Manali Tourist Places
Solang Valley
One needs to travel about 10 kilometers from the picturesque hill station of Manali to reach the fascinating Solang Valley. At an altitude of about 8500 feet above the sea level one can enjoy the bliss of nature on the banks of the river Beas. Tourists can celebrate peace amidst the snow capped peaks and the lush greenery of the dense forests. The Solang Valley is also the place where the Ski school of Manali is located. There are wonderful ski slopes and picnic spots in this beautiful place. The best time to visit the Solang valley is during the months of January and February, when this calm place becomes busy with activities.
Rohtang Pass
The Rohtang Pass is the highest point on the Manali- Keylong Road. It is also one of the most beautiful spots in the vicinity. Located at an altitude of 4112 meters above sea level, the spot promises an exquisite view of the surrounding mountain ranges. There are great trekking opportunities around the Rohtang Pass near Manali, though the skiing scopes are limited. The best time to visit this tourist attraction in Himachal Pradesh is between the months of June and September, when the way to the pass is easily accessible. The distance between Rohtang Pass and the Manali town is about 51 kilometers.
Vashist Hot Water Spring
Vashist Hot Water Spring is located at a distance of about 6 km from the beautiful town of Manali and is one of the famous attractions of this region. The temperature of water in the springs vary between 110 degree Fahrenheit and 123 degree Fahrenheit. A large number of people visit these hot springs near Manali every day in order to take a dip. There is also one tank specially reserved for women of this locality. These hot water springs are also a major source of water for many tourist spots in and around Manali.
Hadimba Temple
The Hadimba Temple was constructed in the year 1553 by Raja Bahadur Singh. Placed amidst the wooded trees, the temple is one of the prime tourist attractions. It is situated at a distance of 2.5 kilometers from the tourists' office in Manali. The presiding deity of the Hadimba Temple or the Dhoongri Temple is the Goddess Hadimba who is the wife of the strongest of the Pandava brothers, Bhim. According to Hindu mythology, the giantess Hadimba meditated in this region and indulged in penitence. As a result of her penance, she was raised to the position of Durga, the Goddess of power. The rock in which the giantess meditated is placed within the confinements of the temple. The rock is known as the Dhoonger in the local language from which the temple derives its name. A 10 centimeter footprint of the goddess Durga is also preserved by the entrance of the temple.
Manu Temple
Dedicated to the sage Manu, the Manu Temple is situated in the old township of Manali. The ancient temple is located at a distance of 3 kilometers from the chief market place in old Manali.. The ancient Manu Temple in Manali has a distinct historical background that is appealing to most people who visit the pilgrim spot. According to Hindu mythology, Manu sage is the divine creator of the human race in the world. It was in this region that the sage dwelt and meditated. The region of Manali grew by the Manalsu River that flows into the River Beas and was named after the sage who resided in this region and was named after the sage who resided in this region.
Mountaineering Institute
One of the chief Manali tourist attractions is the Mountaineering Institute that lies at a distance of 3 kilometers from the center of the city. The mountaineering institute in Manali is placed on the left bank of the River Beas and is reputed for the sports activities and training that the institute engages in. The tourists visit the institute often to view the instruments used in mountaineering and skiing that are displayed in the elaborate showroom of the mountaineering institute at Manali.
Banjar
Banjar in Manali lies at a distance of 58 kilometers to the south of Kullu region. The region is placed at an altitude of 1524 meters above sea level. The region also falls on the trekking route that traverses from Shimla, Narkanda, Luhari, Anni, Khanag, Soja and Banjar. It is chiefly popular among tourists who love to engage in fishing. The waters of the River Tirthan, which flows in the region, provides an excellent opportunity for the tourists to engage in trout fishing. The crystal clear water of the river and the greenery around also attracts tourists who visit the region.
Tibetan Monasteries
With a huge population of Tibetan people settled in the region of Kullu, several Tibetan Monasteries have been set up in Manali. The monasteries are rich in preserving the culture of the Tibetan people. The literature and the handicrafts of the people of Tibet are preserved in the Tibetan monasteries in Manali. The Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa is situated near the Mall in Manali. The monastery is run by the local people who gather funds through donations. The unique feature of the monastery is the handicrafts of Tibetan artistry and the carpets that are woven and sold in the monastery. The Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa in Manali was constructed in the year 1969. The architecture of the monastery represents the Tibetan style of architecture designed with hued frescoes. The statue of the Lord Buddha presides in the monastery.
Katrain
A journey of only 19 Kilometers from the heart of Manali and 20 Kilometers from Kullu will take you to the wonderful Katrain. Located amidst the sky touching mountains, snowy paths and lush green pine forests, Katrain is a tourist's paradise. Katrain lies in the way of the national highway number-21. The elegant Bipasa River sets the backdrop for the picturesque Katrain. Katrain is also popular for its rich apple orchards and fishing.
Nehru Kund
Nehru Kund is a 6 km journey from the heart of the Manali towards Keylong. The Nehru Kund is a spring which was named after the first prime minister of India - Late Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru. The sparkling clean water spring is said to have its source at the Bhrigu Lake.
Bajaura
Located at a distance of 15 Kilometers from Manali, Bajaura is a typical Himalayan village blessed with nature's finest of gifts. For people with religious inclinations the Bisheshwar Temple. Built around the eight century, the Bisheshwar Temple is one of the largest temples of the Manali Valley.
Jagatsukh
Located at the Northern end of the Kullu valley Jagatsukh lies at a close proximity to the snow line of the Himalayas.. Jagatsukha, is a beautiful village and also a Hindu pilgrimage destination for the famous Gaurishankar Temple . Jagatsukha was the former capital of Manali and is presently the biggest villages in Kullu district.
Arjuna Gufa
Located on the left bank of the river Beas, the Arjuna Gufa or the Cave of Arjuna is 5 Kilometers away from the town of Manali. The nearest village to the Arjuna Gufa is the village of Prini and its is a perfect hilly village with all its charm. The Arjuna Gufa is linked to the legend of Mahabharata. There is a prevalent belief that it is in these caves near the village of Prini that Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, performed his penance and meditated as a result of which he succeeded in acquiring the Pashupata Ashtra or the weapon from the Hindu Lord Indra.
Rahala Waterfalls
Gushing down from an altitude of 2,501 meters, the Rahala Waterfalls is a product of melting glaciers. The scenic uniqueness of this natural waterfall has made it one of the primary tourist spots in the whole of Manali. Lying on the way to the Rotang Pass the Rahala Waterfalls is located 16 Kilometers from Manali.
