Manali

MANALI

Manali is a famous tourist spot situated just on the banks of river “Beas” at a height of about 2050 meter high. Manali was previously named as “Manalsu” later named as Manali.  Manali is a town surrounded by hills on all sides.

Manali is a hill station nestled in the mountains of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh near the northern end of the Kullu Valley, at an altitude of 2,050 m (6,726 ft) in the Beas River Valley. It is located in the Kullu district, about 270 km (168 mi) north of the state capital, Shimla. The small town, with a population of 8,096 is the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh and from there over the Karakoram Pass on to Yarkand and Khotan in the Tarim Basin. Manali is located at 32.2396 N, 77.1887 E, about 40 km (25 mi) north of Kullu town. The town ranges in elevation from 1,800 m (5,900 ft) to 2,000 m (6,600 ft) in the uppermost “Old Manali” section. The climate in Manali is predominantly cold during winters, and moderately cool during summers. The temperatures range from 4 °C (39 °F) to 20 °C (68 °F) over the year. The average temperature during summer is between 04 °C (39 °F) and 15 °C (59 °F), and between −15 °C (5 °F) and 05 °C (41 °F) in the winter. Monthly precipitation varies between 31 mm (1.2 in) in November to 217 mm (8.5 in) in July. In average, some 45 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation is received during winter and spring months, increasing to some 115 mm (4.5 in) in summer as the monsoon approaches. The average total annual precipitation is 1,363 mm (53.7 in). Snowfall often takes place between November end to early February. The weather in Manali is not stable. There are many hotels and restaurants, shopping malls, and many small shops available at Manali which has made the Mall a centre of attraction. Each and every-day tourist get involved in buying shawls, woolen garments and other types of winter worn garments. Full of Pine and Deodar tress everywhere has made this place amazingly beautiful. Tourist spot like the “Monastry” (just beside the Mall), Nature park, Folk Museum, Mountaineering Institute where tourist can visit while their stay at Manali. Old Manali is also another place of tourist attractions at Manali.  Besides river Beas there is another river flowing through Manali, river “Manalsu”. Besides river “Manalsu” there is a clubhouse, tourist can visit this place to but many things, beside there are arrangements for indoor games for children.

One of the famous temple of Manali, “The Hirimba” has gained many attractions of the tourist due to the beautiful scenario, surrounded by tall Deodar trees on all sides. Maharaja Bahadur Singh has built this temple. Hirimda temple is made of woods which looks very similar to a Pagoda. The structure and architecture has gained many attractions. Besides there is also a Gatothkach temple where tourist can also visit. The place which has gained most attraction of the tourist every year is the “Rotang Pass”, which is just 51 kms away from Manali. Starting from June- July to October- November tourist can reach “Rotang Pass” by four wheel drive. Rest of the time of the year it remains closed due to heavy snowfall.  Rotang Pass can be directly reached via Neheru Kund, Koti, Morhi, then a straight uphill drive of about 3,978 meters high. 

From ‘Rotang Pass” roads have bifurcated, one of which has gone straight to the famous “Spiti” and another has gone “Lahul”   from their it has reached to famous “Ladakh”. Tourists can also a horse riding at the starting point of river Beas “Beas Kund”. While returning from Rotang Pass, from Palchan on the right hand side, just a 3 kms drive one can reach to the famous spot “Solang valley”. This small place has gained many tourist attractions due to its natural scenic beauty of long Deodar Tress. The main attraction is the is the adventurous sports “Paragliding”, “Ice Skating”. On the same way just a 3 kms drive there are also many temples in Manali, which are worth visiting.

Manali: How to Go: Manali can be directly reach from Chandigarh which is a 310 kms drive, or from Shimla it is 200 kms drive. From both of the place Manali can be reached directly by bus or car. From Shimla deluxe bus are available which will take nearly 10hrs journey to Manali. From Chandigarh deluxe buses are also available this is also a 10 hrs journey.