Tourism at Manali - HP

North of Kullu is a beautiful spot, in the midst of pinewood with high mountains towering above it. Also know as the 'Queen of Hill Stations', Manali at an altitude of 1,829 meters and 40 Km from Kullu was twice the choice of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, when he chose to relax from the affairs of state and seek inspiration anew. Here, he came in 1958 and stayed a month then again in 1960 when he could only snatch 10 days of peace and quiet. Nine years later his daughter, Indira Gandhi, followed her father's example, and also as Prime Minister, chose the same spot for a short holiday. A veritable showpiece of nature with its unspoilt scenic beauty Manali can be made the headquarters of mountain holiday with hikes, climbs and picnics punctuated with sun-bathing, fishing and just plain lotus eating. There are many apple orchards and fruit gardens near the lovely town which are mainly planted by British settlers, one of the biggest ones being owned by Mr. Banon. Winding paths through forests and glades is the setting for the Dhoongri wooden temple which stands concealted in forest of magnificent deodats. Legend has been woven around this temple as indeed, it is inextricable from the life of these cheerful people who over the centuries, have propitaed powerful mountain gods.