MANALI indian tourism

MANALI VALLEY

RAISON CAMPING SITE

It is 15 km. from Kullu on way to Manali. The place came into prominence when the trekkers and mountaineers found the site most suitable for their camps. The tourist Deptt. Later constructed here eight huts for tourists. The situation of the place is very beautiful. The fast running water of Beas is in front of it. The scenery all around is superb. Its height is 1433 metres. Those, who want to live far from madding crowd in Calm and peaceful atmosphere, must stay here.

KATRAIN

It is almost half way to Manali from Kullu situated at a height of 1463 metres. At this point, the valley is the widest and offers a picturesque view. One kilo metre from here is Patlikuhl where there is a trout fish hatchery. Naggar is in front of the place across the river. The bridge to Naggar is also at Patlikuhl. This place is also very popular with anglers. Govt. vegetables and flowers research station is located here, where seeds of improved varieties are available. Private and govt. accommo-dation and medical, postal and banking facilities all are available here.


KALATH

Kalath is 36 kilometres from Kullu and is situated on the right bank of the river Beas at the height of 1800 metres. This place is also famous for its hot water springs that are very close to the road. The temperature of the water is very moderate and does not require any mixing of cold water. So people going to Manali or Kullu stop here to have a dip in the hot baths. According to the scientists, the water contains excessive iron, so it does not taste well. A regular dip in the water, has curative effect on rheumatic pains and stomach gas. In the village, there is a temple of Kapil Muni who was the writer of Sankhya Shashtra. According to a myth sixty thousand sons of Sagar were burnt to death with his anger. Kalath is the place of his Tapsya (penance). Straight fast rising hills with dark green forests are in the back ground of the village that add charm to the view.


MANALI – A HOLIDAY PARADISE

Manali has earned the name as ‘The queen of hills’ due to its land scapes. It offers a panoramic view of lush green forests and snow capped peaks all around. Summer or winter, Manali is equally attractive. Mountains blossom in summer and snow covers it in winter in its silver sheet. The river Beas flows at a fast speed on its left side that adds charm to its view. The towering groves of deodar trees and fast rising hills are awe inspiring. Snow range is very close to this place and with little efforts one can see snow here in all weathers.

Manali derives its name from Manu. Manu+Alya means house of Manu which became Manali with the passage of time. Actually Manali is a village 1.5 km. far from the town, across Manalsu rivulet, where the temple of Manu Maharaj is located. Manali town was previously known as ‘Dane Age’ where habitation started in 1875 AD. The town came into prominence with the visit of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru I 1958 AD who stayed here in P.W.D Rest house. Manali has 500 hotels for stay and 600 taxis to make the visitor’s journey comfortable. It may be snow bound winter or monsoon wet rainy season or relaxed summer, Manali is a perfect holiday paradise.

DHUNGRI TEMPLE

Dhungri temple is situated among the towering deodar trees in the west of the town. The approach road to the temple is about one kilometer long from Manali. The temple is in Pagoda style, having four roofs rising one above the other. Its height is 80 feet. There is verandah on three sides. The roof of the verandah stands on wooden pillars. These pillars and the door have been carved nicely for decoration. The figures of Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu, Avtars, Ganesh etc. have been engraved on them. Inside the temple 60 cm. stone idol of Harimba has been installed. On the left side of the entrance there are 10 cm. ‘ Charan Paduka’ (feet) of the Goddess Durga. This temple was built by Raja Bahadur Singh in 1553 AD. Harimba was a giantess who meditated at this place. She was married to Bhima, one of the Pandavas who visisted this place during their exile. Because of her penance, she attained the position of Durga. So she worshipped by the local people. In the temple premises, a guest house and on the left side an Inn have been built recently for the visitors.

There is a rock inside the temple. It is believed that Harimba mediated on this rock. “Dhoonger” means a rcok in the local dialect. The temple and the place got their names after it.


DHUNGRI PICNIC SPOT

Adjoining to the Dhungri temple, there is a meadow among deodar trees that is a fine picnic spot in the natural environment. This is a vast piece of land of about 3 sq. km. and easily approachable to every one. Certain facilities have been provided here for the visitors. One has to buy a ticket to enter the spot.