Rinsed by the river Beas, Manali is situated on the northern end of the Kullu Valley. Manali, which means 'Home of Manu' derived its name from Manu, a mythological character. It is believed Manu survived when the world was drowned in flood. He then chose Manali to recreate human life. This has given Manali a religious touch and many people who come to Manali visit temples in Manali.

Manali has picturesque location surrounded by snow-capped peaks and grassy meadows. Manali offers scenic views of the mountains on the one hand and towering deodar and pine trees along the river Beas on the other. The natural beauty of Manali lies in its snow-clad mountains, exotic flowers and gurgling streams that tumbles down many rock passes. There are many apple orchards and gardens in Manali. Perhaps this has made Manali a favorite hill station among tourists who throng Manali. Manali is located in Himachal Pradesh and is about 40 kilometres from Kullu. Travel to scenic spots of Manali with Vacations India.

Manali is not only scenic spot but also a popular destination for adventure sports. Skiing and trekking are two popular adventure sports that you can indulge in. There are a number of beautiful spots in and around Manali that one can visit when on a tour to Manali. Hadimba Temple is one of the most important temples in Manali. The four-story temple is located inside the Dhungiri Van Vihar and hence also known as Dhungiri temple. The temple is dedicated to Handimba Devi. Manu Temple is near to Hadimba Temple.

Vashist Springs makes another interesting spot in Manali. The springs flow from the Vashist mountains and hence the name. The springs are believed to have medicinal properties and many tourists take a bath in the hot water springs. Jagatsukh, one of the biggest villages in Kullu district is located about six kilometres from Manali. The village is famous for the Shiva Temple that is built in a Shikhara style. One can also visit to Devi sharvati Temple, which is located close to the Shiva Temple.

One can also visit Rohtang Pass, which is at an altitude of 4,111 m on the highway to Keylong. Rohtang Pass is the only access point to Lahaul Valley and is open only from June to November. During this part of the year the pass offers wonderful views of the surrounding area. You can also see the Sonapani Glacier, which is just beyond the Rohtang Pass. Rohtang Pass is about 50 kilometres from Manali.

Just five kilometres from Manali is Arjun Gufa (cave). It is in these caves Arjun, the ace archer of the epic Mahabharta worshipped Lord Indra. Further ahead is Beas Kund, the source of holy river Beas. Those interested in adventure activities can look forward to trekking, rock climbing, and mountaineering as the Mountaineering Institute in Manali offers a number of courses in adventure sports. There are many trekking routes and the most common of them lead to Leh, Bhrigu Lake, Spiti and Chandratal. Come and discover the scenic and adventure side of Manali with Vacations India.