Manali shares the same story as the Noah's Ark. It is said that Vaivastava
cared for a small fish which grew so big that it had to be ultimately be
released into the sea. Before departing, the fish warned the seventh Manu
of a deluge when the entire world would be submerged and bade him to build
a sea worthy ark. When the floods came the Vaivastava and the seven sages
were saved. As the waters subsided , Manu's ark rested on a hillside and
the place was named Manali. Thus, Manali grew into a place of breathtaking
beauty, a place where according to legend, life began again.
HOW TO GET THERE
:
Nearest Airport :
Bhuntar. It is about 50 kilometers from Manali. Taxes and bus service are
available.
Nearest Railway Station
:
Broad Gauge - Chandigarh. About 310 kilometers away.
Narrow Gauge - Joginder Nagar. About 135 kilometers away.
TEMPERATURE :
Manali is located
at a height of 2050 meters. In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing
point when heavy woolens are required. Summer temperatures are mild and
light woolen/cottons are recommended.
SHOPPING :
Shawls, woolens, fresh
fruits, natural oils ( olive and almond ), wood and metal craft, Bamboo
products and souveniers.
PLACES OF ATTRACTION
:
Vashisth Bath, Tibetian
Monastries, Tibetian market, Solang Valley, Gulaba Valley and Rohtang Pass.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
:
Manali is quite different
from Shimla. Manali is essentially a tourist spot having a tourist popluation
greater than the local population during most time of the year. I was charmed
by the Tibetian people who have settled in Manali and the nearby areas
after China conquered Tibet. The abode of his Highness Dalai Lama, Dharmasala
is also accessable from Manali. The Solang Valley and the Gulaba Valley
are totally awesome. The Gulaba Valley is full of beautiful wild yellow
flowers which run down towards the base of the mountain. Solang Valley
has good ski slopes and also the closest glacier to Manali. Manali is an
adventuresome tourists' paradise. Para gliding, skiing, rock climbing etc.
are few activities organised by the Manali based Mountaineering Institute.
It was a beautiful experience to see clouds descend completely on the valley
during evening and cover up the surrounding mountains and snow covered
peaks. A wonderful place but hard to bargain prices while shopping.
