Manali

Manali which lies in the lap of the Kullu valley is one of the most visited tourist spot.It is located at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level and is spread along the banks of the river Beas.
Manali derived its name from Manavalaya meaning "Home of Manu" and here, the temples are treated as pilgrimages. Its cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. Manali is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, para gliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. Manali is quite famous for its lush green forests of deodar and snow capped mountains.

Places of Attraction:-

1) Manu Temple : Manali is named after the sage Manu who was the creator of human race on the earth and it is believed that he meditated here. This is supposed to be the only temple of Manu in India.

2) Arjun Gufa : On the left bank of the river Beas, near Prini village, is the "Arjun Gufa" or the cave of Arjuna. It is believed that Arjuna practiced austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.

3) Handima Temple : Built in 1553 and with a superbly crafted four tiered pagoda roof. It is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar. It is famous for its exquisitely carved doorway.
Hadimba Temple enshrines the footprints of the goddess Hadimba. Hadimba was the wife of Bhima, one of the five great Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata, and later became the patron goddess of the Kulu royal family.

4) Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple : Across the Beas river is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Modern bathhouses, with Turkish-style showers, have the hot water piped into them for the convenience of the visitors who come here to benefit from the medicinal properties. There is a pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni and another Temple of Lord Ram.

5) Jagatsuhk : About 6 kms. from Manali is the famous Shiva Temple in "shikara" style. It houses temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri.

6) Monasteries : Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. There are three recently built Tibetan monasteries.

7) Rahala waterfalls : About 16 km from Manali at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, are the beautiful Rahalla Falls at an altitude of 2,501 m.

8) Solang Valley : Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. In a picturesque setting, this has good ski slopes end picnic spots.

9) Keylong : Lying about 120 km from Manali, Keylong is the headquarters of Lahaul and spiti district Monasteries of Kardung and Shashus are important attractions.

10) Kothi : A place with charming natural beauty, just 10-12 km from Manali. It offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers.

11) Udaypur : An important pilgrimage place in the Pattan Valley.

12) Rahala waterfalls : About 16 km from Manali at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, are the beautiful Rahalla Falls at an altitude of 2,501 m.

13) Rohtang Pass : Rohtang Pass is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road. It provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly a breath taking sight.

Nearest airport is Bhuntar (52 km) and nearest railway station is Jogindernagar (135 km).