Month: June 2023

Before we get into talking about Solang Valley, let’s take a look at its name. So how does the Solang valley get its name? It is a combination of the word Solang, which means nearby village and Nallah which means water stream. This explains why sometimes Solang valley is called Solang Nala, but it is also sometimes called ‘snow valley’. It is the side valley at the top of Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh,14 km northwest of the resort town Manali on the way to Rohtang Pass.

Solang valley Himachal Pradesh is well known for its natural beauty and its adventurous sports. It has always been an absolute paradise for nature lovers and enthusiastic adventurists. It is famous for organizing various winter adventure sports like paragliding, skiing, skating, parachuting, zorbing, and mountaineering, etc. Solang valley is one of the best places for sightseeing in Manali. There is a wide variety of wildlife and flora that continues to charm tourists and locals alike.

Location: Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
Solang Valley Height: 2,560 m (8,400 feet)
Temperature
Winter : -12℃
Summer: 25℃
Climate: Very cold during winter and moderate chilly during summer

Timings and Entry Fee:
You can visit Solang valley every day of the week from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You should visit the Solang valley between December to February. There is no entry fee to visit Solang valley which attracts a lot of tourists and encourages them to visit this magnificent place.

Although there is a fee for various adventures which is as follows:
1.Zorbing – Rs.500+ per person
2.Paragliding – Rs.1200+ per person
3.Ropeway – Rs. 500+ per person (both side)
4.Snow scooter – Rs.500+
5.Helicopter ride – Rs.2500
6.Skiing – Rs.300 (in season)

Best Time to Visit:
The best thing about Solang valley is that it is an all seasonal place. There is no specific time to visit this place since during summer you can enjoy skiing which is very popular here. You can enjoy zorbing and trekking as well. Hence it all depends on your purpose.

But, the best time to visit Solang Valley is from December to January because this is the peak time for snowfall and this is the ideal time to enjoy adventure sports. It provides a beautiful view of glaciers and snowy mountains, when the valley gets covered with snow it looks no less than Haven.

Tips to remember:
1. Check the weather of Solang valley before you reach out there.
2. Avoid traveling to Solang valley in Manali during monsoon.
3. It is recommended to bring warm clothes with you as the weather in Solang valley can also be quite chilly during summer and charges for warm clothes on rent are quite high.
4. Do not forget to carry a good quality camera with extra batteries and phone with a power bank to capture the stunning view of Solang valley Manali.
5. Make sure you carry medicines, torches, and other things to avoid difficulties in travel.

How to reach Solang Valley:
There are various ways in which one can reach Solang valley, tourists can choose among them according to their choice.

By Rail:
Joginder Nagar railway station is the nearest railway station to Solang valley.It is located at a distance of 175 km from the valley. Once you reach the station you can hire a taxi to Solang valley from Manali and enjoy the beauty of the place.

By Air:
The closest airport to Solang valley is the Kullu Manali airport situated in Bhuntar.From this point, the Solang valley is around 63 km away. So, you can hire a car or taxi to visit the valley which takes around 2 or 2.5 hours.

By Road:
There are no vehicles that can help you to reach the great Solang Valley. But buses and taxis are available for hire for visitor’s convenience throughout the year. You can also hire your private cab as per your comfort. Government buses are also available from bus stands to Solang Valley. The taxi fare from Manali to the valley is between Rs.1500 to Rs.2000.

Solang Valley distance from Manali: Solang valley is located between Solang village and Beas Kund, 13 km away from Manali by road which takes about 24 minutes. Solang valley distance from Manali by flight is approximately 9 km.

Dzukou Valley Nagaland canvasses the inter-state boundary of Nagaland and Manipur is a hidden gem of Northeast India. If there’s a place not yet bruised by human touch, it is definitely the picturesque heaven that is the Dzukou Valley.

The valley is situated at approximately 2452 meters above sea level and is spread across 27 square kilometers. This level of elevation helps keep the valley isolated and away from the hubbub of our industrial world. The valley is highly undiscovered by tourists both national and foreign and while it may be the next big thing, a visit to the valley while it’s still unpopular could be much more ethereal than after humans take over.

