Kullu Manali: Valley of the Gods

"If God had really intended men to fly, he'd make it easier to get to the airport."

- George Winters

Hill view from Manali



OVERVIEW OF KULU:

Kullu (also known as Kulu), once known as Kul-anti-peetha - "the end of the habitable world", is the capital town of the Kullu District, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located on the banks of the Beas River in the Kullu Valley. With an area of 6.68 sq-kms, it is one of the most beautiful hill station situated in the north Indian state, Himachal Pradesh. The hill station is sometimes called as 'the valley of gods.' Every village at the hill station has its own deity. In ancient times it was popular as Kulanthpitha, which means the end of the world.

OVERVIEW OF MANALI:

Manali the most beautiful destination in Himachal Pradesh (Himalayas) and also known as Queen of hill stations. Manali is specially known for its world famous tourist place called Rohtang pass (also known as Honeymooners place). Manali is the ultimate tourist destination for the trekking, mountaineering, rafting, skiing, helicopter skiing etc. Manali is Situated at the northen end of the Kullu Valley, Manali has spectacular views of snowcapped peaks and wooded slopes.

With the majestic grandeur of the Himalayas on one side, river Beas cutting across the town, verdant valleys with rolling meadows and grazing herds dotting the hillsides, apple orchards and the folk music adding romance to the ambience and presenting a wondrous canvas to the traveller. Experience the local color and beauty in Kullu-Manali's  temples, quaint villages and the vibrant and festive mood of the people and their colorful clothes and handicrafts. Or encounter adventure; on the myriad trekking trails and routes, while skiing on the snow slopes, rafting down the Beas or just as you try your hand at some amateurish angling. Discover for yourself the Kullu Valley, going upto the Rohtang Pass at 13050 feet and encompassing the beautiful Manali in-between, nestled between the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. As its magical charms enamour, you ebulliently agree that it has rightly been christened as the "Valley of the Gods".

Tourists in Solang Valley

ETYMOLOGY:

Hidimbhi temple at Manali

Manali derived its name from Manavalaya i.e. the abode of Manu. According to Hindu myth, Manu the divine law giver, was the only survivor of the Mahajal Pralay (i.e., the great flood) and is said to have fathered the human race. He certainly chose enchanting environs.

In ancient times, the valley was sparsely populated by nomadic hunters known as 'rakshas'. The next arrivals were the shepherds who arrived from the Kangra Valley and settled to take up agriculture. Some of the earliest inhabitants of the region are the 'naur' or 'nar', which is a caste unique to the Kullu valley. Only a few naur families are known to exist now. A naur family in the village Soyal near Haripur on the west bank of Manali was famous for the vast land they owned and their practice of having 'rakshas' as their labourers.

SHOPPING:

The Manali market is crowded with myriads of interesting shops selling Tibetan carpets and crafts and the appetizing aroma of steaming noodles hangs about the  little restaurants.

VISITING PLACES:

Sky dive by Suneel Gudipati

• Kothi: This is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the Rohtang pass, 12 km away Manali town, situated on the Lahaul-Spiti Leh Highway. It offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers and an awe inspiring gorge where the Beas enters a chasm about sixty metres deep and just a few metres broad.
• Van Vihar: This is just off the Mall with pathways between towering deodhars and also leads to a boating pond.
• Tibetan Market and Mall: The Tibetan Market is an interesting cluster of shops. Nice to browse around for knick knacks, handicrafts and imported goods. Located on the Mall. The Mall also has other shops selling local handicrafts and clothes. It also has some good restaurants. Buses, taxis and autos are easily available from the Mall for local sightseeing or excursions.
• Rahalla Falls: 16 km from Manali town at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 2501m.
• Rohtang Pass: Situated at an altitude of 3979 mtrs above sea level and 51 kms outside Manali is the mighty Rohtang Pass - the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti  valley. Open for just about four months a year, it affords a wide panoramic view of the mountains. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendour. At the top of the pass the air seems to glitter against the snow as you look down over herringboned ridges into the Lahaul valley. There is the beautiful Dashohar Lake left of the pass. A few km away from the pass is the Sonapani glacier and slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Gaypan-jagged pyramid of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.
• Solang Valley: 13 kms outside Manali is the Solang Valley, offering spectacular views of the snow-clad mountains and the glaciers all around. Solang is the venue for paragliding and the annual skiing courses.

