Things you can enjoy with Camp Exotica


image Rafting or Whitewater Rafting Is a challenging recreational activity using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on whitewater or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers   image

Paragliding It is a recreational flying sport. A paraglider is a free-flying, foot-launched aircraft. The pilot sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing, whose shape is formed by its suspension lines and the pressure of air entering vents in the front of the wing.

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Zorbing The activity of zorbing is the recreational practice of humans rolling downhill in a sphere, generally made of transparent plastic. Sphereing is generally performed on a gentle slope, but can also be done on a level surface

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Rock climbing Rock climbing is a sport in which participants climb up or across natural rock formations or man-made rock walls. The goal is to reach the summit of a formation or the endpoint of a pre-defined route. Use of hands to support the climber's weight as well as to provide balance.

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Trekking It tends to be less-structured than other sort of travel, as weather conditions and topography help influence travel plans. Travelers move on foot through often-rural areas, trekking gives travelers an up-close view of incredible scenery

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Cycling You must be a very good biker, the high passes are not technical unpretending. The road is to 80% paved and the distances are not too long. A support car carries your luggage, so you can enjoy the great Himalayan range at the best views.

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Snow scooters A very popular leisure vehicle when people want small or long ride. After taking ride of snowboard, one can find himself in a magnificent nature filled with experiences and adventures. You may either drive snow scooter with an experienced snow scooter driver or drive yourself together with a guide

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Skiing in Manali Is considered as one of the best activities for adventure sports on tours to Manali. A visit to this beautiful hill town of Himachal Pradesh offers fabulous opportunity for skiing, heli skiing, snow boarding, ice skating, and other ice sports. These activities can be enjoyed not only by professionals but also for beginners.

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Hot Air Ballooning In Manali Is latest trend that's gaining interest between visitors, specially newly weds and kids. Riding up above in air suddenly lifts the energy levels to excitement and makes a perfect adventure sport in Manali. Hot air balloons in Manali are organised safely near wide open spaces.

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Fishing in Manali There are several sites along River Beas and its tributaries that have plentiful trout fish. These are Kalath, Katrain, Raison and Seobagh. The 35 km long stretch along River Parbati is known for its fantastic size of trout. Larji to Ropa in Sainj Nullah are idyllic trout fishing sites. River Tirthan offers you trout angling at numerous spots.

Places to visit in and near by Manali


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Hidimba Devi Temple

The Indian epic Mahabharata narrates that Pāndavas stayed in Himachal during their exile. In Manali, a powerful (demon), Hidimb, attacked them, and in the ensuing fight, Bhima, the strongest Pandav, killed him. Bhima and Hidimb's sister, Hidimba, then got married and had a son, Ghatotkacha, who later proved to be a great warrior in the war against Kauravas. When Bhima and his brothers returned from exile, Hidimba did not accompany him, but stayed back and did a combination of meditation, prayer, and penance so as to eventually attain the status of a goddess.

The temple is also known for a fair held every year in Hindi month of Sravan in the memory of Raja Bahadur Singh, who built the temple. The fair is popularly known as Bahadur Singh Re Jatar among locals. There is another fair too which is held on 14th May each year in the celebration of birthday of Hadimba Devi. Women around and from Dhungri forest come and celebrates this fair with music and dance.

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Manu Temple Manali

The Manalsu River flows right next to the Hadimba Temple and on the opposite bank lies the old village of Manali, also known as the original Manali. It is here that you will find the Manu Temple. The Manu Temple is situated only 3 km away from the main bazaar and is said to be the only temple dedicated to the Sage Manu in India. Manu is said to be the creator of the human race and in fact Manali gets its name from Manu Alava, meaning the home of Manu.

You can opt to take a scenic walk up the hill to the temple, it takes about half an hour is well worth the effort. In fact, on the sixth day of Phagun, a huge fair dedicated to Manu Maharaj is held called Phagi and is open to all. Some sources say that the temple marks the spot where Manu Maharaj first placed his foot while getting off the boat that carried him during the world-destroying flood. Others say this is where he mediated. Either way, it's a special spot and shouldn't be missed on your holiday.

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Vashisht Temple Manali

Across River Beas, about three kilometres from Manali at an altitude of 2,100 metres is the village Vashisht. It has a 4,000-year-old temple dedicated to sage Vashisht. Legend has it that Rishi Vashisht felt most hurt and sad when he learnt that all his sons were killed by Viswamitra.

