|
KULLU MANALI
 Manali
- A Place In Nature's Lap
From time immemorial the enormous Himalayan range has been a
harbour of mysteries and myths. It has always been a
challenge to man with its remote valleys and foggy hideouts.
There are several enigmatic Himalayas, Manali with its
rugged grandeur, is a hill destination of natural beauty,
adventure and mystery.
Trail To Hidimba Devi Temple
Rare are those moments in life when it hurts to go back
home. A visit to Manali provides precisely such an
experience. The feeling is just exhilerating to the mind and
the body. The dense green forests in the upper regions of
Manali provide a magnificent view on a clear sunny morning.
As one drives along the long winding road, the backdrop of
snow clad peaks becomes all the more vivid.
Winding paths through forests and glades of whispering
Deodars form the setting for the majestic wooden temple of
Hidimba Devi in Manali. The motorable road is shaded by
Chestnuts, Chinars and tall deciduous Deodars. This forested
backdrop enthral one’s spirit and refresh one’s mind all
along the uphill path.
For nature lovers, there is plenty to observe in Manali. A
profound serenity reigns all around and one almost begins to
feel the majestic presence of Hidimba Devi. The sylvan
Goddess of Manali is said to have been a woman of remarkable
beauty, and this beauty perhaps casts spells of charm on the
travellers who visit Manali.
Vashisht
At about half an hour’s brisk walking distance from town,
there are sulphur springs-gush, hot and medicinal –emerging
out of the mountains at Vashisht. Here, in a bath complex
with a restaurant and a beautiful view, couples can soak in
the privacy of their own sunken bath, warming all kinds of
ailments out of their systems.
Madhi
Just a few kilometres of steep climb ahead is Madhi, the
last stopover before the mighty Rohtang Pass. Here the
drivers pay obeisance to Lord Shiva at the small temple on
the hillside for a safe return.
Beas Kund
Further ahead is the Beas Kund. The tiny roundish igloo like
stone hut shelters the Beas Kund, the very source of the
holy river Beas. Water flows at the source of the river
likfe a spring, so clear and icy cold that it almost numbs
the fingers. All around is the rocky terrain with very
little vegetation. A few mules graze around while all and
sundry try to brave the wind on a clear sunny day.
Rohtang Pass
Barely a few yards ahead of “Beas Kund” is the intricate
pattern of snowy spikes emanating from a huge glacier that
had slided down. And, here one is on the top of the world at
the 13,500 feet high and mighty Rohtang pass with its deadly
aura. The top looks more like a levelled barren sandy land.
From here, the thick green forests look like tiny
grasslands. In fact, trekking to Rohtang Pass is an
adventurous journey that shows mountain scapes as beautiful
as any in the world, with breathtaking vistas of brooding
cliffs threaded by silvered waterfalls, pine-spiked ridges
protruding out into the dizzying distance, and stretches of
blueing mountains- range upon receding range.
The scenes are really enchanting all along the road to
Manali and Rohtang Pass. The Rohtang Pass is adventurous as
well as treacherous. The high velocity winds start blowing
here at anytime in the afternoon. The mighty Rohtang Pass
opens anytime in the month of June for traffic and closes in
October depending upon the snowfall in the upper regions.
The Club House Manali – Hub Of
Tourists
It is the newest land mark situated around 1.5 km from
tourist bureau, just at the foot of old Manali village with
all modern amenities required for holidaying elites. As you
enter in the club you are not in less than five star comfort
and luxury and greeted by smiling, courteous staff of
himachal tourism development corporation at reception.
The club provides indoor and outdoor games, conference
facility with a multi purpose hall, billiard, table tennis,
card-room, carom tables, of course with permission and a
nominal fee. It has a well stocked bar and a restaurant for
the gourmet.
The Mountaineering Institute in
Manali
The Mountaineering Institute located at Manali provides
training facilities for basic and advance climbing both for
Indian nationals and foreigners. The institute also conducts
other adventurous sports activities like high altitude
trekking, minor mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing and
high altitude rescue and relief courses. The institute has
sufficient lodging and boarding arrangements and equipments
can be hired for trekking purposes.
Solang Valley
A splendid valley between manali and kothi, offers
enchanting views of the glaciers and snow capped mountain
peaks, 13 km from Manali, it has good skiing slopes equipped
with an excellent life. Located here are also a hostel of
the Department of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali,
and a private trekking and campsite resort with all modern
amenities required for holidaying elites.
Kothi
Kothi is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the
13,400 ft. Rohtang Pass about 12 km away from Manali town,
situated on the lahaul spiti leh highway. It used to be the
camping place when the pass had to be climbed on foot and it
is now accessible by bus, jeep or pony. There is a beautiful
PWD rest house amidst open surrounding, offering a
magnificent view of the snow capped peaks and glaciers.
|
