Culture and history info

Manali is named after the Sanatan Hindu lawgiver Manu. The name Manali is regarded as the derivative of 'Manu-Alaya' which literally means 'the abode of Manu'. Legend has it that sage Manu stepped off his ark in Manali to recreate human life after a great flood had deluged the world. Manali lies in the North of Kullu Valley. The valley is often referred to as the 'Valley of the Gods'. Old Manali village has an ancient temple dedicated to sage Manu. According to the epic Manusmriti, the Sage Manu took the water of the river in his hands to take a bath, and he found that a small fish with water also came into his hands. This small fish sought protection from the Sage Manu. Sage Manu took this fish to the Ashram, but in whatever vessel he used to put it, suddenly it grew in size and the pot was inadequate. When Sage Manu put it in the river again, the size of the river also became smaller. Finally, Manu Rishi dumped it in the sea and he came to know that this fish is the Fish Incarnation (Matsya Avatar) of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu took this incarnation to warn Manu Rishi from the great flood. Manu Rishi preserved all the creatures of the earth during the water age by collecting it in the mouth of this Fish Incarnation.

The British introduced apple trees in the area. The first apple orchard was set up by the British near Patlikuhal, before this, no apple trees grew in the area. To this day, apple along with plum and pear remain the best source of income for the majority of inhabitants. Both Rainbow and Brown Trout was also introduced into the rivers and streams of the area by the colonisers. Apple cultivation in Manali was started in 1870 by Captain RC Lee, who was an officer in the British Army. He bought 33 acres of land in a village called Bandrol, about 18 km from Manali, near Patlikuhal. After this, his father sent apple, plum, pear and cherry plants from England and Captain RC Lee planted these plants on his farm.

With the increase in disposable incomes and somewhat owing to the rise of disturbances in Kahmir in the late 1980s, Manali witnessed a surge in tourist traffic. Manali is a safe paradise for tourists than Kashmir, where every beautiful view of nature is present which is often expected in Kashmir. This once quiet village was transformed into a bustling town with numerous homestays as well as the occasional boutique hotel. During the warmer summer months, cafes and restaurants can be seen doing brisk business.