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. HistoryAccording 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.
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)).
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.
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.
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.
