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Himachal

Dalhousie Travel Guide : The Offbeat Victorian Town

by Vivek Singh February 11, 2022

written by Vivek Singh

Dalhousie : The Offbeat Victorian Town

STD: 01899

From the aspect of natural beauty, Dalhousie is compared with Scotland. In Chamba valley, the then Governor-General Lord Dalhousie initiated to establish Dalhousie as a hill station in1854. It was treated as a summer move away for British officials. In course of time, it has become a popular tourist spot in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, India. In Dhauladhahar and Shibalick mountain range five small hills encompassed 13 sq, Dalhousie, at an altitude ranging from 1525meter to 2378 meters. It is engulfed by snow-capped peaks. Cherub, Ravi, and Beas are the three mountain rivers flowing around Dalhousie.

History

Bungalow pattern buildings in Dalhousie are looed very attractively. As hill station reputation of Dalhousie reached its summit IN 1920. After the Chinese occupation in Tibet Tibetans came here and established colonies. From the Tibetan Refugee, Handicrafts Shop handicraft goods can be collected as souvenirs.
Dalhousie is the center of ancient Hindu culture, art, and handicrafts. Gaddi and Gujjar tribes are the aborigines
Of this Chamba Valley. There are 84 ancient temples of the 7th to 10th centuries.

Weather

Dalhousie experiences a winter-like cold climate right through the year. Heavy rain with thundershowers is experienced during the period from June to September. In May–July it is usually warm in the morning and afternoon but gets cold early in the evening and quite cold at night. The weather becomes very cold during winter and if it rains. Dalhousie has a report of snowfall during the hit the highest point of winter in December and January. Being a hill station, Dalhousie is famous for its healthy climate. The Dalhousie Town was named after Lord Dalhousie who was the British Governor-General in India while establishing this place as a summer retreat.

Economy and industry

Dalhousie is one of the gorgeous tourist spots that play a significant role in the economy of the state. The major industry is tourism. Dalhousie also offers several non-hotel stays like independent villas and bungalows which offer an alternative to typical hotels. There are just over 600 hotels, which provide temporary jobs to about 5,000 to 8,000 people every year. This town alone counts for almost 3% of the GDP of its state.

Points of interest

Sunset of Dalhousie is fascinating. In the lap of silent nature travel on foot can be an exciting mission for tourists. Rhododendron, Pine, Oak, and Deodar trees engulf Dlahousie with green elegance. The decency of the natural beauty of Dalhousie is the main attraction of Dalhousie. The season to tour Dalhousie is March to November. In summer temperature is 16to23 degrees and it comes down 1 degree to minus 10degree.

Important areas

Gandhi Chowk
Diankund
Bakrota Hills
Dalhousie Cantonment
Sadar Bazar
Tibetan Market
Panchpula

Quick Information

Location: 92 km away from Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, India

Tourist Attractions: Jandhri Ghat, Satdhara, Subhash Baoli, Churches of Dalhousie, Lord James Ramsay, Marquis of Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Kalatope, Panchpula, etc

Popular Hangout: Subhash Baoli, Satdhara, Khajjiar

Popular Activities: Trekking and strolling around

Nearby Tourist Destinations: Chamba 29 km, Kangra 83 km, Dharamshala 92 km, Shimla 254 km, Kullu 275 km.

Best time to visit: Mid-May to Mid-October.

Area: 332 Sq. Km

Altitude: 1,954 m above Sea level

Geographical location: North Latitudes: 32.53° East Longitudes: 75.98°

Climate: Pleasant

Rainfall: 214 cm

Primary Rainy season: December to February

Temperatures: Summer : Temp: 26°C Max 16°C Min

Winter : Temp: 10°C Max 1°C Min

Population : 7,419

Languages: Hindi, Pahari

Best Season: Throughout the year

Tourist Attraction Petreyn, Tehra, Bakrota, Balun and Lathlog, St. Andrew’s Church, St. Patrick’s Church, St. Francis’ Church, and St. John’s Church, Dayankund, Kalatop, Khajjiar.

