Manali Diaries

3] Visit to a one of the most beautiful hill station Manali.

Manali is approx. 216 kms. away from Dharamshala. It takes approx. 7 hrs. to reach Manali through car. In between these two places there is a place called Mandi. It is a good place to take halt between Dharamshala and Manali. Mandi is approx. 126 kms. away from Dharamshala and approx. 106 kms. away from Manali. Kullu is equally a good place between Dharamshala and Manali. One can cover all the remarkable places of Manali in 2 to 3 days.

Places to visit :-

1) Manikaran - Manikaran is approx. 80 kms. away from Manali. It comes in the way from Dharmshala to Manali, so one can see Manikaran on the way itself. Manikaran is a small town between river Parvati and Beas. It is famous for its hot water springs and Gurudwara. The reason behind hot water springs is cracks or fissures in river. It is believed that the hot water coming from earth's crust is rich in minerals and cures skin related diseases if we take a dip in water. Hot water springs is also useful to generate geo-thermal energy.

2) Rohtang pass - Rohtang pass is 51 kms. away from Manali. It is located at the height of 3979 metres. In winter the pass remains closed due to snowfall but it is open from June to October. It is very famous for its scenic beauty. It can be reached only by road. Many blockbusters like "Jab We Met", "Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani" etc. were shot here due to its beauty.

3) Solang valley - Solang valley is 14 kms. away from Manali. To reach Solang Valley air, train and road routes are available. It is famous for winter adventures like skiing, parachuting, paragliding, trekking and mountaineering.

4) Vashisht Kund - Vashisht Kund is 3 kms. away from Manali. Volvo as well as other luxury buses are available to reach Vashisht Kund. It is a hot water spring and it is believed that it has medicinal values which cures skin diseases. There are places for taking bath and many tourists come to take a dip. Men and Women bathing areas are separated. Also, there are many shops surrounding the kund where many things as well as snacks can be bought.

5) Hadimba Temple - Hadimba Temple is 2 kms. away fro Manali. It is also known as "DHUNGRI TEMPLE". Hadimba was wife of Bheema and mother of Ghatotkacha. This temple is very beautiful and is surrounded be tall cedar trees. This is an important temple because it is a part of Hindu Epic Mahabharat. There is a garden on the entrance of temple. There are many vendors who sell their products to the visitors. There are also people who rare rabbits and allow to take pics with them. They earn their livelihood by doing this. Flower vendors are also there. A pond is there which is used by birds for drinking water. Yaks are also there.