Manali is the premier hill station in the Kullu valley, whose splendor lies in the ever flowing Beas river with conifer gradients and crop orchards hiking up to the snow clad knolls of Himalayas. This awe inspiring hill resort is sandwiched between the imposing peaks of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar. A land, which is the holy abode of numerous goddesses and gods, this gorgeous hill resort is puffed up with colourful festivals, fairs and pretty shrines.

Renowned as the queen of valleys, this beautiful hill station in the lower Himalayas is close knit with the legendary law giver of ancient India, Manu. It is believed that, Manali is the place where the ark of Manu found its resting after a great flood. Manali, which literally means the abode of Manu, has got remarkable significance in the ethnic culture and tradition of India.

With skyscraping mountains bounded by blizzards and deep rock spread ravines Manali presents a distinguished holiday spot for all. The chunky afforests with cool gentle winds, vast expansion of meadows, small quaint settlements and lovely orchards, give a majestic look to the serene ambiance of Manali.

Besides the splendor of its natural vista, a lot of other interesting activities are in store in Manali. A trendy holiday spot, Manali offers outstanding opportunities in mountaineering, trekking and skiing. The unexplored hilly route to the adjacent valleys is an awe inspiring experience.

With scores of artifacts, the malls and other shops of Manali offer a delightful shopping experience to tourists. Gifted with breathtaking sceneries, Manali serves as a perfect place for those who want to be in the midst of blossoming greens and valley views.

Must See/Do: Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley (Snow Point), Hadimba Temple, Raghunath Temple, Vashisht Baths, Beas Kund (Chandratal Lake), Jagannathi Devi Temple (Bekhli Temple), Chandrakhani Pass, The Great Himalayan National Park, Pandoh Dam

Best Season / Best time to visit Manali

The climate of Manali remains pleasant mostly through the year but the month from September to June is the best time to visit Manali.

Winters (October to February) the temperature can dip as low as -1 °C, making it and ideal time for skiing and enjoying Snowfall which is common during the end of December and the whole of January. Good time for honeymooning.
Summers (March to June) is ideal for enjoying paragliding, rafting, zorbing and mountain sports in Solang Valley. Temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C and the climate remains pleasant during the day and cold during the night. Snow can be found only on very high altitudes but no snowfall.
Monsoons lasts from July to mid-September and is best avoided due to land slides. Rohtang Pass is open only from end of May to September and snow on the ground can be found here till the month of June or July.

While summers are ideal for adventure and sightseeing, winters calls for snow sports and this is the best season for enjoying snowfall in Manali. Monsoons months are best avoided as rainfall may cause landslide and disrupt our journey.

Air

The nearest airport (IATA code KUU) is at Bhuntar town, situated on NH21 about 50 km (31 mi) south of Manali and 10 km (6.2 mi) south of Kullu town. The airport is also known as Kullu-Manali airport and has more than a kilometre long runway. Indian Airlines and some private airlines have regular flights to the airport. Daily fight service( except tuesday)has been started by 15May 2013 at Bhunter airport by Air India from Delhi to Bhunter and vice-versa. Chandigarh airport is the nearest international airport.

Road

Manali can be reached from Delhi by national highway NH 1 up to Chandigarh and from there by national highway NH21 that passes through Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi and Kullu towns. The road distance from Delhi to Chandigarh is 260 km and from Chandigarh to Manali is 273 km. The total distance from Delhi to Manali thus is 533 km (331 mi).

Rail

Manali is not easily approachable by rail. The nearest broad gauge railheads are at Chandigarh (275 km (171 mi)), Pathankot (325 km (202 mi)) and Kalka (310 km (193 mi)). The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar (135 kilometres (84 mi)).
See Bilaspur-Mandi-Leh Railway for the proposed railway line through this area.

Climate

The climate in Manali is predominantly cold during winters, and moderately cool during summers. The temperatures range from 4 °C (39 °F) to 20 °C (68 °F) over the year. The average temperature during summer is between 04 °C (39 °F) and 15 °C (59 °F), and between −15 °C (5 °F) and 05 °C (41 °F) in the winter.

