Manali is situated at the northern end of the Kullu Valley, Manali has spectacular views of snowcapped peaks and wooded slopes. The Beas rushes along its rocky course amid grassy meadows carpeted with wild flowers and wagtails hop along from stone to stone along the stream's edge. There are marvellous walks too, through dappled orchards and fairy-tale forests of deodar.
The Manali market is crowded with myriads of interesting shops selling Tibetan carpets and crafts and the appetizing aroma of steaming noodles hangs about the little restaurants. Manali, with its Mountaineering Institute, is a popular base for trekking and mountaineering in summer and skiing in winter. Interesting routes into the surrounding valleys, over the high passes, are provided with tourist huts and rest houses for trekking enthusiasts.
40 kms. away from Kulu to the north, Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape here is breath taking. One sees well-defined snow capped peaks, the Beas river with its clear water meanders through the town. On the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday, a favorite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, Leh and Zanskar regions in Kashmir valley. It is known as the SWITZERLAND OF INDIA.
Climate
Summer
Summer is the perfect weather condition to visit Manali. This is the time when the hill resort is full packed with tourists, coming from all across the globe. The summer season in Manali generally starts in the month of end-March and lasts through June. The maximum summer temperature during this time is generally around 26 degrees centigrade. Travelers are recommended to bring light cotton clothes to wear in this season.
Monsoon
The monsoon season in Manali stretches from the end of June to the month of September. The lush greenery that adorns the beautiful place of Manali after the rain is simply awesome. In fact, this season comprises of the trekkers' season in Manali and continues until the end of the month of August. Various global tourists also visit this place during the monsoons. There can be travel disturbances during rainy weather, but these can be avoided with precaution.
Winter
Winters in Manali start from the month of October and lasts until February and are extremely cold. Even these weather conditions do not stop tourists from coming and seeing the snowcapped peaks. Travelers are recommended to come with heavy woolen clothes during winters to enjoy exotic treat at Manali. In early March, Manali become awesome, with colorful fruits and flowers, along with multihued butterflies flying all around.
Accessibility
By Air : Bhuntar Airport, which is approximately 10 km from Kullu, also from the nearest air link from Manali. Though the airport is not very big, it has regular flights to the major cities in and around Himachal Pradesh, like Delhi, Chandigarh and other metro cities of India. Indian Airlines and Jagson Airlines operate flights from Delhi to Bhuntar Airport, round the year.
By Rail : Joginnder Nagar, at 125 km distance, is the nearest railhead from Manali. Other railway stations close to the place are Pathankot (285 km), Simla (270 km), Chandigarh (267 km) and Kalka. Chandigarh is the most convenient, major railhead for coming to Manali. This is because it has regular trains connecting it with almost all the parts of the country.
By Road : Located 522 km from Delhi, Manali is well connected with major parts of the country by a good network of roads. There are regular bus services for Manali for all the major cities in and around the state, such as Delhi and Chandigarh. One has the option of traveling in a deluxe bus or an ordinary bus, run by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and even private operators.
Venues in Manali
Span Resorts An escape from the clamour of urban existence, where the mind is centred, the body healed and the senses awaken to the little wonders of creation. A place where the warmth of the sun rejuvenates the soul and a river meanders through the hollows and out of sight. This place is called Span Resort and Spa. On the rocky banks of the river, isolated from the hum of tourist activity, the hotel offers a return to nature – the sensorial experience of being surrounded by ten acres of woodland, gardens and glacial mountain views. Escape the mad current, fast-forward metropolitan world, and ease into the intimacy of solitude
Snow Valley Resorts It is situated in the most posh area of Manali, the log hut area. This area is absolutely green and pollution free area. It is located among lush green deodar pine forest and surrounded with apple orchards. The hotel basks in the Sun throughout the day, making the guest feel comfortable and warm. Each room offers excellent view of the Snow clad Mountain Ranges, Forest & orchards.
Apple Country Right at the heart of this fairytale Manali, is Apple Country. Set at the highest point in Manali. The resort is a place where time stands still. Where you can bask in the sunshine or relax in the shade. And the rules are all your own. A place where you can find peace within. Where you lose yourself in the beauty of nature. And if you listen carefully you can hear your soul.