• Marrhi: 35 km from Manali, is famous for its natural beauty.
• Rani Nala: 46 km from Manali, it is the glacier point where snow is available throughout the year.
• Jagatsukh Temple: About 6 km from Manali is the famous Shiva Temple in "shikara" style and nearby is the old and interesting Devi Sharvali Temple.
• Naggar Castle: 22 kms from Manali, this is the old capital of Kullu. The castle was built by Raja Bhosal.
• Roerich Art Gallery: In Naggar, the museum, houses a collection of the paintings by the Russian artist. It is located in a grove of deodhars and has lovely views all around. Naggar is very serene and picturesque.
• Hadimba Temple: Also known as the Doongri Temple, this four-tiered pagoda-like wooden temple stands in a clearing amid tall and stately deodar trees and has beautiful carvings on its ornamental door. Dedicated to Hadimba, the wife of Bhim, this temple is the venue for an annual fair held during May.
• Vashist Spring: Across the Beas river, about 3 km away from Manali, at an altitude of 1,982 meters (6,200 feet), are the natural sulphur springs. The village itself is perched on a steep hillside across the river Beas.
• Tibetan Monastery: This is new and colorful. A pleasant place to visit.
• Beas Kund: The famous Beas Kund, the source of the Beas river, at the Rohtang Pass is easily accessible. The great rishi, Vyas performed "Tapa" here during the Mahabharat times.
• Manikaran: 85 km from Manali and 45 km from Kullu, lies in the Parvati Valley, the holy pilgrimage place of Manikaran. Here icy cold waters of the Parvati river co-exists with boiling water side-by-side. The hot water springs are reputed for their healing properties.

Note: I didn't cover most of the places, but these will helpful for end user. That's way I mention over here.

VISITING TIME:

Surrounded by snow clad mountain range Kullu Manali experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year. Its maximum summer day temperature goes up to 30 degrees C which falls substantially in night. The minimum winter temperature can drop below freezing point. Heavy woolen clothes are required in winter and cottons in tropical summer. The most ideal time to visit Kullu Manali is between the month of May and October.

ACCOMMODATION:

• Kullu Manali offer good accommodation facilities in various hotels and resorts of all categories.

HOW TO REACH?

Manali located 570 kms from Delhi,  310 Kms from Chandigarh, 265 kms from Shimla.

By Road:

• Delhi to Manali is 585 km & Journey duration is 14 Hrs.
• Chandigarh to Manali is 350 Kms & Journey duration is 10 Hrs.
• Ambala to Manali is 380 Kms& Journey duration is 11 Hrs.
• Shimla to Manali is 270 km & Journey duration is 8 Hrs.
• Taxis & Luxury Buses available from Delhi, Chandigarh and Kullu and back from Manali.

By Rail:

• The nearest Railway Station for Manali are at Chandigarh (310 km.) and Ambala (355 km) ,Shimla, Jogindernagar.

By Air:

• The nearest airport for Manali is Bhuntar, 50 km from Manali.

Suneel Gudipati
in traditional dress along with his friends

MY TRAVEL ITINERARY:

• First of all thanks to Viswanath who planed for this trip.
• When I was in Gurgaon, Haryana (near to New Delhi) we plan for this trip.
• On Thursday 24th March 2005 night at 8:30 PM, me and my room mets Viswanath, Varada along with Varada's friend Ravi & Viswanath firends and others start from Gurgaon by Safari. 
• Then we pick up Janardhan and Ravi from Noida. 
• We are totally 10 members along with Cab driver.
• We reach Kullu by next (i.e., Friday 25th March 2005) afternoon via Chandighar.
• The drive gets interesting here with curves on the road. Major ghat sections here.
• We take food & rest in a hotel.
• By the night we visited Hidimbhi temple then shopping.
• Then we reach our rooms had food then got bed.
• Morning we went to Solan Valley. Solang Valley, 13 km from Manali has good skiing slopes equipped with an excellent lift. A splendid valley between Manali and Kothi,  it also offers views of the glaciers and snow-capped mountain peaks.
• Then we go for food. We found an Andhra hotel, we wonder. We had lunch here. 
• At night we got sleep early.
• On Sunday morning we return to Gurgaon. 
• We enjoy nice sight seeings and yields in Punjab.
• We reach our rooms on Sunday night 12 via Chandighar, Noida.
• I hope my experience will be helpfull to those who visit Kullu Manali.