Manali has derived its name from Manavalaya, which means "the abode of Manu". According to myth, Manu the divine law-giver, was the only survivor of the Mahajal Pralay - the great flood - and is said to have been the father of the human race. He certainly chose enchanting environs. Manali still maintains its charm and beauty.

With the majestic grandeur of the Himalayas on one side, river Beas cutting across the town, verdant valleys with rolling meadows and grazing herds dotting the hillsides, apple orchards and the folk music adding romance to the ambience and presenting a wondrous canvas to the traveler.

Manali which is very close to the snowline has become very popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers. It has so many thing to offer to the travellers. Whether you are newly married, adventure sports lovers, want to go on a pilgrimage, or want to go for sight seeing, all this are offered by Manali. It is considered to be the best hill resort destination of India.

Vashist Springs
At about half an hour's brisk walking distance from town, is Vashisht from where Sulphur springs, gushes out which is hot and have medicinal values. Here, in a bath complex with a restaurant and a beautiful view, couples can soak in the privacy of their own sunken bath tubs, warming all kinds of ailments out of their systems.

Hadimba Temple
Hadimba or Dhungiri temple of Manali is one of the most important temples in the region. The temple derives its name from the name of the forest parkland. it was erected in 1553 and is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba. The four story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar.

Tibetan Temple
Tibetans have a base in Manali too. There is a large modern Tibetan temple to the South of the bus stand and also a small handicrafts Centre.

Arjun Gufa
Arjun Gufa or the cave of Arjuna is situated on the left bank of the Beas river. It is believed that Arjuna practiced austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.

Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa
This Gompa dominates the Tibetan area around the bottom of the Mall in Manali. The Tibetan refugees built the Gompa in the late 1960's. The Gompa is covered with brightly coloured frescoes and a mid size Buddhist statute. It also carries a list of the martyrs killed in occupation of Tibet of 1987 to 1989.

Rohtang Pass
Situated about 50-km from Manali town, at an altitude of 4,111Mt. on the highway to Keylong, is the Rohtang Pass. There is a beautiful Dasohar Lake left of the Pass. The Pass, which provides the only access to the Lahaul Valley, is open from June to November each year. Snowfall is, however, unpredictable and blizzards can close the Pass even during this period. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendor. A few km away from the pass is the Sonapani glacier and, slightly to the left are the twin peaks of Gaypan-jagged pyramid of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.

How to get there to Manali

Air :
Manali doesn't have airport nut can be reached via Shimla, where all the major flights lands.

Rail :
located on the hilly terrian, it doesn't have well network of railways, but can be reached by narrow-gauge railhead through Jogindernagar which is 135 km away. The closest broad-gauge railheads are Chandigarh (310 km) and Ambala (355 km).

Road :
By road, the distance from Delhi via Mandi is 585 km, and from Shimla the distance is 270 km. You have lots of buses plying from major cities to Manali.