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Hadimba Temple
Hadimba or Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the region. This four story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar.
Dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, the temple has a pagoda shaped roof. The doorway is adorned with carvings of legendary figures and symbols.
Rohtang Pass
Situated about 51 kms from Manali town at an altitude of 4,111 metres (13,400 ft) on the highway to Keylong, is Rohtang Pass. Now regular bus service plies over it from Manali to Keylong in Lahaul district. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendour. At the top of the Pass the air seems to glitter against the snow as you look down over herringboned ridges into the Lahaul Valley. There is a beautiful Dashohar Lake left to the pass, where pilgrims go every year on the auspicious day of 20th Bhadon. This is the only access to Lahaul valley. The pass is open from June to September each year although trekkers can cross the pass a little earlier.
For the more adventurous souls there are options to climb higher to those places where the azure sky caresses the silvery peaks. The Rohtang Pass is one such destination, loved by the visitors mainly for the beauty its altitude promises.
The Rohtang Pass is the highest point on the Manali- Keylong Road. It is also one of the most beautiful spots in the vicinity. Located at an altitude of 4112 meters above sea level, the spot promises an exquisite view of the surrounding mountain ranges.
The regions beyond the Rohtang Pass are remote and cut away from the reach of the tourists. These predominantly Buddhist areas promise you an ascetic and haunting view. Being a bit inaccessible to the modern civilization has helped the place to retain its pure and untouched beauty.
Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib
The Manikaran Gurudwara or Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara is commemorated to the visit of Guru Nanak Dev to this place. It is mentioned in the Janam Sakhi or the 'Twarikh Guru Khalsa' by Giani Gian Singh. It has been mentioned that accompanied by his disciple Bhai Mardana, the Guru reached Jwalamukhi temple after visiting Kalanaur, Gurdaspur, Dasuya, Triloknath, Palampur and Kangra. The Guru then proceeded towards Mandi and after visiting Chamba and Kulu, he came to Bijli Mahadev. After preaching at all these places Guru Nanak Dev came to Mani Karan. The Janam Sakhi or the "Autobiography of Bhai Mardana" mentions the miracles did by the Guru. The Guru came to Mani Karan along with his Five 'Piaras' or followers.
The Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara provides some extraordinary sights. One can enjoy a dip in the hot waters from the springs. There are altogether three baths, one is located under the Gurudwara itself. By taking bath here and by drinking water of this place, people go to Heaven, this is said of the Manikaran tract since the times immemorial. It is understood that the Manikaran hot spring is said to have got Uranium and other radio active minerals.
Vashishth Temple - Vashishth Hot Water Spring
Across River Beas, about three kilometres from Manali at an altitude of 2,100 metres is the village Vashisht. It has a 4,000-year-old temple dedicated to sage Vashisht. Legend has it that Rishi Vashisht felt most hurt and sad when he learnt that all his sons were killed by Viswamitra.
One day, tied with ropes, he flung himself down into the river. But the divine river did not allow him to get drowned. The Rishi resumed his meditation at a place where village Vashisht stands today. The river assumed the name of Vipasha meaning liberator from the bondage. Vipasha, later came to be called Beas.
The temple is also famous for its hot sulphur springs. Vashist is located at a distance of about 6 km away from the beautiful town of Manali in the Kullu district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. This place promises to provide the visitors a wonderful view of the beautiful Beas River. The Vashist Hot Water Spring is one of the famous attractions of this region.
The hot water springs that are amply found in this region have made this small village famous to people from all over the world. The hot water springs that come out of the granitic deposits cover a huge part of the Himalayas in this area. The temperature in these hot water springs vary between 110 degree Fahrenheit and 123 degree Fahrenheit.
The Vashist Hot Water Spring has always remained as one of the most favorite among the Manali tourist attractions.
Dharamshala
Dharamsala popularly known as the Scotland of India, is one of the 80 hill stations established by the British between 1815 and 1847 and has one of the most spectacular settings for a hill station is closest to the perennial snow-line and is built along a spur of the Dhaula Dhar range. Dharamsala is surrounded by deodar forests and provides a superb view of the great granite mountains that almost cover the town.
Dharamsala, where the Dalai Lama has settled in exile, is a marvelous Tibetan township where an entire cultural tradition is being nurtured. It is a centre that attracts scholars, pilgrims and tourists. The snow line is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is possible to trek to snow point after an early morning's start.
