Manali is named after the SanatanHindu lawgiver Manu. The name Manali is regarded as the derivative of 'Manu-Alaya' which literally means 'the abode of Manu'. Legend has it that sage Manu stepped off his ark in Manali to recreate human life after a great flood had deluged the world. Manali lies in the North of Kullu Valley. The valley is often referred to as the 'Valley of the Gods'. Old Manali village has an ancient temple dedicated to sage Manu. According to the epic Manusmriti, the Sage Manu took the water of the river in his hands to take a bath, and he found that a small fish with water also came into his hands. This small fish sought protection from the Sage Manu. Sage Manu took this fish to the Ashram, but in whatever vessel he used to put it, suddenly it grew in size and the pot was inadequate. When Sage Manu put it in the river again, the size of the river also became smaller. Finally, Manu Rishi dumped it in the sea and he came to know that this fish is the Fish Incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu took this incarnation to warn Manu Rishi from the great flood. Manu Rishi preserved all the creatures of the earth during the water age by collecting it in the mouth of this Fish Incarnation. The British introduced apple trees in the area. The first apple orchard was set up by the British near Patlikuhal, before this, no apple trees grew in the area. To this day, apple— along with plum and pear— remain the best source of income for the majority of inhabitants. Both Rainbow and Brown Trout was also introduced into the rivers and streams of the area by the colonisers. Apple cultivation in Manali was started in 1870 by Captain RC Lee, who was an officer in the British Army. He bought 33 acres of land in a village called Bandrol, about 18 km from Manali, near Patlikuhal. After this, his father sent apple, plum, pear and cherry plants from England and Captain RC Lee planted these plants on his farm. With the increase in disposable incomes and somewhat owing to the rise of disturbances in Kashmir in the late 1980s, Manali witnessed a surge in tourist traffic. Manali is a safe paradise for tourists than Kashmir, where every beautiful view of nature is present which is often expected in Kashmir. This once quiet village was transformed into a bustling town with numerous homestays as well as the occasional boutique hotel. During the warmer summer months, cafes and restaurants can be seen doing brisk business.
Geography
Manali is located at 32.2396 N, 77.1887 E, about north of New Delhi.
Demographics
Manali has grown from a trading outpost/ village to a small town; as of the 2011 census of India, its population was 8,096. In 2001, Manali had an official population of 6,265. Males constituted 64% of the population and females 36%. Manali had an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; male literacy was 80%, and female literacy was 63.9%. 9.5% of the population was under six years of age. During the summer months there is a marked surge in the transients as many of them are employed in the hospitality businesses.
Climate
The climate in Manali is predominantly cold during winter and moderately cool during summer. The temperatures ranges from to over the year with the hottest day crossing and the coldest day going below. The average temperature during summer is between to, and between to in the winter. Monthly precipitation varies between in November and in July. On average, some of precipitation is received during winter and spring months, increasing to some in summer as the monsoon approaches. The average total annual precipitation is. Manali experiences snowfall predominantly between December and beginning of March.
Transport
Air
The nearest airport Bhuntar Airport is at Bhuntar town, situated on NH21 about south of Manali and south of Kullu town. The airport is also known as Kullu-Manali airport and has more than a kilometre long runway. Air India has regular flights to the airport from New Delhi.
, the Government charter agency, provides heli-taxi service connecting Shimla to Chandigarh, Kullu and Dharamshala.
Road
Manali can be reached from Delhi by national highway NH 1 up to Ambala and from there NH 22 to Chandigarh and from there by national highway NH21 that passes through Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi and Kullu towns. The road distance from Chandigarh to Manali is, and the total distance from Delhi to Manali is. Luxury buses usually ply overnight on this route and are available from all major bus terminals. Besides 12 Non-AC services, HRTC runs five daily Volvo and AC buses on Delhi-Manali route and two separate Volvos by HPTDC.
Manali has witnessed a flurry of activity related to hydroelectric power and tourism. Unplanned and rampant construction has led to severe depletion of forests and pollution of river bodies, along with garbage being disposed on the side of the mountains. There has been a loss of habitat to various species of fauna, not limited to the Himalayan Monal, incidentally the state bird of Himachal Pradesh.
