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Once called the "end of the
habitable world," Manali is an important hill station of northern India and is
the destination of thousands of tourists every year. Its cool atmosphere
provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers.
Besides offering quite a few places for sightseeing, Manali is also famous for
adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting,
trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. In brief, Manali-the veritable "valley
of the Gods"-is an ideal place for the ones in
 search of both adventure and
comfort. The Kulluis in brightly patterned puttoos, Tibetan women wearing
ankle-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
Manali is a major resort beyond Kullu in
the Kullu Valley. Set amidst lovely forests of towering cedars, circled by snowy
peaks and the unending roar of the Beas as a constant companion, Manali also
offers unparalleled opportunities for trekking, rock climbing, angling, and
winter sport.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Area : 5.12 Square Kilometer
- Altitude : 1926.00 Meters
- Population : Approx. 0.26 Lakh
- Main Languges :Hindi, Pahari
- STD Code : 01902
It is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba is held in May. A fair held in Doongri Forest
in honour of the Goddess.
BEST SEASON
In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing
point. Summer temperatures are mild.
The best season to visit Manali is from April to mid-July, mid-sep to mid-nov.
With literally hundreds of hotels and guesthouses, it's one of the most popular
places in the country for honeymooning Indian couples. Legend has it that Manu
stepped off a boat in Manali to recreate human life after floods had devastated
the world - Manali means 'home of Manu'.
HOW TO GET THERE?
By Air
The nearest airport is Bhuntar airport, south of Kullu town, an inconvenient
50km from Manali. There are no flights between Manali/Kullu (Bhuntar) and Leh.
By Bus
There are two booths – open from 9 am to noon, and from 2 to 5 pm – at the bus
station which provide computerised booking services. You can book a ticket up to
a month in advance. Regular buses arrive at the bus station smack dab in the
center of the Mall. To: Amrutsar, Delhi, Dharamsala, Kullu, Leh, Nagar, Shimla.
Deluxe buses can be booked at the Himachal Tourism Marketing Office on the Mall
or at any travel agent in town. The deluxe bus stand is at the southern end of
town, a short walk from the center. Be sure to confirm just where your bus
departs from. To: Delhi, Dharamsala, Leh, Shimla
By Rail
The nearest railhead is CHANDIGARH. Alternative railheads are SHIMLA and
JOGINDERNAGAR (narrow guage), connected with KALKA and PATHANKOT (broad gauge).
By Road
There are deluxe buses from DELHI, SHIMLA and DHARAMSALA. DELHI-MANALI (16 hrs),
MANALI-SHIMLA (10 hrs), MANALI-DHARAMSALA (12.5 hrs).
For local transport, auto-rickshaw, taxis, bus, ponies and also we get bikes on
hire. Mostly the hippies go around on the bikes.
Auto-rickshaws are not metered. Always bargain for the rates of auto-rickshaw
before you get in.
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