How to get there

By Air: The nearest airport is Gaggal in Kangra. Distance is 135 km.
By Road: The distance from Delhi to Dalhousie is 485 km by road. From Chamba, it is 52 km.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is Pathankot which is 80 km away.
Taxis and buses are available comfortably from these places.

Tourist attractions in and around

Khajjiar
Khajjiar is perhaps the most delightful spot in Dalhousie. It is 22km away from Dalhousie and 24km away from Chamba. Khajjiar is famous for its profound silence and landscape beauty.
Fringed by deep woods of oak, cedar, and pine trees Khajjiar is a tiny lake. It looks like a beautiful lady adorned by the elegance of nature. There are two floating islands in the water of the lake. The lake is home to the Khajjia snake from where it is named Khajjiar. It is 500meter deep.

Palampur
Six kilometers away Bakrota hills are located at 2085 meters high. From here snow-capped Mountain ranges are visible. From nearby Nehru Tibba Shultaje, Beas, Ravi, and Chenab rivers can easily be identified. Walking just one and a half kilometers you will see Snow Dawn, the house where Tagore spent a few months in his childhood.

Baijnath
Set like a jewel against the splendid backdrop of the legendary Dhauladhars, the temple of Baijnath-the abode of the Lord of Physicians, continues to attract people from all corners of India, and the world. Built by two merchant brothers-Manyuka and Ahuka-more than a thousand years ago, in 804 A.D., the temple of Baijnath has acquired an aura of mystic invincibility.

Bakrota Hills and the ‘Round’:

Less than 5 km from the town center, the Bakrota Hills frame an ‘out of this world view ‘of the further snow-clad peaks. The ’round’ is a walling circuit around the hill, very popular with residents.

Subhash Baoli is a spring Eminent freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose came here to get recovered from broken health in the year 1937. He was in Dalhousie for 7 months and got back healthy by drinking water this spring. It is a popular place for picnics. The place is highly attractive for its natural beauty. Views of a snowy mountain range from this spot are amazing. Walking along the tranquil forest and feeling the charm of nearby waterfalls is fascinating’

Banikhet Banikhet is the entry point to Dalhousi.Here the road is bifurcated toDalhousi and Chamba.The lately built housing colony of the Chamera Hydro-electric Project is responsible for attaining importance.

Kalatop: It is best explored on three days trek from Dalhousie to Kalatop, Khajjiar, and back Dalhousie. The trek requires good endurance and a pair of sturdy walking shoes. Kalatop at an altitude of 8000 feet. Walking through upper Nakorota hills takes one to Lakkarmandi. In between lies the Tibetan Handicraft Centre, Dalhousie water system, and Dalhousie

Chamba
In the early days, Chamba valley was renowned for milk and honey and so Chamba is called the Valley of Milk and Honey. In the ninth century king, Sahil Verma founded the kingdom. Chamba was named after Prince Champavati. Three square kilometers wide Chamba is situated at 996 meters high in Dhauladhar mountain pervading Ravi and Chenab valley. Ravi is flowing down and meets in Chenab. A number of Hindu temples are spread over the valley of which Chamunda temple, Vishnu temple Champavati temple are remarkable. Chamba`s slipper, embroidered handkerchiefs, shawl, and leather products are famous.

Mani-Mahesh
Manimahesh is famous for the lake situated at an altitude of 4080 meters. It is within the territory of the Bharmar subdivision of the Chamba district. During August/September Manimahesh Yatra takes place. It is a pilgrimage tour to Manimahesh. It starts from Lakshmi Narayana temple in Chamba. The Chhari is taken to the holy lake of Manimahesh.
Manimahesh is an attractive trek for both devotees and non-devotees because of its natural beauty. It is located straight below Manimahesh Kailash Peak and a dangling glacier. On a cloudless day, the reflection of Kailash Temple is visible on the lake surface.

