Manali
Nestled in the lap of Beas river valley is the heavenly hill-station and a popular tourist spot of Manali.
Lying on the ancient trade route to Ladakh, Manali is of great significance to Indian culture and heritage as well, as its said to be the home of the Saptrishis (the 7 sages).
Drive to Manali is an experience in itself as you get to witness thrilling views all along.
The view of the landscapes and snowcapped peaks from Manali is simply breathtaking and Beas river with its clear water meandering through the town adds to the magic!
Walk through the flourishing fruit-orchards and dense pine and deodar forests where you can hear the birds singing, is very appealing.
Manali is not just about views and snow. The excellent combination of forests, snow-covered mountains, green open valleys and fast flowing river make it an ideal destination for adventure sports like skiing, paragliding, rafting and trekking.
The fact that it has something to offer to everyone , temples for believers, adventure sports for the enthusiasts and absolutely magnificent views for the honeymooners, the romantics or pure lazy, makes Manali an ideal holiday destination.
Manali Winter Carnival
Manali Winter Carnival is celebrated in Manali during the lean winter season. Manali Carnival is celebrated in the off season winter months to attract tourist to Manali and help in boosting the economy of the place. Manali Winter Carnival was first celebrated in 1977.
Performing artists from various states perform during the Carnival. The celebrations attract large surge of tourist to Manali. Winter Carnival in Manali is usually a five day event during January or February.
Manali Winter Carnival hosts a number of events which includes Winter Queen Contest, folk dances, Western dances, fashion shows, singing competition, laughter shows, personality competition and a number of other entertainment programs. People interested in sports can enjoy junior and senior skiing competitions at Solan Valley.
A large number of local and foreign tourists take part in the celebrations and enjoy the events during the Manali Winter Carnival.
The carnival has become quite popular in last few years. People plan their visit to Manali and surrounding areas in winter around the time of the Winter Carnival.
Foreign tourists are also attracted to the carnival in large numbers as they can get good exposure to Indian culture during the Carnival.
Folk artists from various states also get a platform to display their art and get lot of publicity during the event.
Legend associated with Manali
The legend goes that Varvasvata, the seventh incarnation of Manu, once found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish asked him to tend to it as in turn it would do him a great service one day.
The king fostered the fish till it grew big and then released it into sea. Before departing, the fish warned him of an impending deluge when the whole world would be submerged and bade him to build a sea-worthy ark. When the flood came, Varvasvata and the seven sages, the ‘saptrishis’ were towed to safety by Matsya, the fish, regarded as the first avatar of Lord Vishnu.
As the water receded, the ark came to rest on a hill-side and the place was named Manali, after Manu.
Once the water subsided and finally dried, here arose a place of breathtaking natural beauty. Today it’s a prime holiday destination and has beautiful snow covered mountains, fields of wild flowers, small picturesque hamlets and fruit laden orchards.
Things to Do in Manali
Trekking
Rafting
Paragliding
Skiing
Zorbing
Snow-scootering
Rock-Climbing
What to Buy and Where in Manali
Jams, pickles, honey, apricot oil (curative for joint pains) from HPMC Store, Mall, Manali.
Variety of locally made cheese can be picked up from Himalayan Stores on the Mall.
Exotic veggies like ‘lingr’, a wild asparagus and the fiery yellow chilly, unique to the mountains.
Kullu and Kinnauri shawls, hippie clothes, jewellery, customized key-chains, nameplates from Manali market.
Handicrafts, carpets and chinese goods (electronics, shoes, clothes etc.)
Manali Fast Facts
Best Time To Visit Manali: Apr to Jun, Sep to mid Nov
Distance to Manali: 390 Km from Chandigarh
Altitude of Manali: 6730 Ft above sea level
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