Manali
Though the thrilling journey on the narrow, winding road--with the mountains on the left and river Beas on the right--took my breath away, it hadn't prepared me for what meets the eye when one enters Manali, and throughout the stay! All that I saw of Manali in the next few days is etched on my memory for good. So much so, that I would say yes to visiting Manali at the drop of a hat!
I know, that with my type of love for travel, I wouldn't say 'no' ever when it comes to travelling. What I mean to say here, is that Manali is one among the few places, for which I wouldn't think even a moment before assenting to visit.
I was disappointed when we entered the town, to see that the boulder strewn 'Beas' with it's white waters that had heralded our entry into Manali, was no more a part of the scenery. However, the scenic beauty all around held great promise for the days to come, and truly so!
After a good dinner and restful sleep I was awake early morning to explore the town. A short trek uphill, on a pine wooded slope, with the fresh, pine scented morning air rejuvinating our souls, we arrived at the 'Hadimba Temple.' This striking, four story wooden temple with its 'pagoda' style architecture, nestled in the middle of a pine forest called 'Dhungiri Van Vihar,' is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba. After spending some time at the temple, and in the garden near it, we climbed down the hill on the other side, to arrive in the heart of the original village of Manali. A walk through the interiors of the village brought us to our next destination, the 'Manu Mandir.' A temple devoted to the sage 'Manu,' who is said to have dwelt here once upon a time.
We then trekked through the village to go to the local club, and lo! there it was, my 'white, boulder strewn river!' It seemed to have appeared out of no where, all of a sudden, at the club! It was Manalsu River, that culminates in the main Beas river, I learnt later on.
The next day we visited Rohtang Pass, 51 Km from Manali, located at an altitude of 4,111 meters, looking down over herringboned ridges into the Lahaul Valley. I would like to mention here, that Rohtang Pass is also called 'Gateway to Lahaul,' as this is the only route to Lahaul. The view of the lovely glaciers and snow capped peaks beconed me 'come again,' as I stood there mesmerized, enveloped in an embrace by the clouds! A visit to the beautiful Doshohar Lake left to the pass, Rishi Vyas Mandir, where 'Beas' is said to originate from a very small tank, 'Beas Kund,' and the snow view point culminated the day's visual treat, and we started on our journey down by 4:30 pm (Staying back at Rohtang Pass beyond this hour is strictly prohibited for, the weather takes a sharp turn with the advent of nightfall.).
Forced by unexpected, heavy rains we had to put off our visit to Solang Valley and the natural sulphur water hot springs at Manikaran, and we put ourselves to exploring the town further. Shopping for the intricately hand woven Kullu shawls and caps and other local hand crafted ware was an experience in itself. As was tasting fresh juicy 'Himachal Apples' we plucked from trees! And did I mention the HPMC fare (Himachali fruit preserves, pickles, chutneys and wine, and of course, the quite rare apple pickle that one finds only in Manali) at the HPMC outlet on Mall Road?
The next day it was time to bid goodbye to the lovely town, and we set off for Kullu, with a promise to return! In Kullu, we crossed Manalsu River once again, on our way to and from a shawl factory in Bhunter. It is amazing, how the artisans deftly weave colorful geometric patters with woolen yarn, and transform it into lovely shawls, scarfs and mufflers!
Soon after, we set off on our way to Delhi, via the well-ordered streets of Chandigarh, where we stopped by, to see the famous 'Rock Garden,' a brain child of Nek Chand.
I know, that with my type of love for travel, I wouldn't say 'no' ever when it comes to travelling. What I mean to say here, is that Manali is one among the few places, for which I wouldn't think even a moment before assenting to visit.
I was disappointed when we entered the town, to see that the boulder strewn 'Beas' with it's white waters that had heralded our entry into Manali, was no more a part of the scenery. However, the scenic beauty all around held great promise for the days to come, and truly so!
After a good dinner and restful sleep I was awake early morning to explore the town. A short trek uphill, on a pine wooded slope, with the fresh, pine scented morning air rejuvinating our souls, we arrived at the 'Hadimba Temple.' This striking, four story wooden temple with its 'pagoda' style architecture, nestled in the middle of a pine forest called 'Dhungiri Van Vihar,' is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba. After spending some time at the temple, and in the garden near it, we climbed down the hill on the other side, to arrive in the heart of the original village of Manali. A walk through the interiors of the village brought us to our next destination, the 'Manu Mandir.' A temple devoted to the sage 'Manu,' who is said to have dwelt here once upon a time.
We then trekked through the village to go to the local club, and lo! there it was, my 'white, boulder strewn river!' It seemed to have appeared out of no where, all of a sudden, at the club! It was Manalsu River, that culminates in the main Beas river, I learnt later on.
The next day we visited Rohtang Pass, 51 Km from Manali, located at an altitude of 4,111 meters, looking down over herringboned ridges into the Lahaul Valley. I would like to mention here, that Rohtang Pass is also called 'Gateway to Lahaul,' as this is the only route to Lahaul. The view of the lovely glaciers and snow capped peaks beconed me 'come again,' as I stood there mesmerized, enveloped in an embrace by the clouds! A visit to the beautiful Doshohar Lake left to the pass, Rishi Vyas Mandir, where 'Beas' is said to originate from a very small tank, 'Beas Kund,' and the snow view point culminated the day's visual treat, and we started on our journey down by 4:30 pm (Staying back at Rohtang Pass beyond this hour is strictly prohibited for, the weather takes a sharp turn with the advent of nightfall.).
Forced by unexpected, heavy rains we had to put off our visit to Solang Valley and the natural sulphur water hot springs at Manikaran, and we put ourselves to exploring the town further. Shopping for the intricately hand woven Kullu shawls and caps and other local hand crafted ware was an experience in itself. As was tasting fresh juicy 'Himachal Apples' we plucked from trees! And did I mention the HPMC fare (Himachali fruit preserves, pickles, chutneys and wine, and of course, the quite rare apple pickle that one finds only in Manali) at the HPMC outlet on Mall Road?
The next day it was time to bid goodbye to the lovely town, and we set off for Kullu, with a promise to return! In Kullu, we crossed Manalsu River once again, on our way to and from a shawl factory in Bhunter. It is amazing, how the artisans deftly weave colorful geometric patters with woolen yarn, and transform it into lovely shawls, scarfs and mufflers!
Soon after, we set off on our way to Delhi, via the well-ordered streets of Chandigarh, where we stopped by, to see the famous 'Rock Garden,' a brain child of Nek Chand.