Hotels in Dalhousie

Snow Valley Resort
Snow View Area, The Mall
Dalhousie(HP)
Phone –01 899 242700
Mobile—09318513788HOTEL GRACE MOUNT
Near Nehru Park Bakrota Hills
Chamba district, Dalhousie HP
Phone—91 1899 225677
Mobile—91 97361 04009HOTEL ASHIANA REGENCY
The Mall Road Dalhousie
Dt-Chamba H.P
Phone—91 1899 242208
91 1899 242298
Mobile—94183 85200

HOTEL HOLIDAY PLAZA
Baloon Church Road
G.P.O Dalhousie
Phone—91 01899 242415
Mobile—91 98161 72444

HOTEL KUMARS
Bus Stand Dalhousie
Phone—91 9418010754
91 941824275

Shopping Dalhousie

Exclusive wools: Close to Gandhi Chowk on Garam Sarak, you’ll find reasonably-priced Kullu shawls and hats at Bhutto. Established in 1944 by a group of village women, Bhuttico charges fixed prices, so it’s a good place to shop.

Handicrafts and decorative: It is quite exclusive about buying handicrafts at the Tibetan Market which is located at Gandhi Chowk or alternatively selecting stuff like carpets, jewelry, woolens, Chamba slippers, scarves, and shawls are really good buys. The Himachal Handicrafts Emporium is also a good place for handicraft shopping.

February 11, 2022 0 comment

Himachal

Dharamshala Travel Guide: It has always been amazing

by Vivek Singh February 9, 2022

written by Vivek Singh

Dharamshala

Dharamshala or Dharamsala is a city in northern India. It is the winter place of the government of the state of Himachal Pradesh and the district headquarters of the Kangra district. It was previously known as Bhagsu.

McLeodGanj a village within the Dharamshala municipality, is the home of the current Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso and the exiled Tibetan government.

The Tibetan Buddhist roots of Dharamsala can be traced back to the 8th century, although most of the local population has long since reverted to (and remains) Hindu. “Dharamsala” literally means an “inn attached to a temple”, and it was so until the district headquarters in Kangra became too crammed and the British moved 2 of their squads in the late 1840s to what is now Dharamsala. Over the years, this became the district headquarters of Kangra, and that exact location is now known as the Police Lines.

Dharamsala was supposed to be the summer capital of India. But this plan did not work as much of the town was destroyed in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake of 4th April 1905. The disaster killed over 10,000 people in this sparsely occupied area and this place fell into dimness in the early days of Indian independence, Dharamsala regained some social standing in 1959 with the arrival of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile Currently, it is a very well-liked hang-out for foreigners and students of Buddhism. Indeed, it is now perhaps a little also popular and many would say the town, and especially McLeod Ganj is little more than a traveler destination.

Lower Dharamsala, homes most of the government offices, schools, the local Hospital, and commercial areas. It also has a few tea gardens.

Upper Dharamsala, known more generally as McLeod Ganj is named after David McLeod the once the British Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab. It is home to the Tibetan community and the center of tourist activity. Unless specifically stated, all listings in this article refer to McLeod Ganj.

Climate

Lower Dharamsala is at an altitude of 1,400 m, while McLeod Ganj is at around 1,750 m, making them noticeably cooler than the plains below. Temperatures in January can plunge below freezing, while June can go up to 38°C. The monsoon season from July to September is very wet.

Reaching Dharamshala

By Air

Gaggal is the nearest airport within a distance of 15 km from McLeodganj by road on MDR44 and NH20. The airport has been recently developed and the tourists can avail flights twice a day. Sometimes you may get a break with respect to Air tickets because of cancellation.

