General Information
- Manali
Area: 5.12 sq. kms.
Population: 6265 (approx.)
Altitude: 2,050 mtrs.
Languages: Hindi, Himachali, English
Religion: Hinduism
Maximum Temperature: 16°C
Minimum Temperature: 8°C
STD Code: 01901
Best Time: April-June/September-October.
Main Attraction: Vashisth Hot Sulphur Spring,
Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple
Location: Himachal Pradesh
Activities: Rafting, Skiing, Paragliding, Trekking,
Hiking, Mountaineering, Kayaking, and Mountain Biking
Prime Attractions
(Sightseeing) of Manali
The Mall Road
The Mall, or main road of Manali is the hub of activity
in this tourist town, lined with hotels, restaurants,
shops, the bus station and many travel agencies. Though
it carries the same British epithet as its counterpart
in Shimla, the Mall of Manali has an entirely different
character from the colonial flavour of the former. It
is more of a busy commercial street with modern concrete
blocks of hotels that spill over with tourists in the
peak season. Most of the hotels overlooking the foaming
Beas River, however, do offer pleasant views of the
valley, green terraced fields and the surrounding orchards.
Manalsu Nala
To get a more authentic flavour of the area, take a
half-hour walk from the Mall across the Manalsu nala
to reach the village of old Manali. Also known as Manaligarh,
the village has a ruined fort and a cluster of houses
built in the Pahari style - with heavy stone roofs and
wooden balconies projecting out of the first floor.
According to popular belief it is here that Manu, the
lawmaker lived around the 2nd century BC. His treatise,
the 'Manusmriti' is the foundations of Hindu law and
of the rigid caste system based on varna or profession.
Considered one of the most orthodox Hindu texts with
strict role definitions based on gender and class, the
Manusmriti continues to be followed by many devout Hindus
even today. In the centre of the village is the Manu
Maharishi temple, a relatively new shrine dedicated
to Manu. The village itself is an idyllic break from
the rush of main Manali, surrounded by terraced maize
fields and apple orchards. There are several guesthouses
and cafes lining the path to the village.
Hidimba Devi 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 a 2 km walk from the Tourist office
in Manali. Maharaja Bahadur Singh built the present
wooden pagoda-like temple in 1553 after earlier structures
were burnt down by forest fires. Standing on a stone
platform surrounded by old deodar trees, the three-tiered
temple is crowned with pennants, brass bells and a trident.
Carvings of animals, plants and folk deities adorn the
temple, while hunting trophies hang over its entrance.
Inside the shrine is the brass icon of the goddess,
surprisingly tiny compared to the huge temple structure
and the legendary prowess associated with her. The shrine
is within a natural cave formation dominated by huge
rock. A set of enlarged footprints on the rocks is believed
to be of Hadimba, herself. In mid-July the idol from
old Manali is brought to this temple for a major festival.
As part of the frenzied celebrations, several animals
including a buffalo and a goat are sacrificed to the
goddess. The blood falling on the stones is channeled
to the mouth of goddess Hadimba. Not for the faint-hearted,
this ancient ritual draws large crowds, along with some
pickpockets who take advantage of the spellbound mobs.
Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa
This Gompa dominates the Tibetan area around the bottom
of the Mall in Manali. The Tibetan refugees built the
Gompa in the late 1960's. The Gompa is covered with
brightly coloured frescoes and a mid size Buddhist statute.
It also carries a list of the martyrs killed in occupation
of Tibet of 1987 to 1989. Inside the brightly painted
prayer hall is a statue of Shakyamuni (form of Buddha).
The monastery is maintained through donations and the
sale of carpets woven by the lamas within the temple
workshop. A smaller gompha near the market has a large
gold-faced image of Buddha, which is best viewed from
its first floor verandah. Monks can be seen printing
prayer flags in the open terrace.
Temple Of Manu
Slippery stones paths lead through the old village houses
up to the temple of Manu. Manali is named after the
sage Manu who meditated when he came in this area.
Tibetan Temple
Tibetans have a base in Manali too. There is a large
modern Tibetan temple to the South of the bus stand
and also a small handicrafts centre.
