Manali derived its name from Manavalaya meaning the abode of Manu or ’’Home of Manu’’ and here, the temples are treated as pilgrimages. It is an important hill station of northern India with high mountains covered by silent snows and deep boulder strewn gorges. The thick forest full of cool breezes, fields of wild flowers, and apple orchards give it an enchanting beauty.
ATTRACTIONS IN & AROUND
Arjun GufaOn the left bank of the river Beas, near Prini village, is the ’’Arjun Gufa’’ or the cave of Arjuna. It is believed that Arjuna practiced austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.
HADIMBA TEMPLE
Built in 1553, this four-story wooden Hadimba or Dhungiri temple is famous for its exquisitely caved doorway. It is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar.
JAGATSUHK
About 6 kms. from Manali is the famous Shiva Temple in ’’shikara’’ style. It houses temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri.
KOTHI
This is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the Rohtang pass, 12 kms. away from Manali town. It offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks and glacier.
MANU TEMPLE
Manali is named after the sage Manu who was the creator of human race on the earth and it is believed that he meditated here. This is supposed to be the only temple of Manu in India.
MONASTERIES
Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. It is maintained by donations from the local community and by sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop.
RAHALA WATERFALLS
About 16 km from Manali at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, are the beautiful Rahalla Falls at an altitude of 2, 501 m.
ROHTANG PASS
(3979 m) - Rohtang Pass is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road. It provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly a breath takig sight.
SOLANG VALLEY
Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. It has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a ski lift for training purpose. The 12-km hike up the western banks of the Beas to the Solang Valley is noteworthy.
VASHIST HOT WATER SPRINGS & TEMPLE
(3 kms) - Across the Beas river is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Modern bathhouses, with Turkish-style showers, have the hot water piped into them for the convenience of the visitors who come here to benefit from the medicinal properties. There is a pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni and another Temple of Lord Ram.