Dzukou valley boasts a unique topology—ravines and rivulets cutting across a verdant undulating span of knolls and hills and almost no trees in sight. There are small caves throughout and the way the earth folds and ripples is a natural marvel only a few have ever seen. The mystical sights have a rather sedated and moving effect which is difficult to recover from.

In any season, the Dzukou valley will never disappoint. It is at its best throughout the year. The valley is also called ‘The Valley of Flowers’ because of the wide variety of kaleidoscopic wildflowers that blanket it during summer. The Dzukou Lily, exclusive to the valley, can be seen in full bloom here during summers.

In winter, the temperatures drop considerably and if you’re lucky and motivated enough to get out of your warm bed on chilly mornings a lot earlier than the sun, you’ll see delicate crystals on the foliage which serve as quite the muse for photographers. The rivulets freeze solid at night and begin to thaw during the day.

Nature’s divine handiwork is best exhibited by this luscious piece of land with its paradisal and idyllic views. The panoramic sunrise and sunsets are unmissable.

WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A TRANQUIL REFUGE OR YOUR NEXT HIKING, SPELUNKING, TREKKING OR EXPLORATORY ADVENTURE, DZUKOU VALLEY WILL NOT FAIL TO DELIVER.

Things to do:
Revel in the mesmerizing views of the valley from the rest house. The rest house offers a perfect unhindered view of the valley and it is ideal if you want to catch a scenic sunrise/sunset. It is the best spot to photograph the sunset as it sinks behind the mountains toward the west.

The Ghost cave also called the ‘Bhoot Gufa’ is a 15-minute walk from the rest house. It is a kilometer long cave so carrying flashlights would be helpful.

Hike up to the second-highest peak in Nagaland, the Japfu peak. It is a good idea to hire a tour guide as it is possible you might get lost on the way.

Trek to the bottom of the valley to the Christian cross. After you’ve spent a considerable amount of time in the rest house, it is a good idea to walk to the bottom and explore the valley. There’s also a small hill with a Christian cross on it that is not visible from the guest house due to a trick of the light.

Interesting facts:
The valley is a plastic-free zone. If you’re carrying any plastic bags, you will have to deposit a certain amount which will be returned to you on retrieval of the bag at the exit.

The valley gets its name from two origins, one being from the Angami/Mao word which means cold water referring to the icy-cold streams found throughout.

There are legends of white elephants that live in a hidden forest in the valley along with other wild animals.

The Viswema trek passes through tall and elegant rainforests.

There is a legend of a female spirit that dwells in the valley and claims one male life each year.

The Angami and the Mao people are involved in an ongoing dispute over the ownership of the Dzukou Valley.

The valley can be entered from both Manipur and Nagaland. It can be visited in two parts – the West and the South Dzukou.

Dzukou Valley Nagaland Best Time to Visit:
Although the valley promises a pulchritudinous experience throughout the year, the best time to visit would be from April to September if you don’t want to miss the flower parade and prefer warmer temperatures.

Although, during monsoon from July to September the valley is considerably wet and you might encounter leeches. If you prefer a drier, cozy, and soothing vacation, winter is the best time to visit the Dzukou Valley.

Helpful Tips to Protect From Leeches:
Wear pants that are preferably long enough to be tucked into your socks.
Preferably wear a long-sleeved shirt.
Apply mosquito repellent to shin areas that could be exposed.
Before sitting down, look for a dry spot, and make sure there aren’t any leeches.

Timings and Entry Tickets:
The valley is open 24 hours.
There is an entry fee to be paid once in the duration of your trip at the rest house:
Rs. 20/- for Indian citizens from neighboring villages
Rs. 50/- for other Indian citizens
Rs. 100/- for foreigners

Traveler tips:
If you want to explore Dzukou Valley well, a 3-day trip is ideal.
Tourists require an Inner permit to visit Naga Hills so if it is on your agenda, make sure you acquire one from the DC court in Dimapur of Nagaland.

