About Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh, in its literal English translation, stands for the ‘Land of the Himalayas’, one of the most imposing mountain ranges of the world, and this state, provides an enchanting edge to the flat and monotonous Gangetic Plain in the north. There are some picturesque hill stations here, where people from the plains happily flock to escape the scorching heat of the summer months. While, in the winter months, the fascination of the pristine beauty of a snowfall, also draws tourists for the pleasure of seeing this aspect of nature, besides the attraction of winter sports. Of late, for those extra thrills, the rushing rivers of this region provide for some exciting white water rafting and camping. But, maybe you simply like to unwind after a practical business trip, or take a break from the tiring humdrum of a daily routine.
If you are looking out for all this, and are inclined to a holiday within north Indian, a perfect sojourn in the hills for you would be a trip to Kullu-Manali. With its picture pretty snow capped mountains, gushing streams and rushing rivers that tumble down from the melting glaciers of the higher mountains, placid lakes, verdant meadows, and wide valleys, with fruit laden orchards, you will discover some idyllic spots that are therapeutic for the mind, even while you enjoy activities to satisfy your sense of adventure.
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Manali
Perched at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level and spreading along the banks of the river Beas, Manali has an interesting pre-historic legend, behind its name. According to the story, Vaivasvata, after the seventh incarnation of Man or Manu, one day, found a tiny fish in his bathing water, and looked after it so well, that when it grew huge, he released it into the sea. This fish or ‘Matsya’ ,considered to be the first incarnationn of Lord Vishnu, the Creator, and in gratitude, warned Vaivasvata of an impeding deluge that would flood the entire world, and bade him build a seaworthy ark for himself and the Seven Sages.. When the flood came, Matsya towed the ark to safety. As the waters subsided, this ark came to rest on a hillside and the place was named Manali after him.
Getting there
Manali is the main tourist destination of the Kullu Valley. It is situated at an altitude of 1,829 meters, and has air connections through. You could make a train-cum-road journey by taking a train to Chandigarh (310 km) or Ambala (355 km) and drive to Manali by car or luxury bus. If you choose to drive down from Delhi, then the entire distance covered is 585 km via Mandi, and if you do not wish to make the entire 12-14 hour journey in one day, you could take a leisurely overnight break at Chandigarh , or better still, enjoy linking up with another hill station, Shimla, which is 270 km from Manali, and an eight-hour drive from Delhi. These hill stations are located in the central Himalayas. You could also take the route from Pathankot,(326 km which is also close to a narrow guage railhead, Jogindernagar), Dalhousie (375 km), Palampur (201km) and Dharamsala (238km)
Suggested clothing
Heavy/light woolens in winter & summer. Kullu receives an annual rainfall of 1,780 mm.
Places to visit
Adventure
Excursions
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