Manali Hill Station - India

Manali,located at an altitude of 2050 m,is situated along the banks of the Beas,close to the Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley. The river with the wild flowers,hamlets and fruit-laden orchards present the gifts of the sight,sound and smell.

Hadimba Temple:

Hadimba or Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the region. This four-story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar. Winding paths through forests and glades of whispering Deodars form the setting for the majestic wooden temple of Hidimba Devi in Manali. The motorable road is shaded by Chestnuts,Chinars and tall deciduous Deodars. This forested backdrop enthral one's spirit and refresh one's mind all along the uphill path.

Vashist Springs (1,982m):
At about half an hour's brisk walking distance from town,there are sulphur springs-gush,hot and medicinal - emerging out of the mountains at Vashisht. Here,in a bath complex with a restaurant and a beautiful view,couples can soak in the privacy of their own sunken bath,warming all kinds of ailments out of their systems.
Jagatsukh (6-kms):
It is one of the biggest villages in Kullu district. About 6-km from Manali,Jagatsukh is famous for its Shiva temple that is built in "shikhara" style and nearby is the old and interesting Devi Sharvati temple.
Arjun Gufa (5-kms):
On the left bank of the Beas,5-km from Manali near the village of Prini,is the 'Arjun Gufa' or the cave of Arjuna. In here Arjuna practised austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.
Beas Kund: Further ahead is the Beas Kund. The tiny roundish igloo like stone hut shelters the Beas Kund,the very source of the holy river Beas. Water flows at the source of the river likfe a spring,so clear and icy cold that it almost numbs the fingers. All around is the rocky terrain with very little vegetation. A few mules graze around while all and sundry try to brave the wind on a clear sunny day.


Rohtang Pass (13-kms): Situated about 50-km from Manali town,at an altitude of 4,111m on the highway to Keylong,is the Rohtang Pass. There is a beautiful Dasohar Lake left of the Pass. The Pass,which provides the only access to the Lahaul Valley,is open from June to November each year. Snowfall is,however,unpredictable and blizzards can close the Pass even during this period. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendour. A few km away from the pass is the Sonapani glacier and,slightly to the left are the twin peaks of Gaypan-jagged pyramid of rock,snow streaked and snow crowned.

Best Time to Visit:&nbspMay To October.
Travel Information:

• 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 Joginder Nagar and this narrow gauze railway station is 95-km from Kullu.
• 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.