Nature's Lure

When sound of exhilaration seems to be coming far above from sky and only colorful para-gliders could be spotted above head, the site is most probably Solang Valley of Manali Hill Station, which has a uniqueness that stands out from any other paragliding site in India. What more this is one facet of this hill city, like honeymooner trying to pose wearing ski gears rather than actually willing to try the fun of skiing. Add to that elders on some sort of minor pilgrimage to various temples in Manali, individual getting holy dip in hot water springs, families bonding in picnic spots and many other images, and this hill city comes alive in front of eyes.

A part of Beas River Valley, Manali is situated at an altitude of more than 2000 m from where the eyes fall on the views of forests, orchards, river, mountains ranges and more, for nothing but sheer visual delight. The place once used to serve trade purposes via Manal - Leh route; now the same route is used for the purpose of adventure mainly for the bikers and jeep riders.

Rohtang Pass

Located at a height of 3979 metres and at a distance of 51 kms from Manali, Rohtang Pass is on the highway to Keylong/Leh. In winters, the pass remains closed but is open from June to October for motor vehicles. This pass is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley. The best time to visit the pass is between May/June to October/November. In the month of May, Rohtang becomes a hotspot for adventure enthusiasts. Tourists can go for various thrilling activities like snow scooter, skiing and mountain biking. Nature lovers can enjoy beautiful views of glaciers, peaks and Chandra river that flows down in the Lahaul valley.

There is a waterfall named as Rahala, which is located at a distance of 16 kms from Manali on the way to Rohtang Pass. This waterfall flows down from an altitude of 2,500 metres and looks amazingly wonderful. Photography buffs must visit this pass as they get to click one of the most beautiful pictures of nature. It is recommended to hire a local cab or take a bus, as the drive to Rohtang Pass becomes quite tough with slippery road and narrow curves.

Bollywood Connect: The first part of the popular song 'Yeh Ishq Haaye' from the romantic movie Jab We Met was shot at Rohtang Pass.

Parvati Valley

Parvati Valley is the most important remnant of the Hippy trail in India. Himachal Pradesh is infamous for its reputation in mild narcotics and no other place is more infamous than Parvati Valley and its shinning star Malana. Starting or rather ending at the confluence of the Parvati River and the River Beas, the Parvati Valley is a steep, narrow valley dotted with village both famous and infamous. Malana, Kasol, the Sikh and Hindu pilgrimage town of Manikaran, Kalga, Pulga, a waterfall called Rudra-Nag and the stunning Kheerganga, with a temple and sulphurous hot springs to relax those aching bones. Be careful not to spend too much time in the water as the smell of sulphur can be nauseating.

Solang Valley

Located at a distance of 13 kms from Manali, Solang Valley lies between Solang village and Beas Kund. It offers a beautiful view of glaciers and snow capped mountains. Since the valley has fine ski slopes, it is a perfect place for skiing. The guest house of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali is based here. This institute is the venue for winter skiing festival and also offers training in skiing to the tourists. In winter, the valley becomes a skiing paradise with children of all ages slipping and sliding over the fresh white snow. When snow melts in the summer, skiing is replaced by parachuting, zorbing, paragliding and horse riding. For snow lovers, the best time to visit Solang Valley is between the months of December to February

Club House

Located at a distance of 2 kms from Manali, the club house is an amusement zone. It has indoor game facilities and is situated on the left bank of river Manalsu Nallah. The structure of Club House finds resemblance from British style of architecture. It is managed by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) and offers avenue for playing popular indoor games such as carrom, table tennis, karting and skating. Tourists can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with some delicious snacks from their in-house restaurant. Adventure freaks can indulge in river crossing which can be done by ropeway.

Visiting Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Entrance Fee: 10 INR (for Adults)

Beas Kund

A historic place, it is believed that Sage Vyas used to take his daily bath here, Beas Kund is hence regarded as sacred by the Hindus. The birth place of the imposing River Beas, Beas Kund is secluded by an igloo like stone formation. A distinctive rocky terrain, this place is devoid of vegetation and one can only reach the valley by foot. Apart from its sacred significance, the Beas Kund region merits marvelous and challenging activities such as trekking and camping for adventure lovers in Manali. This place has one of the most appealing treks in the Kullu region that anyone can try. Beas Kund is the starting point for nearby peaks such as Shitidhar, Friendship, Ladakhi and Hanuman Tibba. It will take around 3 to 4 hours to discover the region which is among the most renowned attractions around Manali.

Nehru Kund

Located at a distance of 5 kms from Manali on National Highway to Leh, Nehru Kund is a natural spring of cold water. It is named after the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who used to drink water from this spring during his stay in Manali. It is believed that the water of the spring comes down from the Bhrigu lake which is situated at an elevation of about 4,300 metres in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The place is extremely popular among nature lovers and photography buffs. One can spend a peaceful moment amidst lush greenery and serene surroundings.

Chandrakhani Pass

The amazing mountains and passes around Manali play a great role to enhance tourism in the region. Chief among them is the Chandrakhani Pass which is situated in the Pin Parbati range and connects Malana village to the Kullu Valley. This is a great launch pad for trekking in the region; the pass is popular for its picturesque beauty. Chandrakhani is 3600m above sea level. Malana village offers a cultural experience all its own.

                                           Van Vihar Park 

 Good place to have an evening break with family and kids, it has a children's park and a small pond for boating experience.

                                Nature Reserve 

If avifauna interest a tourist to Manali, this is best to enjoy some of the colors in wings and sky. Deodars on the bank of Beas River only add to the ambience for the birds and tourists to stay longer.

                                         Falls 

The waterfalls like Jogini, Rozy, Zana and Rahala in different place make for excellent clicks, bringing out the photographers hidden in individuals on trip.

                                  Solang Valley 

 Ski lovers know the place very well but so does those who know the best vantage point to get some tremendous views of imposing Himalayas. This valet is also known as Snow Point and has ski lifts.

                                Hot Water Springs 

Beas Kund, Vashist, Kalath and Nehru Kund are the natural springs with traces of Sulphur known for treating skin ailments.

Great Himalayan National Park, Manali Sanctuary, Rohtang Pass, etc are some other places where Nature lures the petty human senses like casting spell.