MANALI
A gift of the Himalayas to the world, Manali is a beautiful township nestled in the picturesque Beas River valley. It is a rustic enclave known for its cool climate and snow-capped mountains, offering respite to tourists escaping scorching heat of the plains. The tourism industry in Manali started booming only in the early 20th century, mainly because of its natural bounties and salubrious climate.
Come Explore Himachal with Himalayan Travel Tree.
Once a sleepy village, the modern town cocooned in its rich cultural heritage and age-old traditions is now one of the most popular destinations of India. The place is a classic blend of peace and tranquillity which makes it a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, who want to get off the main tourist trails and experience nature up close.
The glacial water of River Beas after rushing down the slopes of Rohtang Pass allows adventure sport activities of rowing, white water rafting and river crossing as it meanders through the valley from Manali to Kullu.
The open valley with terraced fields dotted with hotels and resorts has tourists converge on this township in summer from April to July and in autumn to early winter from October to December.
If you have ever imagined of sitting by the gushing water of a snow-fed stream, or waking up to a glorious sunrise with breathtaking views to soak in, Manali is the place to be.
Language: Hindi, Punjabi, English are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism trade. Local usually speak the Kulluvi dialect in their everyday dealings.
Clothing Essentials: With increasing altitude, the temperature falls in the valley and weather can change very abruptly in this region. Thunderstorms and sudden snowfalls do cause a sharp drop in temperature turning an otherwise warm day into a cold one in a matter of minutes. Woolens are essential when visiting Manali. In summers, light woolens with a scarf for the evenings will have you prepared should it get chilly.
Air: The airport at Bhuntar is 50 km from Manali from where taxis and buses are readily available.
Rail: Broad gauge trains travel up to Pathankot, from where a narrow gauge train takes you to Joginder Nagar. The distance between Joginder Nagar and Manali has to be covered by road transport.
Road: Manali is well connected by road with Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Haridwar, Shimla, Dharamshala and Chamba. Deluxe, semi-deluxe, AC, Volvo buses ply regularly to these places.
They say the antidote to exhaustion is not rest but tranquil nature. Manali is all about an open valley with a deodar and pine forest cover, freshwater streams and peaks perennially covered with snow making it a perfect place to unwind and recharge. Not only does it have some fine staying places, but there also many spiritual retreats that call for a visit. Hidimba Devi temple and Manu temple being on top of the chart.
The Mall in Manali is where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll and be on a shopping spree. Little eateries and cafes on the street do make you relish the mix of Indian, continental and local cuisine.
The bazaar has good outlets for buying travel souvenirs, woolens, Himachali handloom and handicraft products. A path that goes past the town takes you to the narrow streets of Old Manali, which has a significant presence of foreign tourists and music playing out of hippie style cafes.
Winter carnival
Manali organizes a winter carnival in the first week of January every year to celebrate a way of life in the valley. The carnival is a great display of folk culture through vocal and folk dance performances by local artists and invitee troupes from other states of the country before a large Indian and foreign audience. Carnival parade, singing, solo dance, group dance, street plays, and a Winter Queen beauty peasant are some of the major attractions of the carnival.
Dhungri fair
Fairs and festivals are celebrated to honour local deities or mark religiously significant days in Himachal and it is no different in Manali. The Dhungri Devi (Hidimba Devi) fair is an important event that is celebrated in spring beside the deodar shaded temple complex. Joining the celebrations and getting glimpses of the rich culture of the region does add to the holiday mood.
The bountiful valley is most pleasant during the summers when temperatures hover around 22°-30°Celsius. Deep winters when there is plentiful of snowfall in and around Manali is for adventure seekers and those who love skiing, a rare sport for India. Temperature in December-January can fall below minus 5 degree Celsius in Manali.
