Manali Sightseeing
• HADIMBA TEMPLE :
Manali has many attractions but the chief centre of interest, historically and archeologically, is undoubtedly the DHOONGRI TEMPLE dedicated to goddess Hadimba, the Bhim of Mahabharat fame. It has four-tiered Pagoda shaped roof and the doorway is carved with legendary figures and symbols. This temple located amidst wooden forest of deodar is about 2.5 kms. from the tourist office. It is a pleasant experience to stroll in the temple complex which was built in 1533 A.D. A large festival is held here in May.
• TIBETAN MONASTERIES :
There are 3 newly constructed colorful monasteries, where visitors can buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts. Two are located in the town and one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas river.
• VASHIST HOT WATER SPRINGS AND TEMPLE (3 kms) :
Vashist, a small village located on the left bank of river Beas towards Rohtang pass is worth a visit. It is renowned for its hot springs and temples. Nearby is the pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni. There is another Temple of Lord Ram here. Natural hot sulphur springs with two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies are always full of tourists. Turkish style showers fitted baths have also been built nearby. Hot water from the nearby spring is provided for bathing.
• NEHRU KUND :
5 kms. on National Highway to Leh,a natural spring of cold clear water named after Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, who used to drink water from this spring during his stay in Manali. This spring is believed to originate from the Bhrigu lake situated high-up in the mountains.
• ROHTANG PASS (3979 m) :
Rohtang pass is 51kms. from Manali on highway to Keylong/Leh. It offers a panorama and spectacular mountain view. The pass is open from June to October each year although trekkers can cross it earlier. It is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley just as Zojila pass is a gatway to Ladakh. There are a beautiful sight of glaciers, peaks and Chandra river flows down in the Lahaul valley. Slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypan. During summer(mid June to October) regular buses ply between Manali-Keylong/Darcha, Udaipur, Spiti and Leh.
• Manikaran :
This lies in the Parvati Valley of Kullu District. It is around 70 Kms from Manali via Kullu town. It is famous for its Shiva Temple and Gurudwara and also for its hot water springs.
HOW TO REACH :
By Air :
Bhuntar Airport, which is approximately 10 km from Kullu, also from the nearest air link from Manali. Though the airport is not very big, it has regular flights to the major cities in and around Himachal Pradesh, like Delhi, Chandigarh and other metro cities of India.
By Road :
Located 522 km from Delhi, Manali is well connected with major parts of the country by a good network of roads. There are regular bus services for Manali for all the major cities in and around the state, such as Delhi and Chandigarh.
