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Explore
Manali |
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Himachal's main tourist resort, Manali , stands at the head of the Kullu Valley, 108km north of Mandi. Despite lying at the heart of the region's highest mountain ranges, it remains easily accessible by road from the plains. One can have a panoramic view of apple orchards and thick pine forests to the eternal snowfields of Solang Nala, which shine a tantalizing stone's throw away to the north. With the continuing troubles in Kashmir, Manali has become increasingly popular with tourists, giving rise to an eclectic mix of honeymooners, holiday-makers, hippies, trekkers and traders. |
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Facts and Figures |
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History |
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| Manali's `history' is really more myth than history. According to Hindu mythology, Manali was the home of the lawgiver Manu. Vaivasvata, the seventh incarnation of Manu, the first creation according to Hindu mythology, found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look after it with devotion, for one day it would do him a great service. The seventh Manu cared for the fish until it grew so huge that he released it into the sea. Before departing, the fish warned Manu of an impending deluge when the entire world would be submerged and bade him to build a seaworthy ark. Manu and the gods were towed to dry ground by a giant fish, which was the seventh `avatar' of the god Vishnu. He is supposed to have survived when the world was drowned in Flood. Thus Manali derviced its name from Manu. | ||||||||||
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How to Reach Manali |
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Air
: The nearest airport is at Bhuntar (50 km). Rail : The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar (135 km). The nearest broad gauge railheads are at Chandigarh (310 km), and Ambala (355 km). |
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In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing point. Summer temperatures are mild. Therefore, the best season to visit Manali is from April to July, September to November. |
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