Manali has always been a haven for nature lovers. Although the bustling crowds have created problems due to overcrowding over the last few years, Manali still holds onto an old world charm. Known for it’s superior quality Hashish, Manali has always been the spot where a plethora of travelers from the west have come to. Although I can rant on and on about the places to eat about, stay and do in Manali, I’ll deviate a little bit from my regular writing and focus on the four animals and the conditions I found them in.
The Bad
The Rabbits: Found near the Hidimba temple and all over Manali actually, these Angoora rabbits are used as picture props. Exploitation by the locals has led to them being overfed and under exercised. These huge rabbits are almost 
bent double by their own sheer weight. Rabbits have a very high metabolism which means that they have to keep running around along with eating a ton of food. But this is what happens when you don’t let them do that.
The next was the Yak. Again found near the Hidimba temple, these majestic creatures have been subjected to commercialization with them being used as rides. The yaks are a staple of higher altitudes provided milk, wool, fat and meat even transport in some cases. Although the creatures appear full of beastly power, they are quite mellow in nature.
The Good
There was a plethora of street dogs around the hotel we stayed. They appeared to be the happiest of the lot. Fed and pampered royally by the hotel staff, they lounged and lazed around the hotel the whole day. They enjoy a lot of attention from the visitors and live one of the most charmed lives possible.
But the most majestic of them all was the Vulture. Coming back from the icy Rohtang Pass which consists of the highest motorable road connecting Manali with Leh, the vulture sat royally on top of the mountain observing the squabble of traffic below. The vulture, I felt was the only animal which enjoyed true freedom from all the animals.
We absolutely fell in love with these gorgeous animals. Tell us which one you like the most.
