How To Reach
Nearest convenient rail head are Chandigarh and Pathankot. Manali is well connected by road with Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Haridwar, Shimla, Dharamsala and Chamba/Dalhousie. Regular buses ply between these stations. It is connected with Leh during July to October.
Tourism
Hadimba Temple -
Historical and archeological point of view the
chief attractions of manali,
Dhoongri Temple is dedicated to goddess Hadimba, the Bhim of Mahabharat fame. This temple constructed in pagoda style displays the finest example of wood carving on it. Inside the temple, stone idol of Hadimba has been installed, which is about 60 cm. On the left side of the entrance there are 10 cm. feet (Charan Paduka)
of the Goddess Durga. The temple was built by Raja Bahadur Singh in 1553 AD. Hadimba was a giantess who meditated at his place. She married to Bhima, one of the five Pandavas who visited here during their exile (Mahabharata Period). Because of her penance, she attained the position of Durga. There is a rock inside the temple about which it is believed that Hadimba meditated on this rock. In local dialect,
this rock is called 'Dhoonger'. The temple and place is named after it. A large festival is held here in May.
Manu Temple the temple of Manu Maharaj is located in Manali village, which is about1 1.5 km from the main town. It is believed that this is the only temple of Manu in India, who was the creator of human race on the earth. Manu Smriti was written by him.
Club House 2 kms. from the town, club house has indoor games facilities which has been located on the left bank of Manalsu Nallah. There are some picnic spots near it.
Tibetan Monasteries There are 3 newly constructed colorful monasteries, where visitors can buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts. Two are located in the town and one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas river.
Mountaineering Institute Located 3 kms. on the left bank of river Beas towards Kulu. This Institute organises basic & advance training courses, in trekking, mountaineering, skiing and water sports. Skiing and trekking equipments can be hired from here by booking in advance. Tourists can visit an interesting showroom here.
Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple about 3 kms beyond Manali and is renowned for its hot sulphur springs named as Bashisht or Vashist and temples. Nearby is the pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni. There is another Temple of Lord Ram here. Natural hot sulphur springs with two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies are always full of tourists. Turkish style showers fitted baths have also been built nearby. Hot water from the nearby spring is provided for bathing.
Nehru Kund is about 6 kms from Manali on Manali-Keylong road at National Highway to Leh, a natural spring of cold clear water
named after, Pt. Jwahar Lal Nehru, who used to drink water from this spring during his stay in Manali. This spring is believed to originate from the Bhrigu lake situated high-up in the mountains.
Solang Valley is about thirteen kms. is a splendid valley between Solang village and Beas Kund. Solang valley offers the view of nearest glaciers from manali and snow capped mountains and peaks. It has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a ski lift for training purpose. Located here is a hut and guest house of the Mountaineering and Allied sports Institute, Manali. Now a few hotels have also come up. The winter skiing festival is organized here. Training in skiing is imparted at this place.
Kothi: Situated on the road to Rohtang pass, a picturesque spot, Kothi is 12kms. from Manali. A PWD rest house is situated on a ridge overlooking a narrow valley with a very good view of mountains and valleys. Large number of films (movies) have been picturised at this place and is the ideal resting resorts of poets, writers and the lovers of peaceful environs.
Rahala Water Falls: 16 kms. on way to Rohtang pass,
if one goes to Marhi on foot from Kothi from the old road, the sight of the falls is fascinating. It is a good picnic spot as well.
Rohtang Pass about 3,978 mt. above sea level. Rohtang pass is 51kms. from Manali on highway to Keylong/Leh. The lenght of the pass is about 1 km. and has served as the route for many centuries for trade with Lahaul, Ladakh and to far away countries in Central Asia. It offers a panorama and spectacular mountain view. The pass is open from June to October each year although trekkers can cross it earlier. It is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley just as Zojila pass is a gateway to Ladakh. There are beautiful sights of glaciers, peaks and Chandra river flows down in the Lahaul valley. Slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypan. During summer (mid June to October) regular buses ply between Manali-Keylong/Darcha, Udaipur, Spiti and Leh. Daily bus service is available at Manali for a trip to Rohtang-pass. The reservations for this trip may be done with assistance of Tourism Development Officer, at Manali.
Arjun Gufa(Cave) is about five kms from Manali towards Naggar, the cave is situated a little up from the left bank road near the Prini village, 1km. above the road where Arjun had meditated. According to a legend, Arjuna
under the advice of Vyasa rishi practiced austerities in a cave in order to get the powerful 'Pashupata Astra' from Indra. This is good 1/2 a day excursion with charming view of the brilliant mountains.
Jagatsukh: is located on the left bank on Beas on the road to Naggar. It is about twelve km from Naggar and six km from Manali. The place is famous for very old temples of Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri in Shikhara style, these are worth a visit. Before reaching Jagatsukh a place Shooru, near the entrance to Hamta Nullah, is passed at which is located the ancient and historical temple of Devi Sarvali.