Manali is one of the favourite hill station in the mountains of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.It is situated in the northern end of the Kullu Valley, at an altitude of sea height of 2,050 m. It is surrounded by beas river valley. Manali is located in the Kullu district of himachal pradesh, about 270 km north of the state capital, Shimla. Manali is a small town, with a population of approx. 8,096. Manali is also begining of ladakh. It is well connected by road. It has become a tourist attraction in recent years mainly for honeymoon couples. Manali is an ideal place for newly married honeymoon couples.
Climate of Manali:
The climate in Manali is very cold during winters, and moderately cool during summers due to this many peole came here to beat summer. The temperatures range from 4 °C to 20 °C over the year. The average temperature during summer is between 04 °C and 15 °C, and between −15 °C and 05 °C in the winter.Snowfall often takes place in the month of dember to february. The weather of manali is not stable, snowfall and rainfall comes suddenly.
History of Manali:
According to villagers in ancient times, the valley was sparsely populated by nomadic hunters. The next arrivals in manali valley were the shepherds who arrived from the Kangra Valley and settled here to take up agriculture.
The British Government introduced apple trees and trout in Manali. The first apple orchard was set up by the British government near Patlikuhl.App,e is the best source of income for people in manali. It is said that when apple trees were first planted, production was bumper due to which apple tree collapsed.
Tourism in Manali received a boost due to decrease in the number of kashmir tourist after the rise of militancy in Kashmir in the late 1980s. There is a lot of hotels and restaurants in manali.
Transportation facilities in manali
Air
Manali is well connectd to Bhuntar Airport at Bhuntar town, situated on NH21 about 50 km south of Manali and 10 km south of Kullu town. The airport is also known as Kullu-Manali airport and has more than a kilometre long runway. Few airlines like Air India and some private airlines have regular flights to the airport. Recently Himalayan Bulls in collaboration with Deccan Charters have started flights on Kullu-Chandigarh-Kullu sector thrice a day.
Road
Manali also well connected by road. It can be reached from Delhi by national highway NH 1 up to Chandigarh and then from NH21 that passes through Bilaspur district, Sundernagar district, Mandi and Kullu towns. The road distance from Chandigarh to Manali is 327 km, and the total distance from Delhi to Manali is 592 km. Buses on this route are available from all major bus terminals. Both government and private bus run fromdelhi to manali. Some luxury bus services also available from delhi to manali.
Rail
Manali is not easily approachable by rail due to hilly areas. The nearest broad gauge railheads are at Chandigarh (275 km, Pathankot (325 km) and Kalka (310 km). The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar (135 kilometres
Major Tourist Attractions in Manali
Solang Valley
Solang Valley is the main attraction for adventurous peoples. Solang valley is situated 14 kilometers northwest of Manali on the way to Rohtang Pass. The lawn slopes of Solang Valley provides great opportunities to tourist for summer and winter sports like parachuting, paragliding, skating, and skiing.
Rohtang Pass
Rohtang pass is situated on manali leh highway. Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass that connects Manali to the Lahaul Spiti district, some small districts and also to Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pass is an ancient trade route between the rest of India and the upper region of the Himalayas. From the culyure point of view it connects Hindu region with a Buddhist one. Rohtang bye pass is famous for its snowfalls and abundant natural beauty.
Hidimba Devi Temple
This is one of the ancient temple of manali. Hidimba Devi Temple made of mudwashed stone and intricately carved wood with a four layered pyramidal top. According to hindu mythology the temple is dedicated to Hidimba, wife of Bhima and mother of Ghatacha. The temple encloses an enormous rock and a 3-inch brass idol of the goddess. Ghatochkach temple is also near hidimba temple at a short distane.
Pandoh Dam
The Pandoh Dam made on the Beas River in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Its Primary purpose of beas project is hydroelectric power generation. Under the Beas Project, the dam was completed in 1977.
Bijli Mahadev Temple
Bijli Mahadev is a sacred temple in Himachali culture. Located at an altitude of 2,460m across the Beas River, it provides a panoramic view of Kullu and Paravati valleys.
Great Himalayan National Park
The Great Himalayan National Park is one of the most famous place to visit. It is a home to numerous species of flora and fauna. This national park is also UNESCO World Heritage Site known for an exceptional natural beauty and biological diversity.