By bus
Most of the tourists come to Dharamsala by bus. It has good connections with other parts of North India, although the journeys are often time taking due to the narrow zigzag roads in the hills. The main bus terminal is in Lower Dharamsala, but some public HRTC buses to Delhi and Pathankot ply from the main square of McLeod Ganj, where you can also have advance tickets for the return trip. Unreserved HRTC buses from Pathankot cost Rs 75 and take 3/4 hours to Dharamsala/McLeod Ganj. Private bus companies are available for travel from Manali, Dehradun, and Delhi. Overnight buses operate from Delhi with many leaving from the Tibetan colony of Majnu ka Tilla. This 13-hour journey costs Rs 450 for a basic bus to Rs 940 for a plusher Volvo.By train
The nearest broad gauge rail station is at Pathankot and the neighboring small station of Chakki Bank, it is a real comfortable overnight journey from Delhi. The Kangra Valley Railway to Kangra journey is tremendously slow that easily takes up to 6 hours and still leaves you 18 km from McLeod Ganj. This is the reason that the tourists prefer the bus journeys,

By taxi
A taxi from Pathankot to McLeod Ganj, a distance of 88 km, takes about 3 hours, and the stipulated fare from Pathankot is Rs 1,300 (return). However, the asking rate is always Rs 1,600 and you can negotiate to around Rs 1,450 ( 50 rs is probably charged as a toll ). This is December 2011 rate for a small car ( Indica ).
Taxis from Delhi are frequently available leaving from Majnu Ki Tila Tibetan settlement in North Delhi on the ring road. Many people take a taxi to Delhi which takes about 10 hours and pay the return fare to get rid of the hassle of the bus journey.

Tourist attractions

Masrur (or Masroor): The major attraction of this place is the fifteen skillfully carved colossal rock temples dating back to the 8th century. The carvings of these temples are comparable to the Kailash temple at Ellora. In the workroom of the main temple, one can find images of Lord Ram,

Bhagsu Waterfall: This waterfall is situated at Bhagsu, 2 km from McLeodganj. It lies behind the Bhagsunag Temple. During Monsoon, the fall turns into a 30 feet cascade.

Bhagsunag Temple: Temple of the God Shiva has situated around 2 km from McLeodganj Bazaar. Constructed around the 18th century and then worshipped majorly Dharamshala. Very next to Bhagsunag temple is a waterfall, one of the chief tourist attraction spot in Dharamshala.

Art Gallery
Naam Art Gallery is a well-liked tourist spot situated in McLeodganj city. There are various paintings and exhibitions on display in this art gallery. These paintings are works of the renowned German painter Elsbeth Buschmann and English painter A.W. Hallett. It is situated in Sidhbari village, which is on the main Dalhousie-Chamunda Road.

Kangra Museum: It is situated close to the bus stand, Kangra Art Museum is an exclusive museum displaying the artifacts of Tibetan and Buddhist cultures. This is a treasure of Kangra valley’s cultural past, crafts, arts, and other ancient artifacts. Some of the displayed items in the museum belong to the 5th century. Kangra Museum consists a gallery of miniature paintings of Kangra’s rich past, pottery, rare coin memorabilia, sculptures, and anthropological materials. It has a varied collection of jewelry of a range of tribes, elaborate costumes, and wood carvings. A section dedicated to current artworks adds attraction to the museum. Tourists can easily reach by bus or taxi and it will take 30 minutes to one hour to see the museum.

Kunal Pathri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kalpeshwari and is located 3 km from the Kotwali Bazaar. It’s supposed that a part of Goddess Sati, skull, fell here when Lord Shiva was carrying the charred body of the Goddess, hence the name of the temple.

Chamunda Temple: This temple is around 15 km from Dharamshala on the right bank of river Baner on the Mandi-Pathankot highway. According to legends, Goddess Kali killed the demons, Chand and Mund, at this place.

Dal Lake: The Lake is spread in an area of 1 km and is bounded by rhododendrons, deodars, and junipers forest. Annually, a fair is held at the Kali Temple near the Lake. There is another temple close to the lake that is devoted to sage Durvasa.

Triund: It is a trekking destination in the foothills of Dhauladhar and is around 17 km from Dharamshala and offers magnificent views of the mountains and valleys.

Naddi: This picturesque picnic spot is located 5 km northwest of McLeodGanj. Naddi presents a spectacular view of the Kangra valley. You can trek to Kareri Lake, Triund, and Guna Devi from here. It’s also becoming a well-liked travel target for nature lovers.