Frequency of cabs reduces on weekends so make sure you pre book your cabs, plan accordingly.

You can either stay in the rest house in the valley though it might not be luxurious, stay in Kohima, camp in the valley, or sleep under a rock overhang.

You can even cook your own meals in the rest house. The rest house charges 50/- for public dormitories and 300/- for VIP rooms but they might usually be unavailable.

Foam mattresses, blankets, and utensils are available for rent on a nightly basis. You can avail a decent dinner and breakfast at the rest house if you’re not planning on cooking for yourself. Tea and Coffee are also available.

Carry enough warm clothes.

How to reach Dzukou Valley from within Nagaland:
From Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, the valley can be reached in two ways – via Viswema or via Zakhama. To get to either of these towns, there are taxis or vans available that take 4-5 people and charge around 40/- per person. The only way forward from either of the towns is on foot.

Via Zakhama:
If you’re a serial trekker and are used to rigorous activity, the Jakhama trek might be suitable for you. From Jakhama it is usually a 3-4 hour trek to reach Dzukou Valley. It is quite a steep climb so be mindful of the weather as it might be slippery and muddy during the rains. The Zakhama trek is a lot more demanding and requires physical fitness.

Via Viswema:
The Viswema trek is comparatively easier with only an hour-long trek from the trekker’s point. The catch is that reaching the trekker’s point takes around 3 hours walking on a motorable road. If you cannot make this walk you can hitchhike or hire local transport but be ready to pay up to Rs. 1500.

We recommend the Viswema route for the ascent and the Zakhama route for the descent.

How to Reach:
Dzukou Valley in Nagaland is easily accessible by air, by road, and by train.

By Air:
The most accessible airports to Dzukou Valley are the Dimapur airport and the Imphal airport. The closest of the two is the Dimapur airport, and it lies at a 96-kilometer distance from Dzukou Valley. The Imphal airport lies at a distance of around 110 kilometers.

By Train:
The nearest railway station to Dzukou Valley is located in Dimapur and that is roughly around 74 kilometers away. So one could opt to hire a taxi from Dimapur to reach Kohima.

By Road:
You can travel via NH29 and NH2 from the Dimapur airport to get to Dzukou Valley, as this place is very accessible via road. You can access Dzukou Valley from Imphal airport via NH2. Both of these trips take a little less than 3 and a half hours.

Dzukou Valley in Nagaland in all its natural splendor remains a symbol of purity. Untouched by human activity, it thrives and shelters the exquisite flowers. A visit to this place is surely an experience that you would cherish. However, we hope that you help this valley retain its pristine beauty by refraining from littering.

Credits:
Srikakulamads would like to thank Rajarshi Ray for providing us with excellent photos of Dzukou Valley, for us to share with you in this article. You can also check out his Instagram @rajarshi26

Have you ever thought about which is the most beautiful lake in India? That means you have not yet visited this lake called Pangong Tso, also called the Pangong Lake.

If you have visited it then obviously there will be no doubt in giving the whole credit to this most beautiful lake. It is at the foot of the Himalayas with about a 14,270 feet elevation the lake offers a surreal spectacle view.

It is popular among tourists for its changing colors. It also has other specialties of being an endorheic lake. It is one of the most lovable spots found in India.

Its beauty was also shown in a popular Bollywood Movie of Aamir Khan-3 Idiots in its climax sequence.

About Pangong Lake:
It is one of the highly elevated saltwater lakes in the world. The lake is unusual because the water of the lake is locked. Unlike other water bodies, it does not flow to merge into seas or oceans. Therefore, it is called the endorheic lake. It was created by glacier erosion and it used to be a freshwater lake. It became brackish due to mineral deposits which also killed the aquatic life in the lake. The depth of the lake is estimated to be 300 feet.

