Manali, a popular hill station, situated in Himachal Pradesh is popular for its unmatched beauty and most popular base for trekking. This hill station is situated at a height of 2045m (6392 ft) in the Himalayas. This hill station is the most popular tourist spot in summer and a magical, snow-covered place in winter. Manali offers several adventure sports like two major and popular treks on Beas Kund and Chandrakhani Pass and white-water rafting in Beas River. The population of Manali is approx. 30,000 and its surrounding areas are of great significance to the Indian culture and heritage. Most famous tourist destinations in Manali are the ancient Cave Temple and Hadimba Devi Temple. Manali is also on the road to Ladakh via the valley of Lahaul and Spiti.

After the rise of militancy in Kashmir in the late 1980s, tourism in Manali received a real boost. Once this was really a quiet village which now a days has been transformed into a bustling town with hundreds of hotels and restaurants.

Tourist Attractions in Manali

The scenic beauty of Manali is worth exploration. During your tour to Manali, you can also enjoy visiting Manali attractions which mainly include temples and passes. Some of the most visited tourist attractions in Manali are listed below.

Guest Houses and Orchids in Old Manali - At a distance of 3 km northwest of Manali is Old Manali, famous for its orchards and old guesthouses. As you enter in the guest houses you are not in less than five star comfort and luxury.

Manaligarh Fort - There is ruined fort here in Manali by the name of Manaligarh, visited by thousands of visitors every year. This fort has preserved its thousand year history for the visitors to explore.

Manu Maharishi Temple - There is also a very famous temple called the Manu Maharishi Temple. This temple is dedicated to sage Manu and supposed to be the only temple of Manu in India.

Rohtang Pass - Rohtang Pass near Manali is another adventure tourist site where it can be cold even on a summer day. At an altitude of 13,050 feet above sea level, this place provides a wide panoramic view of mountains. Just beyond the Pass are the Sonapani Glacier and the twin peak of Gaypan.

Hadimba Temple - Dhungri or Hadimba Temple was erected in 1533 and dedicated to the local deity Hadimba, wife of the Pandava prince, Bhim. This temple is built around a natural cave, which enshrines the footprints of the goddess Hadimba.

Rani Nala - This place is 46 km from Manali which is the glacier point where snow is available throughout the year.

Vashisht Temple - Vashisht Temple is very famous and old temple around 3 km from Manali. Temple offers underground hot-water/sulfur springs. This temple is across the Beas River with natural sulphur springs. These are the modern bathhouses in which visitors take bath as they are supposed to be useful in curing diseases.

Beas Kund - It is the source of river Beas, at the Rohtang Pass and is easily accessible. The place is still hallowed by the celestial light. Water which is flowing in this kund is so clear and icy cold that it almost numbs the fingers.

Activities to Do in Manali

Manali is famous for several adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. River Crossing over Beas is a popular sport in Manali. Now a days Yak skiing is one of the most popular adventure sports in this area. Rock climbing courses are conducted during the summer months and skiing at Solang and Auli during the winters. Skiing is a major pastime in Manali. There are lots of facilities for skiing which are available at Solang Nullah during the month of January to March and Rohtang La during summer. Heli skiing is also possible in Manali at the deep snowfields. Some of the famous adventure sports in Manali are:

How to Reach Manali

Manali is not easily approachable by rail. The nearest broad gauge railheads are at Chandigarh (315 km.), Pathankot (325 km.) and Kalka (310 km.). The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar (135 km.). The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, which is about 50 km. from Manali. Direct bus services are available from most major towns of North India. (HPTDC) plies luxury buses to Manali. Tourists also have the option of hiring taxies and buses operated by private travel and tour companies.

Hotels/ Resorts in Manali

Manali is often visited by thousands of tourists every year. This hill station is one of the most popular hill stations in North India. To cater the needs of the visitors, Manali offers lots of luxury to budget and economy hotels and resorts during your tour. These hotels are available for single, groups as well as for families. All hotels provide all types of basic needs which every person wants during his tour at reasonable price. Some of the popular hotels of Manali are below mentioned:
» Royal Park Resorts (Luxury)
» Apple Country Resort (Luxury)
» Hotel Victory Plaza (Deluxe)
» Banon Resort (Deluxe)
» Glacier Hotel (Standard)
» Hotel Vintage (Standard)
» Sterling Resort (Budget)
» Tabo Retreat (Camps & Retreat)