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Himachal
Pradesh ( Manali Velly )
Manali
is the most prime tourist destination of Himachal
and reveals the valley at its best. According to
legend its name is derived from Manu and Alaya, the
abode of Manu, who came here for the renweal of
life after the great deluge. Manali is synonymous
with streams & birdsong, forests and orchards
and the grandeur of snow capped mountains.
Its
other attraction is the 450 years old Dhoongri
Temple dedicated to the goddess Hadimba. It is
believed that here Bhima, the great Pandava of the
Mahabharta, slew the demon Hadimba & married
his sister Hadimba who was elevated to the status
of a goddess. The outstanding features of this
temple are a four-tiered pagoda-shaped roof and a
beautifully carved door.
Around
Manali are several places of interest located in
picturesque settings. Vashist is 3.2 Km away
perched on a steep hillside across the Beas. Below
its temple are hot sulphur springs, the water of
which has been piped to showerfitted bathrooms.
Jagatsukh, 6 Km, south of Manali is the ancient
capital of Kullu and known also for its temples. A
fine, two days excursion from Manali is the trek to
Brighu lake below Brighu Peak. The lake can be
approached from Vashist and Gulaba, the latter
being the easier route.
Kothi
is the picturesque village 12 KM. from Manali on
the way to Rohtang Pass. It offers views of
glaciers and the deep gorge through which the Beas
flows. Further up are the Rahalla Falls. Between
Manali and Kothi lies and Solang Valley which has
excellent ski-slopes. At the end of the Kullu
Valley, 32 Km. from Manali is the famous Rohtang
pass (3978 mts) which offers some of the most
spectacular views of the Himalayas
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