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Shimala/ Kullumanali/ Manali
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Shimla:

          Also known as The Summer Refuge of the British today, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is truly a "Destination for all seasons ". Shimla derives its name from goddess "Shayamla Devi", another manifestation of Goddess Kali. Green pastures and snow-capped peaks surround the hilly town. The Mall, packed with shops and eateries, is the centre of attraction of the town.

Attractions In & Around:


Christ Church :- Christ Church is the second oldest church of Northern India and it overlooks the ridge and is one of the landmarks of Shimla. The exquisite beauty comes with the stained glasses fitted on its windows.

Himachal State Museum & Library :- The museum is located 2.5 kms. west of the scandal point. It has got a good collection of ancient historical sculptures, paintings, coins, photos and other items from all over the state and outside. It also has a library housing many historical books and manuscripts.

Himalayan Aviary :- Himalayan Aviary or the Himalayan Bird Park is a natural habitat of numerous species of birds found in Himachal such as Himalayan Monal, Pheasants, Peafowls and National Bird of India, the Peacock.

Kufri :- About 16 kms. from Shimla is the this hill famous for its trekking and hiking trails. It is also known for nature parks and picnic spots. It also has a Potato Research Station.

Narkanda :- On the Hindustan Tibet road, Narkanda offers spectacular views of snow ranges and an uphill trek through Deodar woods leads to Hatu Peak. The ancient temple of Hatu Mata is alive with skiers.

Taptapani :- Situated on the bank of river Sutlej it is well known for its hot springs having sulpher contents. The Hindu temples and Shiv Goofa at Saraur are worth seeing.

Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Garden :- Also known as "Rashtrapati Niwas" this six-storey building surrounded by well-maintained gardens and lawns is located on the Observatory Hills. It was the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. This lodge was completed in 1888 and it is said that mules carried every brick for the building. It has now been converted into Institute of Advanced Study.

 

Kullumanali : VALLEY OF THE GODS:

Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India derived its name from Manavalaya i.e. the abode of Manu. According to myth, Manu the divine law-giver, was the only survivor of the Mahajal Pralay - the great flood - and is said to have fathered the human race. He certainly chose enchanting environs. Manali still maintains its charm and beauty. 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".

The Festive Kullu Dussehra (In Autumn)
A 10 day long celebration by the Gods - Lord Raghunath, Hadimba Devi, Jamlu...The gods, with their processions and bands, arrive on the first day at a picturesque meadow by the River Beas. And for ten days, an infectious gaiety holds sway over the little town of Kullu. The Gaddi shepherds come down from the hills with their music. There is dancing, singing and performances which extend well into the nights. On the ninth day, the gods assemble for a 'Devta Darbar', a court of gods. On the tenth day, with the symbolic destruction of Ravana, Dussehra at Kullu comes to a glorious end.

IN AND AROUND MANALI:

  • 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.

ADVENTURE OPTIONS IN MANALI:

The Mountaineering Institute & Allied Sports - This institute located at Manali provides training facilities for basic and advanced climbing, both for Indian nationals and foreigners. It also conducts rock climbing, skiing, heli-skiing and high altitude trekking courses.

Trekking
Kullu-Manali region, together with Lahaul and Spiti areas, offer possibly the best soft, medium and hard trekking opportunities. Besides the main Kullu and Parbati valleys as also Lahaul and Spiti regions, there are many idyllic side valleys, all leading to passes or snow covered summits of the Pir Panjal and Himalayan ranges. Some popular treks in the Kullu Manali valley are - Raison-Malana-Chandra Khani-Raison / Manali-Bhrigu-Rohtang Pass-Manali / Manali-Chhika-Hamta Pass-Manali / Raison-Padri-Khauli / Pass-Garsa-Raison /   Manali-Chandratal-Manali.

Jeep Safari
A journey over the Manali - Leh road (the highest mountain road in the world) through a vast mountain desert provides a memorable experience. Manali - Rohtang Pass - Keylong, Lahaul, Kargah - Patseo - Ladakh, Lachu Lang La - Ramsey - Leh. Manali - Leh - 490 km. Jeep Safaris over other routes are also available.

Skiing
13 km from Manali,  Solang Valley 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. Season: January - March. Gulaba slopes also provide good skiing.

Whitewater River Rafting
Many organized adventure companies organise rafting along the River Beas between the stretch from Manali to Aut. The points where the rafting trips start from are  Raison and Mohal. Season: May to mid June.

Angling and Fishing
River Beas is said to abound with trout and salmon.

Paragliding - Organized by the local adventure companies in the summers in Solang Valley.

 

Manali:

Manali derived its name from Manavalaya meaning the abode of Manu or "Home of Manu" and here, the temples are treated as pilgrimages. It is an important hill station of northern India with high mountains covered by silent snows and deep boulder strewn gorges. The thick forest full of cool breezes, fields of wild flowers, and apple orchards give it an enchanting beauty.

 
Attractions In & Around


Arjun Gufa :- On the left bank of the river Beas, near Prini village, is the "Arjun Gufa" or the cave of Arjuna. It is believed that Arjuna practiced austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.

Hadimba Temple :- Built in 1553, this four-story wooden Hadimba or Dhungiri temple is famous for its exquisitely caved doorway. It is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar.

Jagatsuhk :- About 6 kms. from Manali is the famous Shiva Temple in "shikara" style. It houses temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri.

Kothi :- This is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the Rohtang pass, 12 kms. away from Manali town. It offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers.

Manu Temple :- Manali is named after the sage Manu who was the creator of human race on the earth and it is believed that he meditated here. This is supposed to be the only temple of Manu in India.

Monasteries :- Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. It is maintained by donations from the local community and by sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop.

Rahala waterfalls :- About 16 km from Manali at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, are the beautiful Rahalla Falls at an altitude of 2,501 m.

Rohtang Pass :-  (3979 m)Rohtang Pass is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road. It provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly a breath taking sight.

Solang Valley :- Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. It has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a ski lift for training purpose. The 12-km hike up the western banks of the Beas to the Solang Valley is noteworthy.

Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple :-  (3 kms)Across the Beas river is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Modern bathhouses, with Turkish-style showers, have the hot water piped into them for the convenience of the visitors who come here to benefit from the medicinal properties. There is a pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni and another Temple of Lord Ram.



 
 

 
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