Manali
Information About Manali :
Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines - Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty. From museums to temples, from quaint little hippie villages to bustling upscale streets, river adventures to trekking trails, Manali has every reason to be the tourist magnet it is, all year round.
Swaying eucalyptus trees, endearing little eateries, small kitschy local market places, and cafes which serve delicious local food at unbelievable prices, Old Manali is a serene, tranquil place, whose lingering silence is broken only by the twittering of the birds and the sound of the roaring waters of the Kullu River.
Solang Valley is the of the most visited places in Manali, with the drive up to Solang being as picturesque as the valley itself. Not only does Solang Valley offer some breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, but its slopes are also a very popular skiing destination, especially during the winters. In summers, the place turns into a paragliding haven. If you're an adventure enthusiast, Solang Valley has adrenaline-pumping activities such as zorbing and horse-riding available.
With more than 25 lakh visitors every year, Rohtang Pass easily stands out as one of the most famous scenic spots to visit in Manali. Connecting the Lahaul and Kullu valleys, the Rohtang Pass is famous among nature lovers, photographers and adventure seekers alike. Mountain biking or skiing whilst surrounded by the awe-inspiring glaciers and snow-capped peaks on all sides is an exhilarating experience.
Best Time To Visit Manali :
October to June is the best time to visit Manali. With bright, colorful flowers in full bloom and a pleasant climate with temperatures ranging between 10 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. December to February is the best time to experience snowfall in Manali. With temperatures that hover around subzero, Manali becomes a paradise on earth with its snow-clad surroundings While tourists visit Manali throughout the year, monsoon season (July to August) is a bit low, due to landslides and land-blockages.
How To Reach Manali :
The nearest railway station from Manali is in Joginder Nagar which is 50 km away. However, this is a narrow-gauge railway station and hence is not connected to all the major cities in the country. The broad gauge railway stations nearest to Manali are in Chandigarh (310 km) and Ambala (300 km). The nearest airport is in Bhuntar, which is also 50 km away. Buses and taxis are easily available from these places and other parts of North India to Manali. Manali can also be reached from Leh by the Leh-Manali route, though it is open for only 4 or 5 months in a year during summers when the snow is removed by the Border Road Organization of India. Still, this road is very picturesque and is one of the most beautiful ways to reach Manali.
1 . How To Reach Manali By Flight :
The nearest airport is Bhuntar, located at a distance of 50km from Manali and 10km from Kullu. Air India operates a flight from Delhi to Kullu, however, services are irregular and prices very high. You can hire a taxi to go to Manali from the airport or you can go to Kullu and take a bus which operates frequently on this route.
2 . How To Reach Manali By Road :
There are frequent bus services from Delhi to Manali which is at a distance of 570 km. There are also bus services from Shimla, Dharamshala, Leh, and Chandigarh. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi to travel to Manali. However, make sure the driver has experience driving in hilly regions.
3 . How To Reach Manali By Train :
The nearest railway station is Ambala Cantt or Chandigarh. It is well-served by rail but you will need to travel to Ambala to get a bus for Manali.
Places To Visit In Manali :
1 . Solang Valley :
When heading to Manali for a vacation, two absolutely essential destinations in the itinerary are Rohtang and Solang Valley. 14 kilometers to the northwest of the main town of Manali, Solang Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Situated on the way to Rohtang from Manali, every year the valley welcomes tourists in huge numbers. A favorite for adventure enthusiasts, parachuting to paragliding, horse riding to driving mini-open jeeps specially available for tourists of all age groups, Solang Valley has it all. During winters, Solang valley is covered with snowmaking skiing is a popular sport here, with training institutes and trainers located in the valley to supervise skiers and train beginners. As the snow melts, skiing is taken over by zorbing. Another popular attraction of Solang valley, taking advantage of the slopes of the valley, you are likely to spot a huge transparent ball with mostly two people inside it rolling down the slope during summers. Yes, Zorbing is as much fun as it looks like. One of the most vibrant and enjoyable places in Manali, there is no way one can possibly miss this amazing valley, while here.
Solang Valley
2 . Rohtang Pass :
Located at a distance of just 51 kilometers from Manali, Rohtang Pass can be reached only by road. The pass is located at a massive height of 3978 meters on Manali- Keylong road. When planning a trip to Manali, a day off to the vista point of Rohtang Pass is the ultimate and almost essential attraction of the itinerary. Owing to its splendid natural beauty, Rohtang Pass is a favorite among the community of film directors. Many blockbusters ranging from 'Jab We Met' to 'Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani' have been shot here. A peculiar fact behind the name of the place is that it was named so because a number of people working in CBRE died whilst trying to cross this treacherous stretch. Rohtang Pass
3 . Hidimba Devi Temple :
Located amidst the snow-covered hills of Manali, the Hadimba Temple is a unique shrine dedicated to Hidimba Devi, who was the wife of Bhima and mother of Ghatothkach. Surrounded by gorgeous cedar forests, this beautiful shrine is built on a rock that is believed to be in the image of goddess Hidimba herself.
Locally known as Dhungari Temple, the construction style of the Hidimba Devi temple is entirely different from that of any of the other temples, with its wooden doorways, walls, and cone-shaped roof. This temple is a fitting dedication to its presiding deity Hadimba.
Hidimba Devi Temple
4 . Adventure Activities In Manali :
Manali is the hub of adventure activities in Himachal Pradesh. From white river rafting to trekking opportunities to zorbing to horse-riding to skiing to paragliding, Manali has everything to offer.
5 . Old Manali :
Located 6589 feet above sea level and 3 km uphill from Manali, Himachal Pradesh, lies the town of Old Manali, a quiet settlement that lays beneath a valley with a vast coverage of apple orchards. Manali is divided into Old Manali and New Manali by the Manalsu River. Old Manali is led by a bridge over the river. In comparison to New Manali, it is cleaner and less crowded, thereby inducing a lot of travelers to visit this place more often than New Manali.
Old Manali
6 . Skiing In Manali :
A major tourist spot in North India, Manali is known for its excellent skiing conditions with skiing enthusiasts visiting from all over the country. The undulating slopes of Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass offer perfect terrain for amateurs to learn their first move while an ideal grounds for professional skiing in Manali. So, if you are an adventure lover, leave yourself in the hands of your professional trainers to feel the thrill of skiing in the picturesque setting of Manali.
Skiing In Manali