The lake is salty but still manages to freeze in winter. During changes in climate, the warm weather helps the snowmelt, adding up water to the lake. The lake stretches for about 135 km long and is 5 km wide at its broadest point. The lake is so clean that you can see the reflection of the sky in the lake, making the whole lake look ‘blue’. It changes if the color as reflection changes.

History of Pangong Tso, India:
The lake is situated in disputed territory. It is only 1/3rd part of the Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh, India. The eastern end of the lake is in Tibet and the western side in India. This lake is considered as being made up of five sub lakes. They are together called ‘Tsomo Nganglha Ringpo’.

The etymology of Pangong is that it is derived from the Tibetan word called ”Banggong Co” which means “long narrow enchanted lake”. The Ladakh government website describes Pangong as a “high grassland lake”.

The European explorers say the name means “female narrow very long lake” while other sources claim the meaning to be “long-necked swan lake”.

Best Time To visit Pangong Tso Lake:
Anytime except the winter season is the best time to visit. It is because during winter the climate is very cold to handle and the lake also freezes which reduces the beauty of the lake. The lake is beautiful when it seems to be alive. May to October is more comfortable to visit than any other.

But if you are interested in Ice skating, winter is the best time to visit. June and July are months with the peak number of tourists, so if you want to avoid the crowd pick other months to visit.

What not to miss in Pangong Tso?
The sunrises and sunsets over the lake are marvelous sights, so spending the night is highly recommended. A camp stay near the lake is adventurous and a memory for a whole life. The sky, the air, the night spent near the lake will be an amazing experience, all away from the chaos of the cities we live in.

The flora and fauna in and around the Pangong lake are rare and endemic. Species like “Marmot” are found approximately 10 km before the lake. There will be a sign board stating that “Stop here to see the rare endemic Marmots’ ‘. Migratory birds like the bar-headed goose and brahminy ducks can be seen around the lake.

The place is perfect for clicking as many pictures as possible. Irrespective of the camera and the photographer, the pictures of the lake are going to be amazing. When you look back at these pictures they make you miss this place.

Take a dip in the lake, at least put your legs in the water. The coldness you feel might stop you from doing that, but this is once a lifetime experience so utilize it to the fullest. The coldness is temporary but the memories are forever.

There are votive stupas in the entire region of Ladakh. Locals keep sacred texts and goods that are religiously important inside these stupas as offerings. Make your stone pyramids there and give your offerings to Lord Buddha.

Properties, including yellow scooters (as in the 3 Idiots movie) are available for hire for those who want to have their Bollywood moment and can hire them and pose for the remarkable photos.

Yaks are available for tourists to take a ride.
Buddhist monasteries can be visited on the way from Leh to Pangong.

Traveler Tips:
The Chang la pass is snow-filled. Take some time off there, enjoy the snowfall and have a little chai before resuming the journey.
Carry winter clothes as the place is cold.

Required medicines should be carried for altitude sickness and climate change illness.
It’s recommended that a minimum of three nights be spent resting in Leh after flying in, before setting out to Pangong Lake. This is because the body needs to get accustomed to the high altitude. Other tips for minimizing altitude sickness include avoiding alcohol, smoking, and being appropriately hydrated.

Always pre-book your accommodation since most of them are always full and most of the tents will also be occupied. So always pre-book hotels and if not, you should opt for a homestay. If you want a place near the lake then you must make a pre-advance booking.

Phone signals are not available at Pangong Lake or the nearby area. So it is better to inform any required person about the travel and phone signals beforehand itself.

The place being highly elevated has limited options for one to eat. Hence on journeys like these, it is always advisable to carry your stock of food.

How to reach Pangong Tso?
The usually taken route is the Leh to Pangong Tso route. The journey is about 6 hours. Another route is the Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Lake, which is used by domestic tourists.

The lake falls on the Sina-Indian actual line of control, so the tourists need to take the “Inner line permission”, in the case of foreigners they need “Protected Area Permit”. They are issued online. PAP for solo foreign tourists is available only through a registered agent in Leh.

