Proud, snow- clad mountains, dense
forests, emerald valleys, exotic flowers and gurgling streams meandering
through meadows- all these make Manali the first choice of many people who
have deep admiration and love for nature. The very sight of the hills
cradling this picturesque town seems to be quite inviting. Its cool
atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian
summers. Even the starry eyed honeymooners submit themselves to this
charming land of Manali, where nature is at its complete glory.
Spectacular Treats
First time trippers to Manali can have several
places to see and enjoy.
Hadimba Temple - This temple is the chief centre of interest and is
dedicated to Godess Hadimba. The temple has four - tiered pagoda shaped
roof. It was built in 1533 and every year a festival is held in the month of
May.
Manu Temple - This temple lies in old Manali and is believed that
this is the only temple of Manu in India, who was the creator of human race
on earth.
Tibetan Monasteries - There are three beautiful monasteries in
Manali where visitors can buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts.
Arjun Gufa - This is the same Gufa where Arjuna had meditated to
earn the Pashupata Astra from Lord Indra.
Solang Valley - Solang Valley is quite well known for the great
slopes that provide all the adventure enthusiasts with the opportunity of
skiing.
Rhotang Pass - This is another major tourist attraction in Manali.
From here you can get a spectacular view of the mountains and the glaciers.
Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple - Vashist, a small village
located on the left bank of river Beas towards Rohtang pass is worth a
visit. It is renowned for its hot springs and temples. Nearby is the
pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni. There is another Temple of
Lord Ram here.
Manali Sanctuary - This sanctuary is located in District Kullu's
nearest town, Manali. The sanctuary is spread in 3,180 hectares.
Adventure Gusto.........
Manali is not just about snow and ice,
there is lot more here for the young, the old, the energetic and the plain
lazy. The excellent combination of wooded forests, snow-covered slopes,
green open valleys and the ever flowing Beas make Manali an ideal
destination for mountain adventure sports.
Manali is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking,
mountaineering, para gliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain
biking.
Skiing - Heavy
spells of snowfall open the gates for the ultimate mountain sport-skiing.
This sport can be enjoyed from November to June. Several adventure agencies
organise skiing day trips, which can be enjoyed at the Rohtang Pass or
Solang Nallah.
Paragliding - If you wish to fly like a bird , then you
can enjoy paragliding joyride that is available in the Solang Valley and
Marhi.
River Rafting -If you have strong nerves and stamina
then you can enjoy rafting in the roaring white waters of the Beas river.
The three months rafting season lasts from mid April to mid July.
Mountaineering - The activity of mountaineering inspires
man to attain the inner elusive peak within himself. In Manali you can enjoy
mountaineering in the Mountaineering Institute at Solang Nullah.
Hunt For...........
Manali is a paradise for all the discerning
shoppers. One can not afford to return empty handed from this place. The
bargain hunters can be the winners in the shops of Manali. One can take away
locally made woollen products, the famous Kullu caps, shawls with delicate,
bright borders and some exotic handicrafts. As a memorabilia of the visit to
this wondrous land , one can buy Himalayan handicrafts, which are mainly
assorted Tibetan curios such as prayer wheels, amulets, dorjes, masks and
musical instruments.
For thangkas and a variety of silver and jewellery, you can go either to
the Tibetan Market or the Tibetan and Nepalese shops near the Post Office.
Do buy locally made pickles, jams and juices.
Shopping Spots
- Thai Market
- Hong Kong Market
- Tibetan Market
- New NAC Market
No Calorie Counting
No one can get gastronomically bored in Manali.
One would always find oneself munching something or the other at the palate
pleasing restaurants of Manali.You are guaranteed to get superb Italian
food, a wide variety of Chinese, Tibetan momos and thukpas and western
confectioneries at the various German Bakeries.
Chopsticks : Famous for Chinese, Tibetan and Japanese
food.
Gozy Restaurant : One can find reasonably priced Punjab
and Gujarati food located at the southern end of the Mall.
Juniper Restaurant : Good Food, for a bit higher prices.
Mahadev Food Corner : For cheap Indian food, you can
always visit this restaurant.
Moc Restaurant : Cheaper Chinese, Tibetan and Japanese
food is readily available here.
Mona Lisa : Famous for Indian and western food at
reasonable prices. Located near bus stand.
Mount View Restaurant : A cosy place offering good
Chinese, Tibetan Japanese delicacies.
Mayur Restaurant : For vegetarian food. Located near the
Mall.
Sher-i-Punjab : Known for Indian food and pizzas.
Swamiji's Madras Cafe : Famous for South Indian dishes.
Dhabas Himalaya : For Indian food, come over to this
restaurant.
Kamal : For Indian food, this is a right option
Tibet Kitchen : Popular for its Tibetan noodles and
western food. Located in old Manali area.
