Tourist places in and around Manali
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. Winding paths through forests and glades of whispering Deodars form the setting for the majestic wooden temple of Hidimba Devi in Manali. The motorable road is shaded by Chestnuts, Chinars and tall deciduous Deodars. This forested backdrop enthral one's spirit and refresh one's mind all along the uphill path.Hamdimba or Dhoongiri temple is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, wife of Bhima of Mahabharata fame. This four- story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhoongiri Van Vihar.
Manali has many attractions but the chief centre of interest, historically and archeologically, is undoubtedly the temple dedicated to goddess Hadimba. It has four-tiered Pagoda shaped roof and the doorway is carved with legendary figures and symbols. This temple located amidst wooden forest of deodar is about 2.5 kms from the tourist office. It is a pleasant experience to stroll in the temple complex, which was built in 1533 AD. A large festival is held here in May.
Vashisht Kund (3 km)
At about half an hour's brisk walking distance from town, there are sulphur springs-gush, hot and medicinal - emerging out of the mountains at Vashisht. Here, in a bath complex with a restaurant and a beautiful view, couples can soak in the privacy of their own sunken bath, warming all kinds of ailments out of their systems.This pyramid shaped temple is dedicated to sage Vashisht. Around this temple there are hot springs and waterfalls. The bath houses here are made in the Turkish style.
Vashisht is a piecturesque village with surperb views along the valley. It is best known for its health- giving hot sculphur baths.
He free Public baths (separate units for men and women) are much more fun because they function as a social centre for the village. The greyness of the water comes from the minerals, not dirt. The temple in the same compound as the baths is typical of the local chalet style. The odd thing is the way the older small temple has been enclosed by a much larger new one in the same style. Note the tree trunk used as a capstone on the roof. The nearby Rama Temple consists of an old stone sikhara with a porch in the local style added in front. One of the figures carved on the doors represents Lord Rama. Inside is an additional shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva but with a statue of Hanuman, Lord Rama's helper.
Vashisht is not as quiet as Old Manali, but has more facilities like cafes leads from the road up to the tourist baths.
Vashist Hot Water Springs And Temple
Vashist, a small village located on the left bank of river Beas towards Rohtang pass is worth a visit. It is renowned for its hot springs 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.Arjun Gufa (5 km)
On the left bank of the Beas, 5 km from Manali near the village of Prini, is the 'Arjun Gufa' or the cave of Arjuna. In here Arjuna practised austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.The gufa or cave of Arjuna where he practiced ousterities to get Pashupata Ashra or weapon from Lord Indra.
Manali towards Naggar, the cave is situated near Prini village 1km. above the road where Arjun had meditated. This is a good 1/2 day excursion with charming view of the brilliant mountains.
Beas Kund
Further ahead is the Beas Kund. The tiny roundish igloo like stone hut shelters the Beas Kund, the very source of the holy river Beas. Water flows at the source of the river likfe a spring, so clear and icy cold that it almost numbs the fingers. All around is the rocky terrain with very little vegetation. A few mules graze around while all and sundry try to brave the wind on a clear sunny day.The famous Beas Kund, the source of the Beas River, at the Rohtang Pass is easily accessible. The great Vyas Rishi performed tapa here during the Mahabharata period. The place is still hallowed by the celestial light. It was because of this that the river got the present name of Beas.
Rohtang Pass ((51 km))
Situated about 5 km from Manali town, at an altitude of 4,111m on the highway to Keylong, is the Rohtang Pass. There is a beautiful Dasohar Lake left of the Pass. The Pass, which provides the only access to the Lahaul Valley, is open from June to November each year. Snowfall is, however, unpredictable and blizzards can close the Pass even during this period. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendour. A few km away from the pass is the Sonapani glacier and, slightly to the left are the twin peaks of Gaypan-jagged pyramid of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.Rohtang Pass is about 51km from Manali. This pass once served as a crucial trade route, and still remains the gateway to the districts of Lahaul and Spiti. It is at an altitude of about 4,111 metres. Here one can admire the majesty of the mountains. There is the beautiful Dashohar Lake located towards the left of the pass.
The gorgeous gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley is set at an altitude of 3979 metres. The highway to Keylong/Leh passes over this pass of about 1km. It opens for vehicular traffic from Jun. to Oct. The breathtaking beauty of the mountains flanking the pass, the glaciers and chandra river flowing down the Lahaul valley leaves a lasting impression on the visitors.
Rohtang pass is 51 km from Manali on highway to Keylong/Leh. 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 gatway to Ladakh. There are beautiful sights of glaciers, peaks and Chandra River flows down in the Lahaul valley. Slightly to the left can be seen the twin peaks of the Geypan. During summer (mid June to October) regular buses ply between Manali-Keylong/Darcha, Udaipur, Spiti and Leh.