The citizens of Afghanistan, Burma, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and China need permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi for PAP and should apply for PAP through the Indian consulate in their country. As it is on the border the visit of The lake is restricted only to a certain area i.e. till Spangmik village.

The Chang la pass is open throughout the year by the armed forces except in the cases of heavy snowfall. You’ll find several travel agents in Leh offering less or more tour packages to Pangong Lake. Bookings can readily be done thereafter you arrive at Leh. Negotiations can also be done with the agents to save money.

If you want to travel independently, hire a taxi from Leh to Pangong Lake. The taxi rates are generally fixed. Local government buses are also available between Leh and Pangong Lake for those on a budget, but this facility is not available on all days.

Accommodation Facilities:
Basic homestays to luxury tented camps are available for stay in and around the Pangong Lake.
If you are looking for accommodation close to the Lake, then tents are the only option. Camping is allowed on the shores of the Pangong lake. For more facilities, you can also try the Himalayan Retreat located in Spangmik village that is also a tented accommodation with attached western bathrooms.

An added advantage with homestays is that they serve delicious home-cooked food. Homestays are available as follows:

Lukung village is the entry point and the only village with a view of the whole lake. However, the drawback is that it needs walking to the lake’s edge. If you stay in any of the homes there, choose one closest to the lake.

Spangmik is the most developed village at Pangong Lake. Most people stay in this area. The fields have been leased to tour companies from Leh to set up stay places for tourists.
Merak village also offers few friendly homestays.

If you want to stay at hotels:
Hotel Pangong Residency and Padma Guesthouseis in Tangtse village are one of the best accommodation options that you can consider. And these guest houses to stay at like the that offers spectacular views of the Pangong Tso Lake.

People from all over visit Leh so the other option that you can consider is booking accommodation in Leh like Grand Himalaya, Hotel Nalanda Ladakh. Etc.

Ending words:
The Pangong Tso is the place where you can find nature at its best. Now, nearly 1,000 tourists a day visit Pangong Tso Lake. Undoubtedly the lake is the most beautiful and pleasant place in India.

The whole surroundings of the lake are very colorful, blue lake, white and brown colored mountains. This place is so beautiful in photographs that you might doubt it, but when you reach the place it will amaze you by its beauty and tranquility.

Did you ever think of running away from everything? From the day to day chaos and spend some time in peace, adoring nature? Then a trip to Tawang will fulfill your wish. Tawang is a destination where you can refresh and rejuvenate your soul. Tawang is the hidden gem of India and also called the Earthly paradise in India. As such there are many tourist places in Tawang Arunachal Pradesh.

About Tawang Arunachal Pradesh:
Tawang is a hilly area located in Arunachal Pradesh. It acts as a border for India, China, and Bhutan. Tawang is situated approximately 10,000 ft above sea level.

It has more than 30 places to visit, from the most peaceful Buddhist monastery to the most adventurous snow skiing, all kinds of people have something to cherish in this alluring destination. Tawang is dependent on tourism and is known for its panoramic landscapes, water bodies, and spiritual significance.

History of Tawang Arunachal Pradesh:
The name Tawang originates as “Ta” means horse and “Wang” means green pastures. They also say it means “The Chosen Horse”. It formerly belonged to the Tibet region. During the Sino-Indian war of 1962, China invaded Tawang but later withdrew its troops. By the end of the war, Tawang was claimed by India.

The Tawang district was formed in 1989 being split from West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh. It once served as district headquarters of West Kameng and now is the district headquarters of Tawang district.

People and culture:
Monpa tribes of Arunachal Pradesh form most of the population. Besides them, some other tribes are also found. Assamese and Bengalis are also found in small numbers. The people here are simple, helpful, and peace lovers.

Their culture is highly influenced by Tibetans and Buddhist way of life. They have three important festivals named Torgya, Lossar, and Choekhor harvest.

Their official language is English and natives speak Bodish, Tshangla, Tibetan and Limbu, and Hindi languages. Gyapa khazi, momos, thukpa are the famous meals in this place.

