Nestled in the scenic Parvati Valley, Manikaran Hot Springs is a town in Himachal Pradesh, India, famous for its natural hot springs and pilgrimage sites. Located at an altitude of 1760 meters, the hot water springs in Manikaran are considered sacred by both Hindus and Sikhs.
Legend has it that Lord Shiva and Parvati spent 1100 years here, while another legend associated with the Sikhs states that Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, visited Manikaran in the 16th century. When he wanted to cook langar (community meal) for the underprivileged, there was no firewood. He prayed and a hot spring emerged, allowing him to cook the food.
There are several hot water springs in Manikaran, with temperatures ranging from 64 to 80°C. The water is believed to have therapeutic properties and is said to be beneficial for rheumatism and arthritis. While bathing in the springs is not recommended due to the high temperatures, people dip their feet in the water or use it to cook pulses like rice and dal.
Manikaran is also home to a beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama and a Sikh Gurudwara, the Manikaran Sahib. The Gurudwara has a langar kitchen that serves free vegetarian meals to all visitors.
Here are some additional things to do in Manikaran:
- Visit the nearby villages of Kasol and Tosh
- Hike in the Parvati Valley
- Go trout fishing in the Parvati River
- Shop for local handicrafts
Manikaran is a popular destination for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of guesthouses and homestays in the town. The best time to visit Manikaran is from March to June and September to November. The weather is pleasant during these months, and the crowds are smaller.
Here's how to reach Manikaran:
- The nearest airport is Kullu Manali Airport (Bhuntar) (45 km). Taxis are readily available from the airport to Manikaran.
- The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar (127 km). From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Manikaran.
- Manikaran is well connected by road to other parts of Himachal Pradesh and North India.