport bhuntar, 50 kms from Manali.
Rail: Chandigarh is the nearest railhead. The other nearest narrow gauge railheads are Jogindamagar with a change at Pathankot and Shimla with a change with a change at Kalka.
Road: It is just 40 kms. beyond Kullu and well connected by road to Delhi & Chandigarh.
Bus : Buses, coaches and taxis link Manali to Kullu, Delhi & Chandigarh.
The place is steeped in history and culture beyond its natural splendor.The town is dotted with ancient temples, including the revered Hidimba Devi Temple, dedicated to the wife of Bhima from the Indian epic Mahabharata. The Manu Temple, dedicated to the sage Manu, is another significant religious site, drawing devotees and history buffs alike.
The quaint streets of Manali, lined with wooden houses, bustling markets, and cozy cafes, reflect the old-world charm of the place. They serve delicious local cuisine. Visitors can savor traditional Himachali dishes like Siddu, Thenthuk, and Dham, offering a culinary journey into the region’s rich flavors and spices.
The town serves as a gateway to several nearby attractions, including the Solang Valley, renowned for its adventure sports and panoramic views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks. Rohtang Pass, accessible from Manali, is a high mountain pass that offers mesmerizing vistas and opportunities for snow activities during the winter months.
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