Manali

Manali, 40 km from Kulu and 2000 mts. above sea level, is a peaceful hill station. Its beauty lies in its waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and its temples. Known as the Valley of Glaciers, this place is surrounded by green forests and hillocks. Frozen rivers gleam like gold when the sun's rays fall on them.

Tourist Sites: 

Temple of Hidimba : This temple, in the pagoda style, is dedicated to Hidimba (Hirma), wife of Bhima, one of the five Pandavas. This was constructed in 1553. Every year in the month of May, a fair is organised here. Tourists flock here in this season.

Jagatsukh: 6 kms from Manali, its old name is Nasth. Situated on the left banks of the river Vyas and famous for its ancient temples, Jagatsukh was the capital of the Kings of Kulu for a long time.  

Tibetan Monastery: A monastery worth viewing. Here Tibetan carpets are woven. Other handicrafts can also be purchased here.

Kothi: 12 kms from Manali, this is a peaceful spot. One km away from here,    the River Vyas flowing out of a 30 mts. deep pit, surrounded by rocks, offers a beautiful sight. On these rocks reside innumerable pigeons.

Rahla Falls: This picnic spot is 12km from Kothi. The view of the river Vyas falling from a height of 50 mts is breath taking.

Vashisht Kund: This pyramid shaped temple is dedicated to sage Vashisht.  Around this temple there are hot springs and waterfalls. The bath houses here are made in the Turkish style. It is situated on the banks of the river Vyas, 3 kms. from Manali.

Nehru Kund: This is a beautiful picnic spot surrounded by cold waterfalls, springs and a peaceful atmosphere.

Rohatang Pass : 4112 mts above sea level and 51 kms from Manali, Rohatang Pass is covered with snow for 9 months in a year. It is open only from June to September. Close to it is the Sonapani Glacier. 

Solang Valley: 13 kms from Manali, snow-capped peaks and glaciers make this majestic valley an ideal place for winter games. It is situated between Manali and Kothi.

Travel Tours:

Tour No. 1: From Manali to Nehru Kund, Rahla falls, Mandi, Rohatang Pass. This tour is conducted in a luxury bus.

Tour No. 2: From Manali to Naggar and back.

Tour No. 3: From Manali to Manikaran in a luxury coach.

Travel Plans: This town is 40 kms from Kulu. This distance can be covered either by bus or taxi. Private operators run mini buses and deluxe buses for which the fare is nominal. The State Transport Corporation also runs taxis and buses.

Restaurants:
Chandratal, Rohatang, Adarsh, Mayur, Mona Lisa, Mount View.

Temperature:

Clothing:
The weather changes rapidly. Hence light woollen in summer and heavy woollen in winter are advisable.

Tourist Office: Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corp., Phone No. 2325.

Distances from cities and towns

Entertainment: There are no cinema theatres here but video parlours are plenty. Many clubs organise local dances from time to time.