Manali Travel Guide

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Manali is a beautiful little town in Kullu valley, which attracts a large number of tourists every year. Manali is at a height of 1,926 meters and is at a distance of 40 kms from Kullu. It offers many adventure sports, such as hiking, skiing and trekking and is a perfect holiday destination for those who seek adventure.

Once called the "end of the habitable world," Manali is an important hill station of northern India and is the destination of thousands of tourists every year. Its cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. Besides offering quite a few places for sightseeing, Manali is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. In brief, Manali-the veritable "valley of the Gods"-is an ideal place for the ones in search of both adventure and comfort. The Kulluis in brightly patterned puttoos, Tibetan women wearing ankle-length rainbow-striped pinafores, Nepali porters, Buddhist monks, and even the odd party of Zanskaris, swathed in fusty woolen gonchas, muddled together with souvenir-hunting Indian and Western tourists-all add up to the welcoming hub of Manali



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.

Tourist attractions :
Hidimba Temple
(1 km ) Built in 1553 and with a superbly crafted four tiered pagoda roof, it is famous for its exquisitely carved doorway.

Manu Temple :
(2 km) this is dedicated to the sage Manu.



Vashisth :
(3 km) : Well known for its hot springs. There are old temples dedicated to the sage Vashisth and to Lorde Rama. These are just beyond the Himachal Tourism baths.

Monasterires :
There are three recently built Tibetan monasteries at Manali.

Jagatsukh (6 km) :
The one - time capital of Kullu. Here are old temples deidicated to Lord Shiva and to Sandhya Gayatri. The Arjun caves are just ahead.

Solang Valley :
(14 km) : In a picturesque setting this has good ski slopes and picnic spots. SHPTDC organises ski packages during winter.