By Sharell Cook
India Travel Expert, about.com
Manali, with its soothing backdrop of the Himalayas, offers a blend
of tranquility and adventure that makes it one of northern India's most
popular travel destinations. You can do as little or as much as you want
there. It’s a magical place bordered by cool pine forest and the raging
Beas River, which give it a special energy.Location
Manali is 580 kilometers (193 miles) north of Delhi, at the northern end of the Kullu Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
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Getting There
The
nearest main railway station is at Chandigarh, 320 kilometers (198
miles) away in Punjab state, so it’s necessary to travel quite a
distance by road to reach Manali. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation and Himachal Tourism
both operate buses from Delhi and surrounding locations. The trip from
Delhi takes around 15 hours and most buses travel overnight. It’s
possible to book a sleeper, so you can actually lie down and rest
properly, although many people prefer the semi-sleeper reclining seats
in the deluxe Volvo buses.
Alternatively, there's an airport in Bhuntar, around 2 hours from Manali.
When to Go
The
best time for travel to Manali is late March until mid July (before the
monsoon rain arrives), and September to October. From October onwards,
the nights and mornings are cold, and it starts snowing in December. The
spring (late March to late April), when nature starts coming alive
again after the cold winter, is a beautiful time to visit. The crisp
clean air, rows of blossoming apple orchards, and masses of butterflies
are a real treat.
[post_ads]What to Do
Anyone
looking for thrilling adventure sports will love Manali. Fishing, white
water rafting, paragliding, skiing, mountaineering, and hiking are all
on offer in or around Manali. You’ll find many companies that organize
and run adventure tours. Some reputable ones with high safety standards
are Himalayan Journeys, North Face Adventure Tours, and the government operated Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. Many people head off on a road trip to Leh from Manali.
Himalayan Trails in Old Manali offers a wide range of outdoor activities including guided treks. Yak and Yeti is a popular company for guided day hikes, and they offer longer treks as well. Himalayan Caravan Adventure
is also recommended for trekking and outdoor adventure activities,
including day hikes, rock climbing, and rafting. For extra adrenaline,
you can also take on the Himalayas by Bike!
Festivals
The three-day Dhungri Mela at Hadimba Temple,
which takes place in mid May each year, provides an interesting glimpse
of local culture. Gods and goddesses from local villages are dressed up
and carried in procession to the temple, and local artists perform
traditional folk dances. There’s also a carnival for the kids. Another
popular festival is Kullu Dusshera,
which falls in October each year. Outdoor trance parties are held in
the hills around Old Manali, mostly from May to July, but police
interference has put a huge dampener on the party scene and it’s not
what it used to be.
Where to Stay
If you feel like splurging, Manali has some wonderful luxury resorts with tranquil mountain settings.
Uphill
from Manali town, Old Manali is full of quaint and inexpensive guest
houses, surrounding by apple orchards and snow-covered peaks. Head there
if you want to get away from the crowds.
Side Trips
Kasol,
around three hours away in the Parvarti Valley, is a popular side trip
from Manali. It's frequented by hippies and Israeli backpackers, and
it's there that you'll find most of the psy trance festivals. Kasol is
also home to the remarkable Himalayan Village resort. Another attraction in the area is Manikaran, with its hot springs and enormous riverside Sikh Gurudwara.
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Travel Tips
Manali
is divided into two parts -- Manali town (New Manali) and Old Manali.
The town is a commercial area that caters to the masses of middle-class
Indians (both honeymooners and families) who flock there to escape the
scorching summer heat. It's noisy and chaotic, and distinctly lacks the
charm and village atmosphere of Old Manali. Foreigners and cosmopolitan
young Indians usually stay in Old Manali for this reason.
Delicious local fruit wine is available for 200 rupees a bottle. It's worth trying!
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