Malana Villagekasol
Village Surrounded by Hills
Overview
Known as the village of taboos; villagers consider themselves descendants of Alexander the Great. All outsiders are considered untouchables.
What To Expect?
A unique social and cultural experience in one of the world's oldest democracies. Expect a steep trek to reach the village, traditional wooden and stone architecture, and a strict 'no-touch' policy for outsiders. The village is governed by its own council and the deity Jamlu Rishi, offering a starkly different lifestyle compared to the rest of India.
Tips
- Carry enough cash as the village has no ATMs and digital transactions are rare.
- Wear sturdy trekking boots with excellent grip for the steep and rocky path.
- Dress modestly and always ask for permission before taking photographs of the locals.
- Do not touch anything! If you accidentally touch a temple wall, you may be asked to pay a fine for 'purification' rituals.
- Carry your own water and a light jacket, as it can get chilly even in summer.
- Avoid staying overnight unless you have a confirmed homestay, as accommodation is limited and outsiders are often encouraged to leave by sunset.
Exploring Malana Village
More About Malana Village
Malana is an ancient Indian village in Himachal Pradesh, located at an altitude of 2,652 metres. It is world-renowned for its isolation and its unique 'Malana Cream'. The villagers hold themselves in high regard, claiming to be descendants of Greek soldiers from Alexander the Great's army.
The village has its own parliamentary system and judicial laws. Outsiders are considered 'untouchable' by the locals, meaning you cannot touch the residents, their walls, or their temples. Despite these strict customs, the village offers breathtaking views of the Deo Tibba and Chandrakhani peaks.
The Rules of Malana
The village has very strict social taboos. Visitors must walk on designated paths and are not allowed to touch any walls, temples, or people. If you wish to buy something from a local shop, you must place the money on the counter or a designated spot rather than handing it over directly.
Any violation of these rules can result in a heavy fine imposed by the village council. These laws are meant to protect the 'purity' of their race and the sanctity of their deity, Jamlu Rishi.
Exploring a destination...
The joy of travel comes in exploring new things. Planting your feet somewhere you’ve never been before brings with it the rush of discovery and the joy of pushing back on the boundaries of your world.
Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour’s are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren’t just “local” tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too
Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn’t normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn’t get to see otherwise.
Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what’s going on locally.
How to reach Malana Village
Malana is about 21 km from Kasol. You can take a taxi to the Malana Gate (near Jari), followed by a steep 1.5 to 2-hour trek to reach the village.
Tips for Visiting Malana Village, kasol
- Carry enough cash as the village has no ATMs and digital transactions are rare.
- Wear sturdy trekking boots with excellent grip for the steep and rocky path.
- Dress modestly and always ask for permission before taking photographs of the locals.
- Do not touch anything! If you accidentally touch a temple wall, you may be asked to pay a fine for 'purification' rituals.
- Carry your own water and a light jacket, as it can get chilly even in summer.
- Avoid staying overnight unless you have a confirmed homestay, as accommodation is limited and outsiders are often encouraged to leave by sunset.
