subject: Manali - The Temple Hill Town [print this page] Located at an elevation of 1920 metre, Manali is both a hill station and a place of religious importance for Hindus. The temples in Manali, situated in Kulu district of Himachal Pradesh, attract both tourists and pilgrims.
This popular hill station offers panoramic views of surrounding snow-capped mountains, flower gardens and apple orchards.
Manali was believed to be the home of Saptarshi or seven sages. According to legends Manali got its name from sage Manu. Thus it is known as Manali. There is a temple dedicated to Sage Manu, who is believed to have arrived in this region to begin the seventh cycle of creation and destruction.
An igloo-shaped temple, Beas Kund, has a spring. This spring is the origin of Beas River. Hadimbi Temple, situated in the middle of Dhungiri Van Vihar (a forest), is a popular temple in the region. The Hadimbi Temple, built in 1533, is dedicated to Hadimbi, wife of Bhima who was one of the Pandavas.
There is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama in the Vashisht village, which is situated on the banks of Beas River. Hot spring here is believed to have medicinal powers and pilgrims used to take a dip in it. Sharvali Devi Temple, situated in Shooru Village, was believed to have been built by the Pandavas. The nearby town of Jagatsukh is home to a few old temples dedicated to Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri.
It is said that Sikh Guru Nanak Dev, accompanied by his disciple, Bhai Mardana, had once visited the Manikaran Gurudwara in this region. Roerich Art Gallery and Uruswati Museum, located 20 km from Manali, contains paintings of famous Russian painter, Nicholas Roerich.
Among other attractions in Manali include Solang Valley, which is a winter sports location, and a clear water spring Nehru Kund. Kothi Village offers panoramic view of a deep gorge through which Beas River flows. Another tourist attraction is Rahalla Falls. Malana, a hamlet across River Parvati, is believed to have been inhabited by the descendants of the Greeks that came with Alexander's army to India.
Trekking trails in the region enable tourists to pass through Beas Kund, Manali-Hamta Pass, Pin Parvati Pass and Kinner Kailash Circuit. During the treks, the travellers can also explore Sar Pass, Chanderkhani Pass, Deo Tibba Base Camp, Chandertal Lake, Bal Taal Lake and Barlachala. The hills also offer opportunities for tourists to participate in activities like skiing, paragliding, river rafting and fishing.
Nearest airport to Manali is at Bhunter (50 km). Manali does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station is at Shimla (200 km). The best time to visit Manali is from May to October. Accommodation option in Manali ranges from five-star hotels to medium range, homestays and budget hotels.
