Ruchira Roy

Manali City Guide - A Holiday in The Beautiful Hill Station

Manali is easily one of the most preferred hill destinations in the country. Set high above the majestic Beas River the town overlooks the equally magical Kullu valley. A lovely hill resort in the snowy hill of Himachal, Manali is undoubtedly a paradise.

Its beauty and charm hardly need an introduction as Manali is easily one of the most preferred hill destinations in the country. A lovely hill resort in the snowy hill of Himachal, Manali is undoubtedly a paradise. Set high above the majestic Beas River the town overlooks the equally magical Kullu valley. It wouldn't be hard to believe that it is an abode of gods and goddesses.

According to legends, Manali is the land of Manu, the Lawgiver of ancient India. As per tradition, when earth was flooded with waters, only Manu survived in his Arc, which after water recession landed in Manali. Associated with this legend, Manali has always got religious importance and has been a hub of many ethnic, cultural and religious activities. Colorful festivals and fairs are a part of life here.

The Rohtang Pass here is a major tourist attraction. Connecting Kullu with Spiti and Lahaul, it is a high road and affords mesmerizing views of the glaciers and mountains. The terrain provides exciting opportunities for trekking, hiking and mountain trails and has made the Pass a haven for adventure seekers. The Pass is however not open to public during the winter months when snowfall seals the area.

Hadimba Devi is the patron deity of Manali. According to legends, Hadimba was a demoness who married the Pandava brother, Bhima. When Pandavas returned from exile, she chose not to accompany them and stay back. It was then that she meditated and attained the status of goddess. Ever since she is idolized here and worshiped in the Hadimba Temple. The temple is in Pagoda style and is a masterpiece in itself. The Beas Kund is a religious as well as a historic attraction. It is believed to be the place where Vyas used to bathe. It is also the originating point of the River Beas. The spot is also an enchantment for those who love adventure. It has ample of scope for paragliding, trekking and skiing.

The only Manu temple in the country is located in Manali. A lovely shrine here is dedicated to Manu. The temple is accessible through a sandstone trail and is a delight to be at. The tranquility of the place and the spiritual aura of surroundings make it worth a visit. Another sacred spot around is the Vashisht Springs near River Ravi. These springs are hot water springs and have medicinal properties. The area has a number of ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ram and his Kala Guru, Vashisht.

Old Manali is the older part of the town which now forms the entire Manali. It is distinctly impressive and lures tourists with its old world charm. With its old bungalows, small-time cafes and modest inns, this is a nice place to stay for those who look for a good yet economical option. Some exquisite temples and ancient monasteries are also present in the area.
Manali is also a dream destination for all adventure lovers. River Beas offers excellent opportunities for river rafting. The staircase rapids can scare the most seasoned rafters too. Kayaking and canoeing is also done in the river. Manali also has some excellent trekking trails. Lakes, orchards and villages make for a good trail to walk. There are some particular tracks where only the experienced can trek.

The hotel industry has seen a boom in Manali seeing the large number of tourists who visit the town. As people from all sphere of life visit the place, there are hotels to cater to all kinds of needs too. From big brands to modest ones, Manali has all kinds of hotels.

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