History
The name Manali is derived from Manu-Ali i.e. 'Manu's doorway' after the Sage Manu who lived here. In ancient times, the valley was sparsely populated by nomadic hunters known as 'rakshas'. The next arrivals were the shepherds who arrived from the Kangra Valley and settled to take up agriculture. Some of the earliest inhabitants of the region are the 'naur' or 'nar', which is a caste unique to the Kullu valley. Only a few naur families are known to exist now. A naur family in the village Soyal near Haripur on the west bank of Manali was famous for the vast land they owned and their practice of having 'rakshas' as their labourers.The British introduced apple trees and trout, which were not native to Manali flora and fauna. It is said that when apple trees were first planted the fruits were so plentiful that often branches, unable to bear the weight, would collapse. To this day, apple—along with plum and pear—remains the best source of income for the majority of its inhabitants.
Tourism in Manali received a boost after the rise of militancy in Kashmir in the late 1980s. This once quiet village was transformed into a bustling town with many hotels and restaurants.
Climate
The climate in Manali is predominantly cold during winters, and moderately cool during summers. The temperatures range from 4 °C (39 °F) to 30 °C (86 °F) over the year. The average temperature during summer is between 14 °C (57 °F) and 20 °C (68 °F), and between −7 °C (19.4 °F) and 10 °C (50 °F) in the winter.
Monthly precipitation varies between 24 mm (0.94 in) in November to 415 mm (16.3 in) in July. In average, some 45 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation is received during winter and spring months, increasing to some 115 mm (4.5 in) in summer as the monsoon approaches. The average total annual precipitation is 1,520 mm (60 in). Snowfall in the region, which usually took place in the month of December, has been delayed over the last fifteen years to January or early February.
PLACES OF INTEREST KULU :-
PLACES OF INTEREST KULU :-
Raison(13 Km/8 mile): Not far away is the camping site at Raison on the grassy banks of the river. This can be starting point for number of interesting walks or treks in the area.
Katrain(19 Km/11 mile):Katrain is situated at the widest part of the Kullu Valley. There is excellent fishing here and a trout hatchery nearby ensures a well stocked river.
Naggar(24 Km/15 mile):On the opposite bank of the Beas, across a bridge at Patil Kuhl, the road climbs sharply through groves of dark green deodar to the little town of Naggar, high above the valley.The old castle of Naggar-once a capital of Kullu-is a marvellous medieval building, built of rough stone around a courtyard with a tiny temple at its center. The interesting tourist bungalow near the castle, precariously perched over a steep drop, has a bird's eye view of the verdant valley. In a gracious house set in a flower-filled garden is a little art gallery displaying the works of the famous painter Prof. Nicholas Roerich.
Bijli Mahadev Temple(8 Km/5 mile): The interesting Bijli Mahadev Temple is close to Kullu. Its temple tower, with a 20m rod on top, attracts lightning which shatters the stone linga in the sanctum. The priest puts it together with a butter and grain mixture called sathu till the next time-when the lightning strikes it once again.
Manikaran(44 Km/27 mile):High up under the snowy peaks, of the Parvati Valley are the hot springs at Maniakran. The water from the steaming springs is noted for its healing properties. Manikaran, a place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Sikhs, has a temple and a gurdwara. It is also spot for trout fishing.
PLACES OF INTEREST MANALI :-
Hadimba Temple: A pretty path leads to the Hadimba Temple standing tall among the stately deodars. the ancient temple is built like a pagoda and its lintel and door frame have intricately carved wood. Inscriptions proclaim that it was built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1553. A colurful festival is held here in May every year.
Vashist Springs(3 Km/2 mile): One of Manali's main attractions, it is a place to luxuriate in Himachal Tourism's baths where the water of hot sulphur springs renowned for their medicinal qualities has been piped into baths-including private deluxe ones.
Jagatsukh(6 Km/3.5 mile):At Jagatsukh, in the midst of a picturesque village, are old temples. The elegant Gauri Shankar shrine built in the 8th century is the earliest surviving stone temple in this area. Jagatsukh was also once the capital of Kullu.
Arjun Gufa(5 Km/3 mile):Legend has it, that it was here that Arjun practiced austerities to get the Pashupata Ashtra, the sacred weapon from Lord Indra.
Nehru Kund(6 Km/3.5 mile):A spring of cold clear water is along the road to the Rohtang Pass.
Solang Valley(13 Km/8 mile): Enroute to Kothi, close to the Rohatang Pass is the beautiful Solang Valley. There are marvellous views of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Excellent ski slopes and a good ski lift make it a popular resort in winter. There is a hostel here, run by the Department of Mountaineering and Allied Sports and a fine camp site with modern amenities that is popular during the summers.
Kothi(12 Km/7.5 mile): Located at the foot of the Rohtang Pass, Kothi is a picturesque spot - a convenient camping site not too long ago, when the pass was crossed on foot. The well appointed Public Works Department rest house has a panoramic view of the magnificent mountainscape. Close - by the River Beas swirls through a deep chasm.
Rahalla Falls(16 Km/10 mile):This splendid cascade is about 4Km/2.5 mile from Kothi.
Rohtang Pass:Situated at the altitude of 3980m the pass is open for just four months in the year, from June to October, when the snow melts. This is one of the best place to visit.
Club House: The Club House with its comprehensive facilities that include a roller skating ring, an auditorium, a billiards room, a library, a bar and restaurants, make a wonderful outing for the day.