Mountaineering Institute
The Mountaineering Institute located at Manali provides
training facilities for basic and advance climbing both
for Indian nationals and foreigners. This institute
also conducts other adventurous sports activities like
high altitude trekking, minor mountaineering, rock-climbing,
skiing, and high altitude rescue and relief courses.
The institute has sufficient lodging and boarding arrangements
and equipment can be hired for trekking purposes.
Excursions from Manali
Rohtang Pass (50Km.)
Rohtang Pass is the highest point, 4,112m, on the Manali-Keylong
road, 51-km from Manali town. It provides a wide panoramic
view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is
a sight truly breath-taking.
Arjun Gufa (5Km.)
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.
Beas Kund (50Km.)
It is the source of river Beas, at the Rohtang Pass
and is easily accessible. The great sage, Vyas performed
`Tapa' here during the Mahabharat times. The place is
still hallowed by the celestial light. It was because
of this that the river got the present name of Beas.
Jagatsukh Temple (6Km.)
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.
Kothi (12Km.)
It is a pretty little village, 12-km from Manali
on the Keylong road at the foot of Rohtang Pass. There
are very fine views from Kothi, and the Beas River flows
through a very deep and narrow gorge at this point.
The well-situated Public Works Department (PWD) Resthouse
is a popular place for overnight stays. Close to the
rest house is an awe-inspiring gorge where Beas enters
a chasm about 61m deep and just few metres broad.
Old Manali (3Km.)
The old Manali area is located some 3-km from the
present day Manali. The old Manali is covered with guesthouses,
which look ancient now, and orchards where the livestock
move at will.
Rahalla Falls (16Km.)
About 16-km from Manali and 4-km away from Kothi,
at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, are the
beautiful Rahalla Falls at an altitude of 2,501m.
Solang Nullah (14Km.)
14-km northwest of Manali in the Solang Valley,
this place offers Himachal Pradesh's best ski slopes.
The Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institute operates
a 300m high ski lift and the month of February is the
best month to ski over here. HPTDC runs seven-day package
for ski courses with accommodation in the Hotel Rohtang
Manaslu in Manali. Courses are also offered by the Mountaineering
and Allied Sports Institute and the North Face Ski School.
Vashisth Hot Sulphur Springs (3Km.)
This small village near Manali is famous for its
scenic beauty. The village has a temple dedicated to
Lord Rama and Vashisth Muni. The village has some hot
water springs, which are said to carry medicinal properties.
It is a picturesque little place, 3-km out of Manali
but on foot the distance is a bit shorter.
Rafting
The Beas River flowing through Kullu valley is suitable
for not only white water rafting but is ideal for canoeing
and kayaking too. Open between May to September.
Skiing
Near Manali there are some slopes, which have been rated
the best for skiing in the world. The Solang Nullah,
Patalsu, Kothi, Marhi and Rohtang slopes are very good
for skiing in the winters as well as in summers.
Heli Skiing
For high mountain thrills perhaps nothing can surpass
the magic of heli-skiing. The sport is available in
the area abound by the Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass,
Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass near Manali.
Mountaineering
The Mountaineering Institute located at Manali provides
training facilities for basic and advance climbing both
for Indian nationals and foreigners.
Trekking
The main trekking areas in Himachal are the Dhauladhar
and Pir Panjal ranges easily accesible from Kullu valley.
Several treks lead over from Kullu valley to Lahaul
& Spiti, Zanskar, Kinnaur and Kangra.
Most treks pass through rugged and unspoiled terrain,
deep forests and beautiful streams. Many old temples
lie along the way.
Getting Around
Manali town can be covered on foot, but for longer excursions
and travel out of town, tourist buses and private taxis
are available for hire. The Taxi Operators’ Union (Ph:
01901 - 52205, 52450) has a counter near the Tourist
office. Charges in peak season are about Rs. 1000 for
a full day trip around Manali. Motorcycles are available
on hire at the Enfield Club (Ph: 01901 - 54090) on Vashisht
Road. Himachal Tourism (Ph: 01901 - 53531) runs regular
bus tours to destinations around Manali.
Tourist Offices
The Himachal Pradesh Tourist Information Counter is
located at The Mall, Ph: 01901 - 53531, Fax - 52325).
What to bring
Days are pleasant in summers, but nights can get cold.
