The best feelings are generated by contrasts, such as a warm bed on a cold morning.

This feeling is what Manikaran has to offer all those who visit this small town.  With the number of views and trekking paths that passes through, this small location offers tourists a brief respite from their weariness of road travel.  Not that traveling isn't pleasant, but rest after the travel is what makes the experience enjoyable.

History of Manikaran

This location, or to be more specific, the hot springs that are found in Manikaran can be tied back to both Hindu and Sikh religions.  The Sikhs consider the area as sacred because it is said that after the great flood that destroyed the earth, life was first brought back in this area.  It is also said that Guru Nanak Dev ji, the founder of Sikhism, visited this area with his friend Bhai Mardana.  Bhai Mardana was hungry and was given food by the local people, but had no fire to cook the food with.  Upon the orders of Guru Nanak, Bhai Mardana lifted a rock, and hot water flowed underneath it.  This water was so hot that they were able to cook with it.

The Hindus have an elaborate story as well involving lord Shiva and his wife Parvati.  During their travels, they rested in this location and the goddess lost her earrings.  The lord ordered all servants to search for the lost jewels, but nothing was found.  This made Shiva so angry that his third eye opened, and this caused much chaos to the universe.  Hoping to stop this, an appeal was sent to Sheshnag, the serpent god. The god in turn breathed out into the river, causing the river to boil and make all stones similar to the goddess’s earrings appears.  This made the couple very happy.

Tourism in Manikaran

The hot springs are a major attraction for all in Manikaran.  Known for its heat as well as its healing properties, people tour this city just to enjoy bathing in the water.  One has to be careful when doing this though as the water is known to be so hot, one can actually cook rice by just submerging the grains in the waters for a period of time.

Among the temples that are in Manikaran, the temple of lord Ramchandra is considered to be the most famous in terms of tourism.  It is said that this temple was brought from Ayodhya and installed in this area by Raka Kullu.  No historical documentation supports this, but some priests do affirm this.  Within the temple are the idols of lord Rama and the goddess Sita.  There was also one of Laksmana, but this has long been lost.

Of all temples in the different tours, one would always say that any temple belonging to lord Shiva would be intimidating.  This is true in this case, as there is also a temple for lord Shiva in this place.  It is still in good condition, though an earthquake in the early 1900s tilted the whole structure.  The devotees of lord Shiva who live in Kulu come here regularly in order to celebrate certain festivals.

With pleasant temperatures and awesome sights to see, Manikaran is the place to tour for those who seek adventures and new sights.