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Manali
City Guide |
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Manali Introduction :- |
Himachal's main tourist resort, Manali , stands at the head of the Kullu
Valley, 108km north of Mandi. Despite lying at the heart of the region's
highest mountain ranges, it remains easily accessible by road from the
plains. One can have a panoramic view of apple orchards and thick pine
forests to the eternal snowfields of Solang Nala, which shine a
tantalizing stone's throw away to the north. With the continuing
troubles in Kashmir, Manali has become increasingly popular with
tourists, giving rise to an eclectic mix of honeymooners,
holiday-makers, hippies, trekkers and traders. |
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History :- |
Manali's `history' is really more myth than history. According to
Hindu mythology, Manali was the home of the lawgiver Manu.
Vaivasvata, the seventh incarnation of Manu, the first creation
according to Hindu mythology, found a tiny fish in his bathing
water. The fish told him to look after it with devotion, for one day
it would do him a great service. The seventh Manu cared for the fish
until it grew so huge that he released it into the sea. Before
departing, the fish warned Manu of an impending deluge when the
entire world would be submerged and bade him to build a seaworthy
ark. Manu and the gods were towed to dry ground by a giant fish,
which was the seventh `avatar' of the god Vishnu. He is supposed to
have survived when the world was drowned in Flood. Thus Manali
derviced its name from Manu. |
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Shopping in
Manali :- |
We all know manali to be the most sought after
tourist destination in India, which boasts of the magnificent Taj Mahal.
But apart from its beautiful monuments, manali is also considered to be a
great shopping experience. It is in fact a shopper's paradise,
especially for international tourists who just don't tire of browsing
through the numerous shops and markets in manali. The famous leather
industry in manali churns out some of the most amazing leather products. So,
if you want to replenish your leather wardrobe, there is no better place
than manali. The best places to shop in manali include the Sadar
Bazar, Kinaari Bazaar and Munroe Road. The UP
State Emporium Gangotri is also a great place to buy some authentic
souvenirs. manali is also known for some of its sweet delicacies especially
the 'petha' and the 'gazak'. Don't
forget to try some of this delicious stuff during your manali tour. |
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How to Reach There :- |
Air : The nearest airport is at Bhuntar (50 km).
Road : By road the distance from Delhi via Mandi is 585 km,
and from Shimla the distance is 270 km. From Shimla, Chandigarh and
Delhi, Himachal Tourism plies luxury buses to Manali
Rail : The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar
(135 km). The nearest broad gauge railheads are at Chandigarh (310
km), and Ambala (355 km). |
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Best Season :- |
In winter, the temperature can drop to below
freezing point. Summer temperatures are mild. Therefore, the best
season to visit Manali is from April to July, September to November. |
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