Location : Himachal Pradesh
Altitude : 2050m.
Attractions : Vashisth Hot Sulphur Spring, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple
Best Time To Visit : Mid-May to Mid-October.

The Kullu valley has an ancient town in its lap called Manali. Surrounded by towering peaks at an arm length, Manali's major asset is its proximity to the snowline. It is a flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers.

Manali literally means the 'Home of Manu'. Manu is the mythological character who is supposed to have survived when the world was drowned in Flood. He then came to Manali and recreated human life. Thus, the area of Manali is sacred and Hindus treat the temples over here as pilgrimage.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

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.

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.

Old Manali: 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.

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.

Rohtang Pass: 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.

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 center.

Arjun Gufa: 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 practiced austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: The airport at Bhuntar is 10-km from Kullu, where taxis and buses are available.

Rail: The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 95-km from Kullu.

Road: By road, the distance from Delhi via Mandi is 530-km and from Shimla this is 240-km. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Kullu. There's a bus and taxi stand on the opposite side of maidan. The main bus stand is by river in the northern area of the town.

CLIMATE
In winter, the temperature gets quite low when heavy woollens are required. It is pleasant in summer and cottons are recommended.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Kullu Dussehra

When Dussehra celebrations come to an end in the rest of the country, they begin at Kullu. Over 600 local deities come to pay homage to Lord Raghunathji. Enthusiasm marks the festival, with every road leading to Dhaulpur Maidan thronged by gaily-dressed, good-humoured crowds, folk dances, exhibitions, cultural programs are held to mark the festivities.
 

Himachal means 'Land of Snow' in Hindi. The physiography of Himachal Pradesh is portrayed with an intricate mosaic of hills, valleys, fast flowing & turbulent rivers and soaring high mountains covered with snow. And like three circles bound together by high ranges, narrow passes, fast flowing rivers and a rich cultural tradition, the tracts of Kinnaur, Spiti and Lahaul seems to hold the essence of the 2500 km long Himalayas.

Traditionally the region has strong ties with neighboring Tibet and there are marked cultural and religious similarities. Tucked away in mountain folds for centuries, this is one pocket of the world that has both charm and mystery. Kinnaur, Spiti and Lahaul offers a touch of exotica and more than just a dash of adventure. On the other hand Dharamsala is the seat of  Dalai Lama and his Govt. in exile.

Himachal Tourism a pioneer in the development of tourism infrastructure in Himachal, has Himachal's largest complete package of tourism services, including accommodation, catering, transport and sports activities.