North of Kullu is a beautiful spot, in the midst of pinewood with high mountains towering above it. Also known as the ‘queen of Hill Station’, Manali at an altitude of 2050 metres and 40 km from Kullu was twice the choice of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, when he choose to relax from the affairs of state and seek inspiration anew. Here he came in 1958 and stayed a month, then again in 1960 when he could only snatch 10 days of peace and quiet nine years later his daughter, Indira Gandhi, followed her father’s example, and also as Prime Minister, choose the same spot for a short holiday. Again Shri Atal Bihari Vajpai, present Prime Minister stayed in Manali in 1981 with his daughter at his beautiful residence for 7days. A veritable showpiece of nature with its unspoilt scenic beauty Manali can be made the headquarters of mountain holiday with hikes, plain climbs and picnics punctuated with sun-bathing, fishing and just plain lotus eating. There are many apple orchards and fruit gardens near the lovely town which are mainly planted by British settlers, one of the biggest ones being owned by Mr. Banon. Winding paths through forests and glades is the setting for the Dhungri wooden temple which stands concealed in forest of magnificent deodars. Legend has been woven around this temple as indeed, it is inextricable from the life of these cheerful people who over the centuries, have propitiated powerful mountain gods.