No way to Manali, the valley of gods, as the Kullu valley has come to be known, is perhaps the most delightful region in the western Himalayas. The ancient Hindus regarded it as the furthest limit of human habitation - Kulantapitha, and its original name finds mention in the epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata as well as Vishnu Purana.
Like a slender delicate-hued fern glistening in the morning dew, the valley spreads out its charm on either side of the upper reaches of the river Beas. Running north to south, the main river valley is only 80 km long and 2 km at its broadest, yet a fairly wide area is open to the visitors to enjoy the spectacle of variegated mountain scenery.
Situated on the banks of the Beas, Kullu, the headquarters of the district, serves as a nerve centre of the valley and is the starting place for a number of treks. The deodar-fringed grassy maidan, Dhalpur, is a stage for many colourful fairs.
If you travel 280 km further from Shimla, in Himachal Pradesh in North India, you will arrive at the beautiful Hill resort of Manali. According to Hindu legend, Manali is the place where life began on Earth after the great flood. It is believed that one day the sage Vaivaswata, found a tiny fish while bathing. The fish spoke to him and asked the sage to look after him for it would repay the favour someday. The fish grew very large and was released into the sea. It was the first incarnation of Vishnu. While being released it warned Vaivaswata that a great flood was on its way and he should build an ark. When the flood took place, the ark with Vaivaswata was towed by Matsya the fish. The ark came to rest on a hill, after the water subsided, and the location came to be called Manali after Manu the first man.
Since life was starting again on Earth, the place was granted immense natural beauty, for new life to blossom. Travellers who come to Manali are sure to be struck by the dense forests, towering mountains, steep cliffs, rolling valleys, meadows of wild flowers and fruit orchards in full bloom. Manali is truly a paradise on Earth for any traveller.
Located at an altitude of 2050 m the summers are very pleasant in Manali but winters can be quite cold and wearing warm or woollen clothing is advised. Apart from sightseeing, trekking, mountaineering and some winter sports activities, travellers can also enjoy shopping in Manali. The local craftspersons offer woollen clothing such as shawls, pullovers, local tweed, caps, rugs called namdas and silver jewellery which are sure to enchant the traveller.
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