Places Of Interest in and around Manali
Himachal Pradesh has been attracting tourists (both foreign and domestic) more and more with the passage of time mainly because of unique scenery views and universally peaceful and hospitable Himachalies, Roaring rivers, roaming rivulets, soaring mountains and Loring lakes join hand to make this picturesque state look like a heaven on the earth. Simple and innocent looking people abridge the distance between “DEVTAS AND HUMAN BEING”. Snow clads peaks, boiling hot springs and burning flames on water surfaces all speak for miraculous hidden treasure of ancient Indian culture and myths kinnars of Kinnaur, “Yakshas” of spiti and Gandharvas of Lahaul help refreshening the sweet memories of that glorious “PAURANIK” past which has turned in to a story in the maddening crowds of big cities where man is fastly becoming a machine in the name of advancement.
May be that mad rush for exploring ways to mint money overnight has virtually thrown our spiritual advancement to the back ground and in search of the same tourist form all over the world come to India- Himachal Pradesh and to valley of God, Kullu. Enclosed by the last snow range of the Himalayas, the Dhauladhar and PirPanjal, running parallel to the south of it, is a valley that leaves the spectator awe-struck at the breath- taking grandeur of its mountain, its torrents and its vast expanses of snow in its upper regions, Fascinating, calm, placid and gorgeous, this is the valley of Gods, who in turn can be benign. Angry and capricious.
Kullu Manali
Kullu’s personality changes with the seasons. The mountainscape remains spectacular whether in brilliant sunshine or the lilac haze of mist. In spring, the valley orchards wear delicate tracery of cherry, peach and apple blossom. Blue and purple iris spike the meadows. In March, the apricot trees burst into pink blossom, looking like fairy sprays of leafless bouquets. In May and june the God are benign and smile with benevolence on all who come to pay an explicit or implicit homage to them, the weather is fine, the mountain scape is fine and the deodar forest are better than fine.
Himachal Pradeshwhich has been so well endowed by nature has recently come up very fast as a mojor tourist destination in India. Apart from the natural beauty which offers a lot to the tourists, the adventure seeker, the nature lovers, the peaceful and safe environment of the State has become a major attraction for the visitors. It is the only state which provides opportunities for variety of activities in which the tourists belonging to different age group and having different taste can engage themselves accordingly. It offers an exposure to distinct culture and life style of its own monuments of ancient are in the form of temples and forts. Monasteries, Rich wild life and numerous adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, skiing, hang gliding, Para-gliding, angling etc.
Lahoul-Spiti district
Lahoul remained a non-descript and unknown place, till early sixties. When the war with China brought about a qualitative change in the Government perception of all the area adjoining the border with china.
Lahoul was no exception. This god forsaken and hitherto unknown place, suddenly occupied a place of prominence in the national papers.
Lahoul-Spiti district holds tremendous potential for winter and adventure tourism. What is lacking now, is an integrated approach towards identification, selection and development of sites/activities and creation of infrastructure related to suitable accommodation, reliable means of communication, well equipped information Centre with a human face, back up support for mountaineers and trekkers etc.
Lahoul valley remains snow bound for almost five months till April end. These are beautiful slopes of world class, smooth, gentle and obstacle free and stretching for miles. These slopes are ideal for the MANALI, a town in the valley of kullu, is literally a tourist’ paradise.
Hindu mythology has it that the world was deluged with rain and the entire land –mass submerged in water, when Manu stepped of his celestial boat at Manali. The word Manali is derived from the words Manu and Alya, meaning, the abode of Manu. It is said that Manu renewed life on this planet, after the Great Deluge.
Mall Road Manali
Manali, a trekker’s paradise, situated at an altitude of 6000 feet above mean sea level, is an idyllic town north of Kullu. Eulogized as the Queen of Hill stations, Manali is sight for gods to see.
Manali is a round- the year favorite of tourists. By winter it is referred to as Chamonix of India. With Manali as base, a tourist can find expression to his nomadic instincts by visiting a number of places, the grandeur and beauty of which are bound to make one experience the heights of ecstasy.