Tsuglagkhang Complex, Temple: This is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet, and it has a large meditation hall containing some beautiful statues and thangkas, as well as a Kalachakra temple with gorgeous murals. It is the monastery of the Dalai Lama and is located just in front of his residence. On the basement level of the complex, you will also find the Namgyal Cafe, serving as a work-training center for Tibetan youth.

Tibet Museum, (opp. Tsuglagkhang) It is open to the audience on Thursday-Sunday 9 AM-5 PM. This small but interesting museum on the history of Tibet and its people is quite popular.

Bhagsunag Fall, (around 11 km from the Dharamshala, it is easily accessible by road from Mcleodganj). Bhagsunag fall has many waterfalls, an ancient temple, numerous slate quarries, and a freshwater spring.

Kunal Pathari, Temple ( 3 km from the Dharamshala.). Religious people come to this temple every day to pray to the Goddess.

Dharamkot, (around 14 km from Dharamshala.). This is an ideal place for a picnic near Dharamshala and is situated in the Himalayan mountain range giving an astonishing view of the surroundings.

Hotels

Hotel Eagle’s Nest is an ideal spot for center-based trekking, walking and visiting local sights, and it will facilitate your joining yoga classes or visiting the ashrams. Room tariff INR 3000/- to INR 4000/-

Hotel Anand Palace is a modern and relaxed hotel, newly built and within walking distance of Mcleod Ganj and you are definite to be offered striking views of the snow-capped mountains and conveniently you will find the attractively furnished room has an attached bathroom, telephone, satellite TV. The room tariff varies from INR 1488 to INR 4058/-

Hotel Sahil Plaza can offer the very finest in accommodation for you and your family for your stay in the Dharamsala. Room tariff INR 900/- to INR 1600/-

Hotel Spring Valley: The hotel has 23 elegantly selected rooms and suites. Deluxe rooms and suites provide the luxury of extensive terraces in front. Room tariffs range from INR 1188/- to INR 2475/-

Hotel Him Queen invites you into the ideal world of luxury, warmth, and tailored-made service during whether your purpose of stay is business or just leisure. Room tariff varies from INR 728/- to INR 2288/-

Madhavan Holiday Resort is the oldest resort in Bhagsunag with the latest renovation. It is an ideal choice for couples on honeymoon trips, for a family holiday,s and also for adventure lovers. INR 728/- to INR 2288/-

Surya Resorts is, thus the place from where one gets ready to experience the great hilly grandeur and savor the beauty, the sights, and the sounds of Dharamshala, which pulsates with Tibetan & Indian culture. The room tariff range from INR 2550/- to INR 4560/-

White Haven Estate is situated at Dharamshala at an altitude of 4500 feet (1500m) above sea level, in the gorgeous Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. White Haven Estate is surrounded by its Tea gardens and private forests and the room rent varies from INR 728/- to INR 2288/-

Trekking/walking
You can take an easy walk down Bhagsu Road then walk up 1 km up to the waterfall itself. Visitors are told not to venture further, the path to the waterfall is in reasonable shape, except for the final 50 Meters which is definitely devious, especially in greasy weather. You should take care while taking bath in the upper pool.

Triund: you can very well climb the hill beyond Dharamkot to Triund. It gives you a beautiful view of the first peaks of the Himalayas and an extensive view over the plains. You make sure to wear sturdy shoes, carry water, some food if you and an extra vest or coat. At the top of it even in summer, the weather can change from hot and sunny into a small snowstorm very quickly. From there it’s a 3-hour climb to Triund. If you plan to stay overnight at Triund, there is a Forest Rest house (Rs 500 per night). Take along your personal double bedsheet but be aware there is no running water or electricity.

Meeting the Dalai Lama

Meeting (or at least getting to see) the Dalai Lama is the dream of a life span for many people, a concentrated spiritual occurrence for Buddhists, and an unforgettable moment for people of other faiths. It’s also very difficult to pull off, so don’t plan on it. It requires a good deal of luck.