[hide]Climate data for Manali
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	10.6 (51.1)	11.7 (53.1)	16.1 (61)	21.9 (71.4)	24.9 (76.8)	27.2 (81)	25.9 (78.6)	25.4 (77.7)	25.0 (77)	22.4 (72.3)	18.4 (65.1)	13.8 (56.8)	20.28 (68.5)
Average low °C (°F)	−1.7 (28.9)	−0.7 (30.7)	2.4 (36.3)	5.9 (42.6)	8.6 (47.5)	12.4 (54.3)	15.3 (59.5)	14.9 (58.8)	11.2 (52.2)	5.4 (41.7)	1.5 (34.7)	−0.4 (31.3)	5.4 (41.7)
Rainfall mm (inches)	128.9 (5.075)	124.3 (4.894)	189.6 (7.465)	103.7 (4.083)	82.5 (3.248)	74.3 (2.925)	217.5 (8.563)	205.4 (8.087)	111.9 (4.406)	37.9 (1.492)	31.7 (1.248)	56.1 (2.209)	1,363.8 (53.695)
Source: IMD (1968-2000) ^[3]

Welcome to Jaipur

This famous city is the capital of Rajasthan and has earned universal renown as the " Pink City ", and pink it is, with beautiful constructed palaces, havelis and forts. Tall, rugged men with handle-bar whiskers sport bright pink turbans. Jaipur which means the city of victory was built exactly 273 years back and is 262 km by road from Delhi ( Capital of India ). A strong wall encircles the old city and even today has a suggestion of formidable strength, its function of protecting all within is obvious.

The plains of Rajasthan of which Jaipur is the capital once thundered and echoed with clash of swords and the drums of wars.Built in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh-II, Jaipur was the first planned city of its time ( the earlier planned city in northern India having been built near Taxila sometime in the 2nd century BC ).

Jaipur district is situated in the east of Rajasthan state. In the North of it Sikar, Mahendragarh district (State Haryana), In the South Tonk, In the East Alwar, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, and In the West Nagaur, Ajmer district situated. East and North area of Jaipur district is sarrounded by Arawali hills. There are 13 Sub-divisions in district are Jaipur, Amber, Bassi, Chaksu, Chomu, Jamwa Ramgarh, Mozmabad, Phagi, Phulera, Kotputli, Sanganer, Shahpura, Viratnagar. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and has earned universal renown as the " Pink City ", and pink it is, with beautiful constructed palaces, havelis and forts. Tall, rugged men with handle-bar whiskers sport bright pink turbans. Jaipur which means the city of victory was built exactly 273 years back and is 262 km by road from Delhi ( Capital of India ). A strong wall encircles the old city and even today has a suggestion of formidable strength, its function of protecting all within is obvious.

he plains of Rajasthan of which Jaipur is the capital once thundered and echoed with clash of swords and the drums of wars.Built in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh-II, Jaipur was the first planned city of its time ( the earlier planned city in northern India having been built near Taxila sometime in the 2nd century BC ).

Jaipur was planned by Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya, a Bengali architect, in a grid system with wide straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes and uniform rows of shops on either side of the main bazaars, all arranged in nine rectangular city sectors (chokris). The city itself is an attractive creation worthy of universal admiration.

There is a feast in store for tourists. Attractive monuments where one can breathe the fragrance of history. Comfortable and luxurious hotels, once the proud of kings, parks, gardens, and excursions of nearby places of interest, make Jaipur a tourist's paradise.

General Information

Area:	11117.8 sq.km.
Altitude:	431 metres
Climate:	45 max. 25 min. ( summer )
	22 max. 05 min. ( winter )
Languages:	English, Hindi, Rajasthani

What to see

The City Palace	Jantar Mantar	Hawa Mahal	Govind Devji Temple
Isar Lat	Ram Niwas Bagh	B.M.Birla Planetarium	Galtaji
Laxmi Narayan Temple	Amer Fort	Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh	Jaigarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort	Shakambhari Mata Tample, Sambhar	Abhaneri	Bairath
Samod

Geographical Conditions

Geographical area of Jaipur district is 11117.8 Sqr.Km. Total number of villages is 2380. It is situated in the east of Rajasthan state. In the North of it Sikar, Mahendragarh district (State Haryana), In the South Tonk, In the East Alwar, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, and In the West Nagaur, Ajmer district situated. East and North area of Jaipur district is sarrounded by Arawali hills.

The important rainy rivers are Ban Ganga and Sabi. To provide drinking water to old city there is Ramgarh dam on Ban Ganga river. There is a single natural lake named Sambhar lake, the water of which is salty and is the largest source of good quality salt in India. Copper, Dolomite, Iron,White Marval, Glass, Silicon are the minarals of Jaipur District.

Height of it is 122 to 183 m. from see level. Ground water level of Jaipur district is 14 m. currently. Total length of district from East to West is 180 Km. and total width from North to South is 110 Km.

