Things to do and see in Manali
HADIMBA TEMPLE (2 km):
Hadimba temple is one of the most important temples in the region. This four story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar. From the name of the forest parkland this temple derives its name. This temple was erected in 1553 and is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba.
Walk through an ornate front gate displaying images of animals, gods and goddesses, legendary figures and symbols. Within the temple there are no idols, but a foot-print on stone. The structure was erected in 1553 by Maharana Bahadur Singh and dedicated to Hadimba Devi (a female demon) who, according to the epic Mahabharat, was the sister of Hadimb rakshash (demon) who ruled some of the sub-mountainous tracts of the Himalayas. Later, Bhima fell in love with Hadimba and they lived together in this valley for sometime. Hadimba, is believed, after the birth of her son resorted to meditation and acquired supernatural powers. She eventually became the patron deity of the Rajas of Kullu. They would seek her blessings in the swearing-in ceremony and sacrifice a buffalo in return. In fact, animal sacrifices are still made here in honor of the goddess. On arrival it is customary to ring the bells hung at the temple door. Explore the rather dark interiors, but what really gives the creeps is the bloodstained wall near which sacrifices are made on auspicious days. From a distance it might give you the impression of an abstract art, but not after you draw closer.
MANU TEMPLE (4km) :
This is dedicated to the sage Manu situated at old Manali. The Manu Temple is said to be the only temple dedicated to the Sage Manu in India. Manu is said to be the creator of the human race and in fact Manali gets its name from Manu Alava, meaning the home of Manu. You can opt to take a scenic walk up the hill to the temple, it takes about half an hour is well worth the effort. In fact, on the sixth day of Phagun, a huge fair dedicated to Manu Maharaj is held called Phagi and is open to all. Some sources say that the temple marks the spot where Manu Maharaj first placed his foot while getting off the boat that carried him during the world-destroying flood. Others say this is where he mediated. Either way, it’s a special spot and shouldn’t be missed on your holiday.
VASHISTH ( Hot Springs and Temple 3 km) :
Well known for its hot springs. There are old temples dedicated to the sage Vashisth and to Lord Rama. Village of Vashisht is appealing both because it teems with legend and because it is so beautiful. It is situated on a steep hill, almost seeming to cling to the slope, just about 4 km from Manali. Opt to walk there instead of drive and you can truly experience the village, its interesting people, their unique traditional clothes, the distinctive architecture and thatched roofs. As the story goes, the Rishi Vashisht, distraught at having learnt that his children had all been killed by Vishwamitra, tried to kill himself by jumping in the river. But the river wouldn’t let him drown. He was carried to Vashisht Village where he decided to start a new life. The river is now called Vipasha, meaning freedom from bondage. River Vipasha was later shortened to River Beas. Vashisht Village is also famous for its hot sulphur springs. These are said to be created by Lakshman, the brother of Lord Ram. Lakshman didn’t want the sage Vashisht to have to walk too far for a bath. So he shot an arrow into the ground and the hot springs gushed forth from that point. Now, you will find bathrooms and changing rooms here and separate bathing areas for men and women. There is also a temple here that houses a black stone image of the sage wearing a dhoti or loincloth. A Rama temple is close by which has idols of Ram, Sita and Lakshman. This village was also an important place for the Vaishnava cult, although it’s not any more. You can also plan to be here around Dussehra as the festival is celebrated here with great joy and on a large sacle. Or just make it for a warm soak in the springs!
SOLANG VALLEY(14 km) :
In a picturesque setting this has good ski slopes and picnic spots. Solang Nullah is in a side valley at the top of the Kullu valley. It is the site of Manali’s ski school and, once the snow has gone, all the local paragliding 'schools'. Phatru is a steep, rocky face above Solang Nullah, facing roughly east. Take-off is about one hour’s climb above the ski school. There is no top landing, but good bottom landing near the school or in the fields above Solang village on the opposite side of the river. From 10am until 1pm or so there are many excellent thermal sources. In the afternoon the sun is often hidden by cloud forming on the higher mountains behind and it can get rough as soon as it is out of direct sun. In a picturesque setting this has good ski sloped and picnic spots. HPTDC organises ski packages during winter. Around 14 kms from Manali, is the Solang valley, that boasts of the glacier nearest to the resort. Replete with terrific picnic – spots, the amazing ski slopes here are full of hectic activity, come January – February.
ROHTANG PASS ( 51 Kms ):
On the road to Keylong is the Nehru Kund (6km) which is a clear water spring scenic spot named after the Late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. Kothi (12km) is a picturesque village and has a thrilling view of the deep gorge through which the Beas swiftly races. The beautiful Rahalla falls (16km) are at at altitude of 2500m.
A crucial link on the old trade route and still the gateway to trans Himalayan Lahaul, the Rohtang Pass is at height of 3978 m. At an altitude of 3,978 metres on the highway to Keylong, the mass affords a wide-spread panorama of mountain scenery. Here eye meets a range of precipitous cliffs, huge glaciers and piled moraine and deep ravines. To the opposite is the well defined 'Sonepani Glacier' slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geyphang snow crowned. The Beas river rises near the crest of Rohtang from a block of Mica-Schist. To its left, 200 metres higher, is the little lake of 'Sarkund' ( Dashahr ) visited by a large number of people every year. The bath in the water of Sarkund lake effects cure of all bodily ailments or imaginary. The pass is open from June to October each year although trekkers can cross it earlier. It is the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley.
Be advised that if you are leaving to Rohtang pass in a car, make sure to leave as early as you can (4-6 Am) as there are a lott of chances that you will be stuck in traffic which can last upto kilometers or hours and hours.
NAGAR CASTLE ( 20kms):
Naggar is 25 Kms from Manali. A panoramic view of the valley of Gods. Naggar 1770 m above the sea leavel has been an old capital of the Kings of Kullu. Foundation
of this ancient feudal seat was laid by Raja Visudhpal.Naggar retained its preeminence in the valley until Raja Jagat Singh who shifted the capital to Sultanpur (now in Kullu town) in 1460 AD.
The little town of Naggar is situated high above the left bank of river Beas.The surviving old castle is an a marvelous medievval building.
Bult in local architect KATHKOONI having alternate course of stone and wooden beams with a tiny temple at its center known as JAGTIPAT TEMPLE: In the upper courtyard of the castle there is a tiny temple -a small square structure which contains "Jagtipatt" a slab of stone measuring 5'x8'x6" which is said to have been brought from a place near Vashisht by honey bee. This is also place for meeting of local deities of Kullu, this historic monument now a Heritage hotel run by State Govermment. But tourist can visit to pay Rs 15.