Shopping in the ambiance of spirituality

When you are in the spiritual capital of the world Dharamsala, the Buddhist teachings form an essential part of your life. Yoga and meditation is natural individual growth processes. Special ecological travel-friendly meditation cushions, rugs can be found here. The ‘Chuba’ appears as early as the 8th century, originating in Central Asia, it traveled east as far as Japan where it was turned to long, wide sleeves and became the kimono. In Tibet, it remained appropriate for riding on horseback and walking over high passes.

Make your holiday stay more thrilling by visiting any of the Himachali Handicraft stores to find designer dhurries, carpets, Handwoven Shawls & Pattus, Home interiors, and environment-friendly green shops. Last, not least do not forget the exclusive delicate taste of Kangra Green leaf Tea.

Much more Oriental and spiritual attractions

Yoga, meditation, healing

Lessons are provided with respect to Ashtanga (Mysore style), dynamic Hatha, and Sivananda yoga, with yoga healing techniques and teacher training. Non-residential meditation and reiki courses are available and these types of crash courses are perfect for beginners.
Asia Institute, Bhagsu Village. Courses in ayurvedic nutrition and tai-chi. are imparted. Buddha Hall
Short Courses in reiki (I, II, III, and master) as well as tarot and crystal healing from Buddha hall in Bagsu. are imparted.
Kailash School of Yoga & Holistic Healing, Ashtanga Vinyasa, and tribal hatha yoga classes are available daily to everyone along with treatments and sessions in reiki, ayurvedic massage, meditation, and ‘sound healing’ are carried out.Tushita Meditation Centre, It is a 10-day course which is an introduction to Buddhism/meditation is held here, silence is held most of the day but there are also groups meditation sessions after philosophy lessons.. The total course fee starts at INR 4800/-

Vipassana, (near Dharamkot). It is a 10 days meditation course. You need to register in advance online. The course will teach you the process of Vipassana You have to be completely silent, and you are provided 2 meals and a very light dinner. The course is free, but you can leave a donation if you please.

February 9, 2022 0 comment

Himachal

Manali Travel Guide : Explore Unleash Beauty

by Vivek Singh February 9, 2022

written by Vivek Singh

Heading Title

Manali Travel Guide

Manali at altitude of 1,950 m (6,398 ft) in the Beas River valley is a significant hill station in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, India near the northern end of the Kullu Valley. It is situated about 250 km (155 miles) north of state capital, Shimla.

Manali with population of approximately 30,000 is governmentally a part of the Kullu district The small town marked the commencement of an ancient trade route to Ladakh and from there over the Karakoram Pass on to Yarkand and Khotan in the Tarim Basin.Manali and the surrounding area is of great implication to Indian culture and legacy as it is said to be the home of the Saptarishi, or Seven Sages.

History

According to Hindu myth Brambha`s son Manu came to Manali to take rest. later it became his abode. Birth of mankind began from the bank of Beas at Manali. In course of time it gets the name Manalasu and later today`s Manali .

Today`s Manali gets its documented history with the advent of British colony. Apple trees were planted by British and in course of time it becomes the main source of income among the inhabitants of Manali.

Chandigarh is the main point for entry in Manali along National Highway 21 which ranges from Chandigarh to Manali. Disturbance in Kashmir in late 80s helped a lot to expand tourism in Manali. Many hotels and restaurants came in operation for tourism.

The Circuit

The preliminary entry point to Kullu Manali Circuit is from Chandigarh, India. The majority of the destinations lie on the National Highway No. 21. This highway originates from Chandigarh and ends at Manali. This path from Chandigarh to Manali followed by National Highway No 21. is the Kullu Manali Circuit. It is categorized into 4 main trails: Sutlej Trail, Beas Trail, Kullu Valley Trail and Across Rohtang Pass.Tourism in Manali was expanded after the rise of militancy in Kashmir in the late 1980s. This once quiet village was altered into an active town with many hotels and restaurants.

Demographics

Males constituted 64% of the population and females 36%. Manali have a mean literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy was 80%,.

