IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
After a rough flight on one of the smallest aircrafts – the remains of a second World War fleet – I finally landed
at the Bhuntar airport; Manali is a mere two-hour drive from here. I was soon on my way to the Queen of Hills in a cab. En route to Manali are various handicrafts shops, as well as the Hanogi Mata temple where every traveller stops to pay respects, and I followed suit. The entire stretch was dotted with small hamlets, eateries and vistas of terraced farming on the mountain slopes. After a 50 km drive, we arrived at a bridge, signalling my entry into Manali. Hundreds of birds chirped happily as the vehicle drove past the red bridge over a hurrying Beas splashing against thousands of rocks. I was trying to make friends with the mountains when I was informed of our arrival at the hotel.
A quick shower later, I was out and about. The valley had weed growing all over, which explains the growing hippie population in the town. Trekking through the tough terrain all by myself, I could soon feel my tummy seeking some digestible company. With a little help from the locals, I headed out in the direction of the nearest eatery, and sipped on hot coffee amidst snow clad mountains – it was pure bliss. A man sitting at an adjacent table perhaps realised how smitten I was with my surroundings, and chose to remind me, in his thick Pahari accent, “Switzerland in India, this.” The world-weary grey on his head suggested he knew what he was talking about. After exchanging notes of courtesy, I headed to the Hadimba temple. The temple with its four-tiered pagoda roof and impressive architecture is tough to miss.
Next on my itinerary was the Vashisht temple in Old Manali. In Vashisht, traditional houses stood interspersed with newer dwellings; the unhurried small town is a stopover duly recommended. Set at a distance of about 22 kms from the Mall Road is the Naggar castle, attributed with a construction that has withstood many an earthquake. The art lovers could spend quality time at the Roerich Art Gallery, housing works by Nicholas Roerich.
Across Kullu and atop a hill crest is yet another famous temple of Bijli Mahadev. Legend has it that the stone lingam (Lord Shiva’s phallic symbol) in the temple is occasionally shattered by lightning. The priests of the temple then use pure butter as an adhesive to reset the structure.
It was probably part divine benediction and part timing that landed me in Rohtang Pass at that time of the year when it was open to visitors. The road to the Pass is all about steep and sharp turns, but the journey is as rewarding as it is tiring. Pit stop at Marhi, the last human settlement before Rohtang Pass, treats you to the sight of Beas at its calmest flow. Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 4311m, was covered with sheets of snow till where the eyes could see; the air was thick and moist and the sun felt a little too close. From Rohtang Pass – the place bursting at the seams with tourists – I legged it to Rohla Falls where the fluid vigour of the Beas was for all to witness once again.
Manali is a year round magnet for backpackers and nature junkies, but despite its tourist trappings, there’s plenty of space to lose yourself in, as also to find yourself.
DESTINATION DOSSIER
STEERING THE COURSE
Hop on a Volvo or take a car ride from the capital. You may also consider a flight till Bhuntar, but at your own risk; there are many delays and cancellations.
COSY CORNERS
The Ambassador Hotel is invariably the top choice for those seeking a luxurious stay. The Manali Inn offers a cozy stay too, with great service and 24 hour entertainment within the hotel.
THE ‘SEASON’ED TRAVELLER GOES NOW
Summers are good, though everybody and his brother is in town too. One could also consider a visit during winters, but at the peril of having your plans altered by landslides and snowfall.
‘SAVOUR’ FAIRE
The local cuisine is rich in dairy. Do try momos and thukpas off the street. The German Bakery deserves a visit.
GET TO WORK
State tourism buses start from various junctions on Mall Road; hop on and let them show you around. You could also hire a cab or trek your way around with some local advice.
WHAT’S THE WORD
The locals understand Hindi and are happy to converse in it. But when they talk in a language that sounds Greek, it actually is Pahari.
KEEPSAKE COURTESIES
Kullu shawls and apples are two items tourists want to stuff their bags with. Do pick pine cones from the roadside.
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri - A Man For The Society....
