The literal meaning of Manali is “Home of Manu”. Manu is a mythical character. He is believed to have lived on when whole of the earth was drowned in flood. It is supposed that when the world was tormented with rain and all the land was covered by water, Manu first stepped off his extraterrestrial boat at Manali. He then recreated human life. It was Manali where the human race is believed to have started once again. Initially known as Manu-alaya or abode of Manu, the name was later changed to Manali. Whether this truly happened or not, Manali stayed a literally peaceful province. It was unknown to the outside world. Only recently with the new developments it came in the eyes of people. In the twentieth century Manali got the reputation of a wonderful tourist destination. The scintillating city is truly a tourist paradise.
