Kullu-Manali makes for a wonderful holiday. It is quite popular among newlyweds who visit Manali on their honeymoon. In fact Manali is a popular honeymoon holiday destination and a visit to Kullu is combined with Manali. The two destinations – Kullu and Manali are located in the Kullu Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh. In fact Manali located at the head of the Kullu valley, 280 km north of the state capital Shimla and 108 km from Mandi.

Manali is situated at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level and is spread along the banks of the river Beas. Set at the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas, Kullu town is popular for its temples and the annual Dussehra festival. The Dussehra festival draws thousands of tourists to Kull-Manali every year. It is also known for its handicrafts.

The word ‘Manali’ comes from sage Manu, who according to the legend created the life on earth, when it was submerged in the water. He took a boat, put various species in it, and rowed across to this lovely mountainside that was then named after him — Manali.  
Manali is among very few tourist destinations, which are attracts tourists both in the winter as well as summer season. Manali provides a welcome respite from the heat and dust of the northern plains during summer months. In winter, it is the charm of catching the sight of snow attracts thousands of tourists to Manali. And this despite temperature dropping below freezing point. One may need heavy woolens and room heater in a hotel room to ward off the nail biting cold that grips the region during winters. Summer temperatures are mild and light woolens and cottons are recommended.

There are many tourist attractions in Manali and the oft-visited Hidimba or Dhungri Temple is quite a popular one. The temple was built in 1533 and is dedicated to the local deity Hidimba, wife of the Pandava prince, Bhima. A hugely popular festival is held here in the month of May. The Hidimba Temple is noted for its four-storied pagoda and exquisite wooden carvings.

One can also find various shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries in Manali. With a good number of Tibetan refugees living in the entire Kullu valley, it is only natural.  Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa is quite famous. It was built in 1969. The monastery is maintained by donations from the local community and through the sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop.

Since Manali is a hugely popular tourist destination, there is no dearth of good hotels in Manali. Hotels in Manali are well equipped to handle the increasing flow of tourists from different parts of the country and world. Manali hotels and resorts provide comfortable accommodation to tourists. Manali has good budget and luxury hotels and resorts.

General Information

Location : Himachal Pradesh.
Altitude : 1220m.
Best Time : Mid-May to Mid-October.