The climate of Tawang is alpine. Three main seasons of winter, summer, and monsoon can be experienced throughout the year. Winter from November to February with temperatures varying from 5 to -2 degrees Celsius.

Summer can be seen from March to June noting the temperatures from 5 to 22 degrees Celsius. Monsoon is experienced in July to October with moderate rainfall.

Best time For Tawang Tour:
It solely depends on what the visitor wants to experience and explore in Tawang. If you are a winter person and enjoy snowfall, then the winter season is the perfect time to visit.
However, it can get hard to move around the places for sightseeing in the biting cold weather.

If you want to enjoy pleasant and clear weather then the summer would be the best. However, it is not advisable to visit Tawang during the rainy season as the condition may become worse due to landslides.

TAWANG IS A FUSION OF EXQUISITE PLACES AND THE LIST GOES ON AS THERE ARE MANY ADMIRABLE SITES IN AND AROUND TAWANG ARUNACHAL PRADESH.

Most interesting sites to visit in Tawang
For Peace seekers:
There are few Buddhist monasteries like The Tawang monastery Arunachal Pradesh was built 400 years ago and is the second-largest monastery in the world and is currently the largest active monastery. Other monasteries include Samten Yotcha Monastery, Taktsang Gompa, Bomdila Monastery, Urgelling Gompa Monastery – where the sixth Dalai Lama was born.

For Adventure hunters:
The first choice would be Bumla pass which is wild and serene. Trekking can be done in the Jang-ra-1 route, Leisure-mukto-lumla route, and Tawang gompa.
Gorichen peak is both adventurous and famous for its scenic beauty. Gorichen peak is the highest peak of Arunachal Pradesh.

For Nature lovers:
Sela Pass gives a stunning view of the eastern Himalayas and the pristine Sela Lake is also found here. Madhuri lake, named after the leading actress in Koyla, is also known as Sangetsar lake. It is a perennial lake with a combination of rocky mountains.

Nuranang falls gives a spectacular view of the pure waterfall from 100 meters high. There is also a hydel plant generating electricity from the waterfalls. P.T. Tso Lake is the perfect spot for a family picnic amidst the allure of nature. Nagula lake is also an artistic creation of nature that gives a panoramic view.

For honoring the bravery:
Jaswanth Garh was built in the memory of Jaswanth Singh Rawat, who lonely battled against invading Chinese troupe. Tawang War Memorial is dedicated to 4220 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting the Chinese army in the Sino-Indian war of 1962.

Shoppers Stops:
There are market places where Tawang’s famous wood carvings and handlooms are available.
There is the availability of a cable car when weather permits which helps to have an aerial view of this magnificent place.

Traveler Tips:
The visitors need an Inner line permit(for Indians) and Protection Area Permit(for foreigners) to visit places in Arunachal Pradesh. You can visit Tawang with your family and you do not have to worry about your security.

It is one of the most visited tourist spots so you must ensure that you book your hotel room beforehand. It is better to carry essential medicines for mountain sickness.

Woolen clothes, leather jackets, mufflers, and sweaters need to be carried as well. The schedule of the trip should be planned flexibly as the weather is not always favorable.
It is not advisable to travel during the dark.

How to Reach Tawang Arunachal Pradesh:
Roadways are most accessible to Tawang. Airways and Railways are connected only with the nearest towns or cities.

By Air:
The nearest airport is Salonibari Airport located in Tezpur Assam. Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati is around 497 kilometers away from Tawang. You can reach Tawang from Guwahati via a helicopter ride as well!

By Rail:
The nearest railway station is Rangapara in Tezpur, Assam connected with cities like Kolkata, New Delhi, Chennai, etc. The railway station at Guwahati is connected with all major cities of India.

By Road:
There are frequent buses of Arunachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation from Bombidila to Tawang. The journey time is 11 hours and is very economical.

Travel inside the city:
Shared cab and rental cab services are most available.
Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh offers everyone a chance to explore and relish the beauty. Fused with culture, nature, and patriotism, Tawang represents the full-fledged glory of our Bharat.

