Tourism has been emerging as a major sector since the last decade to bolster India’s economy. In fact, year 2004-05 had witnessed tourism emerge stronger than ever before to boost the economy of the country. Foreign exchange obtained by the tourism industry is about 25,000 crores and there has been a steady increase in the foreign exchange earnings year after year. Thanks to arrival of foreign tourists and also Indians that are traveling greater than ever. India receives tourists from Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Africa and Southeast Asia. People from Middle East countries choose Monsoon as the visiting season to see the monsoon phenomenon that is unlikely in their climatic zones.

Notwithstanding is the domestic tourers that are fueling tourism growth. To escape the summer heat they choose hill stations and Himachal Pradesh occupies the top states in terms of tourism growth rate, thanks to the hill stations including Manali and Kullu.

Where exactly is Manali?
About 50 km from Kullu towards north, is the small hill station Manali. It is also situated at almost the valley end on the NH 21 that leads to Leh-Ladakh. Manali landscape is hard to describe in words, but breathtaking is what one says instantly after stepping in Manali. The snow-laden mountains on one side and Beas River with clear waters flowing through the town of Manali makes one wonder with awe. The scenic beauty doesn’t end with that, lined up deodar and pine trees and fruit orchards along side small fields makes Manali an artists paradise, lensmen’s wonder, honeymooners destination.

HP tourism has ensured that beauty doesn’t end in silence here with lots and lots of activities; including forest safaris, treks, hikes, skiing, tobogganing, paragliding tours, bungee jumps, so on but to name some to make this a ideal and favorite holidays destination. Temples to monasteries, sight seeing attractions to adventure sports, hiking to trekking in the Lahaul, Spiti, Bara Bhangal and Zanskar mountain ranges, rafting to pedal boating, Manali is an all-season popular resort amongst all age groups of travelers.

One can reach Manali by train or bus and the nearest airport is about 50 kms away from the town. The nearest rail stations are Chandigarh and Pathankot. From these stations one can take a bus or taxi to Manali. However, if one plans to visit Leh the town has bus services to Leh only between months of July and October.

There are many sight seeing attractions in and around Manali

From center of the town famous Arjun Gufa is about 4 km, Vashishth sulfur springs 3 km, clubhouse is about 2 km, Manu and Hadimba temples about 3 and 2.5 kms, Solang Valley about 12 km, Rahala falls 13 km, Rohtang Pass about 50 km and Shimla 250+ km.

There are many luxury hotels in Manali, one can however, book at www.thehimalayan.com to get best deals for luxury cottages in Manali and enjoy comforts that are par the comforts and luxuries offered at top hotels in Manali. If you have made up your mind to visit Manali think of Himalayan Resort and Spa which makes your stay all the more fulfilling.