Manali
Manali is a destination that receives tourists almost all year-round. The winter brings with it the beautiful view of snowfall. The landscape becomes covered with glistening snow and nature assumes an air of purity. Many activities like skiing, snowboarding, and so on are arranged to welcome tourists during the season. The summer brings with the breathtaking colors that convert the place into a paradise. The greenery which fills the valley and the snow-clad peaks in the background adds to the picturesque beauty of the place. The most difficult part of the tour to Manali is choosing the season as whichever one you choose, you cannot stop thinking of the one that you have missed.
Manali owes to the ancient king Manu for its name. The legendary sage is believed to be the author of Manusmrithi – the legal text of the Hindu religion. The story says that after the flood that destroyed the whole of humanity except Manu, he took refuge in Manali. Stepping off from his ark, the sage king propagated the human race from this place. To this day there are many places in the tourist spot associated with the legend.
With the advent of the British colonizers, the land slowly started developing into a recreational place. The cool climate may have attracted the Europeans here. They planted apple, plum, and pear which grew abundantly in the favorable climate. These orchards added to the scenic beauty of the Manali. The Beas river, natural park, waterfall, shrines, and Himalayan peaks in the backdrop combined with the comfortable climate makes the hill station ideal for tourism. The place also offers many adventure activities like skiing, snowboarding, trekking, river rafting, river crossing, and so on.
The major attractions in Manali are given below.
Top attractions in Manali
Best Time To Visit Manali
Like its sister town Kullu, Manali is a destination that attracts tourists year-round due to its weather. Each season has something unique to offer to the tourists. During summer, the landscape feels like paradise. The Deodar and Pine trees in the slope will be covered with beautiful leaves. The scenic beauty of the lush green valley with snow-clad mountains in the backdrop is captivating.
If you want to see the snowfall, it is better to visit the place during winter. December to February witnesses a thick coat of white snow covering the whole of the land. Many adventurous activities are arranged during this time. So it is exciting to visit the place in winter. But take care to pack warm winter clothes as the temperatures can go to the negative range.
How To Reach Manali
It is quite easy to reach this tourist destination as it has high connectivity to all nearby cities.
- By Air: The nearest Aerodrome is Bhuntar Airport which is also known as Kullu-Manali airport. It is located at a distance of 50 kilometers from the city center. As it is closed during harsh climates, you can depend on Chandigarh airport, located almost 120 kilometers from the destination.
- By Road: Manali hill station is at a distance of 550 kilometers from Delhi and 310 kilometers from Chandigarh. National Highway NH 21 passes near to Manali. You can easily get a bus both state-run and private that will take you to the spot. Hiring a cab is also very easy. It would be an experience of a lifetime if you choose to drive your vehicle to the place.
- By Rail: Jogindernagar railway station is the place to reach if you want to go to Manali. You can hire a cab from the station and get to the tourist location in no time.