It is good to have light woolens packed in. Winters
are chilly with heavy snowfall during the peak winter
months. Keep enough heavy woolens for good protection.
If you are planning to go for hikes or take a shot at
one of the adventure sports, keep extra pairs of shoes
ready. The organisers provide most other gear.
Shopping
The Mall is the main shopping area, selling local shawls,
rugs, caps and footwear, besides a range of Tibetan
handicraft items. The Himachal Handicrafts emporium
and Bhuttico weavers’ co-operative are good for local
handicrafts. The Tibetan Bazaar and Tibetan Carpet centre
run by the refugee community sells thangkas, rugs, jewellery,
prayers wheels amongst other things.
Banks & Money Changers
Banking in Himachal Pradesh is not so easy. Banking
hours usually are 10 AM to 2 PM Monday to Friday and
10 AM to 12-noon on Saturdays. In Manali you will be
able to change your money but it may be a tedious process
to change substantial amounts at a time. The banks here
accept travellers’ cheques or currency only in either
dollars or pound sterling. Changing money anywhere but
at accredited bureaus is illegal.
Save up all exchange receipts (encashment certificates);
these are required for visa extensions and other formalities,
and when you want to convert from rupees at the end of your
trip.
Manali Economy
Manali’s economy is based almost wholly on two things:
fruit and tourism. Fruits- pears, apples, and similar
fruit- were first introduced to Manali by British settlers
who realised that the area was perfectly suited for
growing fruit. Today, Manali’s fruit is among the choicest
in north India; there’s plenty of it in local markets,
and a huge portion finds its way to other parts of India
too.
Manali’s natural beauty and its local sights are reason
enough for its attractiveness as a tourist destination.
In addition to this, it’s a popular base for treks and
excursions into the surrounding areas; and the starting
point for a trip to Ladakh. Tourism, hospitality and
allied activities- including the production of handicrafts-
are among the main economic activities in Manali.
Business Guide
The fruit bowl of India, Himachal Pradesh is the
place of canned fruits, bottled fruit juice and
other products like jams, jellies and pickles.
Besides timber trade and forestry are other
lucrative business ventures. People are very cordial
and observe an almost village community level
protocol while transacting business.
Tipping
It is customary to tip 10% of the bill at restaurants,
but you may tip less if service charges have been included
in the bill. At hotels tip 10 bucks to the bellhop,
the same to the doorman ‘Durban’; if the service is
particularly good, substantially more to the concierge
and housekeeping.
Cab drivers do not expect to be tipped but the opposite
is true if you have a hired a cab for a long period.
You’ll find some of the most friendly and colourful
service at tiny nondescript roadside stalls called ‘dhabas’.
A small tip, even if it is only loose change, will be
appreciated tremendously.
Coolies (porters) at railway platforms have to be paid;
negotiate the payment before you hire one.
Habitat
The town is about 40 km north of Kullu, and lies
at the intersection of some of the main trade and transport
routes of the area. The main route connects Himachal,
via the Rohtang and Baralacha passes, to Ladakh. Other
secondary routes go to Lahaul, Spiti, Rupshu and Tibet.
Manali straddles the Beas River, in an area of alpine
meadows, deodar and pine forests and fruit orchards.
All around, towering over the town are high snowcapped
peaks- plenty of opportunity here to take lots of gorgeous
photographs.
Wildlife
The woodlands of Kullu preserve a variety of wildlife.
The district has five wildlife sanctuaries of which
Manali, Kais, Kanawar, Khokhan are in Kullu Valley and
the Great Himalayan National Park is in Sainj valley.
These sanctuaries preserve animals like Musk Deer, Common
Fox, Leopard, Ibex, Himalayan Tahr, Porcupine, Bear
(black & brown), Goral (Nemorhaedus goral), Himalayan
Yellow Throated Marten, Langur and Flying Squirrel etc.
and pheasants like Cheer Pheasant, Monal, Western Tragopan
etc.
The Great Himalayan National Park is situated in the
Sainj valley of Kullu district. The park harbours more
than 300 species of birds and over 30 species of mammals.
The park provides habitat for some of the highly endangered
species like western tragopan, snow leopard and musk
deer.
