Jan 14, 2006 06:07 PM
3653 Views
(Updated May 23, 2006 07:04 PM)
Looking for paradise?? Come to Manali it got the beat your desire. Feels like its one of the place in heaven on earth. Err... Manali.
Manali is Situated at the northen end of the Kullu Valley. Manali has spectacular view of snowcapped peaks, wooded slopes and the Beas River with its crystal clear water meanders through the town like silk threads. A perfect place for a holiday, it is also a favorite resort for trekkers. It is situated at the height of 6,317 feet above sea level among the conifers of Himachal Pradesh.
My first trip to this northern part of India was Kullu Manali. We took a flight to Delhi then hired a car from Delhi to Manali. Traveling as always was fun and exciting. Manali is around 400-450 kms from Delhi and can be covered in 8- 10 hrs by car. The nearest airport is Bhutan, near Kulu, which is about 50 kms from Manali.
Accommodation is really good and available in all price ranges from the 5 star hotels like Ambassador Resort to the mid range Manali Inn.
Places to be visited:
Hadimba Temple: Hadimba Temple is situated in Dhoongri village in Manali. The Hadimba Temple is dedicated to Devi Hadimba, wife of the second Pandav, Bhim Sen. Built in 1533 AD by Maharaja Bahadur Singh, the Hadimba Temple is also known as the Dhoongri Temple. The temple is built in typical Himalayan style of architecture with a roof of a four-tiered pagoda and has an exquisitely carved wooden door. Two fairs are held at the Hadimba Temple, one in the month of May and the other at the time of Dussehra.
Monasteries: Manali is known for its shiny Gompas or Buddhist monasteries. Manali houses three colorful Tibetan monasteries that have been built recently
Vashist: Across the River Beas, at an altitude of 1,982 meters, just above the Manali-Keylong road, is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Modern bathhouses, with Turkish-style showers, have the hot water piped into them for the convenience of the visitors who come here to benefit from the medicinal properties. There is a pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni and another temple of Lord Ram. It is about 3 kms from Manali.
Rotang pass: 15 kms from the town is Kothi, this is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the Rohtang pass, 12 kms. away from Manali town. It offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Beyond this is the Rohtang Pass, 51 kms from Manali located at a height of 3980 m. Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. It has fine ski slopes. Ski was really fun it was really a great experience. Having thrown a few snowballs, and slide down the snow was an exciting experience. The water along the waterfall has freezed. The best time to visit is during December- February.
Club House: It is a great picnic spot if you want to enjoy raffling, indoor games, ice-skating etc.
Market is not impressive at all shopping for shawls, carpets and others can be done in the Kullu market. But there is a lot of eating places in Manali I love eating panipuri and was delighted to see so many chaat shops out there.
Manali is the best place …so revel the natural beauty of Earth in its fullest...And lose all your old senses with refreshment of this new tingling one that will magnetize u to visit this place again.
