Himachal Tourist Guide

About 45 Km from Kullu in the Parvati Valley is Manikaran. It is around 70 Kms from Manali via Kullu town. One can reach Bhuntar in Kullu, from where a vehicle will pick you up and drop you to Manikaran. It is believed that the Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati were so enthralled by this mountain-locked area with its Whispering forests that they spent as much as eleven hundred years here till Parvati lost her earring, or pharna mani. The hot springs for which Manikaran is famous are said to be the product of the Shesh Nag’s hissing by which he restored Parvati’s lost jewels from the belly of earth, creating the vents from which the hot, sulphurous springs, with their medicinal qualities, emanate. Today, Manikaran is revered by both Hindus and Sikhs. Amongst the noteworthy shrines here is the ancient Sri Ram Chandra temple, famous for the inscriptions on its walls, the Shiva temple that tilted during the earthquake of 1905 and the Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara, which Guru Nanak Dev and his ‘Panch Piares’ are said to have visited. In addition, Manikaran provides the base for some challenging treks to the Pin-Parvati pass which , at a height of 4806 m connects the Sutlej and Spiti Valley, through Khirganga, Pulga, Barshani and Mantalai. The Spectacular view of the Harinder Mountain and the Parvati river from Manikaran are enchanting experiences, while the enthuastic angler can find Sport at Kasol, 5 Km from Manikaran.

Manikaran is famous for its hot water springs. Revered by both Hindus and Sikhs, this place has a temple and a Gurudwara. It is also the starting point for quite a few treks to Pulga (beauty all around) Khirganga (hot water springs) Chandra Khanni Pass (blossoming flowers during season ) Malana (the oldest democracy and a temple of Jamlu).