Manali Hill Station- Himachal Pradesh: North Indian Hill Station Manali, Manu ki Manali
TripRaja’s travel guide on Manali hill station provides you information required for the perfect family vacation. Manali hill is one of the most popular hill stations in northern India and is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Deriving its name from the Sanskrit term Manavalaya, which in English is translated as the ‘Home of Manu’, Manali hill station is famous for its many pilgrimage spots.
Manali is also seen as the capital of winter sports in India and is famous for the many adventure sports facilities. Manali hill station is ideal for mountaineering, skiing, para gliding, hiking, rafting, kayaking, trekking, and mountain biking. Located in the picturesque environs of central Himachal Pradesh, the Manali hill station lies at a distance of 32 kms from Kullu Valley. Manali hill station is located at an altitude of 2050 meters and is spread along the banks of the river Beas.
PLACES to VISIT in Manali- Best FAMILY Destinations
- On the Beas’ left bank, near the village Prini, lies the ‘Arjun Gufa’, or the cave of Arjun, the Hindu warrior from the Mahabharat. Legends say that it is in this cave in which Arjun meditated and prayed to Lord Indra, the king of Swarg (Heaven) to obtain the divine and fearsome weapon of ‘Pashupata Ashtra’. The cave is a must visit for the simple mythological awesomeness of it.
- Near the Manali hill station, in the middle of the forest there is a temple named ‘Dhungiri Van Vihar Hadimba’. ‘Hadimba’ or ‘Dhungiri temple’ was built in 1953, a four-storey wooden structure. The most notable aspect of the temple is the very intricately carved doorway.
- Located at a distance of 6 kms from the Manali hill station is the famous shikara-style ‘Jagatsukh’ temple which is dedicated to ‘Lord Shiva’.
- On the foot of the Rohtang Pass, there is ‘Kothi’, a quiet but picturesque spot, which offers excellent view of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers. One of the many things that Manali is famous for is the ‘Manu Temple’, which is supposed to be the only temple dedicated to Manu in India.
- Manali hill station is also famous for its many Tibetan monasteries that are maintained using funds from donations and money earned from the sales of hand-woven carpets.
- At a short drive from Manali hill station, is the ‘Rohtang Pass’, the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road, which offers breathtakingly panoramic views of mountains which rise above the clouds.
- Also worth a visit are the ‘Rahala Waterfalls’ (at an altitude of 2,105 meters), which is located at a distance of 16 kms from Manali.
Manali- Important TRAVEL TIPS
- Carry: When visiting Manali hill station, the same high-altitude winter/hill station trip rules apply. Do carry warm clothing and be adorned in appropriate footwear.
- Camera: Enjoy the outdoors and carry a digital camera or handy camera.
- Languages: The local populace is well verse in Hindi, English, and Himachali
- Shop: Manali has its speciality in Himalayan handicrafts and Tibetan woollens.
BEST TIME to visit Manali hill station
Manali hill station is among the few high-altitude tourist spots that are apt for visit any time of the year. However, if you intend to fiddle in some snow, it is suggested to make a visit early summer or early autumn. Mid-winter may not always be a good idea. Find Travel Agents & Manali Vacation Packages on Tripraja.com
BEST WAY to reach Manali hill station
- By Air: The nearest airport to the Manali hill station is Bhuntar, which is 52 kms to the south of Manali. Flights to/from Delhi via Shimla are decently frequent.
- By Rail: The closest narrow-gauge railhead is Jogindernagar, a good 135 kms away. Chandigarh, at a distance of 310 kms, and Ambala, at a distance of 355 kms, are the nearest broad-gauge railheads.
- By Road: Manali hill station is well connected to all the important cities in the region.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels, inspection bungalows, private cottages, etc. are available to suit all budgets.