Arindam Chaudhuri: We need Hazare's leadership
Run after passion and not money, says Arindam Chaudhuri
IIPM BBA MBA B-School: Rabindranath Tagore Peace Prize To Irom Chanu Sharmila
GIDF Club of IIPM Lucknow Organizes Blood Donation Camp
Award Conferred To Irom Chanu Sharmila By IIPM
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm - Planman Consulting
IIPM Lucknow – News article in Economic Times and Times of India
After a rough flight on one of the smallest aircrafts – the remains of a second World War fleet – I finally landed
at the Bhuntar airport; Manali is a mere two-hour drive from here. I was soon on my way to the Queen of Hills in a cab. En route to Manali are various handicrafts shops, as well as the Hanogi Mata temple where every traveller stops to pay respects, and I followed suit. The entire stretch was dotted with small hamlets, eateries and vistas of terraced farming on the mountain slopes. After a 50 km drive, we arrived at a bridge, signalling my entry into Manali. Hundreds of birds chirped happily as the vehicle drove past the red bridge over a hurrying Beas splashing against thousands of rocks. I was trying to make friends with the mountains when I was informed of our arrival at the hotel.A quick shower later, I was out and about. The valley had weed growing all over, which explains the growing hippie population in the town. Trekking through the tough terrain all by myself, I could soon feel my tummy seeking some digestible company. With a little help from the locals, I headed out in the direction of the nearest eatery, and sipped on hot coffee amidst snow clad mountains – it was pure bliss. A man sitting at an adjacent table perhaps realised how smitten I was with my surroundings, and chose to remind me, in his thick Pahari accent, “Switzerland in India, this.” The world-weary grey on his head suggested he knew what he was talking about. After exchanging notes of courtesy, I headed to the Hadimba temple. The temple with its four-tiered pagoda roof and impressive architecture is tough to miss.
Next on my itinerary was the Vashisht temple in Old Manali. In Vashisht, traditional houses stood interspersed with newer dwellings; the unhurried small town is a stopover duly recommended. Set at a distance of about 22 kms from the Mall Road is the Naggar castle, attributed with a construction that has withstood many an earthquake. The art lovers could spend quality time at the Roerich Art Gallery, housing works by Nicholas Roerich.
Across Kullu and atop a hill crest is yet another famous temple of Bijli Mahadev. Legend has it that the stone lingam (Lord Shiva’s phallic symbol) in the temple is occasionally shattered by lightning. The priests of the temple then use pure butter as an adhesive to reset the structure.
It was probably part divine benediction and part timing that landed me in Rohtang Pass at that time of the year when it was open to visitors. The road to the Pass is all about steep and sharp turns, but the journey is as rewarding as it is tiring. Pit stop at Marhi, the last human settlement before Rohtang Pass, treats you to the sight of Beas at its calmest flow. Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 4311m, was covered with sheets of snow till where the eyes could see; the air was thick and moist and the sun felt a little too close. From Rohtang Pass – the place bursting at the seams with tourists – I legged it to Rohla Falls where the fluid vigour of the Beas was for all to witness once again.
Manali is a year round magnet for backpackers and nature junkies, but despite its tourist trappings, there’s plenty of space to lose yourself in, as also to find yourself.
DESTINATION DOSSIER
STEERING THE COURSE
Hop on a Volvo or take a car ride from the capital. You may also consider a flight till Bhuntar, but at your own risk; there are many delays and cancellations.
COSY CORNERS
The Ambassador Hotel is invariably the top choice for those seeking a luxurious stay. The Manali Inn offers a cozy stay too, with great service and 24 hour entertainment within the hotel.
THE ‘SEASON’ED TRAVELLER GOES NOW
Summers are good, though everybody and his brother is in town too. One could also consider a visit during winters, but at the peril of having your plans altered by landslides and snowfall.
‘SAVOUR’ FAIRE
The local cuisine is rich in dairy. Do try momos and thukpas off the street. The German Bakery deserves a visit.
GET TO WORK
State tourism buses start from various junctions on Mall Road; hop on and let them show you around. You could also hire a cab or trek your way around with some local advice.
WHAT’S THE WORD
The locals understand Hindi and are happy to converse in it. But when they talk in a language that sounds Greek, it actually is Pahari.
KEEPSAKE COURTESIES
Kullu shawls and apples are two items tourists want to stuff their bags with. Do pick pine cones from the roadside.
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri - A Man For The Society....
Arindam Chaudhuri: We need Hazare's leadership
Run after passion and not money, says Arindam Chaudhuri
IIPM BBA MBA B-School: Rabindranath Tagore Peace Prize To Irom Chanu Sharmila
GIDF Club of IIPM Lucknow Organizes Blood Donation Camp
Award Conferred To Irom Chanu Sharmila By IIPM
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm - Planman Consulting
IIPM Lucknow – News article in Economic Times and Times of India
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