Solang Valley
One needs to travel about 10 kilometers from the picturesque hill station of Manali to reach the fascinating Solang Valley. At an altitude of about 8500 feet above the sea level one can enjoy the bliss of nature on the banks of the river Beas.
The Solang valley in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is a place where one can celebrate peace amidst the snow capped peaks and the lush greenery of the dense forests. The serene atmosphere created by the vastness of the azure sky, the ravishing beauty of the green valleys and the snow lining on the distant peaks can make one feel the pleasure of being in a heaven abode.
The Solang Valley is also the place where the Ski school of Manali is located. There are wonderful ski slopes and picnic spots in this beautiful place. There are various ski packages arranged by the HPTDC during the winter months.
Arjuna Gufa
Manali in the Indian Himalayas is a a jewel on the forehead of India and this hill queen has a number of interesting sites and the Arjuna Gufa is one of them. Located on the left bank of the river Beas, the Arjuna Gufa or the Cave of Arjuna is 5 Kilometers away from the town of Manali. The nearest village to the Arjuna Gufa is the village of Prini and its is a perfect hilly village with all its charm.
The Arjuna Gufa is linked to the legend of Mahabharata. There is a prevalent belief that it is in these caves near the village of Prini that Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, performed his penance and meditated as a result of which he succeeded in acquiring the Pashupata Ashtra or the weapon from the Hindu Lord Indra. It is because of this belief that the Arjuna Gufa or the Cave of Arjuna got its name.
The Arjuna Gufa is one of the most interesting tourist spots in the whole of Manali. Whether one beliefs in the legend or not the natural beauty of the cave is appealing to all and it does give an unique feeling.
Manu Temple
Dedicated to the sage Manu, the Manu Temple is situated in the old township of Manali. The ancient temple is located at a distance of 3 kilometers from the chief market place in old Manali. Lying in the congested place, the temple is often visited by the tourists who arrive from different parts of the world to view the only existing temple in the country dedicated to the worship of the Rishi Manu.
The ancient Manu Temple in Manali has a distinct historical background that is appealing to most people who visit the pilgrim spot. According to Hindu mythology, Manu sage is the divine creator of the human race in the world. It was in this region that the sage dwelt and meditated. The region of Manali grew by the Manalsu River that flows into the River Beas and was named after the sage who resided in this region. The village of Manali houses the Manu Temple that is frequented by the tourists.
Mountaineering Institute
One of the chief Manali tourist attractions is the Mountaineering Institute that lies at a distance of 3 kilometers from the center of the city. The mountaineering institute in Manali is placed on the left bank of the River Beas and is reputed for the sports activities and training that the institute engages in. The tourists visit the institute often to view the instruments used in mountaineering and skiing that are displayed in the elaborate showroom of the mountaineering institute at Manali.
The mountaineering institute of Manali has earned its repute for training individuals in the sport of skiing and mountaineering that are the prominent sporting activities of the region. The institute offers separate courses for the novice and the professionals. The advanced training programs in trekking, mountaineering, water sports and skiing are specifically for those who already have prior experience in these sporting activities. The mountaineering institute in Manali also offer courses designed to train the beginners in the various mountain sports. The training programs are conducted by specialist and professional trainers who have experience in the sports activities. Rescue and relief courses are also provided by the institute.
The Mountaineering Institute also has equipments which can be hired by the tourists who desire to engage in adventure sports in the mountains. The institute also provides lodging and boarding facilities to the tourists who visit the institute for training. Various advanced sporting activities are organized by the institute. These include high altitude trekking and mountaineering, skiing and rock climbing.
Banjar
Banjar is one of the primary Manali tourists attractions that is chiefly popular among the people who love to engage in fishing. The waters of the River Tirthan, which flows in the region, provides an excellent opportunity for the tourists to engage in trout fishing. The crystal clear water of the river and the greenery around also attracts tourists who visit the region.
Banjar in Manali lies at a distance of 58 kilometers to the south of Kullu region. The region is placed at an altitude of 1524 meters above sea level. The region also falls on the trekking route that traverses from Shimla, Narkanda, Luhari, Anni, Khanag, Soja and Banjar. The small hamlet at Banjar near Manali is a regular stop for the trekking tourists who end their trekking expedition in the city of Manali. There are several other tourist destinations in the spectacular valley of Banjar.
Tibetan Monastries
With a huge population of Tibetan people settled in the region of Kullu, several Tibetan Monasteries have been set up in Manali. The monasteries are rich in preserving the culture of the Tibetan people. The literature and the handicrafts of the people of Tibet are preserved in the Tibetan monasteries in Manali.
The Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa is situated near the Mall in Manali. The monastery is run by the local people who gather funds through donations. The unique feature of the monastery is the handicrafts of Tibetan artistry and the carpets that are woven and sold in the monastery. The Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa in Manali was constructed in the year 1969. The architecture of the monastery represents the Tibetan style of architecture designed with hued frescoes. The statue of the Lord Buddha presides in the monastery.
The Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa is situated near the market place in Manali. The architecture of this monastery replicates a more modern style than the earlier one. Placed in the midst of sunflowers, the monastery glows at night with light bulbs lit to lighten it up. The huge gold faced statue of Lord Buddha presides over the monastery.
The aromatic fragrance of the Tibetan incense sticks that are lit in the Tibetan Monasteries of Manali lays an enchanting charm on the tourists and lures them to visit the monastery again. The Tibetan monasteries at Manali are one of the chief Manali tourist attraction and features chiefly as an important pilgrim itinerary on a tour of Manali.
Katrain
A journey of only 19 Kilometers from the heart of Manali and 20 Kilometers from Kullu will take you to the wonderful Katrain. Located amidst the sky touching mountains, snowy paths and lush green pine forests, Katrain is a tourist's paradise. Katrain lies in the way of the national highway number-21.
The elegant Bipasa River sets the backdrop for the picturesque location of Katrain near Manali. Katrain is very easily reachable from Manali.
The apple orchards and other fruit plantations in Katrain attract the tourists to the most. Anglers will have a gala time in Katrain, fishing in the crystal clear lake.
Nehru Kund
One of the many exciting Manali Tourist Attractions, the Nehru Kund is only a 6 km journey from the heart of the Manali Town towards Keylong. The Nehru Kund is actually a spring which was named after the first prime minister of India - Late Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru. The serenity of the place will please any mortal on earth. The respected prime minister loved visiting the place and drink the crystal clear water from the spring when he used to stay in Manali.
The graceful clean water spring is said to have its source at the Bhrigu Lake. The sound of the bubbling water amidst the peaceful silence of the place will play like music to your ears.
Bajaura
Located at a distance of 15 Kilometers from the magnificent hill station of Manali, Bajaura is a typical Himalayan village blessed with nature's finest of gifts. Although Bajaura is a serene village but it has emerged as one of the main tourist attractions in Manali.
Blessed with outstanding picturesque landscapes, Bajaura in Manali is a nature lover's paradise. The sun kissed snowy peaks, the alpine stretch, the colorful apple orchards, the cool springs and the whispering wind - the nature creates its loveliest of poems here. For people with religious inclinations or for history freaks, there is the Bisheshwar Temple. Built around the eight century, the Bisheshwar Temple is one of the largest temples of the Manali Valley.
Jagatsukha
Located at the Northern end of the Kullu Valley in India Manali is situated at close proximity to the snow line of the Indian Himalayas. There are a number of interesting and picturesque locations in and around Manali and the village of Jagatsukha is one among them. Jagatsukha, like Manali, besides being a perfect honeymoon destination it is also a Hindu pilgrimage site. The heavenly character of the Indian Himalayas is an integral part of the Hindu religion and the village of Jagatsukha in Himachal Pradesh is no exception.
Jagatsukha was the former capital of Manali and is presently the biggest villages in Kullu district. But its main claim to fame is due to the presence of the Gaurishankar Temple. A product of long term excavation, the Gaurishankar Temple in the village of Jagatsukha is a small temple built in the 'Shikhara' style. This temple in Jagatsukha is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva and very near it is a small but very old Devi Sharvati Temple.
Rahala Waterfalls
Manali is often referred to as the Switzerland of the East, and truly so, the bout of natural splendor in Manali knows no bound. The Rahala Waterfalls in Manali is an integral part of the Himalayan ecstasy. Gushing down from an altitude of 2,501 meters, the Rahala Waterfalls is a product of melting glaciers. The scenic uniqueness of this natural waterfall has made it one of the primary tourist spots in the whole of Manali.
Lying on the way to the Rotang Pass the Rahala Waterfalls is located 16 Kilometers from Manali and 4 kilometers away from Kothi. The area around the Rahala Waterfalls is absolutely marvelous and the location also allows a picture perfect view of the surrounding areas. The pleasant view twined with the sound of the gushing water makes Rahala Waterfalls an ideal picnic spot. Just beyond the Rahala Waterfalls is the white glacier of Rotang Pass.
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