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Manali, is one of the pretty hill station nuzzled in the mount of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh at an height of 2,050 m (6,726 ft) situated along the banks of Beas River Valley, close to the Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley. It is located in the Kullu district, about 270 km north of the state capital, Shimla. Manali is a eye-catching hill station encircled by deep pinewood forests. Lying at an altitude of 6726 feet, it is the peak spot in the Kullu Manali valley and is blessed with several attractions. Manali is the most frequented hill station in India and is occupied by the visitors throughout the year.
Manali factually named the 'Home of Manu'. Manu is the mythical character who is alleged to be the originator of human existence according to Hindu mythology, when the world was drowned in flood. He is also the writer of Manusmriti. He then moves towards Manali and recreated human existence. Thus, the region of Manali is holy and Hindus treat the temples over here as pilgrimage.
The peaks covered with snow are the main thing that attracts many people all over the globe. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and been the favourites’ of people across the country when it comes to summer vacations. There are a number of other great places to holiday in Manali like Kullu, Parvati valley, Hanuman Tibba, 7 sister peak, Friendship peak, Patalsu peak, Ladakhi peak, Manali peak. Experiencing the sight of hill stations adjacent to Manali is a fabulous experience. A part of Beas River Valley, Manali is situated at an altitude from where the eyes fall on the views of forests, orchards, river, mountains ranges and more, for nothing but a complete visual pleasure. The place once served for the trade purposes; now the same route is used for the purpose of adventure mainly for the bikers and jeep riders. The chilly heaven of Rohtang Pass is a well-liked skiing destination, where you can enjoy having snow activities even in peak summer. Be it for relaxing, sightseeing, trekking, mountaineering, Para-gliding, skiing, ice skating and golf or anything, Manali has the answers to all.
Besides this it is steeped in legend and folklore, making Hadimba Temple a commonly stopover landmark. A twine of dazzling waterfalls and monasteries adds to the loveliness of this hill station. Manali is blessed with some of the most fantastic and stunning scenery, it is a holidaymakers paradise with tall snow peak, green valleys, speedy flowing rivers, charming mountains and lakes and waterfalls, flower decked grazing land, beautiful temples and monasteries.
Like a svelte delicate palm-leaf gleaming in the morning dew, the place extends out its appeal on either side of the upper reaches of the river Beas. Running north to south, the main river valley is only 80 km long and 2 km at its broadest, yet a moderately ample region is open to the visitors to enjoy the scene of multicoloured beautiful mountain scenery. Manali surrounded by high peaks attracts the tourist mainly due to the snowline and its budding orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination, numerous treks as well as a great countryside makes the place more ideal for adventurous sport-lovers and makes it the best travel holiday destination.
In the spring season, Manali is mostly multi-coloured with pink bloom and white flora while the higher slopes are glowing with elegant beautiful flowers. With autumn, clear blue skies return. By December, there is no greenery except the magnificent pines in the forests. In winter the hillsides are bordered in white with snow.
Manali being bounded by the elevated peaks in the attractive green valley of the Beas River, with mountain adventures signs from all directions. Peoples from all around the world come to hang out; adventurers come for trekking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, rafting and skiing; and Indian families and honeymooners come for the cool mountain air and a taste of snow on a day trip. When echo of delight comes from sky and only vibrant Para-gliders may perhaps be spotted above head, the location is most likely Solang Valley of Manali Hill Station, which has a distinctiveness that stands out from any other paragliding location in India.
So well-liked has Manali become amongst tourists that this once rural retreat currently has an approximate 500-800 hotels and guesthouses in the town, and from mid-April to Christmas–New Year it gets pretty well flooded with tourists. Most travellers stay in the villages of Vashisht or Old Manali, which have a relaxed environment and ample of services offered.
Manali attracts all kind of people, starting from kids to old age people. There is everything for all kind of ages in Manali and around. From meditation to adventure sports, Manali will not let down anybody. Tourist who visits Manali mainly to relax themselves for few days, Manali offers plenty of such places for just to relax.
Climate
The typical weather of Manali is very cold as it is located in the Himalayas and the boundary of snow-covered mountains is not far-off from the place and although the climate is very chilly and freezing, but is loved by one and all. The weather in Manali is typically cold during winters and moderately breezy during summers.
The summers are the best time to tour Manali as the conditions are cool and whereas the winters look as if is very harsh. Winters is in general fine for games like skiing, trekking, as the snow line comes down and there is snowstorm in the region and weighty woolen garments are requisite. During downpour months due to heavy rainfall there are possibility of landslides, which block movement.
Snowfall often takes place between November ends to early February. The weather condition in Manali is not firm. With December and January as the coldest months of the year, So when you plan for Manali vacation be ready with different weather conditions, and pack your bags with cotton and woollen clothes and come and enjoy the view of snowy Manali with steaming hot coffee. Monsoons are the very reason for the beautiful scenery looks.
Best Time to Go
September - June
Summers are the most suggested time of year to go for vacation in Manali for a family union time. Daring people can take to the winters for adventure sports. Summer temperature are mild easy-going and light knitwear / cottons are recommended.
In winters, the temperature can go down beneath icy point when heavy knitwear is required. In Manali, one can find high mountains masked by hushed snows and deep rock scattered canyon. There are thick forests, filled with cool gentle wind.
Hence the best time to visit Manali is throughout the year.
How to Reach:
By Air:
The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport at Bhuntar town, situated on NH21 about approximately 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 kilometer long runway. From Bhuntar one can take a taxi or a bus to Manali. The closest domestic airport is Chandigarh and runs scheduled flights in major cities likes New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. The closest International Airport is at New Delhi.
By Train:
Manali is not easily approachable by rail. The nearest broad gauge railheads are at Chandigarh (275 km), Pathankot (325 km) and Kalka (310 km). The adjoining narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar (135 kilometers). The beauty of Kullu can be enjoyed to the fullest if you opt to go to Manali on a bus or taxi. It is better to take a taxi; one can stop and enjoy the scenery closely.
By Road:
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation is operating its buses to the important places and connects the neighbouring town and states. Manali can be reached from Delhi by national highway NH-1 passing through NH-22 and NH-21. The total road distance from Delhi to Manali is 566 km. Buses (Volvo) on this route are available from all major bus terminals.
At the Manali bus stand, there are two cubicles, which do automated reservation for buses. The reservations can be done one month in advance. Both private and state government buses are providing services to the people.