Temple Of Manu
3 km from the main bazaar in old Manali lies the temple of Manu Rishi, Believed to be the only temple of Manu in India,who was the creator of human race on the earth.Dhungri Temple
The dhungri or Hadimba temple is a four storey wooden building in the middle of a lovely forested parkland, known as the Dhungri Van Vihar. Erected in 1553, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba and the features intricate wooden carvings of dancers and characters from various Hindu stories.Club House (2 km)
It has indoor game facilities. It is located on the left bank of Manaslsu Nallah. There are some picnic spots near it.2 km from the town, clubhouse has indoor games facilities, which are located on the left bank of Manalsu Nallah.
Tibetan Monasteries
There are 3 newly constructed colourful monasteries, where visitors can buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts. Two are located in the town and one on the left bank of the Beas River.Mountaineering Institute
Located 3 km 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.Kothi (12 km)
One km ways from here, the River Vyas flowing out of a 30 mts. Deep pit, to surround by rocks, offers a beautiful sight. On these rocks reside innumerable pigeons.Rahla Water Falls (14 km)
It is a picnic spot with the view of the river Vyas falling from a height of 50 mts. Is breath taking?Manikaran
Manikaran (bus from Kullu) has hot springs and temples. There are many interesting places a little off the beaten track in the kullu Valley; get a copy of Penelope Chetwode's bock Kulllu: The End of the Habitable World. You can travel over the Rohtang Pass to Lahaul (you need a permit for Spiti) and visit Keylong. There are major temples at Triloknath and Udeypur and also Buddhist monasteries. Lahaul promises to be as different and as interesting as Ladakh.Manikaran, 45 ks from Kulu and just 3 kms from Kasol, is famous for its hot springs. Thousands of people take a holy dip in hot waters here. The water is so hot that dal, rice & vegetables etc. can be cooked in it. It is also a well known pilgrimage place for both Hindus & Sikhs. Ramchandra and Shivaji temples besides a Gurudwara are there. According to an old legend, Manikaran is connected with Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Parvati, who lost her ear rings here, which gave birth to hot waters on the bank of Parvati river. Hearing this religious myth from the priests will be more rewarding and interesting. Ample accomodation in the temples and Gurudwara, is available for night stay besides the HPTDC hotel.
Great Himalayan National Park
An oasis of greenery, the Great Himalayan National Park, is spread over an area of 754 sq km. ranging in altitude from 1300 m 6100 m, an amazing diversity of flora and fauna is found here. A vast range of temperate speciesalong with alpine grasslands is covered with oak forests. Besides deodar, pine and walnit forests, birches and rhodendendrons cover the sub- alpine zone. Among the bootable large mammals are Sorrow, That, Blue Sheep, Black Bear, Musk deer and Snow Leopard.More than 300 bird species are recorded from the Park and an important species found here is the threatened Western Tragopan.
There are several trekking trails and forest huts that after opportunities to explore the park.Shamshi, the main entry point to the park is 15 km from Kullu. For bookings and permits contact Director GHNP, Shamshi- 01902-65320 Characterised by dazzling high ridges, glaciers, deep gorges, alpine meadows and valleys with closed virgin forests, the Great Himalayan National Park with an altitudinal variation from 1,300m to 6,100m in Kullu district is one of the best destinations for Himalayan flora and fauna lovers. Supporting a diverse wildlife of over three hundred species of birds and over thirty species of mammals, the region was declared a national park in 1984.
Jagatsukh (6 km)
It is one of the biggest villages in Kullu district. About 6-km from Manali, Jagatsukh is famous for its Shiva temple that is built in "shikhara" style and nearby is the old and interesting Devi Sharvati temple.Jagatsukh is on the left bank of the Beas and the road from Naggar to Manali runs through the village. Jagatsukh is 6km away from Manali. The place is famous fo very old temples, in the village, particularly the Shiva Temple in Shikhara style and nearby old and interesting Devi Sharvali temple.
It was once the capital of kullu state and is known fo the ancient temples of lord shiva and sandhya Gayatri built in shikhara style.
Solang valley (13 km)
The valley extending from solang illage to Beas kund is a veritable paradise for nature lovers. The breathtaking views of snow clad peaks and glaciers makes it one of the finest picnic spots in the jullu valley. The winter skiing festival is organised in the valley.13 km is a splendid valley between Solang village and Beas Kund. 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. Located here is a hut and guesthouse of the Mountaineering and Allied sports Institute, Manali. Now a few hotels have also come up. The winter skiing festival is organised here. Training in skiing is imparted at this place