Area:	11117.8 sq.km.
Altitude:	431 metres
Temperature:	45 max. 25 min. ( summer )
	22 max. 05 min. ( winter )
Languages:	English, Hindi, Rajasthani

Population Status (as per 2011 Census)

Total Population:	66,63,971
Urban:	34,99,204
Rural:	31,64,767
Male:	34,90,787
Female:	31,73,184

Jaipur Tourist Places

Jal Mahal

City Palace: The City Palace is a historic landmark. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns studded with floral motifs in gold and coloured stones. Two elephants carved in marble guard the entrance, where retainers whose families have served generations of rulers are at hand to serve as guides. The palace interior houses a Museum containing select collection of various types of Rajasthani dresses, a fascinating armoury of Mughal and Rajput weapons; swords of all shapes and sizes, with chased handles, some of them inlaid, enamelled, encrusted with jewels and encased in bold and magnificent scabbards. It also has an art gallery with a fine collection of paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh-II for his study of planets and their movements.

Jantar Mantar: Jantar mantar is one of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Constructed with stone and marble its complex instruments whose settings and shapes are precisely and scientifically designed represent the high points of Medieval Indian astronomy. The Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes are unique in their isolation. this is the largest of the five observatories founded by Sawai Jai Singh-II in various parts of the country. It has been listed in UNESCO world heritage sites jantar Mantar Major Yantras or instruments that you can watch moving clockwise are: Small 'Samrat', 'Dhruva', 'Narivalya', The Observer's Seat, Small 'Kranti', 'Raj' 'Unnathamsa', 'Disha', 'Dakshina', Large 'Samrat', 'Rashivalayas', 'Jai Prakash', Small 'Ram', Large 'Ram Yantra', 'Diganta', Large 'Kranti'

Hawa Mahal: Built by the poet king Sawai Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal is the most strikingly designed monument in Jaipur. What is seen from the Sireh Deorhi Bazaar is the multiniched five storey high backside of the complex ( see it in photo gallery ). It was conceived to provide adequate vantage position behind delicate stone carved jali screens to the palace women for watching the royal processions passing through the bazaar below. Hawa Mahal

Albert Hall: It is situated in the beautiful garden of Jaipur city, Ram Niwas Bagh. It was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh in the year 1886 under the drought relief work of Rs 4 Lacs. The design of the building was done by Sir Swinton Jaicob. Presently the hall is used for museum purpose.

Jal Mahal: A tiny palace romantically located in the middle of a small lake, this was supposed to be a hunting lodge for the royal family. It can only be viewed from the banks of the lake.

Amer Fort: For seven long centuries before Jaipur was built, Amer served as the capital as Kachhwaha rulers of the old state of Dhundhar. Amer Fort is the complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples, which were built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries. The palace complex rising from the placid waters of the Mootha lake is approached through a steep path, now often traversed by tourists on elephant-back, to Singh palace and Jaleb Chowk. Two flights of stairs rise from one end to the chowk, one leading to the elegant temple of Shila Mata and other to the palace complex. The image of the Mother Goddess worshipped with reverence by thousands of devotees every day was brought from Jessore in East Bengal ( now in Bangladesh ) by raja Man Singh and installed here. Amer fort
The front courtyard of the palace complex is dominated by the spectacular pillared hall of the Diwan-e-Aam and the double storeyed painted gateway Ganesh Pole. Beyond the corridors and galleries on the either side of a small elegant Charbagh style garden are Sukh Niwas to its right and Jas Mandir to its left. The Jas Mandir in the upper floor combines the finest elements od mughal architecture and interior decoration in a Rajput setting with intricately carved jali screens, delicate mirror and stucco works and painted and carved dadodes. The older and simpler structures at the far end were built by Raja Man Singh in the later year of the 16th century. The well proportioned Mohan Bari or Kesar Kyari in the centre of the Mootha lake and the Dilaram Bagh at its north end provide a spectacular view from the palaces above.

B M Birla Planetarium: Equipped with modern computerized projection system, the planetarium offers unique audio-visual educational entertainment. A Science Museum is also a part of this one of the most modern planetarium in India. Birla Planetarium

Galtaji: Beyond the gardens amidst the low hills guarding the city lies the old pilgrim centre of Galtaji. Temples, pavilions and holy kunds ( natural springs and reservoirs ) do the serene green landscape. The small temple of the Sun God, built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the highest peak, is visible from all parts of the city.

Laxmi Narayan Temple: In the southern horizon is a privately owned hilltop fort of Moti Doongari shaped like a scotish castle. At the foot of the hill, Laxmi Narayan Temple, beautifully built in sparking white marble, is located.