Manali has a Tibetan monastery where there are several images of the Buddha, thanka paintings and a handicrafts Centre.
The Mall in Manali is the main shopping Centre for shawls, caps, pattoos, apples, walnut, Japaniphal, palla (slippers), etc.
Snow
SNOW Covered mountain peaks, huge glacier deposits, fast flowing glacial fed mountain rivulets, rare exotic Himalayan flora and fauna, fresh water mountain lakes, exhilarating feeling of being close to the sky-all these and many more are nature’s gift to us feel and enjoy. This reminds us of nature’s glory, in its pristine beauty and purity. A mountainous land, called Lahoul, enclosed by western Himalayan ranges and accessible from adjoining lands of Kullu, Ladakh, Spiti and Chamba over formidable passes, offers a variety of tourist attractions. These will suit the convenience and temperament of all class and categories of tourists, both domestic and foreign.
Atal Tunnel
Atal Tunnel (also known as Rohtang Tunnel) is a highway tunnel built under the Rohtang Pass in the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas on the Leh-Manali Highway in Himachal Pradesh, India.At 9.02 km (5.6 mi) length, it is the longest tunnel above 10,000 feet (3,048 m) in the world.
BeasKund & Bhrigu Lake
The origin of the river Beas is near to crest of Rohtang from a block of Masochist. Pilgrims as well as the tourists visit to Beas Kund to enjoy the beauty and bounty of nature.
This pleasant little Bhrigu lake, is an ideal picnic spot, which can be reached after trekking a distance of 14 kms for Manali. One is bound to enjoy the panorama of nature as on treks the distance.
Jagat suhk & Jalori pass
Situated 6 kms from Manali, lies on the main road to Naggar from Manali .JagatSukh was the ancient capital of Kullu Kingdom. It is famous for its Shiva and Gayatri temples. Arjun caves are short distance away from there.
Located at a height of 3223 meters is a gateway to Rampur Valley, from where Shimla is accessible by road, both sides of which are covered with lovely apple orchards. Trekking a short distance of another four or five kilometers from the top of Jalori Pass brings on the tranquil surrounding of sareolsar lake whose unpolluted waters are crystal clear.
Kasol & Keylong & Kothi
Charmingly situated in open space, Kasol is 3 Kms before Manikaran. It slopes down to a broad expanse of clear white sand on the river bank.
The district headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti is 177 Kms from Manali. Karding and Shishur Monasteries are must for any tourist who visits Keylong.
NEHRU KUND & PATTAN VALLEY & PULGA AND KHIRGANGA
Is a spring of cold water named after the late Prime Minister, Shri Jawaharlal Nehru. It is at a distance of 5 Kms from Manali and is located on the main road to Rohtang.
Triloknoth and Udaipur are two important places of pilgrimage in the Pattan valley. The architecture, supplemented with the spiritual atmosphere of the temple is a call for harmony, far away from the hustle and bustle of life.
Lie at a distance of 16 Kms from Manikaran. They can be approached by foot. People who love trekking do not fail to trek to Pulga, as well as Khirganga. Khhirganga is noted for its hot water spring, where the water appears milky.
ROHALLA FALLS & ROHTANG PASS
Which is at a distance of 26 Kms from Manali on the main road to Rohtang pass, is an extremely charming spot for picnics.
51 Kms from Manali and situated at an altitude of 4112 meters, Rohtang pass is on the main road to keylong. The pass provides a wide panorama of hills and dales.
SOLANG VALLEY & VASHISHT VILLAGE
Fourteen Kilometers from Manali, a road bifurcates this beautiful valley form palanchan. Good skiing slopes with excellent lift are an attraction to the adventure-loving people in winter. The valley dotted with beautiful picnic spots are ideal for tourists in summer. Tourists love to be accommodate in tents during summer.
Renowned for its temples of Vashisht and Rama, is also famous for its hot water sulphur springs. The place is only 3 Kms from Manali bus stand and is accessible by a well laid road. Considering all these points, there appears to be sufficient scope for a posh Hotel to come up in this area. It is therefore, recommended for speedy approval and implementation.