One day, tied with ropes, he flung himself down into the river. But the divine river did not allow him to get drowned. The Rishi resumed his meditation at a place where village Vashisht stands today. The river assumed the name of Vipasha meaning liberator from the bondage. Vipasha, later came to be called Beas.

The temple is also famous for its hot sulphur springs. According to legend, Lakshmana who visited this ashram of Vashisht found that his guru had to go far off for his bath. He shot an arrow at this place and water sprang out. Shower-fitted Turkish style bathrooms have made the spring a popular spot. It is believed to have been built by King Janamejaya, in memory of Raja Parikshit, his father.

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Manikaran

Manikaran is an extremely sacred place for the Sikh population of the country since it is believed that Guru Nanak Dev paid a visit here. The record of this can be found in the Janam Sakhi or the Twarikh Guru Khalsa (by Giani Gian). There is a mention that along with his disciple Bhai Mardana, Guru Nanak came down to this place after visiting Kalanaur, Gurdaspur, Dasuya, Triloknath, Palampur, Kangra, Mandi, Chamba and Kulu and Bijli Mahadev.

The Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara is very renowned because of its association with Guru Nanak. Devotees to this Gurudwara can take a holy dip in the hot water emanating from the springs. Out of three baths, one is situated below the Gurudwara itself. There are separate arrangement for men and women. Quiet close by is the Langar Hall (Community Kitchen) where free food are served.

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Temple of Ramchandra and Shiva

This is perhaps the most important temple of Manikaran. The temple was constructed by Raja Jagat Singh in the 17th century. Though there is no historical evidence backing, still the idol of Shri Ram installed here is believed to have been brought straight from Ayodhya. An idol of Rama's younger brother, Laksmana was also supposed to be there. An idol of Goddess Sita accompanies that of Lord Rama. The temple was renovated by Raja Dilip Singh in the year 1889. Though the history of the temple is inscribed in a stone of walls, yet nothing is visible. Today, the temple is being looked after by a trust. A lungar is organised to distribute food to the devotees

This temple is hugely revered as it belongs to Lord Shiva. However, an earthquake in the 1905 caused a bit of damage to the temple and it got slightly tilted. The importance of Manikaran is also judged from the fact that devtas of Kullu valley pay regular visit to this place on specified date.

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Tibetan Monastery

It is famous for Tibetan handicrafts, which are created by the residents and the immigrants from Tibet. The most popular of the items are carpets, which come in mind-blowing designs. A range of gilded images of Lord Buddha and remarkable tankha paintings can be found in the premises. The Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa in Manali was constructed in the year 1969. The architecture of the monastery represents the Tibetan style of architecture designed with hued frescoes. The statue of the Lord Buddha presides in the monastery.

The Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa is situated near the market place in Manali. The architecture of this monastery replicates a more modern style than the earlier one. Placed in the midst of sunflowers, the monastery glows at night with light bulbs lit to lighten it up. The huge gold faced statue of Lord Buddha presides over the monastery.

The aromatic fragrance of the Tibetan incense sticks that are lit in the Tibetan Monasteries of Manali lays an enchanting charm on the tourists and lures them to visit the monastery again. The Tibetan monasteries at Manali are one of the chief Manali tourist attraction and features chiefly as an important pilgrim itinerary on a tour of Manali.

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Jagatsukh Manali

Jagatsukh, the erstwhile capital of Kullu, is one of the biggest villages in Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh. This beautiful hamlet is dotted with numerous old temples. Jagatsukh is 6 km south of Manali. Major point of attraction is an ancient Shiva Temple, built in Shikhara style. Other tourist interests include the small shrine of Gaurishankar and the chalet-roofed temple dedicated to Goddess Sandhya Devi. Sharvali Devi Temple, in the nearby village Shooru, is worth visiting.

Jagatsukh Shiva Temple is a Shikhara style shrine situated at Jagatsukh, which is 6 km from Manali, in Himachal Pradesh.Built around the early 8th century, it has a tri-ratha sanctum roofed by a Shikhara. The temple is of similar architecture as that of the Naresar group of temples.

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Naggar

( 1,760 metres ) 25 km. Naggar was the capital of the Kullu Rajas for about 1,400 years.The gallery housing the paintings of that Russian saint – cum – philosopher –cum –artist Nicholas Roerich is nearby and is a must in any itinerary to Naggar. It is also known for its castle and the Nicholas Roerich's Museum.

On the left bank of the river Beas and about three hundred metres above the river, Naggar is delightfully situated on the wooded slope and commands an extensive view, especially of the North-West of the valley. There are a large number of famous temples in and around Naggar and an excellent place for a longer stay.

