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Manali is a popular hill station located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,050 meters (6,726 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by towering mountains and beautiful valleys. The history of Manali dates back to ancient times when it was a part of the Kullu kingdom.

According to legend, Manali was named after Sage Manu, who is believed to have meditated in the area and eventually became the creator of human race according to Hindu mythology. It is also said that during the ancient times, Manali was a part of the Silk Route and served as an important trading center between India and Tibet. During the colonial era, Manali came under the British rule and remained a part of the British Raj until India gained independence in 1947. After independence, Manali became a part of the state of Himachal Pradesh and emerged as a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty and pleasant weather.

Today, Manali is a popular tourist destination for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and honeymooners. It is known for its scenic beauty, snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and adventure activities like trekking, skiing, and paragliding.

Popular Tourist attractions in Manali:
Manali is a popular tourist destination and offers a wide range of attractions for visitors. Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Manali:
1: Rohtang Pass: This high mountain pass is located at an altitude of 3,978 meters (13,050 feet) above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
2: Solang Valley: This picturesque valley is known for its adventure sports like skiing, paragliding, and zorbing. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
3: Hadimba Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata. It is known for its unique architecture and serene atmosphere.
4: Manu Temple: This temple is dedicated to Sage Manu, who is believed to be the creator of human race according to Hindu mythology. It is located in Old Manali and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.
5: Vashisht Hot Water Springs: These natural hot water springs are located in the village of Vashisht and are believed to have medicinal properties. They are a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
6: Beas River: This scenic river runs through Manali and offers opportunities for rafting and other water sports. It is also a popular destination for picnics and nature walks.
7: Naggar Castle: This ancient castle is located in the village of Naggar and is known for its stunning architecture and historical significance. It was built in the 15th century and served as the residence of the Kullu rulers for many years.

Entrance fees to popular attractions in Manali:
Here is a rough estimate of the entrance fees to some of the popular tourist attractions in Manali:
1: Rohtang Pass: The entry fee for Rohtang Pass is INR 550 per person for Indian nationals and INR 1,200 per person for foreigners. The fee includes the environmental fee and permit fee.
2: Hadimba Temple: There is no entrance fee for Hadimba Temple, but visitors can make a donation if they wish to.
3: Solang Valley: There is no entrance fee for Solang Valley, but visitors need to pay for adventure activities like skiing, paragliding, and zorbing.
4: Manu Temple: There is no entrance fee for Manu Temple, but visitors can make a donation if they wish to.
5: Vashisht Hot Water Springs: There is no entrance fee for Vashisht Hot Water Springs, but visitors may need to pay a nominal fee for using the public bathhouses.
6: Beas River: There is no entrance fee for Beas River, but visitors may need to pay for water sports and other activities.
7: Naggar Castle: The entry fee for Naggar Castle is INR 30 per person for Indian nationals and INR 100 per person for foreigners.

How to reach Manali:
Manali is well-connected to major cities in India by road and air. Here are some ways to reach Manali by taxi and other local transport modes:
1: Taxi: Hiring a taxi is a popular mode of transport to reach Manali. Visitors can hire a taxi from nearby cities like Chandigarh, Delhi, and Shimla. The journey takes around 8-9 hours from Delhi, 4-5 hours from Chandigarh, and 7-8 hours from Shimla. To avoid car rental scams at airport and train stations in India, It’s always a good idea to book your taxi online in advance to ensure a hassle-free trip.
2: Bus: Manali is well-connected to major cities in North India by bus. Visitors can take a bus from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla. The bus journey takes around 12-14 hours from Delhi, 8-9 hours from Chandigarh, and 10-11 hours from Shimla.
3: Train: The nearest railway station to Manali is in Jogindernagar, which is around 50 km away. Visitors can take a train from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla to Jogindernagar and then take a taxi or bus to reach Manali.
4: Air: The nearest airport to Manali is the Kullu-Manali Airport in Bhuntar, which is around 50 km away. Visitors can take a flight from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Mumbai to the Kullu-Manali Airport and then take a taxi or bus to reach Manali.
5: Local transport: Visitors can use local transport modes like buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws to travel within Manali. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available and can be hired for local sightseeing and other travel requirements. Buses are also available and are a cheaper mode of transport, but may be crowded and less comfortable than taxis.

Attention: To avoid car rental scams at airport and train stations in India, It’s always a good idea to book your taxi online in advance to ensure a hassle-free trip.

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