Manali is a popular Himalayan tourist destination and accounts for nearly a quarter of all tourist arrivals in Himachal Pradesh. It is visited by many trekkers who follow the hashish trail. Manali's charas is considered to be the best in India. It also offers hot springs, spectacular religious shrines and temples, Tibetan Buddhist temples, and trekking in the surrounding mountains. Naggar Fort south of Manali is a reminder of the 1500 year old Pal Dynasty. Made from rocks, stones, and elaborate wood carvings, it is an ensemble of the rich and elegant artworks of Himachal.

Manali stands high at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level at the head of the Kullu valley. The beauty of the resort is enhanced by the Beas that flows through it. The river with the wild flowers, hamlets and fruit-laden orchards present the gifts of the sight, sound and smell.

Hadimba Temple : Also known as Hadimba temple, The Dhoongri temple (1553A.D) is dedicated to goddess Hidimba, the wife of Bhim. Built in typical indigenous style it has a four-tier pagoda shaped roof. Build by Maharaja Bahadur Singh, the 27m high Pagoda temple has fine wood carvings of animals and plants. There is a legend behind Hidimba. Hidimba, was the sister of the demon Tandi. Bhima of the Mahabharata fame fell in love with Hidimba. Bhima killed Tandi in battle and married Hidimba, whose spirituality, coupled with her marriage to Bhima led to her being worshipped as a goddess. Today she is seen as an incarnation of Kali.

Rohtang Pass : Rohtang Pass an adventure tourist site located at an altitude of 13,050 feet above sea level on the Manali-Keylong road, 51-km from Manali town. It provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is a sight truly breath-taking. The pass is open for just four months in the year from June to October when the snow melts. Close by is a small lake called Dassaur Lake. Beas Kund, the source of river Beas, is also nearby.

Berijam Lake : Berijam Lake is one of the beautiful picnic spots in Kodai, located 21-km away from the bus stand. This lake supplies drinking water to Periakalam town. The scenery around here is delightful.

Bryant Park : Bryant Park situated on the eastern side of the lake, is noted for flowers, hybrids and rafts. Varieties of flowers can be seen in a glasshouse. The annual horticultural show is held here in May.

How to get there

Air : The nearest airport is in Bhuntar (50kms). This is actually a small airport and it rather advisable to avoid air connection to Manali since this is not a very convenient means to reach Manali.

Rail : The nearest railhead is Chandigarh, which is the capital city of Punjab & Haryana. The city, which is an important rail station in northern India, is linked to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai by rail.

Road : Manali as a popular tourist destination, has a very good network of roads.