The name of the town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh

The name is said to come from "Manu-Alaya", which means "the abode of Manu". According to Hindu cosmology, Manu is believed to have stepped off his ark in Manali after a great flood to recreate human life. A legend says that Manu, the author of Manu Samhita, first stepped on earth from the celestial boat in Manali after the deluge and established his abode there.