A half day tour around Manali Town covering local sight seeing of Hadimba temple,Manu temple,Clubhouse,Ancient Shiva temple,Vashist natural hot spring & Buddhist Monasteries can be completed in3-4 hours covering a distance of 15/16km.
Start the day by paying an obeisance to Devi Hadimba Temple situated on a little hill in a grove of magnificent cedars. Built in 1553, the temple is in pagoda style with four superimposed pent roofs. The façade is decorated with elaborate wood carving in the folk style of Western Himalayas. The temple is dedicated to Hadimba of the Mahabharta age, who made an excellent marriage with Bhima, the Pandva. Close by is a gigantic deodar tree decorated with tin effigies and iron knives of all sorts and sizes, which is worshipped as seat of powerful Ghatotkach, the son of Hadimba and Bhima.
Situated at Old Manali is dedicated to Manu Rishi whose boat landed here after the Great Deluge. Manu is believed to have formed a treatise on social code of conduct here at Manali. It is perhaps the only temple of Manu Rishi in India. Manali has derived its name from Manu +Alya, the home of Manu.
Over looking the Manali town is an ancient Shiva temple. It is a unique combination of pagoda and chalet architecture. Wood carving of exquisite quality is seen to be believed.Legends say that the marriage procession consisting of Ganas of Shiva stayed overnight at this place on their way to the Kailash.
Hardly 3 kms across Beas to the north is located the ancient village of Vashisht. It is famous for sulpher hot water springs endowed with medicinal properties and the twin temples of lord Rama & Bashisht Rishi. The village presents a panoramic view of the entire upper valley from Solang to Naggar
Situated in the heart of the town give an opportunity to see gigantic statues of Lord Buddha, Padam Sambhav and other holy persons. Thanka paintings of Tibetan art can also be seen in these monasteries. Thus one can have a fair glimpse of the art, culture and religion of Tibet. Manali has a Gurudwara too, which has been catering to the spiritual needs of the faithfuls for the last 50 years.
After local sight seeing a little time can be spared to have a quiet stroll in the Van Vihar constructed on the bank of River Beas.
Evening can be gainfully spent in the tourism Club House situated across Manalsu in the old Manali. It has the facilities of a billiard room,a Library, a bar, a restaurant, indoor games and a roller-skating rink.
On the way to this mighty Pass, stop for a while to quench the thirst by drinking ice-cold but natural crystal clear spring water at Nehru kund. The place is named after Pt. Nehru who used to drink water from this very mountain spring during his sojourns in the valley.
is the last village of the valley. It commands a panoramic view of the glaciers. A peep into the awe-inspiring gorge through which the Beas flows sends shivers down one’s spine.
The spot is named after a road worker who died under tragic circumstances here during the construction of the road. During summer it abounds in variety of flowers and herbal plants. Its natural beauty is seen to be believed. From here, ascent to the great Pass starts.
After crossing a few blind curves, a cascading waterfall suddenly comes into sight. It is Rahlla Fall. The splashes and sprays of the falling icy cold water sends the chilling but sweet sensations through one’s body. It is one of the most favorite spots for photography.
a quiet spot to rest and enjoy refreshments. The legend has it that a unit of Sikh army perished to a man owing to sudden snowstorm. The Ladakh bound expedition was caught unaware in the blizzard. Thus the place derived its name from Marhi, a death house.
It is said that the Rani of the Sikh General commanding the Ladakh expedition died here. Hence the name.of the place was given as Rani Nallah where one can find snow as deep as 15ft. during the months of May and June. So it is an another favorite spot to get photographed in order to have a cherished souvenir. Rohtang Pass is now a stone’s throw from here, the journey is tiring but rewarding.
And Lo ..after 15 minutes drive you are at the Top. You can have tete-a-tete with nature’s beauty and might in the stel of waterfalls, snow flowers of various hues and colours, sky touching snow covered peaks and running runnels of clear and pure water. Situated at an altitude of 13500ft, the Pass is a gate way to the inaccessible land of lamas. Rohtang pass means the heap of the human bones. It symbolizes the death of countless human beings while attempting to cross this treacherous Pass over the years. Near the Top is Beas Rikhi, the original source of river Beas. Paying respects by visiting the small shrine dedicated to Beas Rishi, the author of the Mahabharta is a must for every visitor crossing the formidable pass.
Manali to Naggar via left bank offers a fascinating and satisfying trip. Every village falling in between has its own temple dating back to 7th and 8th centuries. Shuru – Prini, a 3 km. drive from Manali is known for excellent temple in folk style. Near by is Arjun Gufa (Only for trekking) where the famous Pandva meditated during their clandestine stay in the Himalayas. 6km. From Manali is Jagatsukh the former capital of Kullu Rajas. It is famous for 7th century Gaurishankar and Sandhya Devi temples.
After a magnificent trail of 25 km, you are led to the heritage village of Naggar. It had been an old capital of Kullu Rajas for about fourteen centuries. Naggar Castle erected on a hillside as royal residence offers a panoramic view of the upper Beas Valley. It is presently run as a hotel by the State Tourism corporation . Adjacent to it is a flat slab of rock knows as Jagati Pat among the locals.
The famous Roerich Art Gallery is close by above the hill. It had been the home of world famous painter Roerich for about 18 years.
After Naggar one can continue to travel through think forest towards Janna water fall where one can enjoy local food on the way to Bijlimahdev temple(subject to clear weather) Optional.
Manali to Manikaran is a full day trip towards Kullu One can start early in the morning, can enjoy the adventure of River Rafting in the river Beas. Vaishnu devi temple is also a beautiful temple before Kullu on the bank of river Beas. After diverting towards the Left along River Parvati ,Kasol is also a small but beautiful attractive spot, From here Manikaran is Just 6 Km . Manlikarn is famous for Historic Gurudwara, Shri Ramchandra Temple and Natural hot water springs. The water is so hot that one can even prepare ones food in it
