The Manali Experience
- Part 1 -

Prof E Bijoykumar Singh *

The Indian Tourism and Hospitality Congress (ITHC) organised the 7th International Tourism Conference on the theme "Inclusive growth and Sustainable Development: Agenda for Tourism and Hospitality Industry" during 6-8 February 2015 at Manali, Himachal Pradesh. ITHC has been organising national and international seminars every year.

After Bali in Indonesia last year it will be Nepal this year. Himachal Pradesh means land in the lap of Himalayas. It was named by Acharya Diwakar Datt Sharma, one of the great Sanskrit scholars of Himachal Pradesh.The economy of the state is highly dependent on three sources: hydroelectric power, tourism and agriculture.

According to a 2005 Transparency International survey, Himachal Pradesh was ranked the second-least corrupt state in the country after Kerala. Dr M Binota Devi of Imphal College is the key organiser from the Northeast and is instrumental in popularising this movement among the academicians in the region.

Manali is a hill station nestled in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh near the northern end of the Kullu Valley, at an altitude of 2,050 m in the Beas River valley with a population of around 10,000. It is located in the Kullu district, about 270 km north of the state capital, Shimla. It is the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh.

The word Manali is said to have been derived from "Manu-Alaya" which literally means "the abode of Manu", the Hindu law giver. The British introduced apple trees and trout. To this day, apple—along with plum and pear—remain the major source of income for the majority of inhabitants. It has become a tourist attraction in recent years..Tourism in Manali received a boost after the rise of militancy in Kashmir in the late 1980s.

This once quiet village was transformed into a bustling town with many hotels and restaurants. This is what tourism is capable of doing. The nearest airport Bhuntar Airport, also known as Kullu-Manali airport, is at Bhuntar town, situated on NH21 about 50 km south of Manali and 10 km south of Kullu town.

We left Delhi around 7 pm on February 5 from a depot near Majnu ka tilla, which has a large Tibetan population in a Volvo bus reserved by ITHC. It used to be a quiet place in the 1970s when I was in Delhi University. Today, like any other place, it is very noisy and crowded. It is houses after houses. We waited for everyone using all types of ruse and no one was left behind.

The tension of waiting disappeared as soon as the bus started for Manali. The total distance from Delhi to Manali is 533 km which was covered in 12 hours. We checked in Morpheus Valley Resorts , a resort in Manali located at Raison, 17 kms before the Mall Road away from the hustle and bustle of the market at around 8 am the next day.

We were also greeted with a view of the snowy heights of the Himalayas. The Resort is a boon for the tourists who need their holidays in peaceful location and who really want to enjoy the natural beauty of Kullu-Manali. It is located on the bank of river Beas .The resort is spread over 28 Bighas of land with huge lawns where one can enjoy all adventure activities. It has 26 River view Cottages (Luxury and Super Luxury) and Swiss Tents and that is why it is also known as camping site .

Adventure and In house activities at Morpheus Valley Resorts are as follows: river Crossing, rock Climbing, basket ball, Volleyball, river pool, badminton, nature Walks, rafting at Kullu, Village Tour, bonfire and Music, DJ Arrangement for groups, Cricket, Skating for kids, , Orchard Picnics, Indoor Games & Library.

We did not have any time for rest as the inaugural session was waiting. The inaugural session started on 6 Feb. at around 10-30 am with Major Vijay Singh Mankotia, Vice Chairman, Himachal Tourism development Board as the chief guest. He was very passionate about tourism in Himachal Pradesh and a highly respected ex-serviceman and politician.

The keynote address was given by Prof Asad Mosin, Victoria University of Wellington, Newzealand. He appealed to the delegates to come up with high quality research in tourism. In the inaugural session Prof Sandeep Kulshrestha, President,ITHC wished productive deliberations and also the opportunity for exploring Manali, the valley of Gods, as leisurely as possible. Both were wonderfully realised by the teamwork of the organisers-volunteers of ITHC and the Himalayan vagabond.

We rose early the next day to relish the beauty of the Beas meandering along our resort. Luckily it was a sunny morning. The Beas is a snow fed river and its flow becomes larger in the night. There was wire netting all along as precaution against any mishap. A few months ago, 24 engineering students had lost their lives when water from a dam on the Beas was released suddenly. After breakfast we again sat down for the academic sessions.

It was followed by the valedictory session when the best paper presenter was announced. Every paper presenter was also honoured with a certificate, a kullu cap and a memento with one's name inscribed on it. How thoughtful of the organisers!

After lunch, our destination was Solang valley. Solang Nala also known as Solang valley, derives its name from a combination of words Solang (Nearby village) and Nala (water stream). It is a valley at the top of the Kullu valley, 14 km northwest of the resort town Manali on the way to Rohtang Pass and is known for its summer and winter sport conditions.

The sports most commonly offered are parachuting, paragliding, skating and Zorbing. Hill slopes of Solang Valley provide its reputation as a popular ski resort. A few ski agencies offering courses and equipment reside here and operate during winters.

Snow melts during the summer months starting May and skiing is then replaced by zorbing (a giant ball with room for 2 people which is rolled down a 200 metre hill slope), paragliding, parachuting and horse riding.

A ropeway was recently opened. Going to the summit can be possible by ATVs, Ropeway or Climbing (Trekking).

To be continued .. .