Nahargarh Fort: Beyond the hills of Jaigarh stand the Fort of Nahargarh like a watchful sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh's beautiful city. Much of the original structures are now in ruins, but the lovely building added by sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II still survive.

Sargasuli: Also known as Isar Lat, this tower was erected in the mid-18th century by Maharaja Ishwari Singh to commemorate a battle victory. Ironically, Ishwari Singh was ostracized for his love of a common girl, and he is the only Kachchawaha maharaja who has not been commemorated at Gaitore.The tower dominating the skyline on the western side of Tripolia Bazaar is the highest structure in Jaipur. Govind Devji Temple: In the central pavilion of the sprawling Jai Niwas Garden to the north of the Chandra Mahal is the spire less temple of Lord Krishna. the image in the form of Govind Devji, originally installed in a temple of Vrindavan, was reinstalled here by Sawai Jai Singh-II as his family deity. this is the most famous and popular temple in Pink City attracting devotees from all over the country. Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh: Along the road to Agra through a narrow garge in the southern eastern corner of the walled city, several landscaped gardens were constructed by the Kings and important courtiers in the 18th and 19th centuries. The largest and the most famous ia a garden built by sawai jai Singh II for his Sisodia queen-the Sisodai Rani Ka Bagh. It consists of tiered multilevel gardens with fountains, watercourses and painted pavillions. Jaigarh Fort: The western skyline is dominated by the extensive parkotas (walls), watch-towers and gateways of jaigarh. It is one of the few military structures of the mediaeval India preserved almost intact containing palaces, gardens, open and covered reservoirs, a granary, an armoury, a well-planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban - the largest in the country. Gaitore: Located off the Jaipur-Amber road, Gaitore is the final resting place for the maharajas of Jaipur. Set in a narrow valley, the cenotaphs of the former rulers consist of the somewhat typical chhatri or umbrella-shaped memorials. Of special mention is Jai Singh IT's chhatri because of the carvings that have been used to embellish it. Moti Doongri: A small palace, this is a replica of a Scottish castle, and perches on a hilltop. Once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son who was confined here, it was also for a while home to Maharani Gayatri Devi. Ram Niwas Bagh: A garden planned by Maharaja Ram Singh in the 19th century as a famine relief project, this extensive park consists of a zoo, aviary, herbarium museum and sports complex. An added attraction is Albert Hall, designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, a British architect who created palaces for many of the rulers of Rajasthan, and whose experiments with Indo Saracenic architecture combined elements of English and north- Indian architecture. Albert Hall is a museum and houses many curiosities. Vidyadharji ka Bagh: The exquisite, tiered garden laid for the private pleasure of the architect of the city, it has delicated pavilions bordered by water channels, and a larger pavilion overlooking the whole complex. Located at Ghat Ki Guni, it is now let out for private picnics.

Excursions:
Sanganer 12 km on Tonk Road. It has beautiful Jain temples and important craft industries besides the ruined palaces, broken city walls, triple gateway and a neglected Mughal garden. Large and small units of block and screen printers produce some of the finest hand printed textile in the country. Bagru 35 km south west on Ajmer road. The ground level fort is still in good shape. Its attraction is hand printed cloth industry. The designs are simpler here, the techniques less complicated and the colours of more earthly shades. Ramgarh Lake 32 km north-east. It is famous for its huge artificial lake created by constructing a high bund amidst tree covered hills where the citizens throng in a large number for picnic during the rainy season. The temple of Jamwa Mata and the ruins of the old fort still reminds of its hoary antiquity. Samod 40 km north-west. The old palace renovated and rebuilt provides the most gorgeously decorated and painted examples of Rajput haveli architecture. It provides an ideal spot for outing. Bairath 86 km on the Shahpura-Alwar road. It contains the relics and structures of Mauranyas, Mugahl and Rajput periods. The excavated remains of a circular Buddhist temple, unique in Rajasthan and the earliest structural temple in India, make it an important historical place. Akabar the great, constructed a mint and his son Jahangir a beautiful Mughal garden and a remarkable monument with painted chatris and walls. Abhaneri 128 km north-east off the Agra road near Bandikui. It is famous for the temple of Harshad Mata built in 7th-8th century and the stepped Chanda Baodi. Two Jain temples were built at a later period. Sambhar 94 km west. It is famous for the country's largest inland salt lake. It is also known for holy Devayani tank, beautiful Shakambhari Devi temple, the palace and the nearby Naliasar. Sambhar lake is also famous for the illusion of water ( mirage ) during noon times.