Manali, Switzerland of India

Situated at the northern end of the Kullu Valley is the place that is known as the Switzerland of India . You are in Manali.  Forty km. north from Kullu, Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh, at the foot of Rhotang Pass (3973m).

Manali, named after the Hindu lawgiver Manu, the word Manali literally means “the abode of Manu.”  Legend has it that sage Manu stepped off his ark in Manali to recreate human life after a great flood had deluged the world.  With breathtaking landscapes, the Beas River meandering through the city, well-defined snow-capped peaks, tiny fields, pine and deodar trees as far as the eye can see, Manali is an excellent holiday destination. It offers a plethora of places to see.  A trekker’s paradise, every path you take leads you to a new and unseen place that is privately yours.

Rhotang pass, at an altitude of 13,050 feet above sea level, provides a panoramic view of the mountains. Manali is dotted with shiny Gompas -- Buddhist monasteries -- maintained by donations from the local community.  At a distance of 3 km northwest of Manali is Old Manali, famous for its orchards and old guesthouses. On the right bank of the Beas River leading towards the northeast, the small traditional and very well-preserved village of Vashisht offers a peaceful stay in guesthouses or in medium-class hotels.

You will visit Vashisht for one unique reason:  its hot spring and temple.  You can come and have a Holy bath in a very cool and welcome atmosphere. Bath are open from 5.30am until 9.00pm every day. Male and female pools are separate.  Entrance is free. The Defta, the local divinity, is the most powerful and respected deity in the valley.  The temple is also devoted to Lord Rama.

Places to Visit

Hadimba Devi Temple
Built in 1553 and with a superbly crafted four-tiered pagoda roof, it is famous for its exquisitely carved doorway.

Manu Temple
This is dedicated to the sage, Manu.

Naggar (15km)
Naggar was the capital of Kullu Valley for many centuries.
You will find a beautiful castle and historical museum dealing with the local culture and traditions.  Also, one can visit two art galleries, each of which offer local arts and crafts, and modern painting, and is managed by a German woman.

Vashishth (3km)
Well known for its hot springs. There are old temples dedicated to the sage Vashishth and to Lord Rama. These are just beyond the Himachal tourism baths.

Tibetan Monasteries
There are three recently built Tibetan monasteries at Manali.

Village Jagatsukh (6km)
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 & Solang Skiing station (l4km)
In a picturesque setting, this has good ski slopes end picnic spots. It has the glacier closest to Manali.

Towards the Rothang Pass (35km)
On the road to keylong is the Nehru kund (6 km) which is a clear water spring end scenic spot named after the late Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. Kothi (12 km) is a picturesque village and has a thrilling view of the deep gorge through which the Beas swiftly races. The beautiful Rahalla falls (16 km) are at an altitude of 2500 m. A crucial link on the old trade route and still the gateway to trans Himalayan Lahaul, the Rohtang Pass is at the height of 3976m.

Keylong
Lying about 120 km from Manali, Keylong is the headquarters of Lahaul and spiti district Monasteries of Kardung and Shashus are important attractions.

Triloknath
Located in the Pattan Valley, it is an important pilgrimage centre. Noted for its temple dedicated to six armed statue of Avalokiteshwara Bodhisattva.

Udaypur
An important pilgrimage place in the Pattan Valley.

Club House
The club House with its comprehensive facilities that includes roller skating ring, an auditorium, a billiards room, a library, a bar and a restaurants, makes a wonderful outing for the day.

Please visit our related pages on packages and tours.