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Chandra Taal

Chandra Taal (meaning the Lake of the Moon), or Chandra Tal, is situated at an altitude of about 4,300 metres (14,100 ft) in the Himalayas. Mountains of scree overlook the lake on one side, and a magnificent cirque presents a view on the other. The name of the lake originates from its crescent shape. Situated in the Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh (India), Chandra Taal is a popular destination for trekkers and campers. The lake is accessible on foot only for few months in a year, from May to August. A vast meadows, is the camping site on the banks of the enchanting lake. During springtime, it is carpeted with hundreds of kinds of wild flowers.

A clear stream of water flows out of the lake. During the day, the lake appears prussian blue in color, and a greenish tinge appears towards the evening. The lake is situated on a plateau (Samudra Tapu) overlooking the Chandra River which originates from a glacier near Bara-lacha-la.

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Khoksar

Khoksar, situated on the right bank of the Chandra River, is a small village and is the gateway to Lahaul. It is an avalanche-prone area, and is surrounded by high mountains. Formerly, Khoksar was a trade route to the West Asia. The region is covered with snow during winters, and is the coldest inhabited place in the Lahaul valley. The rivers are freezed and piled with snow affording regular channel for both human beings and animals.

During summers, Khoksar's fields are filled with alpine flowers, potatoes and numerous water channels. The herds of sheep and goats grazing on the pastures provide a spectacular view.

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Rahala Waterfalls

Rahala Waterfalls is a picture perfect getaway characterized by deodar forests, silver birch trees, a clear blue sky and fresh mountain air. This natural spectacle formed from the trickling of precipitous rocks and melting glaciers, is at the starting point of the climb to snow-covered Rohtang Pass. The sight of water tumbling down from a height of 2,501 meters (8337 feet), with the frosty pinnacles of the Himalayas in the backdrop leaves you breathless.

The surrounding area is ideal for a stroll and offers numerous photographic opportunities. Capture the waterfall from different perspectives, walk bare feet on the dewy grass, breathe in the cool mountain air, and maybe trek just beyond the waterfall to catch a glimpse of the enormous white glacier of Rohtang Pass. The sound of cascading water, the sprawling greenery and the magnificent Himalayan backdrop make the place truly enchanting.

About 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Manali, it is worth taking a nature and sightseeing tour to Rahala Waterfalls.

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Rohtang La pass

If you want to feel the touch of snow even in scorching summers, the take up Rohtang pass tourism in Himachal Pradesh. This is one of the highest mountain passes in the world that is located at a convenient distance of 51 KM from Manali. Connecting Kullu valley with Lahaul and Spiti valleys of Himachal Pradesh, this pass is open from the months of May to November. Located at a height of 3978 m, this pass acts as a cultural bridge to the upper Himalayas that have a strong Buddhist influence from the middle Himalaya, that primarily has a Hindu culture.

Take a trip to Himachal Pradesh's Rohtang pass to enjoy the best of nature and culture. Though this pass has earned the title of being a little obnoxious and dangerous due to its unpredictable snowstorms and high winds, every tourist yearns to visit Rohtang pass in Himachal Pradesh. Rohtang pass is considered as the world's highest jeep able road.

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Solang Nala - Valley

Solang Nala (Valley) drives its name from combination of words Solang (Nearby village) and Nullah (water streams from mountains).It is a side valley at the top of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India 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 sport's most commonly offered are parachuting, paragliding, skating and zorbing.

Giant slopes of lawn comprise Solang Valley and provide it its reputation as a popular ski resort. A few ski agencies offering courses and equipment reside here and operate only during winters. Snow melts during the summer months and skiing is then replaced by zorbing (a giant ball with room for 2 people which is rolled down a 200 meter hill), paragliding, parachuting and horse riding. A ropeway was recently opened.

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Gulaba picnic spot in Manali

Gulaba is a picturesque spot situated in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh. It is about 20 km from Manali on the way to Rothang Pass. The zigzag roads and the beautiful flower beds covering the hill slopes provide stunning views.

Gulaba is also a fine destination for skiing. Bhrigu Lake is only 6 km from Gulaba.

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Lahaul and Spiti valley

At an altitude of 6500 m, Lahaul and Spiti valley are two of the most remote valleys in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The two are located on the Indo - Tibet border and have an undeniable charm. Lahaul has high mountains and giant glaciers. Spiti is closer to the Tibet border and is known by various other names - 'middle country', 'World within a world' and 'Palace where the gods live'.