Manali
Overview
Manali is the holiday destination and among major hilly tourist places in India. It firmly sets within the folds of Himalayan ranges. Tourism hits high in summer vacation when tourists steer to the town for an enjoyable trip. There are many sightseeing options in Manali that are entertaining and thrilling. The winters are very cold here with freezing temperature and summers are moderately cold. The snow melts from the glaciers and cool breeze fills the town. The assortment of tourist places is so wide that one must hire a tour guide for an easy trip. Small traditional houses set within the green fields provide a soothing feel of the region. Travel to the local villages to get an insight into the local lifestyle. Live in good hotel eat in good restaurants. The little details of Manali are beautiful and refresh one’s body. Sightseeing in Manali is a great pass time in holidays.
Places of Attraction
The Mall Road: The Mall Road is set in the centre of Manali. A tour guide to can take one through the different places and one can shop souvenirs here.
Rohtang Pass: The Rohtang Pass sees a lot of tourism especially in summers because it is not open in snowy winters. Rohtang Pass is located 4000 m above sea level and it is snowy here even in peak summer in the rest of India. The Rohtang Pass connects the cold desert of Lahaul, Spiti and Ladakh to Manali and Himachal.
Solang Valley: Tourism in Manali comes mostly for Solang Valley. It is 13 km away from the central town. The Solang Valley is a playful place of sightseeing for tourists in summers for activities like paragliding, zorbing, etc.
Hadimba Devi Temple: It is a major place of sightseeing in Manali. Hadimba Devi Temple was built by Raja Bahadur Singh, in 1553, dedicating it to the demon Goddess Hadimba. See the pagoda style temple on your trip.
Vashisht Temple: The Vashisht Temple is many centuries old, devoted to Rishi Vashisht. One can refresh during the vacation at the hot water springs at Vashisht Temple.
Manu Temple: The Manu temple is on the bank of a river and is devoted to Rishi Manu. It is worth visiting on a holiday tour for its old architecture.
Weather
The weather remains bright and sunny from March to June. Rainfall and monsoon can be seen in July and August. The months of September, October and November are cold and dry, a good time to visit. December, January and February see heavy snowfall and roads get lined with piles of snow.
How to Reach
By Air: Bhuntar Airport is 50 km from the main town and flights from Delhi and other cities of India are available.
By Road: Manali is connected with national highways from Chandigarh, Delhi and Pathankot. Chandigarh is 308 km from Manali.
By Train: The narrow gauge railway station of Jogindernagar is 162 km from Manali. Chandigarh Railway Station is 308 km from Kullu.
Best Time to Visit
It is best to plan the tour around March to June as the Himalayan region is relatively colder to rest of the country. Tourism is in its full bloom in summer vacation and hotel rooms are often sold out. For the snow, travel in the months of extreme winter in December and January. A trip to the sightseeing tourist places becomes a little bit difficult but snow is loved by people and visitors.