A gift of the Himalayas to the world, Manali is a beautiful township nestled in the picturesque Beas River valley. It is a rustic enclave known for its cool climate and snow-capped mountains, offering respite to tourists escaping scorching heat of the plains. The tourism industry in Manali started booming only in the early 20th century, mainly because of its natural bounties and salubrious climate.
Once a sleepy village, the modern town cocooned in its rich cultural heritage and age-old traditions is now one of the most popular destinations of India. The place is a classic blend of peace and tranquility which makes it a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, who want to get off the main tourist trails and experience nature up close.
Manali is located at 570km from New Delhi and 280km from Shimla, Manali is the northern-most town of Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley. Situated on the national highway that leads to Leh, Manali is also the gateway to the remote and desolate valleys of Lahaul and Spiti.
History of Manali
The existence of Manali can be traced back to the folklore of Mahabharata. The name ‘Manali’ literally means the abode of Manu. When Manu and other Gods were flooded, they were saved by the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu by towering high to dry lands. Manali is the place where Manu found refuge. Back in the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh brought the idol of Lord Raghunathji to his throne and till now, he is the presiding deity and king of Manali. The British started visiting the town frequently in the 20th century, finding the climate pleasant and nature, beautiful. It is after this that Manali gained the reputation of being a tourist destination.
How it got its name
Hindu mythology states that Manali was the hometown of the Brahmin lawgiver Manu and the town is named after him. Manali is the changed name of the word “Manu-Alaya”, which means “abode of Manu”. one day, the seventh incarnation of Manu found a tiny fish, who told him to take care of him as he would do him a great service one day. The seventh Manu took care of the fish until he grew big, and the released it into the sea. Before leaving, the fish warned the seventh Manu about the world being submerged and said he would be a worthy ark during the flood. Surely enough, there was a flood that deluged the earth, during which Manu and the and the Gods were rescued and towed to the ground by Matsya, the giant fish. When the water subsided, the seventh Manu’s ark came to rest upon a hill, which was then called Manali. It is also said that after the flood, he got off his ark in Manali to recreate human life.
The town is also called as “The Valley of Gods”. There is a temple in old Manali dedicated to sage Manu. Manali and the surrounding area is said to be home to the Saptarishi, or seven sages, making it important in the Indian culture and heritage. The town became well known only recently.