City Info
Kullu & Manali - How to get there:
By Airways:
The closest airport is at Bhunter, 50 km away from Manali.
By Railways:
The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 165 km away. The closest broad gauge rail heads are Chandigarh (310 km) and Ambala (355 km).
By Roadways:
By road the distance from Delhi via Mandi 570 km and from Shimla the distance is 280 km. From Shimla, Chandigarh, and Delhi, Himachal Tourism plies luxury buses to Manali.
About
The Kullu valley has an ancient town in its lap called Manali. Manali literally means the Home of Manu. Manu is the mythological character who is supposed to have survived when the world was drowned in Flood. He then came to Manali and recreated human life. Thus, the area of Manali is sacred and Hindus treat the temples over here as pilgrimage.
Climate
In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. Summer temperatures are mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended.
Tourist Attractions
Old Manali
The old Manali area is located some 3-km from the present day Manali. The old Manali is covered with guesthouses, which look ancient now, and orchards where the livestock move at will.
Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa
This Gompa dominates the Tibetan area around the bottom of the Mall in Manali. The Tibetan refugees built the Gompa in the late 1960s. The Gompa is covered with brightly colored frescoes and a mid size Buddhist statute. It also carries a list of the martyrs killed in occupation of Tibet of 1987 to 1989.
Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass is the highest point, 4112m, on the Manali-Keylong road, 51-km from Manali town. It provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is a sight truly breath-taking.
Arjun Gufa
On the left bank of the Beas, 5-km from Manali near the village of Prini, is the Arjun Gufa or the cave of Arjuna. In here Arjuna practiced austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.
Solang Valley
This picturesque location is 14 kms away from the Manali town.
Van Vihar National Park
This national park is located near the Manali market. It has boating, children’s play area and excellent view of River Beas.
Vashist Hot Water Springs
Vashist is a small village located on the left bank of River Beas towards Rohtang pass. It is popular for its hot springs and temples. Nearby is the pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni. There is another Temple of Lord Ram here. Natural hot sulphur springs with two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies are always full of tourists. Turkish style showers fitted baths have also been built nearby. Hot water from the nearby spring is provided for bathing.
Nehru Kund
5 kms on National Highway to Leh, a natural spring of cold clear water named after Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, who used to drink water from this spring during his stay in Manali. This spring is believed to originate from the Bhrigu lake situated high-up in the mountains.
Rahala Falls
It is 16 kms, on way to Rohtang pass. If one goes to Marhi on foot from Kothi from the old road, the sight of the falls is fascinating. It is a good picnic spot.
Kothi
Situated on the road to Rohtang pass, a picturesque spot, Kothi is 12 kms from Manali. A PWD rest house is situated on a ridge overlooking a narrow valley. Large number of films (movies) has been shot at this place and is the ideal resting resorts of poets, writers and the lovers of peaceful environs.
Hadimba Temple
This temple was built in 1553 and with a superbly crafted four tiered pagoda roof; it is famous for its exquisitely carved doorway. The temple is located just 1 kms away from the Manali town. Hadimba or Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the region. This four-story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar.
Temple Of Manu
This temple is located just 2kms away from the manali town.Slippery stones paths lead through the old village houses up to the temple of Manu. Manali is named after the sage Manu who meditated when he came in this area.
Tibetan Temple
It is a large modern Tibetan temple to the south of the bus stand and also a small handicrafts center.
Jagathsukh
The one time capital of Kullu, here is an old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and to Sandhya Gayatri. The Arjun caves are just ahead.
Manikaran
At 1737 m, on the right bank of River Parvati this place is famous for hot sulphur springs revered by both Hindus and Sikhs pilgrims. Thousand, of pilgrimages have their dip in hot water. The water of the spring is also said to be radio-active which cures many skin diseases. While the temperature of the water is above boiling point rice and dal if placed in Muslin bag or tied up in cloth, soon be ready for eating purpose.
Bijli Mahadev Temple
10 kms from Kulu across the Beas River, Bijli Mahadev temple is one of the striking temples in this temples strewn district. It can be reached by a tough but rewarding climb of 10 kms trek. From the temple a panoramic view of Kulu & Paravati valleys can be seen. A 60 feet high staff of Bijli Mahadev temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun.
Vaishno Devi Temple
At a distance of 4 kms from Dhalpur, a small cave enshrines an image of Goddess Vaishno Devi.
Raghunathji Temple
1 km from Dhalpur, Raghunathji is the principal deity of the valley.