Of all the things that I love to
do, traveling tops the list. The joy of traveling through new roads that lead
to new destinations, the excitement of trying new cuisines that you have only
read about before and coming across local people and understanding their
culture is an experience that I truly cherish.
However, my thirst for traveling
can’t always be quenched and it is at times like these that I turn to the only
thing that comes close to console me. Travel photographs. Being fairly well
traveled, I have had the opportunity to carefully store in my camera many a
memory from varied places in the form of photographs.
However, the little town of
Manali (now a bustling tourist spot) does hold a special place in my heart. It
honestly does not require much skill to click some beautiful pictures of this
place, even if you’re an amateur, given how picturesque the place is.
If you love photography, this is
place is sure to appeal to your senses of all that is beautiful and aesthetic.
Here are a few reasons why I think Manali (Himachal Pradesh) is a haven for nature photographers:
1- Sunlight’s Play with Mountain
Tops
Nestled in the
Kullu Valley,
this little town is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges. Needless to
say, when the sun peaks through the mountains and casts its golden spell on the
world as it rises, your camera or you need little to do to make it a perfect
shot. Similarly, sunset guarantees an orange-y delight where the silhouette of
the mountains lines a marmalade sky.
2- The Moody Beas
The heart and essence of Manali
probably lie in this river that has its origins in the Himalayas. The Beas
River that runs through Manali is mesmerizing, capable of holding your
attention for hours. When you’re done sitting by it, following it through its
ups and downs, through its calmness and rage, bring out your camera to hold the
moment forever. The Beas, rhythmically flowing over a pebbly riverbed, flanked
by the lush green of the pine forests that surrounds it, is a treat for the
eyes and the lens. If you make your way to Pandoh Dam, you can capture the Beas
gushing out in all its strength and glory!
3- The Wonderous Waterfalls
Manali is blessed with many
scenic waterfalls, some of them being the Jogini, Jana, Rahala and Rozy Falls.
As a photography enthusiast, you are hence spoilt for choice. Though the rapid
and maddening flow of a fall is best experienced in person, they also become
very interesting subjects for a photo. Personally, I loved the contrast of the
foamy white water against its black rocky background, with a soothing layer of
faunal green with it.
4- Fluttering Flags at the
Monastery
Those stressed-out with the
chaos and humdrum of a city life can get an opportunity to calm them down and
feel a sense of peace while visiting some of the
famous monasteries Himachal in Manali.
Owing to the considerable Tibetan population that Manali has, it is home to some
important Tibetan monasteries such as the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa and the
Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa. The sight of the colorful Tibetan prayer flags
fluttering in the cold mountain air, against the astounding white backdrop of
the snowy mountains has been and will continue to be a favorite shot among
travel photographers. Not only does it speak strongly of the cultural ethos of
the place but also paints a beautiful picture of contrast.
Visit these monasteries to
capture the distinct architectural styles of Tibet, mighty Buddha statues, the
intriguing prayer wheels and various indigenous handicraft items that are sold
near the monasteries. The Himalayan Nyingamapa monastery can also be captured
in the darkness of the night, illuminated only by tiny light bulbs.
5- Postcard Towns and Quaint
Villages
Though the peace and quiet of
Manali has suffered a serious setback owing to its raging popularity with
tourists, you and your camera can wander off a bit and discover the quaint
little villages of Gulaba and Kothi that will probably turn every click of
yours into a postcard that you can send your friends. Gulaba is on the way to
Rohtang Pass and is surrounded by mountains wearing snowy hats all around it.
In fact, it has been a popular spot among many Bollywood films, if that’s
anything to go by. Kothi on the other hand, which is en-route Solang Valley is
like a dreamy ride through winding roads with little red houses on the side and
the magnificence of the Himalayas before.
6- All the Whites-Clouds and Ice
Depending on when you
visit in Himachal, there’s a chance that a lot of the pictures that you click will have a
substantial amount of ‘white’ in it. And a visit to the mountains is only every
bit worth it if they do. While the floating clouds and the enchanting mists
that characterize the mountainside plays some serious game of the hide and
seek, your pictures are only enhanced by the mystery of it all. I absolutely
loved the stories that my pictures told
half buried and half exposed a persistent enigma for its viewers. A
visit to the Rohtang Pass is must if you love snow/taking beautiful pictures or
both. Once you reach, you know your trip was worth it as you get a panoramic
view of the snow laden Himalayas, the calm flow of the Chandra and Beas below
and lastly, lots and lots of snow!
7- Abundance of Activities
and Energy
A key factor that contributes to
the popularity of Manali as a tourist place is the number of thrilling
activities and adventure sports that it offers. Solang Valley, one of the most
well-known places offering various fun-filled and adrenaline pumping options
for fun is a great place to visit, even if you just want to shutterbug your way
around the place. It’s beautiful when the myriad colors on a paraglider sail
through the azure sky, with the lush green of the valley staring from below and
the stoic mountains glaring before you.
No comments:
Post a Comment