Monday, January 25, 2010

Manali Tourist Attractions

The northern state of Himachal Pradesh is full of scenic places. Manali is one of those picturesque locations in the state that pulls thousands of visitors every year. Situated amidst the scintillating view of Kullu Valley, Manali is one place every travel loving person would prefer to visit. Manali is an ideal hill station. One will have magnificent views of wooded slopes, soaring peaks, blooming orchards and flowering valleys. Adventure sports lovers will always have one extra reason to visit this place. Manali has wonderful facilities for skiing, paragliding, mountaineering and river rafting etc.

The city also has Beas river that passes through the heart of the town. Tourists with religious inclinations can also witness magnificent temples and monasteries of the place. The beauty of the place is further accentuated by shade of deodar and pine trees. There are several places one can visit in Manali. 3 major temples are Manu temples, Hadimba temple and Vashisht springs and temples.

Manu temple is located in old Manali and one has to cross slippery stone paths to reach there. No less than an adventurous journey! Hadimba temple is definitely one of the most popular tourist attractions in Manali. It is a four storey wooden temple located in the forested areas of Dhungiri Van Vihar.

If you are visiting Manali, you can not afford to miss Tibetan Monasteries. The famous ones are Thekchoking Gompa, which is situated around the bottom of ‘The Mall’ and Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa. The Mall refers to main market of Manali that houses several shops selling traditional Tibetan, Himachali and Kashmiri handicrafts. Other popular places to visit are the club house, Arjun Gufa and Nehru Kund.