Manali literally means the 'Home of Manu'. Legend has
it that Manu stepped off a boat in Manali to recreate human life after
floods had devastated the world. Manali offers marvelous walks through
orchards and fairly tale forests of deodar. As one climbs the grassy
path the fluid fluting notes of the whistling thrush comes across the
forest.
Manali has many attractions. Some important places
are:
Solang
Valley
Solang Valley is located at a distance of 14 kms from
Manali. In a picturesque setting this has good ski sloped and
picnic spots. The winter skiing festival is organised in Solang Valley.
Training in skiing is imparted at this place.
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.
Inside the temple is the small back image of the Devi.
The imprinted foot prints on a black rock are believed to be the foot
prints of the goddess. The temple has intricate carvings of dancers
and characters from various Hindu stories.Horns of bulls and other animals
decorate the walls. It is a very popular picnic spot for Indian tourists.
Every May, a festival is celebrated in her name.
Temple of Manu
3 kms. from the Main Bazar in Old Manali, lies the
Temple of Manu Maharishi. It is believed that this is the only temple
of Manu Rishi in India, and it is here Manu meditated after he arrived
in the area.
Hill Stations 
Situated
in the central parts of the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, Manali
is at northern end 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.
Surrounded by towering peaks at an arm length, Manali's major asset is
its proximity to the snowline. Manali is circled by beautiful glades of
deodars and flowering horse chestnuts. It is one of the most popular
honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks as well as a great
countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers. In the Summer Manali is
packed with Pahari-speaking Kullus, Lahaulias, Nepali labourers,
foreign and Indian tourists. 
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