Manali

"Ye Haseen Wadiya, Ye Khula Aasman..." reminds us of one of the most beautiful valleys with snow clad mountains - Manali. Located at an average height of 8600ft, Manali took up prominently as a vacation spot after militancy became rampant in Kashmir.

To experience its beauty you should once be there. Till that time you can enjoy the below intimate escapes with Manali.








Bhakra Dam - It falls on the route to Manali via Shimla. It is one of the major suppliers of water and electricity to Himachal.












Beas River - The sight of the river is beautiful and soothing to the eye. It rises in Rohtang Pass at the Himalayas and then joins the Satluj river in Punjab. It mainly carries water which is molten ice from the Himalayas.
Rarely do you see yourself moving parallel to a cool river flowing by your side. But Beas gives you that experience throughout your route to Manali.













Tibetan Monastery - It is very close to Manali market area. It has several small monasteries and a main one which depicts tankha paintings on the life of Lord Buddha. It is also a home to a 20ft Buddha Statue.













Rohtang Paas - In Persian Rohtang means "Pyre of Dead Bodies". It got its name due to numerous vehicle accidents while passing through this route that moves forward towards Leh-Ladhak. It is open for visitors between May - Nov. We couldn't actually land up at the paas as it was closed during the time that we had been there, but the pics are of a place called Gulaba which is on the route to the paas. This stretch is one place where all round the year there is snowfall and you will always see the mountains ice cream topped with snow.












Rahala Waterfalls - Located around 27km from Manali on the route to Rohtang Paas and at a total height of 2500m this beautiful waterfalls has been made kind of a picnic spot amidst the snow.













Solang Valley - This place is a main attraction during winters for skiing and during summers for paragliding , horse riding and zorbing (its a big ball where 2 people can fit in and take a whole round 200m from a height at Solang) . You can have a beautiful view of glaciers and snow from this spot. I captured these trees at Solang Valley that looked maple red in color due to drying in summer but they indeed looked very romantic.











Vashisht Temple - This temple located in Vashisht area (named behind a local sage) is mainly known for the hot water sulphur springs that flow through this area. It is supposed to have healing properties.
You can find better hot water springs at Manikaran which is about 86km from Manali. It is well known for the cold water running near by simultaneously with the hot springs. The main attraction there is free kar seva done at the langar close by Manikaran. We skipped the spot after having hot spring darshan at Vashist.












Guess what may this be?
A waterfall?
A Spring?
A gush of water?
No... This is a gutter... Now aren't you surprised? Even the gutters in Himalayas are so clean. Perhaps BMC should learn something. :)










Hadimba Temple - It is the most ancient temple built in 16th century as a worship to Hadima Devi (wife of Bhim). It is declared as a heritage structure by HP govt. This four storeyed pagoda made up of wood and stone rests quietly amidst long trees of deodar. It is also a spot of daily bread for people with Yaks, Lambs and Rabbits waiting for you to take pics with them.










Manu Temple - This too is a very old temple built in memory of Manu Rishi.












Van Vihar - The last spot of our journey to Manali. This is a deliberately maintained area by HP govt to conserve trees. One is located just close to the market area of Manali and one is located next to Hadimba temple we had seen above. Each of the Van Vihar has more than 2500 Deodar trees and all above the height of 20ft.
The sun that can be seen from here in the pic felt so friendly due to protective trees. We could barely feel the sunrays but for sure the weather in the vihar made us enjoy the cool breeze and pleasant air.
You would experience ultimate bliss sitting in the vihar. It might just remind you of the poem by Rober Frost..
"These woods are lovely dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep.
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep ....."