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The people of Manali.
The Kullu is in brightly patterned puttoos, Tibetan
women wearingankle-length rainbow-striped pinafores,
Nepali porters, Buddhist monks, and even the odd party
of Zanskaris, swathed in fusty woolen gonchas, muddled
together with souvenir-hunting Indian and Western
tourists-all add up to the welcoming hub of Manali
What to See?
Hadimba Temple - This temple, with a finely wrought
four - tiered pagoda roof, dating back to 1553, is built
around a natural cave, which enshrines the footprints of
the goddess Hadimba. Hadimbawas the wife of Bhima, one of
the five great Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata, and
later became the patron goddess of the Kulu royal family.
Manu Temple - Just near the Hadimba temple flows
the Manalsu River, that culminates in the main Beas river.
Across the Manalsu river is the original village of Manali,
that houses the ancient temple of the sage Manu. Manali
itself is named after Manu, who is said to have dwelt
here.
Monasteries - Manali also houses three Tibetan
monasteries, that have been built recently.
Arjun Gufa - Five kms from Manali near the village
of Prini is the Arjun Gufa, Arjuna's cave. Arjuna, one of
the Pandava brothers, is believed to have performed his
penance here.
Vashisht -
Three kms from Manali is the village of
Vashisht, which is renowned for its hot sulphur springs. The
village is also the site of some old temples, dedicated to
the great sage Vashisht, andto Lord Rama. The Himachal
Tourism sulphur baths are just beyond these shrines.
Jagatsukh - The erstwhile capital of Kulu, Jagatsukh
houses temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri.
Solang Valley - Around 14 kms from Manali, is the
Solang valley, that boasts of the glacier nearest to the
resort. Replete with terrific picnic - spots, the amazing
ski slopes here are full of hectic activity, come January -
February.
Rohtang Pass - Rohtang Pass is 51 kms from Manali.
Located at a height of 3980 m, the Pass once served as a
crucial trade route, and still remains the gateway to the
districts of Lahaul and Spiti.The Pass is open from June to
November each year, and provides wonderful views of the
entire surroundings. Just beyond the Pass is the Sonapani
Glacier and the twin peak of Gaypan. The Beas Kund, the
source of the Beas river, a holy site for Hindus, as the
sage Vyas is said to have meditated at this spot, is also
accessible from the Rohtang Pass.
Adventure and Fishing :
The Mountaineering Institute in Manali organises skiing,
rock climbing and mountaineering courses. The common trek
routes lead out from Manali to Leh,Bhrigu Lake, Chandratal,
and Spiti. For fishing enthusiasts, Katrain, Raison, Kasol,
Larji, and Nagar are some of the ideal places for trout.
Shopping :
Shawls, local tweeds, caps, rugs ('namdas'), footwear, fresh
fruit, natural oils (olive and alond), silver jewellery,
pullovers, metal craft, woollen jackets and bamboo products. |
