Manali

Manali is a major tourist destination in Himachal, North India for Indian & western Holidaymakers. Manali is famous as "Honeymoon Destination among Indian tourists & Western tourists visit Manali for trekking and leisure trips in Himalayas as it has become a hub for multi adventure activities and specialised trekking with gateways to Spiti & Leh Region.

Manali is a magnet, attracting many tourists from all over the world. Over the years, Manali has come up as a major tourist destination for Indian holiday makers. It has been popularised as a “honeymoon destination” for newly weds. The Manali Himalayas lure foreigners who get attracted by culturally distinctive hill people & scenic treks this part of Himalaya offers.

Manali has mythological importance as it is the home of sage Manu. Manu is the mythological deity who is supposed to have survived when the world was drowned in flood. He then came to Manali and recreated human life. Thus, the area of Manali is sacred and Hindus treat the temples over here as pilgrimage. Manali is not just a tourist destination for fun, its a place for people to have a glimpse into nature and search beyond the mighty Himalayas for something spiritual and extraordinary. The rare flora and fauna of this region along with its mysticism has remarkably created interests for many people worldwide.

By the beginning of 21st century, Manali has undergone through a series of cultural and environmental changes. The distinctive lifestyle and village community has been constantly under the influence of tourism sponsored lifestyle. With the incorporation of commercialisation the visiting tourists must realize the unique ethnic lifestyle of native population. While coming to Manali Himalayas, every one should have a responsibility of preserving fragile ecology with regard to respect for native ethnicity.

Transport, How to Reach

Air

The nearest airport Bhuntar Airport (IATA code KUU) is at Bhuntar town, situated on NH21 about 50 km (31 mi) south of Manali and 10 km (6.2 mi) south of Kullu town. The airport is also known as Kullu-Manali airport and has more than a kilometre long runway. Air India has regular flights to the airport from New Delhi.

Road

Manali can be reached from Delhi by national highway NH 1 up to Ambala and from there NH 22 to Chandigarh and from there by national highway NH21 that passes through Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi and Kullu towns. The road distance from Chandigarh to Manali is 310 km (190 mi), and the total distance from Delhi to Manali is 570 km (350 mi). Luxury buses (including Volvos) usually ply overnight on this route and are available from all major bus terminals. Besides 12 Non-AC services, HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) runs five daily Volvo and AC buses on Delhi-Manali route and two separate Volvos by HPTDC (Himachal Tourism Development Corporation).

Rail

There is no close railhead available close to Manali. The nearest broad gauge railheads are at Chandigarh, Kalka, Chandigarh and Pathankot. The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar (175 kilometres (109 mi)). The Kalka–Shimla Railway is nostalgic narrow gauge route culminating at the state capital of Shimla wherefrom one has to travel by road to Manali.

Weather

Manali is a beautiful hill station situated in Himachal Pradesh. It is located at an altitude of 1,950 meters, in the Himalayan Mountains. Manali experiences an average maximum temperature of 16°C and minimum of 3° Celsius. The climate of Manali is cold throughout the year.

It’s advisable to check out the Manali weather forecast before visiting Manali. Based on this you can decide on the clothing requirements also.