Overview
Situated near the end of the valley, Manali is one of the most attractive tourist spots not only of Himachal Pradesh but of International fame also. Manali is synonymous streams and birdsong, forests and orchards and grandees of snow-capped mountains
Description
Manali is the real starting point of an ancient trade route which crosses the Rohtang and Baralacha passes and runs via Lahul and Ladakh to Kashmir while divergent road connects it with Spiti. Now the motor link has been provided up to Leh in Jammu & Kashmir, Pangi valley in Chamba, and Kaza of Lahul & Spiti. There are regular bus services to these places from Manali during the summer season. It is situated at a distance of 45 km from Kullu.
There is an interesting legend about Manali which goes to say that Manu, the author of ’Manu Samhita’, after the great deluge first stepped on the earth from the celestial boat at a place in this land. The particular spot where he established his abode was the present Manali which is regarded as the changed name of ’Manu-Alaya’, the abode of Manu. The temple dedicated to Manu is still existing in the Manali village.