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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