Read More:
Explore more nature and wildlife genre articles written by Srikakulamads

Credits:
The Tawang photos used in this Tour Bharat article were provided by Asish Pati. We thank him for these amazing shots!
You can check out his Instagram @mad_and_nomad

Hadimba Devi Temple Manali is also known as the Dhungari Temple or Hidimba Temple, which is located in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. We all know that Manali is one of the most alluring hill stations of our Bharat.

Hadimba Temple is an ancient cave temple that is dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, who is the wife of Bhima, a character in the Indian epic Mahabharata. Hadimba temple is sited amidst a luscious cedar forest called Dhungiri Van Vihar at the foot of the Himalayas. Hadimba temple was built over a huge rock that jutted out of the ground.

The glorious Hidimba Hindu deity Temple holds a monumental significance to Hindu pilgrims because it is a part of the Hindu epic Mahabharat. But that’s not all! The Hadimba Temple is not any less of a surprise to nature lovers.

Visitors who are nature and peace lovers can enjoy the beauty of nature in the Hadimba temple. Being quite an unusual destination in itself, the Hidimba Temple is slowly attracting tourists from everywhere in the country to its doors. It is a destination where history, mythology, and heritage meet natural beauty.

Hidimba Devi Temple offers spiritual respite amidst the glory of nature.

History of Hadimba Temple:
The Hidimba Hindu deity temple was built-in 1553 AD by prince Bahadur Singh.

The temple is made around a cave where Hidimba performed meditation.

Hadimba was speculated to have lived there along with her brother Hidimb. Born into a Rakshasa family, Hidimba wanted to marry the one who would beat her brother Hidimb, who was dauntless and fearless.

During the Pandavas’ banishment, they visited Manali. Bhima, one of the five Pandavas, killed Hidimb.

After that Hidimba married Bhima and gave birth to their son named Ghatotkacha.

Architecture of Hadimba Devi Temple:
The Hadimba Devi Temple is constructed over a rock. It has doors carved out of wood. It is a 24 meters tall temple.

The tower includes three square shaped roofs which are also covered with timber tiles and a fourth brass cone-shaped roof designed at the top.

Goddess Durga is also known as the earth goddess, and her figure forms the theme of the main door carvings.

Also, there are paintings of animals, foliate designs, dancers, scenes from Lord Krishna’s life, and Navagrahas. The base of a temple is made out of whitewashed, mud-covered stonework.

There is no statute of the goddess herself, rather there is a rock with footprints. It is believed that these footprints were formed by Devi Hadimba and hence those footprints are fervently worshipped by the devotees who visit Hadimba Temple.

There is also a rope which dangles in the front side of the rock. According to legend, victims’ hands were strapped to the rope and then swung against the rock leading to bruises, bleeding, and death.

About seventy meters away from the Hadimba Devi temple, there is a temple dedicated to Goddess Hidimba’s son, Ghatotkacha, who was born after she got married to Bhima.

Things To Do:
The altitude at which Hadimba Temple is located makes it ideal for trekking. Trekking would lead you upon a journey, where you could visit the nearby scenic vistas consisting of the nearby valleys and passes.

If you have had your fill of adventure, just sit and meditate for some time. Hadimba temple is situated far away from the chaos of human activity. It is an abode to peace. Relieve your stress with the power of meditation!

Manali is famous for its mountains, hills, and valleys. Explore the areas nearby. You might stumble upon the hidden natural wonders that no one really knows about!

Camping with your family or friends in the nearby village would be highly enjoyable as it is an opportunity to learn about local cultures from the authentic and hospitable local people. As well as a great opportunity to cherish the beauty of the stars glittering in the darkness of the night sky.

Traveler Tips:
Manali is a destination where the temperatures can get as low as 1.8 degrees. Therefore carry jackets, sweaters, and clothes that can help keep you warm.

Do not carry plastic or any other dangerous objects with you.

This destination is quite delicate. Therefore we request you to refrain from polluting the environment.

