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:: N O R T H   I N D I A   >  M A N A L I ::           Brief -     One of the most popular hill stations up north, Manali is famous for its apple orchards, snowy peaks and pretty slate houses. Named after the great sage Manu, it is a bustling town along the Beas river, with snow-capped peaks providing the perfect backdrop to its fruit orchards and hillsides covered with dark green pine trees. A must-see for all those, who love nature and especially for the adventure sport enthusiast, this is one of the few places in India, where you can do river rafting to your hearts content, enroll for rock-climbing and in the winter, do a lot of skiing.         History -     Though it is an ancient site, Manali lacks the colonial history or charm of Shimla, and the culture and spectacular setting of Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur. But according to Hindu Mythology, legend has it that Manu, Hinduisms Noah, stepped off a boat in Manali, to recreate human life, after floods had devastated the world. Manali thus means Home of Manu. Closely situated Malnali, is a picturesque village, whose villagers are believed to be the descendants of the Greek army of Alexander. They have a democratic assembly, which takes care of the administrative matters of the village.         Culture -     Set amidst picturesque apple orchards, Manali is packed with Pahari speaking Kullus, Lahaulis, Nepali labourers and enterprising Tibetan refugees, who have opened guest houses, restaurants and craft shops. Handicrafts, typical of the hills, like heavily embroidered shawls, wooden crafts, woolen caps, firans and inlaid silver jewellery in turquoise and coral and the weaving of pashmina shawls is part of the culture here.         Climate & Geographical Location -     The summers, with lots of sunshine, are pleasant in Manali; but it is bitterly cold during winters. 40 km from Kullu, Manali lies at an altitude of 2,050 m.         How to Reach -     Manali is well connected by air, road and rail. By air, Bhuntar airport of Kullu at 49 Km is the nearest airport and is well connected to Delhi and other parts of the country. By rail, the nearest railheads are at Chandigarh (280 Km) and at Jogindernagar (190 Km) which is well connected to all the parts of the country. By road, Kullu Valley is connected by an extensive network of buses with the northern region. To reach Manali, take a taxi from Kullu or bus to cover the 67 km stretch. One can also drive to Manali from Shimla via Mandi.         : T O U R I S T   P L A C E S :         Hadimba Devi Temple -     1.5 km from main Manali, the Dhungri or Hadimba Devi Temple, is a four storey wooden building, in the middle of a lovely forested parkland, known as the Dhungri Van Vihar. Erected in 1553, it has a 4-tier pagoda-shaped roof, with an intricately carved doorway and sculptures depicting Indian mythology. Every May, there is a major festival at the temple in honour of goddess Hadimba, to whom the temple is dedicated. The surrounding woods are very scenic, and you'll find, plenty of locals, ready to let you photograph them in their local attire. You can even hop onto a yak and get your photograph taken.         Bajaura -     15 km before Kullu, on the National Highway, Bajaura has a 8th century temple, dedicated to Lord Basheshwar Mahadev.         Others           GADHAN THEKCHHOKLING GOMPA - Little Tibetan monasteries, called Gompas, are a major tourist attraction in Manali. The Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, is full of life and colour. Built by Tibetan refugees in the late 60s, the gompa, has some brightly coloured frescoes and a central statue.         KATRAIN - Katrain is about 20 km from Kullu on the main highway and is famous for its apple orchards and trout hatchery.         MANU TEMPLE - A picturesque half-hour walk up the hills, in Old Manali takes you to the Manu Temple. Legend has it that Manu, the first Man, came to earth and landed on this spot after a great flood.         MUSEUM OF TRADITIONAL HIMACHAL CULTURE - This small, privately funded musuem near the Dhungri Temple, is worth a quick visit. The curator has spent years collecting folk art and handicrafts, from surrounding villages to protect the traditions of the Kullu Valley.         NAGAR CASTLE - The Nagar Castle on the Beas, is one place most tourists visit, during their stay in Manali. This 504-year-old castle stands 1 km up from the highway and has now been converted into a resort managed by the HPTDC.         RAISON - Raison is located on the national highway, 16 km away from Kullu. There is trout angling with camping sites and apple orchards. It is the base camp for the Chandrakhani and Malana treks. VASHISHT BATHS - Vashisht, a village along the banks of the river Beas, is famous for its hot springs and the temple of Lord Rama.