| LOCAL SIGHT SEEING IN MANALI |
|
|
 |
Hadimba Temple Manali
Hadimba Temple Manali: Manali has many attractions but the main centre of interest, historically and archeologically, is undoubtedly the Hadimba Temple . This temple dedicated to goddess Hadimba or Hadimba Devi with a finely wrought
four - tiered pagoda roof, dating back to 1553, is built around
a natural cave, which 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 Kullu royal family. Hadimba or Dhungiri
temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the
region. This four story wooden temple is located in the middle
of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar. From the name of
the forest parkland this temple derives its name. This temple
was erected in 1553 and is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba. The
temple has some intricate wooden carvings which depicts mythological
characters and motifs of animals & cosmic dancers. Every
year in May a major festival is organized here. This place
is a popular picnic spot among the tourists.
|
|
| |
 |
Rahalla Falls Manali
Beyond which is the Rohtang Pass, 51 kms from Manali. Located
at a height of 3980 m, the Pass once served as a crucial
trade route, and still remains the gateway to the districts
of Lahaul and Spiti.The Pass is open from June to November
each year, and provides wonderful views of the entire surroundings.
Just beyond the Pass is the Sonapani Glacier and the twin
peak of Gaypan. The Beas Kund, the source of the Beas river,
a holy site for Hindus, as the sage Vyas is said to have
meditated at this spot, is also accessible from the Rohtang
Pass. Rani Nullah, below Rohtang Pass. Height 3700m. Rani
Nullah is shortly before the Rohtang Pass into Lahaul, at
about 55km from Manali. The take-off area itself is not
great as there are sharp stones to snag your lines on, but
even if there is no lift it offers great 'sled-ride' flying,
especially for beginners. There is a vast landing field
at the truckstop at Marhi about 400m below take-off, though
be warned that at over 10,000ft a HUGE flare is needed on
landing - you come in like an express train! If you have
reasonable height above Marhi it is a 10km sled-ride down
to other landing fields at Kothi at the foot of the pass. |
|
 |
Monasteries in Manali
Manali also houses three Tibetan monasteries, that have been
built recently. There are three recently built Tibetan monasteries
at Manali.
The Tibetans living around these Monasteries in Manali offer a vide range of Tibetan Handicrafts and Carpets to the visitors to buy. Two of these Monasteries are located in the main down-town of Manali and one Monastery in Aleo. Aleo is located on the Left Bank of River Beas in Manali. |
|
 |
The Manali Gompa
A new Monastery built in the 1960's it is an important gathering
place for buddhists from Lalaul, Spiti, kinnaur, Ladakh, Nepal
and Tibet.The Gompa is famous for its wall paintings, Chortens
and a large statue of Lord Buddha. |
|
 |
Vashisht
Temple Manali
Vashist, a small village 3 kms from Manali located on the Left Bank of River Beas in Manali towards Rohtang pass is worth a visit, which is renowned
for its Hot Water Springs and Temple. The village is also the site of
some old temples, dedicated to the great sage Vashisht, and
to Lord Rama. The Himachal Tourism sulphur baths are just beyond
these shrines.
Natural Hot Sulphur Water Springs with two separate bathing tanks for Gents and Ladies, which are always full of tourists. Turkish Style Showers fitted baths have also been built nearby. Hot water from the nearby Spring is provided for bathing. |
|
 |
Jagatsukh Temple in Manali
The one time capital of Kullu. Here are old temples dedicated
to Lord Shiva and to Sandhya Gayatri. The Arjun caves are just
ahead. |
|
 |
Solang Valley Manali
Solang Valley in Manali is located at a distance of 13 kms in a side valley at the top of the Kullu valley is a splendid valley between Solang village and Beas Kund. Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. Solang Valley has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute of Manali has installed a ski lift for training purpose. Located here is a hut and guest house of the Mountaineering and Allied sports Institute, Manali. Now a few hotels have also come up. The winter skiing festival is organised in Solang Valley. Sking and Paragliding are two main activities are organised here. Apart from this many other adventure sports are available like Zorbing, Horse riding & Snow Motor Bikes riding etc. |
|
 |
Kothi
Kothi situated at the foothill of Rohtang pass and is just 12 kilometers from Manali at an altitude of 2500 m. It offers a magnificent view of snow capped mountains and glaciers, the Beas river flow through a very deep and narrow gorge at this point. Kothi used to be a camping site when Rohtang pass had to be climbed on foot. |
|
 |
Naggar
Nagar, a lovely village set on a hill sourrounded by forests,
was the capita of kullu in the 16th century and the monuments
in the region are witness to its glorious past. The Naggar Castle,
a stone and wood structure built by Raja Sidh singh over 500
years ago, has been converted in to a heritage hotel. The gracefully
built castle has a temple in the courtyard and also houses a
small museum.
The temple of the area, such as the grey sandstone Gauri Shankar
Temple of Shiva that lies close to the Castle, the chatar Bhuj
Temple, Tripura Sundri Devi Temple, the Jagti Patt Temple, with
its triangular slab of stone, strewn with rose petals and rupee
notes and the Murlidhar Temple, are worth a visit. The paintings
and Photographs of the late Nicholas Roerich are exhibited in
the Nicholas Roerich Gallery. He was an artist, Writer, Photographer,
Archelogist, Explorer and mystic. Inside the Museum, one can
see the beds, librery, settees, writing tables, toiletries,
and samovars of the Roerich family.
The Urswati Himalyan Folk Museum near by is another place to
visit. while in the area, a trip to Gardhak Chuli is recommended
for the spectacular view it provides of the valley on one side
and the imposing, snow clad peaks on the other.This upper Beas
region is surrounded by glaciers on three sides. The Chandekhani
Pass at 12200 feet leads to the legendary Malana Valley and
is easily accessible from here. |
|
 |
Manu Temple Manali
This is dedicated to the sage Manu. Just near the Hadimba temple
flows the Manalsu River, that culminates in the main Beas river.
Across the Manalsu river is the original village of Manali,
that houses the ancient temple of the sage Manu. Manali itself
is named after Manu, who is said to have dwelt here. |
|
 |
Rohtang Pass Manali
Rohtang Pass is 51 kms from Manali. Located at a height of 3980
Mtrs, on highway to Keylong/Leh. The Pass offers a panorama and spectacular mountain view. once served as a crucial trade route, and still
remains the gateway to the districts of Lahaul and Spiti.The
Pass is open from mid April to November each year, and provides wonderful
views of the entire surroundings. Just beyond the Pass is the
Sonapani Glacier and the twin peak of Gaypan. The Beas Kund,
the source of the Beas river, a holy site for Hindus, as the
sage Vyas is said to have meditated at this spot, is also accessible
from the Rohtang Pass.
|
|
|
