Madhar

Manali


This squat, striped tower house with wraparound carved balcony is one of the most appealingly antiquated buildings in Old Manali, but hurry to see it as plans are afoot to demolish the current version and rebuild a 'bigger and better' one along the lines of Vashisht Mandir.

Not open to visitors, the madhar is 'home' to the spirit of goddess Hadimba and saint Manu RIshi, somehow merged in nine-fold mask-images that are only taken out for festivals and blessings.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Manali attractions

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2. HPTDC Club House

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Himachal Tourism's amusingly low-tech leisure and games centre beside the Manalsu Nala stream includes swan-shaped pedal-boats, a little haunted house and…

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A useful landmark on the way out of town on the Lama Dugh hike.

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A landmark on the hike to Lama Dugh: take the path heading uphill from here.

5. Hadimba Mandir

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This much-revered wood-and-stone temple, constructed in 1553, has a three-tier pagoda-style roof plus conical top. The wooden doorway is richly carved…

6. Nature Park

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This woodland of magnificent towering deodars (cedars) offers the nicest walking route between the centre and Old Manali, though is not recommended for a…

7. Sacred Tree

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Gatothkach, the warrior son of the Pandava Bhima and his demon wife Hadimba, is worshipped in the form of a sacred tree 200m southwest of the Hadimba…

8. Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art

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This dusty little museum is worth the nominal entry fee if you're visiting the nearby Hadimba temple. Its most interesting feature is the case of models…

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