| Manali |
| Valley map |
| Population 6265 (2001) Altitude 2050 m Area 12.5 square km Languages Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari, Himachali and English |
| Manali is the northern-most town of Himachal Pradesh's Kullu Valley. Situated on the national highway that leads to Leh, Manali is also the gateway to the remote and desolate valleys of Lahaul and Spiti. 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. The town was a small, quiet place until the mid twenties, when the British discovered the town, making it a favorable tourist destination. However, due to the discovery of Marijuana in the 1980's, the town developed a dominant Hippie population. Surrounded by towering peaks, Manali's major asset is its proximity to the snow line. It is a flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination and railhead for numerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers. Manali is actually divided into two parts, New Manali and Old Manali. New Manali is the commercial area of town, filled with hotels, shops, and restaurants. A little further up the road the tiny village of Old manali is built into the side of the hill and in its present form is a bit of a hippy enclave. Banks and Internet There are numerous banks and exchange bureaus in Manali where you can change money or cash traveler's cheques. There are a few ATM's but not all accept foreign cards. Internet is available all over the town, generally charging around Rs 50 an hour. |