Manali is a resort town nestled in the mountains of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh near the northern end of the KulluValley in the Beas River Valley. It is located in the Kullu district, about 270 km (168 mi) north of the state capital, Shimla, 309 km (192 miles) northeast of Chandigarh and 544 km (338 miles) northeast of Delhi, the federal capital. The small town, with a population of 8,096,is the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh and from there over the Karakoram Pass on to Yarkand and Khotan in the Tarim Basin. It is a popular tourist destination and serves as the gateway to Lahaul and Spiti district as well as Leh.Manali is named after the Sanatan Hindulawgiver 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.The British introduced apple trees in the area. The first apple orchard was set up by the British near Patlikuhl, 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 Troutwas also introduced into the rivers and streams of the area by the colonisers.

Great view