Manali

Its a day long journey to Manali from Shimla. I have travelled by a jeep along with fellow travelers, we all have shared the jeep fare. Manikaran and Kullu are the two places we have planned to visit while we are on the way to Manali. All the journey would be on the hills and mountains and a river Beas passes all the way long through the valley.

Manikaran is small village situated in middle of the tallest mountains, the roads are very narrow and slightly scary. Apple orchards on both sides of the roads with chilling weather, that was pretty adventurous. Manikaran is known for Hot Springs, the coolest Himalayan water flowing from the hills gets warmer at this place because of the natural sulphur reserves under the ground. Many people take a dip in the natural hot water and takes bath. This is a natural Jacuzzi for many tourists.

Kullu is a small town with lots of woolen wear makers and small industries. I have reached there by night, there is nothing much I can write about this place. I spent about two hours in Kullu to shop some woolen clothing before I reach the very cold place Manali. I guess I had some snack and a cup of hot tea when I was there. Kullu Shawls are very famous and most of them are woven by locals.

Manali is most beautiful among all hill stations in India according to me. Many Indian and foreign tourists visits this place to relax, for honeymooning and for adventurous sports, yet it is not overpopulated and not polluted. Hotel where I stayed is in the middle of apple orchards and pine forests. The countryside environment made me stay there for two days more than what I have actually planned. 

A day trip to Rohtang Pass will take us very close to Himalayas and snow. Skiing is the common adventurous sport at Rohtang.

Not to forget, Solang Valley is the best place for Paragliding and for other adventurous sports. I was very excited and enjoyed the Paragliding. Its so much of fun getting into a Zorbing ball and getting rolled down from hill top to down with crazy shouts of joy.

Old Manali is very close to the town, a walk in the lanes of old Manali makes you feel very close with the local neighbourhood. Those old styled wooden houses are very pretty in different colors. Away from touristy places, old Manali portraits their culture and traditions.

Other places I have visited are Hadimba Temple, Club House, Manu Temple, Mall Road and many local stores selling antique things.