Manali sanctuary is located 1 km away from the international
hill resort Manali. The main species of animals found
in the sanctuary are leopard, musk deer, black bear,
brown bear, Himalayn ibex. The birds found in the sanctuary
are monal, koklas, chakor, tree creepers, snow pigeon,
kingfisher etc. Snakes and lizards are also found.
These sanctuaries are rich in trees like Oak (Quercus
incana), Fir (Abies pindrow), Kail , Spruce (Pices smithiana),
Deodar (Cedrus deodara), Bras (Rhododendron arborium),
Maple (Acer pictum), Walnut (Juglans regia), Fig (Ficus
spp), Poplar (Populus ciliata), Pine (Pinus roxburghii),
Aesculus (Aesculus indica) etc.
The best time to visit these sanctuaries is April to
June and September to October. During this period the
weather and visibility is suitable for spotting animals
and the high reaches are easily accessible. The nature
is also at it's festive best.
People & Society
The people of Kullu are primarily farmers, but now
the population has also scattered into emerging occupations
as tourism, handloom industry and other skillful fields
like computer applications. More than 70% of the people
here are literate. This includes an equal ratio of men
and women. Govt. sector is one of the most favoured
source of employment.
There is a
rich tradition of folk arts in Kullu. The excellent
temple carvings, vibrant handicrafts , spectacular
folk dances and melodious songs show the sensitivity
of the people.
Clothing
Traditional Dress of Men
Chola: Chola is a long woolen coat with pleats.
Dora: Dora is a piece of cloth which is tied
on the waist and is served as a belt.
Suthan: Suthan is something like a tight pant.
Topa: Topa is a black cap.
Topi: It is now known as Kullu Cap. It is a colorful
cap made out of woollen cloth with a Kulluvi designed
band around it.
Lachhoo: Lachhoo is a blanket used to cover the
shoulders.
Chadder: Chadder or Loi is a gents shawl. It
is mostly in grey, white, cream and brown in color.
Traditional Dress
of Women
Pattoo: It is a traditional dress of the local
women. It is thicker and heavier than shawls, with fast
and bright colors. Women wear pattoo over their clothes
and pin both ends with local silver broaches called
'boomini', which is a long silver chain. It covers the
whole body and a piece of cloth is tied around the waist
called gachchi, which acts as a belt.
Dhatu or Thipu: Dhatu or Thipu is a square piece
of cloth used to cover the head.
Shawls: These shawls are world famous because
of their beautiful intricate designs and bright colors.
Pullas: Pullas are footwear like the bedroom
slippers made out of hemp (fibre extracted from Marijuana
stem). Very colorful designs are made on the upper portion
with colored woolen threads.
Nepali porters, Buddhist
monks, and even the odd party of Zanskaris, swathed
in fusty woolen gonchas, muddled together with souvenir-hunting
Indian and Western tourists-all add up to the welcoming
hub of Manali
Festivals
Though almost all the festivals are celebrated with
zest and devotion, Dussehra gets special attention all
over the valley. The festival is celebrated in the month
of October during the autumn season when the rest of
the country celebrates Durga Puja and Vijaya Dashami.
The celebration goes on for a few days when all the
people of the Kullu valley take part enthusiastically.
The Hadimba Devi fair is another important event in
this place and a rather big fair is organized in the
Hadimba Devi temple complex. People from in and around
the countryside come to visit this fair, which is held
during the spring season when the valley is at its spectacular
and colourful best.
The Doongri Forest festival, which is basically organized
by the women folks of this place, is another major event
of this place. Moreover, the winter sport carnival held
in the mid-February draws a good number of tourists
from all over the country and abroad.
Winter Carnival
Snow continues to play a major part in February's festivals
and Himachal's Winter Carnival is also held this month.
Ski slopes of Kufri, Manali and Narkanda come to life
with adventure seekers competing their way downhill.
For daredevils, Manali, as a base camp, offers best
opportunity for Heli-Skiing.
Spring Festival
Spring festival is also called Basantotsava or Pipal
jatra and takes place at Dhalpur ground Kullu from 28th
April to 30th April. This fair has been declared a state
festival by the Himachal Pradesh government. As it marks
the beginning of the spring season (and also the tourist
season) in the valley, it is also known as Spring Festival.
