Manali is an ancient town of the Kullu valley, surrounded by towering peaks. The charming and attractive Kullu valley runs from north to south side of the river Beas. The name Manali means the home of Manu. According to the Hindu mythology, it is believed that Manu was the only human being who survived the great floods, which drowned the world. Today Manali is a popular destination for honeymoon couples and adventure sports lovers. Kullu-Manali travel will guide you to your holidays to this scenic paradise. Kullu Manali is among the most favourite tourist destinations of India. It is well connected by air, rail and roads to the rest of the country. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation is always there to help you to facilitate your travel.
Air : The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar. It is 52 Km to the south of Manali.
Rail : The closest narrow gauge railway station is at Jogindernagar, which is 135 km from Manali.
Bus : Manali is connected to well maintained roadways that connect the city to other major cities of India. It connects Chandigarh (310 Km), Ambala (355 Km) and Delhi (585 km) through excellent roadways.
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.
The Tibetan market, spread around the back of the Hotel Ibex, has many stalls that sell shawls. Manali’s main street, the ‘Mall’ is a noisy scene of constant activities fronted by the bus station, several shopping markets, and a line of hotels, restaurants and travel agents. Gompas or Buddhist Monasteries are seen at the southern edge of the town.
The Red Roof Restaurant- the Red Roof Restaurant in Prini, Nagar Road in Kullu-Manali is a major and locally popular restaurant. The Red Roof serves Indian, Chinese and continental cuisine along with the spicy Himachali cuisine. The Royal Delicious- located at the Vilage Mohal on the NH 21, the Royal Delicious is the perfect place to stop by to nibble something while driving down the highway. The bar at the restaurant stocks choicest Indian and foreign liquor. The restaurant accepts Amex, Visa and Mastercard.
The hot sulphur springs at Vashisht are a good place to relax after some hectic travelling, with clean tubs and showers offered by Himachal Tourism. The tourism department also runs the Utopia Complex on Club House Road next to the Beas with snooker, billiard, badminton and table tennis facilities. The complex has a restaurant with bar and a small museum on local culture. There are a lot of cafes in Manali and enjoying the scenic beauty takes up so much of your time that other forms of entertainments pale in front of this.
Manali does not have a vibrant nightlife. For the party animals, the hotels do arrange a camp fire on request. The bars in Manali are all associated with the hotels.
While at Manali you could take your kids on a jeep safari which go beyond the valley to Leh and Shimla. You could also go skiing and snowboarding.