Manali

Area : 5.12 sq km


Population : 2,500(approx.)



Famous as the "valley of the Gods", Manali is an important hill station of northern india. It 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.


Places to see :

The most visited site in Manali is the Hidimba or Dhungri Temple. Dated 1533, this temple is dedicated to the local deity Hidimba, wife of the Pandava prince, Bhim. The temple is noted for its four-storeyed pagoda and exquisite wooden carvings. A major festival is held here in the month of May.


Manali also attracts tourists with its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. The Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, built in 1969, is most famous. The monastery is maintained by donations from the local community and through the sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop. The smaller and more modern Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa stands nearer the bazaar, in a garden blooming with sunflowers. The Museum of Traditional Himachal Culture, near the Hidimba temple, is worth a visit.


How to reach :

» By Air - The nearest airport is Bhuntar, 52 km south of Manali. There are flights to Delhi via Shimla.

» By Rail - The closest narrow-gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 135 km away. The closest broad-gauge railheads are Chandigarh (310 km) and Ambala (355 km).

» By Road - Manali is well connected by road. By road, the distance from Delhi via Mandi is 585 km, and from Shimla the distance is 270 km.

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