Once called the "end of the habitable world,"
Manali is an important hill station of northern India and is the
destination of thousands of tourists every year. Its cool atmosphere
provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian
summers. Besides offering quite a few places for sightseeing, Manali
is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking,
mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and
mountain biking. In Manali, one can find high mountains shrouded by
silent snows and deep boulder strewn gorges. There are thick
forests, filled with cool breezes and bird song. There are fields of
wild flowers, small picturesque hamlets and fruit-laden orchards,
especially apples.
Situated in the central parts of the northern
state of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is at the head of the Kullu
valley, 280 km north of the state capital Shimla and 108 km from
Mandi. Manali is perched at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea
level and is spread along the banks of the river Beas. In winters,
the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are
required. Summer temperatures are mild and light woolens/cottons are
recommended. |