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The
Kullu
valley has an ancient town in its lap called Manali.
Surrounded by towering peaks at an arm length, Manali's major asset
is its proximity to the snowline. It is a flourishing orchard
industry, a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous
treks as well as a great countryside ideal for adventure sport
lovers.
Manali literally means the 'Home of Manu'. Manu is the mythological
character 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.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Hadimba Devi Temple: Hadimba
or Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in
the region. This four-story wooden temple is located in the middle
of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar.
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.
Old Manali: The
old Manali area is located some 3-km from the present day Manali.
The old Manali is covered with guesthouses, which look ancient now,
and orchards where the livestock move at will.
Temple
of Manu:
Slippery
stones paths lead through the old village houses up to the temple of
Manu. Manali is named after the sage Manu who meditated when he came
in this area.
Rohtang Pass: Rohtang
Pass is the highest point, 4,112m, on the Manali-Keylong road, 51-km
from Manali town. It provides a wide panoramic view of mountains
rising far above clouds, which is a sight truly breath-taking.
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 center.
Arjun Gufa: On
the left bank of the Beas, 5-km from Manali near the village of
Prini, is the 'Arjun Gufa' or the cave of Arjuna. In here Arjuna practiced
austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.
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