A charming mountain station, Manali is located in the Himalayas in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is part of the northern tip of the Kullu Valley, located on the banks of the Beas River at 1,926 m above sea level. Flower meadows, rippling streams, snow-capped mountains, high mountain passes, temples and Buddhist monasteries give this small town a fairytale vibe.
Manali can be explored on foot or you can try paragliding across the green hills and apple orchards. If you come here in winter, ride the snow-covered slopes of Manali. Adventurers also come here for rafting and trekking. Rich in culture and experience, Manali is an ideal place to relax in the mountains.
Manali also finds a position on the pages of Hindu mythology. Varvasvata, the seventh incarnation of Manu, author of the ancient texts of Manusmriti, says that one day he found a small fish in the water he was bathing in. The fish asked him to take care of her, because one day she would be very useful to him. He obeyed and took care of the fish until it grew, then released it into the sea. Before the fish left, they warned that the world would overflow and advised them to build an ark.
At the time of the flood, Varvasvata and the seven wise men were taken to safety by fish, which is considered the first incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is said that when the water receded, the ark stopped beside a hill which was later named Manali after Manu. As the water slowly dried up, life and natural beauty came back to life, and a breathtaking sight was presented to Barbabata.
In Manali, the average summer temperature in April-July is 13°C to 21°C and the average winter temperature in November-February is 6°C to 9°C. Manali is home to rafting, trekking and mountaineering in Bis Kund, Chandrahani Pass, Lahaul, Spiti, Bara Bhangal and Zanskar. You can also see several picturesque sights here.
Attractions Near Manali
Hadimba Temple is just 2 km from Manali Hill Station. It was built in 1533 AD in honor of Hidimbi Devi, a figure in Mahabharata Hindu mythology.
The Temple of Manu is dedicated to Rishi Manu. It is located in the Old Town of Manali, about 3 km from the main market of Old Manali. The sage Manu is regarded by Hindus as the divine creator of mankind.
Vashishta Temple is just 3.5 km from Manali Bus Station. The temple is named after Vashishta (son of Brahma mind) and Guru Sri Rama. He gives you a hot water source.
Van Vihar is a mini forest park located just 2.2 km from the center of Manali, opposite the Tibetan market on Mall Road behind Hadimba Temple. The boat ride on the small pond in the park is especially interesting.
Jagatsukh is a hilly village about 6 km from the Manali mountain station. It was once the capital of the Kulu province. The main attractions of the town are the ancient Shiva Temple, the small Gaurishankar Temple and the Sandia Devi Temple.
Solang Valley is located at the top of the Kulu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, about 14.3 km from Manali to Rotang Pass. The valley is famous for summer and winter sports such as parachuting, paragliding, ice skating and zorbing.
Rotang Pass is a great tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, just 50 kilometers from Manali. At 3978m above sea level, it is the highest point of the Manali-Keylong Road. The source of Lake Dassaur and the Beas River, Beas Kund is another attraction near Rotang Pass.
Club House is located about 1 mile from the Manali Bus Station at the foot of the old town of Manali. It offers five-star comforts with friendly staff, indoor and outdoor games, a bar and a well-maintained restaurant.
Maa Sharvari Temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga. She was once recognized by the Kuldevi kings of Kullu. It is located at the top of the village of Shaminallah, about 5.2 km from Manali.
Rahal Waterfall is only 15 km from the starting point of the climb from Manali to Rotang Pass. It is a great attraction for tourists, maintaining an altitude of up to 2500 m.
Naggar is an interesting tourist destination near Manali Hill Station. You can find the castle, the home of the Roerichs and the art gallery here. Another attraction is moonlight dining on the balcony of Hotel Castle Restaurant.
Manali Gompa or Gadkhan Tekchokling Gompa was built in 1960. This is a very sacred place for Buddhists. This monastery is world famous for its huge Buddha statues and murals.
Nehru Kund is about 6.1 km from Manali. It is one of India’s natural water sources and is named after the late Prime Minister Javarlal Nehru.
Other tourist attractions in the Manali Mountain Station area: Old Manali, Gauri Shankar Temple, Kalaat Hot Springs, Jogini Falls, Rossi Falls, Krishna Temple, Jana Falls, Cape Anfield, Arjun Gupa, Koti, Rahala Falls, Buddhist Monastery. …
How to get to Manali ?
Travel by air
KuluManali domestic airport is closest to Manali Mountain Station, located in Bhuntar, about 49 km from Manali. General Indian Airlines and Jagson flights are available between Delhi and Shimla with flights to this airport. In case of rain, flights may be canceled due to bad weather. Chandigarh Airport is the nearest international airport.
Travel by Road
Manali is well connected to other subways in India via several national highways. NH1 connects the city with Delhi and Chandigarh and NH21 connects the city with Villaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi and Kulu. Distance from Delhi to Manali is 532 km and from Chandigarh to Manali is 273 km. HP Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) and HP Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) provide comfortable tours and good tour packages to the city.
Travel by Train
There is no train station in Manali. The closest train stations to the city are at Jogindernagar (134 km), Pathankot (324 km), Shimla (275 km), Kalka (311 km) and Chandigarh (274 km). After arriving at the above station, you will need to take a bus to get to Manali. It is best to get to Chandigarh first, as there are regular buses from the city.
