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Manali
Manali with its unspoilt scenic grandeur is popular as
a tourist destination. Log cabins bu ilt
in the thick forests here present probably the best view in the country.
There is an interesting story about Manali which goes to say that Manu,
the great Hindu law-giver, after the great deluge, first stepped on to
earth from the celestial boat at a place in this land. The particular
spot where he established his abode is the present Manali. Manali is the
centre of a flourishing orchard industry.
How to get there: The airport at Bhunter is 50
km. from Manali where taxis and buses are available. The closest narrow
gauge railhead is at jogindernagar, 135 km. away. The closest broad gauge
railheads are Chandigarh (310 km.) and Ambala (355km.). By road the distance
from Delhi to Manali is 570 km. and from Shimla the distance is 280 km.
Dhoongri Temple
The Dhoongri temple (1553) is dedicated to goddess Hidimba.
Built in typical indigenous style it has a four-tier pagoda shaped roof.
Build by Maharaja Bahadur Singh, the 27m high Pagoda temple has fine naturalistic
wood carvings of animals and plants. Inside the temple is the small back
image of the Devi. The imprinted foot prints on a black rock are believed
to be the foot prints of the goddess.
There is a legend behind Hidimba. Hidimba, was the sister
of the demon Tandi. Bhima of the Mahabharata fame fell in love with
Hidimba. Bhima killed Tandi in battle and married Hidimba, whose spirituality,
coupled with her marriage to Bhima led to her being worshipped as
a goddess. Today she is seen as an incarnation of Kali. Every May a festival
is celebrated in her name.
Vashisht Hot Baths
The natural sulphur spring water is piped into a clean
tiled bath house. open 0700 -1300 Read
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