1. Sidu: A local bread made from wheat flour and stuffed with walnuts.
 2. Thukpa: A Tibetan noodle soup with vegetables or meat.
 3. Momos: Steamed dumplings with a variety of fillings like vegetables or meat.
 4. Dham: A traditional Himachali meal with rice, curry, dal, and sweet rice.
 5. Chha Gosht: Spiced lamb cooked in yogurt gravy.

Manali is named after the sage Manu, who is believed to have meditated in the region. It has been a significant trade route since ancient times, connecting the Indian plains to Central Asia. The British developed it as a summer resort, and it gained further popularity after Indian independence.

 The average taxi rates in Manali vary based on the type of vehicle and distance. For local sightseeing, expect to pay around Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,500 per day. For longer trips to nearby attractions like Rohtang Pass, rates can range from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 4,000.

The average hotel rates in Manali depend on the type of accommodation. Budget hotels start from around Rs. 800 to Rs. 2,000 per night, mid-range hotels range from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 per night, and luxury hotels can cost Rs. 5,000 and above per night. Prices may vary based on the season and location..