Manali is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh. It is named after Hindu god Manu. Manali is popular honeymoon spot. Visitors can enjoy the place by seeing slopes and snow covered peaks. This place is situated in Kullu district. Manali is famous for its culture, history, scenic beauty, snow covered by mountains. This valley is known as Valley of Gods. Most of the foreigners attack towards this place for adventure sport. Mecca is the best place for adventures sports. Peak season for this valley is during the summer season, New Year period and Christmas period.
It is believed that earlier inhabitants of Manali are Shepherds, nomadic hunter tribe and Rakshas. Manali is merged in India in 1948. Earlier it was part of Princely state of Mandi. Festivals celebrates here are Dassehra, Winter Carnival, Hadimba Devi, Basant Panchami.
What to see in Manali:
Manu Temple: This temple is dedicated to Sage Manu. This temple is situated in old Manali. It is believed that to recreate human life after great flood had destroyed the world sage Manu stepped off his ark here.
Hadimba Temple: This temple was having beautiful crafted 4 tiered Pagoda roof. Caved doorway is most attractive to the visitors. This temple was built in 1533 AD.
Solang Valley: It is considered as good picnic spot and good ski slopes are located here.
Paragliding: This is most famous activity in Manali. Great opportunities for paragliding are Solang Valley and Rohtang Valley.
Trekking and Adventures sports: For the adventures lovers this is the best place. Mountaineering institute is located here which gives training in basic and advance courses in water sports, sikking, mountianing and Trekking. Best places for trekking are Koshla Tree line, Solang Valley, Lamadugh Meadows.
What to see around Manali:
Jagatsukh: It is located 8 kms away from Manali. Jagatsukh consists of several temples dedicated to Goddess Sandhya Gayatri and Lord Shiva. Earlier this place acted as capital of Kullu. Arjun Caves are another attraction here.
Naggar Castle: This was built by Raja of Kullu before 600 years. Now it was converted into heritage hotel. From this castle visitors can have excellent view of Naggar Valley.
Nehru Kund: After drinking water from the pond by Jawaharlal Nehru it was named as Nehru Kund. It is located 6 kms away from Manali.
Vashisht: This village is having a temple which is dedicated to Sage Vashisht who is the Guru of Lord Rama. Several sand stone temples and natural springs can be enjoyed here by the tourists.
Rahala and Rozy Waterfalls: These are located in Leh Manali Highway. Visitors are most attractive towards these waterfalls. It is located 29 kms away from Manali.
Getting to Manali: Only way to get into Manali is by road way. Buses are well connected to Chandigarh and Delhi. Nearest railway station is located at Joginder Nagar. Nearest airport is at Bhuntar town.
Getting around Manali: Taxis and autos are available to reach the surrounding places of Manali. Motor bikes will be given on rent to see the nearest places.
Best time to visit Manali: Best time to visit this place is between May to November. Rush will be more in the months of May and June. Again in the month of December rush will be more.
Where to stay in Manali: Plenty of hotels, guest houses are available to stay in Manali. But Home stays is the best option for the people who want to enjoy the nature.
Where to eat in Manali: Plenty of restaurants are placed here. All varieties of food such as Tibetian, Italian, Indian, Chinese etc are available here.