Hiring a local guide would be ideal. You can cover all the scenic and important places to visit within a shorter period.

Parking issues might arise during the Dhungri Mela season so it would be wise to plan accordingly.

Dhungri Mela at Hadimba Temple:
In May, the sacred Dhungri forest is alive with festive vibes. Celebrations of the Goddess Hadimba’s birthday. This Dhungri Mela festival is more like a carnival. A fusion of tasty local cuisine and amusement rides!

It is the perfect time to learn about the local folk dances. The intricate folk dances are going to leave you in a state of wonder. With all these elements combined, Dhungri Mela offers entertainment, palatable food, spiritual symphony, scenic vistas, and a perfect getaway from the daily routine!

What to expect during the Dhungri Mela?
But what exactly happens at the Dungri Mela? What is the symbolism? Why do so many people gather at Hadimba Devi temple Manali Himachal Pradesh? The Dungri Mela is like a parade or a procession of the gods, who have paraded around on chariots.

Each village in the local area has a patron god or goddess, who they dress up and join the procession to honor that particular god. Each god is dressed up and seated in their chariots adorned in fancy silks and garlands.

Upon which the gods are celebrated as they are erotically carried from place to place. This is followed by the trumpeting of traditional music. There is a special long brass trumpet known as karnals, which are used on ceremonial occasions such as this one. They are in fact a major feature in the Hadimba temple festival.

The Dungri Mela festival goes on for days as the gods are paraded from one temple to the next. As we all know no Indian parade is complete without some folk dancing! As the musicians sit around in a circle and play a particular tune, locals perform the Kullu Natti folk dance; as they link arms and sway to the traditional rhythmic beats.

Hadimba Devi Temple Entry Timings:
This Hadimba Devi Temple is open to all the visitors from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, all days of the week.

Ideal Visit Duration:
If you plan to visit this temple ensure that you have got 2 to 3 hours to truly enjoy the beauty and immerse in devotion. Hence plan accordingly!

Entry Fee:
This enchanting destination has no entry fee. It takes nothing from you while providing you an experience of a lifetime.

Best time to visit Hadimba Devi Temple Manali:
Hadimba temple is located amidst the snow-capped hills of Manali. Therefore the ideal visit time would be between May and October. The temperature is ideal between these months to have a fruitful journey.

If you decide to plan your trip in May, you would be in time to witness Dungri Mela. It is a three days annual festival where the locals celebrate the birthday of Goddess Hidimba. The dates are never specific because the Lunar calendar is never fixed.

How To Reach:
Hadimba Devi Temple is located in the beautiful hill station of Manali, sited in Kullu District.

By Air:
The nearest airport to Hadimba temple would be Kullu Manali airport that is 52.5 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a car or taxi to reach the temple which will take you about 2 to 2.5 hours.

By Train:
The Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the nearest station to Manali and the temple is only 2 kilometers away from here. You can either walk or hire a cab to the temple which is easily available.

By Bus:
Kullu ISBT is the nearest major bus station that is 41 kilometers away from the temple, with buses connected to all other major cities. You can hire a cab from Manali bus Depot to the temple. It is just a 2.2 kilometers ride!

But we would suggest that you walk to the temple instead of hiring a taxi or car because it is a prominent part of the whole experience. Take a stroll across the snowy beauty of nature. Witness the dance of the snowflakes upon the tall cedar trees as the cool breeze rustles.
Who would want to miss this serene opportunity? A respite away from the touch of human activity.

Hadimba Devi Temple in Manali is one of the astonishing wonders of India. It duly represents a strong message. The reverence you earn depends on your needs. Despite being a demon, Hidimba received the honor to be a goddess. She is worshipped because she chose to walk on the path of righteousness. Your cultural, ethnic, religious, and financial background is always shadowed by your deeds. Karma is fair and gets back to you eventually!

Credits:
We would like to thank Mr.Muneesh Panchta for the excellent Hadimba Devi Temple photo. You guys can also check out his Instagram @thedarkhorse