Climate

The climate in Manali is predominantly cold during the winter season and reasonably cool during summers. The temperatures range from 4 °C (39 °F) to 30 °C (86 °F) over the year. The mean temperature during summer is between 14 °C (57 °F) and 20 °C (68 °F), and between −7 °C (19 °F) and 10 °C (50 °F) in the winter.

How to reach Manali

By Air: Nearest airport is Kulu-Manali airport.It is located at south of Manali and south of Kulu.It is 51km from Manali and 10km from Kulu. Indian Airlines have regular flights to this airport.

By Rail: Manali can be reached from Delhi by national highway NH21 havinh distance of 521km.

By bus: Nearest Rail station is Chandigar(275km).Joginder Nagar is the nearest narrow gauge railhead.

Local Transport
Within Chamba, you can go around in taxis, jeeps, buses and minibuses.

Tourist Attraction

By Air
The nearest airport is at Bhuntar town, situated on NH21 about 50 km (31 mi) south of Manali and 10 km (6.2 mi) south of Kullu town. The airport is also recognized as Kullu-Manali airport and has more than a kilometre long runway. Indian Airlines and some private airlines have regular flights to the airport.

By Road
Manali is accessible by road from Delhi by national highway NH 1 up to Chandigarh and from there by national highway NH21 that passes through Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi and Kullu towns. The road distance from Delhi to Chandigarh is 248 km and from Chandigarh to Manali is 273 km. The total distance from Delhi to Manali thus is 521 km (324 mi).

By Rail
Manali is not easily accessible by rail. The nearest broad gauge rail points are at Chandigarh (275 km (171 mi)), Pathankot (325 km (202 mi)) and Kalka (310 km (193 mi)). The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar (135 kilometres (84 mi)).

Most popular tourist attractions

Rohtang Pass:
51km from Manali on Manali-keylong/leh highway , spreading over one kilometer rohtang La is situated at altitude of 3979 meter in the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas.The name of Rohtang Pass originates from Tibetan word Rohtang Joth which means the ground of corpses. In an effort to cross the pass many of the people died here due to bad weather .Like Zojila pass,a well known gateway to Ladakh, Rohtang pass is a gateway to Lahul Spiti. Uncertainty in weather condition and unpredictable snowstorms are the characteristic of Rohtang pass.
The pass is open from May to November each year .Picturesque view of distant Himalayan peaks from Rohtang pass is splendid. Glaciers are frequently found here. Beautiful scenes of Lahul valley and Chandra river are the attraction of Rohtang pass. The twin peaks of Geypan are clear in the sight from here. Source of Beas river is Beas kund which is found nearby.

Hidimba Temple:
In 1553 m Maharaja Bahadur Singh built this temple.Bhim, the Second Pandava married Hidimba after killing her brother Hidimb Rakkhas. In Manali Hiddimba is the Goddess. In the decorated front gate statues of beast animals and goddess are very attractive. Temples of Bhim and Ghatokaccha is located nearby.

VASHIST HOT WATER SPRINGS AND TEMPLE

Just about 3 kms from Manali , the artistic designed Vashist Temple is situated on another hill.Thera is a hot spring .Watwr of this spring is full of sulphur. The spring complex includes modern bathhouses. HPTDC BUILT Turkish styled Hamam .

Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple:
It is just about 3 kms from Manali, spread across the Beas River is Vashist, one finds a village bestowed with natural sulphur springs. The spring complex includes modern bathhouses and Turkish-style showers.

Solang Valley:
Solang Valley is 14km northwest from Manali.Presently known as Snow Point,it is famous forsports.Parachuting,paraglidingand skating are commonly provided. It is a popular ski resort for having natural big slopes ol lawn.

Rahala waterfalls:
At an altitude of 2,501 mts, the Rahala waterfall is 16 km from Manali.

Monasteries:
The tourists should make it a point to visit the gompas or the Buddhist monasteries during their visit.
Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa.
Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa is one of the small Tibetan monasteries, known as Gompas, positioned in Manali. The use of bright colors and glitter of the monastery is what attracts the tourists. One can also comfortably buy Tibetan carpets, durries and other artifacts from here.

