Located in the Parviati Valley of Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 8700 feet is this mysterious village of Malana. The village has been a subject of many documentaries made on it dues to its different social structure, very strict traditions and customs. The legend says that Jamlu Rishi stayed in this village and made all the rules and regulations most of which are still being followed by the locals. On the darker side the village is world renowned for the very high quality of Marijuana cultivated here. Nowadays the tourists are not allowed to stay in the village, they can visit during the day, however, some hone stays and guest houses are available to stay outside the village. The villagers consider themselves as direct descendants of Alexander the Great. The village is governed by eleven member council and their decisions are ultimate and binding on all residents in case of disputes.
You can drive up to 3 Kms short of Malana Villahe from where it is 3 Kms uphill trek on foot. One very strange and interesting fact is that tourists are not allowed to touch the people or their belongings anywhere in the village. If by mistake you touch something you may have to pay a fine to the village council.
