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North India  >  Himachal Pradesh  >  Manali

Brief

Manali is situated at the northern end of the Kullu Valley, Manali literally means the 'Home of Manu', the mythological character who survived when the world was drowned in a flood. Spectacular views of snowcapped peaks and wooded slopes, grassy meadows carpeted with wild flowers, makes Manali the perfect retreat for a family holiday. Manali is a popular Himalayan tourist destination, and is visited by many trekkers who follow the hashish trail. It also offers hot

springs, spectacular religious shrines and temples, Tibetan Buddhist temples, and trekking in the surrounding mountains. Manali is also the starting point for the two-day journey along the spectacular road to Leh in Ladakh. Manali's now turning into a base camp for trekkers and intrepid mountaineers. Honeymooners and families from all across India still descend on the town throughout summer, though.

 
History

According to Hindu mythology, Manali was the home of the lawgiver Manu (after whom the town is named). Legend has it that when a flood deluged the earth, Manu and the gods were towed to dry ground by a giant fish, which was the seventh 'avatar' of the god Vishnu. The area where Manu eventually found refuge was Manali. During the 20th century, the British started to frequently visit the town- its climate and natural beauty were equable enough- and Manali gradually began to

acquire the reputation of a tourist destination. This reputation got a bit tarnished during the 1970s and 80s, however, mainly because of the discovery that marijuana grown around the town was particularly good.

 
How to reach

By Air: The closest airport to Manali is at Bhuntar, which is 77km from Manali.

 

By Rail:The closest narrow-gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 135 km away.

 

By Road:The distance from Delhi via Mandi is 585 km, and from Shimla the distance is 270 km.

 

Distance from major cities
Delhi - 585 Kms
Shimla - 270 Kms
Chandigarh - 310 Kms
Ambala - 355 Kms

 

Best time to visit
April to June or September to October

 

Climate
The temperature drops below freezing point in winter months when it shows heavily. Summers are generally mild and light, punctuated by monsoons during July - September.

 

Languages
English and Hindi

 

STD Code
01901

 

Fair and Festivals

 

Dussehra

Dussehra is celebrated with tremendous pomp and grandeur to mark the triumph of good over evil. The celebrations of the festival, where effigies of the diabolic emperor Ravana are burnt to pay a tribute to Lord Rama's victory, has an added flavor in Manali valley. The week long ceremony is a fusion of the cultural attributes and religious fervor.

 

Pipal Jatra or the Vasantotsava

It commences on the 16th day of Baisakh, meaning summer in the Indian calendar. The fairgrounds of Kullu's Dhalpur host this carnival where song and dance shows and colorful stalls provide the enjoyment quotient.

 

Shamshi Virshu

Shamshi Virshu is yet another significant festival that is celebrated on the 13th of April. The fair is essentially endowed with a religious and mythological character. The local inhabitants gather at the congregation spot of the erstwhile hermits and sages who flock to worship the local goddess.

 

Mela Bhuntar

Mela Bhuntar is a three day long gala affair celebrated in the hamlet of Bhunter. The festival started at the initiative of Devta of the ilaqua Suraj Pal and is primarily celebrated to thank the benevolent deities for their benediction, owing to which a flourishing harvest is obtained.
 
 
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