One of the most talked about hill stations in India, Manali is a popular tourist destination and attracts thousands of tourists every year. Manali is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India and is situated at an altitude of 2,050 metres in the Kullu Valley. Manali experiences a surreal environment in terms of its natural beauty. Known for its natural beauty, with snow-capped mountains, pine forests, and winter sports, Manali is by far the best place to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
Situated in the Beas River Valley, about 270 km (170 mi) north of the state capital Shimla, the region is home to the ancient Hidimba Devi Temple, which is dedicated to Hidimba, the wife of Bhima, from the Mahabharata. The Hidimba Devi Temple is one of the popular tourist destinations in Manali and offers excellent opportunities for sightseeing.
The first recorded mention of Manali is in the ancient epic Mahabharata, where it is mentioned as the home of the demigod Hidimba. The region was later ruled by the Rajputs, and in the 17th century, it came under the control of the Sikh Empire. The British Raj began to influence the region in the 19th century, and in 1853, the British established a military outpost in Manali. The region saw an influx of tourists in the 1960s, after the Indian government began to promote it as a tourist destination.
Apart from its picturesque landscape, Manali offers numerous spots that should be on your itinerary. The Beas River is a popular tourist destination and offers excellent opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and camping. The Rohtang Pass, located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, is a popular tourist destination. It offers excellent opportunities for trekking, skiing and snowboarding. The Solang Valley is yet another popular tourist destination located near Manali and is famous for its skiing and paragliding facilities. The Vashisht Temple is another famous temple located in Vashisht, a suburb of Manali. It is dedicated to the sage Vashisht, one of the Saptarishis, or seven sages of Hinduism. The Vashisht Temple is a popular tourist destination and offers excellent photographic opportunities.