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Manali

Manali means "Home of Manu". Manalihas derived it's name from the name of a mythological character, Manu who is supposed to have survived when the whole world was drowned in flood. He then came to Manali and recreated human life.Thus, this area of Manali is sacred and Hindus treat the temples over hereas pilgrimage.

For those yearning for both adventure and comfort at the same place, Manali is the place to be in. Manali has abundant opportunities for sports lovers and also provides soothing touch to those who seek peace and break from daily chaos. It is the place where one can indulge in self-introspection.

There are many villages inManali and each village has its own deity. Hence, Manali is also known as the valley of gods. Rich in fruit orchards andpine groves, Manali offers quite a few places for sightseeing. Manali is also famous for adventure sports. There is an interesting legend that speaks about how sage Manu recreated human life after floods had devastated the world. The Kulluis in brightly patterned puttoos, Tibetanwomen wearing ankle-length rainbow-striped pinafores, Buddhist monks, are a common sight in Manali.

Manali is famousfor adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking.One can do river rafting on the Beas or trek into the Himachal hills from here. Rock climbing courses are conducted during the summer months and skiing at Solang and Auli during the winters.

The nearest airport is Bhuntar, 52 km south of Manali. There are flights to Delhi via Shimla. Manali can be reached from Pathankot, Chandigarh and Kiratpur railway stations. From there you will have to take a bus as there is no direct link. The closest narrow-gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 135 km away.

Theclosest broad-gaugerail heads are Chandigarh (310 km) and Ambala (355 km). Direct bus services are available from most major towns of North India. Or you could throw your bags in the car and head upwards, if you are prepared for a really longjourney (about 7 hours from Chandigarh, the nearest metropolitan city). By road, the distance from Delhi via Mandi is 585 km, and from Shimla the distance is 270 km. From Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) plies luxurybuses to Manali. Tourists also have the option of hiring taxies and buses operated by private travel and tour companies for vacations in Manali.

Attractions in Manali

• Hadimba Temple
  This temple, with a finely wrought four - tiered pagoda roof, dating back to 1553, is built around a natural cave, which enshrines the footprints of the goddess Hadimba. Hadimba was the wife of Bhima, one of the five great Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata, and later became the patron goddess of the Kulu royal family.
  
  
• Manu Temple
  Just near the Hadimba temple flows the Manalsu River, that culminatesin the main Beas river. Across the Manalsu river is the original village of Manali, that houses the ancient temple of the sage Manu. Manali itself is named after Manu, who is said to have dwelt here.
  
  
• Monasteries
  Manali also houses three Tibetan monasteries, that have been built recently.
  
  
• Arjun Gufa
  Five kms from Manali near the village of Prini is the Arjun Gufa, Arjuna's cave. Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, is believed to have performed his penance here.
  
  
• Vashisht
  Three kms from Manali is the village of Vashisht, which is renowned for its hot sulphur springs. The village is also the site of some old temples, dedicated to the great sage Vashisht, and to Lord Rama. The Himachal Tourism sulphur baths are just beyond these shrines.
  
  
• Jagatsukh
  The erstwhile capital of Kulu, Jagatsukh houses temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri.
  
  
• Solang Valley
  Around 14 kms from Manali, is the Solang valley, that boasts of the glacier nearest to the resort. Replete with terrific picnic - spots, the amazing ski slopes here are full of hectic activity, come January - February.
  
  
• Rohtang Pass
  Rohtang Pass is 51 kms from Manali. Located at a height of 3980 m, the Pass once served as a crucial trade route, and still remains the gateway to the districts of Lahaul and Spiti.The Pass is open from June to November each year, and provides wonderful views of the entire surroundings. Just beyond the Pass is the Sonapani Glacier and the twin peak of Gaypan. The Beas Kund, the source of the Beas river, a holy site for Hindus, as the sage Vyas is said to have meditated at this spot, is also accessible from the Rohtang Pass.

How to reach

• By Air
  The nearest airport is at Bhuntar (50 km).
• By Rail
  The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar (135 km). The nearest broad gauge raiheads are at Chandigarh (310 km), and Ambala (355 km).
• By Road
  The distance from Delhi via Mandi is 585 km, and from Simla the distance is 270 km. From Simla, Chandigarh and Delhi, luxury buses run by Himachal Tourism regularly ply to Manali.

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