Malana
Across River Parvati, on the trekking course from Jari, is a stunning quaint village called Malana which is believed to have been inhabited by the descendants of the Greeks that came as Alexander’s army. Malana is one of the villages that have self-governing assembly.

Manu Temple
Manu Temple is situated in the Old Manali and can be reached after a half-hour trek on the hill. It symbolizes Manu, who landed and settled down in Manali, after the great floods .

Vashisht Baths
Vashisht is a small village, located on the bank of River Beas and it is famed for a superb temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, and hot springs that are said to have therapeutic properties.

Hadimba Devi Temple
It is situated at a distance of approximately 1.5 km from the main Manali, and is also referred as Dhoongri temple. It is surrounded by densely wooded forests, it has a 4-tier pagoda-shaped roof, a wonderfully carved doorway and beautiful celebrated sculptures.

Naggar
Naggar is famous for Naggar Castle.In the sixteenth century it was built by king Sidh Singh.This castle is situated high above Katrain.There is a museum in one part of the castle.In 1978 the castle is transformed into Castle Hotel conducted by HPTDC.For trek to Malana ,Naggar is the entry point.

Roerich Art Gallery
It is a great attraction of Naggar town.This is a folk art museum. In 1928 Professorand Madam Nicholas Roerich established this museum.Paintinga of Roerich and other Indian paintings are preserved here.

Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum
Situated in Naggar, within the premises of the Roerich estate, Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum is just 100 meters uphill from the Nicholas K. Roerich Art Gallery.

Manali Hotels

The hotels in Mnali offer excellent honeymoon package, the tour operators do have networks for the availability of manali package tour and the tourists are made aware beforehand regarding Manali Weather.

Hotel Mountain Top provides visitors to Manali with 3-star facilities and the needed hospitality. It is located approximately 2 km from the Mall and Government Bus Stand, and 52 km from Bhuntar Airport.The room tariff starts from INR 1440/-

If you think of luxury hotel in the Hiamalayan circuit of Himalaya, then you can think of De Bellagio. The daily room tariff is INR 976/-
Nestled in the abundance of nature Tourist Hotel offers the perfect accommodation options for a pleasant holiday in Manali. The room tariff commences at INR 1200/-

Dream View Resorts is 3 star hotels in Manali and located in the serene surrounding of apple orchards, Garling stream and deodar Trees The room tariff is around INR 2877/-

Lord’s Residency is a three star hotel located at the Left Bank area in New Manali. It offers facilities like airport transfer, doctor on call, parking and other amenities. The average room rent is INR 3050/-

Hotel New Adarsh is more of a budget quality hotel that is located just off the Mall in Manali. This location makes the hotel very popular among visitor. The room tariff is around INR 1650/-

Holiday Inn a four star hotel is located about 3 kilometres from downtown Manali. With gently terraced paddy fields on one side and River Beas on the other, the room tariff is around INR 7999/-

Piccadily Resorts, the only downtown resort in Manali meets all the requirements of sensitive tourists and adventure seekers. The room tariff is around INR 4050/-

Other sporting attractions
Paragliding- it is quite popular in Manali, especially in the crest of the season. The scene of action is located at Solang Valley. There are multiple levels of paragliding packages, starting from the basic 1 minute flying for Rs. 450 (the most common) to a more fun 5 minute flight for INR 1500/- But the ultimate is the half an hour flight for INR 2500/- for which they take you up almost halfway to rohtang.

Rock climbing – there are some wonderful routes, however, go with a reputable company that can provide you suitable gear, otherwise this can become a dangerous sport.

Shopping Manali: Shopping in Manali is an exciting and thrilling experience. There is an assortment of items to buy. The traditional handicrafts in the region of Manali are very well-known among the tourists and foreigners. Anybody will be compelled to buy the locally made various handicraft items of Manali. Selective and exclusive collections of the artistic Tibetan curios are available which are must buys . These would act as wonderful souvenirs for one’s trip to Manali.

February 9, 2022 0 comment