Introduction

Just 45 kilometers (27.96 miles) from the district of Kullu and about 85 kilometers (52.81 miles) from the picturesque town of Manali rests one of the most sacred places for Hindus and Sikhs alike. Situated at a lofty altitude of about 1760 meters (5774 feet) in the Parvati Valley between the rivers Beas and Parvati is Manikaran, a place that’s best known for its hot thermal springs, which pilgrims believe to be laden with healing properties. The origin of these hot springs is best explained by a much romanticized legend from the Hindu mythology that sages and pilgrims love to dabble in.

According to this legend, Lord Shiva’s consort, Parvati accidentally dropped an earring here during a long stay in the valley. After several fruitless efforts to locate the earring, Lord Shiva got enraged and performed the cosmic dance (Tandava), which prompted Sheshnag, the serpent god to release a volley of jewels, including Parvati’s earring, from the water that had become boiling hot due to Shiva’s anger. From then on hot springs continue to flow to the surface, attracting hordes of devotees who believe that a dip in these waters can heal rheumatism, among other ailments.

Conflicts of opinions about the existence of minerals like sulfur and iron or radioactivity, for that matter, still looms at large even as the Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib obliges visitors with rice, dal (pulses) and vegetables cooked in this very hot water for langar (community meal) everyday. Interestingly, the establishment of this Gurudwara is associated with a belief by the Sikhs that Guru Nanak Dev had performed a miracle here during a visit with his disciples long ago. Besides the Gurudwara there are several temples here, including the Ramchandra Temple, Shiva Temple, Vishnu Temple and Parvati Temple that you can visit.

Manikaran, however, has a primary belief attributed to it by the Hindus, which says that Manu saved mankind from the universal flood by recreating human life here. It is regarded as the Kulant Peeth or the foremost of all peeths in the nation according to the Brahmanda Purana and is a greatly visited pilgrimage.

A day’s excursion to Manikaran is a must for people visiting Manali or Kullu as the sheer tranquility and spiritual ambience of the place will seep in to soothe your senses in a rather remarkable way. Don’t miss out on savoring some of the hot spring water cooked food, which apparently is quite tasty as related by visitors. Besides religious devotees, even avid anglers can have their reasonable fill of excitement with trout fishing that’s possible in Manikaran. The Gurudwara can offer accommodation to a sizeable number of visitors besides a few hotels and guest houses operating nearby. However, with the kind of rush that Manikaran is used to it’s best that you go for it as a day’s excursion and leave early from Manali on a drive that should take around three hours through Bhuntar. This way you can comfortably be back to Manali by evening after your tour.

Special Attributes – Taking a dip in the bath filled with hot spring water is the most popular activity in Manikaran. Even beholding the Harinder Mountain on the northern side is quite popular as simply a glance of it is believed to rid people of all evils

Special Attributes

Taking a dip in the bath filled with hot spring water is the most popular activity in Manikaran. Even beholding the Harinder Mountain on the northern side is quite popular as simply a glance of it is believed to rid people of all evils.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress comfortably, but appropriately since it is a religious site. Avoid wearing short or revealing clothes.

Connectivity

HPTDC Transport has a large fleet of well maintained luxury coaches operating from Manali, Kullu and Chandigarh. You can also explore places around Manali in a private taxi.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers, Anglers and Religious Devotees

Exposure

The temperature depends on the activity you choose to engage in, although it remains pleasant here in the summer months and can dip below freezing point in winters. At any time of the year, you are advised to carry at least light woolens. The sun can be harsh in afternoons, so bring along your sunshades and a sunscreen lotion.

Avoidable Season

You can visit any time of the year

Facilities

Manikaran offers you the perfect opportunity to relax your body with a hot bath as well as ample reasons to indulge in some fierce photography sessions during your tryst with nature.

Things Not Allowed

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Tip

Embark early in the morning if you want Manikaran to be a day’s excursion while on your visit to Manali so you can indulge in as many activities as possible here.

Type of site

Hot water springs and temples.