Places To Visit in Manali
Van Vihar National Park in Manali
Van Vihar National Park is one of the most frequented attractions in Manali. Located favourably on the Mall Road, this park is populated with many deodar trees that provide shade to the whole area. For the convenience of visitors, the park is provided with concrete as well as wooden benches. It is an ideal place for enjoying picnics and spending moments of repose with your loved ones. Its well-laid paths are perfect for a long and refreshing stroll amid lush greenery. In addition to these, visitors can indulge in boat rides in the park's small pond.
Solang Valley is quiet and is best approached by road. The drive up to Solang is extremely picturesque. Once you are there, try out some Chinese food from the local roadside shacks, and enjoy the views. The road ahead is blocked since a tunnel to Koksar (a village ahead of Rohtag La) is now being built there.
A famous and significant pilgrimage spot, the Manu Temple is the only temple in India for Lord Manu, the legendary sage who stayed in this area.
The town of Manali derives its name from Lord Manu. Manali is believed to be the abode of Manu, the great sage who is credited for having formed the first laws of Hindu mythology. It is believed that after saving mankind from the great flood, Manu somehow landed in Manali and started living here.
The Manu Temple is situated a mere 3 kilometres away from the main market of the old Manali region.
Naggar Castle in Manali
An important tourist spot around Manali, Naggar Castle is an ancient palace dating back to the 15th century. It boasts of impressive architecture and also houses a gallery of paintings of the remarkable Russian artist, Nicholas Reorich.
Rohtang Pass/Snow Point in Manali
Rohtang Pass is a very beautiful and popular spot in Manali with more than 25 lakh visitors every year. In winter, the mountains at the Rohtang Pass are completely covered in snow and it is impossible to get there. Hence, the pass remains closed during winters (from October) and generally opens again in May.
In May, Rohtang becomes a place for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The snow-covered mountains provide the perfect opportunity to go skiing and snow scooter riding. Take your family to this wonderful place and enjoy some quality time together.
Lossar Festival in Manali
Celebrated around the last week of February, Lossar Festival marks the Tibetan New Year. The festivities are marked with colourful masked dances and other folk performances.
The festival is celebrated across the entire tribal belt of Himachal Pradesh particularly in the Tibetan colonies of Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala, Solan and Baijnath. One of the major attractions this time is the old Buddhist shrine at Rewalser in Mandi district.
Manikaran Gurudwara in Manali
Manikaran Gurudwara, located in the small town of Manikaran, is one of the most prominent places of worship for Sikhs. Also known as Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara, this shrine was built at the site where Guru Nanak Dev Ji came with his disciple Bhai Mardana for the welfare of the people. On his arrival, Bhai Mardana arranged some pulses and flour from the local people for langar. However, he could not arrange fire to cook the food. It was then that Guru Nanak Dev Ji asked him to remove a stone from the spot where he was sitting. The disciple did the same and was amazed to see an eruption of a spring of hot water. Guruji advised him to take the name of Almighty and donate prasada (food) he prepared from this hot water among the people.
To pay homage to Guruji and seek spiritual rejuvenation, this shrine is thronged by countless devotees every year. On a visit to this holy site, do not forget to savour the sacred langar and take dips in the pious hot water springs, which are famed for their healing properties.
Rozy Falls in Manali
A visit to Rozy Falls gives one the opportunity to spend moments of repose in Mother Nature's lap. The forested mountains and vast green valleys encircling the waterfall form a truly sensational backdrop. The awesome sight of Rozy Falls' white waters disgorging from a towering height creates precious and unforgettable memories on the minds of every onlooker. A visit to Rozy Falls is a must to make oneself believe that nature, indeed, can be this expressive! The best time to visit the falls is during the monsoons, when rain water fills the river and the waterfall grows to its maximum size.
River Beas in Manali
The Beas River, also known as Vipasha in Sanskrit, flows in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. From its originating point (4361 m) in the Himalayas, this holy river passes through lush evergreen forests and hills before reaching Punjab. Here, it embraces the Satluj River and finally enters the territory of Pakistan, covering a total length of around 470 km. The river is the main drinking water source of the population living in Kullu, Mandi and Kangra regions.
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