Manali is an important hill station of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated in the central part of Himachal Pradesh. Manali is located at an altitude of 2050 m above sea level. Manali is surrounded by towering peaks at an arm length and is famous for its proximity to snowline. Manali has a flourishing orchard industry which is well known for trekking. Also it is an excellent place for a holiday. And because of its scenic beauty it is also known as "Switzerland Of India"

The Manali market is crowed and it's famous for Tibetan carpets and crafts. Manali is one of the most favorite destinations of the destination of the tourist because it is full of deodar, pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards flavoured with the local folk music. Manali literally means the "home of Manu". Manu is the mythological character who has survived when the world was drowned in flood. He then came back to Manali and recreated human life. So, the region of Manali is sacred and Hindus treat the temple over here as pilgrimage. Can oby of deodar trees that surrounds the Manali is the Kullu valley is very famous. Manali has been a popular destination for honeymooners, trekkers, mountaineers, rafters and skiers. A tour to Himachal Pradesh is incomplete without a tour to Kullu - Manali.

History Of Manali:
Manali was populated by nomadic hunters in the ancient time, known as 'Rakshas'. After the Rakshas, Shepherds came to the valley and started doing agriculture. 'Naur or 'nar' are the earliest neighbours of the region, a unique caste to Kullu valley. British had introduced apples to the valley. Now plum, pear and apples are the best sources of income of its inhabitants.
In 1980 militancy rise in Kashmir, so Manali increased their tourism by making lots of hotels, restaurants, transform the villages in towns etc. It's a myth that when the flood deluged earth, god Vishnu in his seventh avatar of giant fish, saved Manu and provide him land, i.e. Manali. It's true or not but Manali is fairly beautiful place. In British Colonial times, due to the climate and nature beauty of Manali, British started coming to this pretty place, so Manali is becoming a popular tourist destination since last 1970s.
Now after two and a half decades Manali has became a base camp for trekkers and mountaineers, families, new married couples prefers to go to Manali for in every season to enjoy the beauty of the nature.

Climate:
As Manali is located in the Himalayas and the snow line is not very far from the place. The climate of Manali is cold. The summers are cool and the winters prove to be very harsh. In winters snow falls heavily in this region. During the winter heavy clothes are required. But harsh winter attracts the tourist who loves snow. Best time to visit Kullu - Manali is from May to October but honeymoon couples and tourists come throughout the year. Rainy season of Manali is considered July & August.

Language: Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari, Himachal and English.

Area: Area covered by Manali is 2050 meters.

Old Manali:
Old Manali is 3 km from present Manali and it is famous for its orchards and guest houses in old Manali. There is also the Manu Maharishi temple, dedicated to sage Manu.

Attraction Point In Manali:

Hadimba Temple:
Hadimba temple is the famous tourist attraction in the Manali. This temple is built in 1533 A.D. the temple has a pagoda shaped roof. According to the history, this is the dhoongri temple dedicated to goddess Hadima. A footprint on stone is at the centre of worship. It a pleasant experience to stroll in the temple complex. A lays festival is held here in May.

Rothang Pass:
Rothang pass is situated at an altitude of 3978 meters. It is around 51 km from Manali, which has the only entrance way to Lahaul Spiti. Dasohar lake and beas kund like spots are near by it. The pass is open from june to October. Each year there are beautiful sight of glaciers, peaks and Chandra river flows down in the Lahaul valley. This is the highest point and provides a beautiful view of mountains rising far above clouds. Regular buses are available between Manali - keylong / Darcha, Udaipur, spiti and Delhi.

Manu Temple:
Manu Temple is dedicated to Manu Rishi, and it is the only temple which lies in the old Manali and almost 3 km from main Bazar. It is the only temple in India who was the creator of human race on the earth. And one can reach by crossing slippery stone paths.

Jagatsukh:
This is 6 km from Mandi and this place is famous for very old temples of lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri in shikhara style, these are worth a visit. This is good excursion with a amazing view of mountains.

Raghunath Temple:
This temple is considered as the most important holiest place in Kullu. This temple was built by the Raja Jagat Singh, the king of Kullu who brought the present idol of the God from Ayodhya and established.

Bijli Mahadev Temple:
The distance Bijli Mahadev Temple is around 10 km from Kullu, across the beas river. This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. It named so because there is a 20 meter high rod projecting out of the shrine, which catches lightening from the skies and destroys the symbol of lord Shiva below the Shivlingam.

Kothi:
Kothi is 12 km from Manali situated on the road to Rothang pass and a pictures que spot. A rest house is situated on a ridge overlooking a narrow valley and offers a very beautiful view of mountains and valleys. Large number of movies or films has been picturised at this place.

Solang Valley:
Solang valley is 13 km from Manali. It is the valley which lies between Manali and Kothi and offers a beautiful view of glaciers and snowcapped mountain peaks. Also a hut and guest house of the mountaineering and Alied sports festival is also organized here.

Manikaran:
Manikaran is 85 km from Manali and 45 km from Kullu, which lies in the parvati valley. Here, in Manikaran icy cold water of the Parvati river co - exist with hot - water springs side by side. The place is honor by both Hindus and Sikhs. Himachal.

Tibetan Monasteries:
Tibetan monasteries are famous for carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts from where visitors can buy these popular things. There are three newly constructed popular and colorful monasteries. Two monasteries are located in the town and one at located on the left bank of beas river.

Arjun Gufa:
It is 4 km from Manali towards Naggar, the cave is situated near prini village which is 1 km. it's a very good excursion with a beautiful view of mountains.

How To Go Manali:

By Road:
It has very good network of roads. Kullu valley is connected by an extensive network of buses with northern region. National highway No 21 rows through the valley linking it to Chandigarh and other places. Many other famous destinations like Shimla (240 km), Chandigarh (272 km), Delhi (611 km) are located at convenient distance from Manali. From Bhuntar taxis & buses are easily available. The nearest railhead is the narrow gauze railway station, which is 95 km from Kullu. But it is better if you prefer to go Manali form Kullu by a bus or a taxi. So that you can enjoy the scenic beauty of Kullu while going to the Manali. So that tone can stop it at any time to enjoy the nature.

By Air:
The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar, which is 52 km from Manali. From Bhuntar taxis & buses are easily available.

By Rail:
The closest narrow - gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar which is 135 km away. The nearest broad - gauge railheads are Chandigarh which is 310 km, Pathankot and Ambala which is 355 km.