Nov 13, 2006 05:51 PM
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Hi this time I thought about going to Manali for my vacation post diwali (Nov-06). Tried to gather as much info as possible about the place and different ways to reach there and also about the boarding facilities. The options of reaching there are by Taxi from Delhi/ Chandigarh or one may take Volvo/ deluxe bus services from Delhi. Please note that the no of services keep changing as per demand and season. But the two Volvo busese run by HSRTC and HPTDC are regular and available for 800 plus fare. By air it was serviced by Jagson Airlines ( a very small aircraft- I heard). Luckily Air deccan started an ATR flight to Kullu from October mid and I gladly bought the tickets for myself and wife for about 3k. The flight was full though it was off season and me and my wife had to seat separately as there r no seat allocation like other Air-deccan flights. Reached Bhuntar airports within 1+ hr and it is a very small airport and 52 kms away from Manali. Taxis are available on the gate and u must have to book thru the union office at the gate and it will cost u Rs 900/- to reach Manali by a Maruti car/Van. That is a steep price to pay. Anyway, u have no other options, unless u were with minimal luggage and don't mind to board the local bus which starts from very close to gate.
I booked the hotel (Snow valley resort) from Mumbai itself thru internet portal travelguru.com (U better do some research on various tarvel sites for the best deal) for 1400/ with B/fast and after 25% discount offered as part of promo by travelguru it is about 1000/- per night.
Hotel was good and spacious and located just opposite to the Log Huts of HPTDC. The food was not bad. Most of the occupants are honeymooners and u can see mehandi on the palms and on the feet of almost every young lady that u can spot there. Anyway, from the Manali valley u can see the snow peak mountains all around. The best part is the Pine trees all around. The roads between the pine trees really gives a different feeling. The mall area is crowded and you can get most of the budget hotels around the mall area. The Kunzam of HPTDC is a good option for Budget traveller at about Rs 350/-. Mall area is full of Handloom shops seeling shawls/ carpets etc and travel agency etc apart from few Restaurant.
You can book a Auto rickshaw from there at about 200-250 for local sightseeing ( abt 2 hrs) which includes
Vashisht temple with hot springs
Tibetan Monestary
New Shiva temple ( I forgot the name)
Hidimba and Ghatotkach temple (it is a must as the area is very beautiful with lots of pine trees)
Manu temple and club house
If u are enthusiast of paragliding then u may head for Solang valley 15-16 kms away (auto will take about 250 for return trip and about 3-4 hr wait). Paragliding cost Rs 500 for a single ride of about 100 mtrs. We took horse ride to the inside area for anajni mahadev temple (not reccomended).
You can also visit Solang valley while coming from Rohtang pass (Snow point in local parlance).
A maruti car/alto will cost about 900/- for Rohtang pass (50 kms one way). We shared with another couple, so we got to reach there at 450/-. Solang valley add-on will cost you 100 rs extra. At Rohtang pass u can see snow all around and can play with it and take pics. Don't forget to take extra cold weather cloth avalable on the way at 100 Rs for the whole set incl boots and gloves. You may take horses to reach the actual point for Rs 200 per horse or you can walk down ( about 500 mtrs of uneven and rocky area). Started in the morning 9:30 we reached back at about 4:00pm at the mall.
There is one more place called Manikaran which is towards Kullu and it is famous for its Hot water springs hot enough to boil rice. Anyway, we gave it a pass and instead enjoyed the third day at leisure and by evening we took the Bus back to Delhi ( do I need to say, the bus was also full of honeymooners).. anyway reached Delhi ISBT at 7:00 am. That was my Manali trip. I think 2 nights r sufficient for this place.
So pack ur bags and enjoy this nice place called Manali.
