Manali One day, Varvasvata, the seventh incamaiton of Manu found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look after it with devotion for one day it would do him a great service. The seventh Manu cared for the fish till the day it grew so huge that he released it into the sea. Before departing. The fish warned Manu of an impending deluge When the entire world would be submerged and bade him to build a sea worthy ark. When the flood came varvasvata and seven sages were towed to safety by Matsya, the fish-which is regarded as first avatara of Lord Vishnu. As the water subsided the seventh Manu's ark came to the rest on a hillside and the place was named Manali (2050m) after him. As the earth slowly dried, here arose a place of breath taking natural beauty which was only appropriate for it was at Manali that life began again. Today this legendary cradle of all human kind is a prime holiday destination. There are high mountains surrounded by silent snows and deep boulder strew gorges. There are thick forests full of cool breezes and bird songs. There are fields of wild flowers, small picturesque hamlets and fruit laden orchards. 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 Jogindemagar. 135 km away. The closest broad gauge rail heads are Chandigarh ( 310 km) and Chandigarh Ambala (355 km). By road the distance from Delhi via Mandi is 570 km, and from Shimla the distance is 280 km. From Shimla. Chandigarh and Delhi, Himachal Tourism plies luxury buses to Manali. Climate In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing point when heavy woolens are required, Summer temperature are mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended. Places of Interest in and Around Manali Manali has a number of thrilling and picture perfect sites to visit. Some of the important attractions are the natural hot-water fountain and temple in the Vashishtha Baths, the legendary Hadimba Devi Temple and the picturesque Tibetan Monastery. Go a little bit away from the town, and you come across the legendary Arjun Gufa, the historical Jagatsukh, the Nehru Kund, Kothi, and the Solang Valley, besides the Rehalla Falls. Click here for our packages