Manali A Heaven on Earth

High peaks and adventures that with lush greenery that cannot be forgotten what a Manali trip is all about. Come along with friends or as a backpacker or with family and take back the magical vibe from the pine forests and the beautiful Beas River that borders this amazing destination. As the matter of fact, Legend states that an ancient Sage’s ark found its resting spot there after a flood and Manali literally translates to the resting place of a saint named Manu.

This hill station nestled in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, located near the northern part of the Kullu Valley.

Overview

Settled in the middle of the snow-topped slants of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali a standout amongst the most famous slope stations in the nation. With stunning perspectives, lavish green woods, sprawling glades covered with blossoms, spouting blue streams, an unending tall tale like fog waiting noticeable all around, and a tenacious scent of pines and freshness – Manali been honored with unprecedented beautiful excellence. From galleries to sanctuaries, from interesting little radical towns to clamoring upscale boulevards, waterway undertakings to trekking trails, Manali ever motivation to be the vacationer magnet throughout the entire year.

Clean streets, influencing eucalyptus trees, charming little diners, little kitschy neighborhood commercial centers, and bistros which serve flavorful nearby nourishment at mind-boggling costs, Old Manali a peaceful, serene place, Therefore whose waiting quietness broken just by the twittering of the winged animals and the sound of the thundering waters of the Kullu waterway.

Places to visit in Manali 

Hadimba Temple

This tranquility radiating temple located 2.5kms away from Manali, inside the Shangri forest and dedicated to the wife of Bhima- Hidimba. Similarly, the magnificent 4 tiered Pagoda-like roofs and doorway engraved with legendary symbols and a must-visit spot for mythology lovers.

Rohtang Pass

51kms away from Manali, this pass a great spot for nature and adventure lovers with its thrilling activities like skiing, snow scooter, mountain biking etc. along with a beautiful view of peaks, Chanda River, and glaciers.

Solang Valley

Particularly just 13kms away from Manali, this beautiful valley nestled in between Beas Kund and Solang village and the gorgeous glaciers here make it the perfect ski spot for tourists. Hence in the summer, this place turns into a famous Manali tourist place for zorbing, horse riding, parachuting etc.

Tibetan Monasteries

The Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa and Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa are the storehouses of Tibetan literature, crafts, and culture. Moreover, The combination of the beautiful interiors, chanting, aroma of incense and the well-maintained gardens make it the perfect meditation spot in Manali.

Beas Kund

This sacred place home to some of the best camping and trekking spots and also the birthplace of the Beas River. With its rocky terrain and no vegetation, this adventure area can only be explored only on foot.

Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temples

Located just 3kms away from Manali, the Vashist village famous for its temples and natural hot springs. A dip in the river considered medicinal by the tourists and locals.

Nehru Kund

The natural cold spring just 5kms away from Manali and it’s the favorite spot of photography and nature buffs because of its lush, serene surroundings.

What to Do in Manali

If looking for adrenaline-pumping adventure activities, Manali a paradise for it! Whitewater rafting, fishing, mountaineering, fishing, paragliding, skiing, and hiking some of the many activities here. Many companies that run and organize adventure tours (Mountaineering and Allied sports, North face Adventure tours and Himalayan Journeys known to be the safest ones) speckled all over Manali.

Festivals in Manali

Hadimba Temple showcases a three day festival (in mid-July) known as Dhungri Mela which a perfect glimpse of the local culture there. Goddesses and Gods decked up and carried around in a procession to the temple. Also, local artists come out and perform folk dances.

The Kullu Dusshera another popular festival which falls in October. Trance parties held on outdoor locations around Old Manali usually during May and July, but of lately due to police interference, the party scene isn’t the same as before.

Foodie’s paradise spots

Old Manali houses Casa Bella Vista which known for its fresh thin crust pizza and the coffee drink which is a must try along with Johnson’s café’s trout served in various delicious forms (baked and pan fried) with great sides and sauces.

Drifter’s Café with its terrace seating and scrumptious dishes including fried eggs, sausages, etc. that can all be enjoyed over a game or a book or just the view from up there.

Shopping

The main shopping destination the Mall Street in Manali with its range of items from caps, Kinnauri shawls, footwear, Tibetan handicrafts etc.

Other shopping zones include the Lama Underground, Thai Market, Dragon, Shangri La Shopping complex, etc., which all within the Mall street.

Old Manali Market is known for the hippie way of life and fresh jellies, jams, and pickles can be picked up as souvenirs, after a round of bargaining.

The local handicrafts like rugs and shawls can be purchased at the Himachal Handicrafts emporium/Bhuticco weaver’s cooperative.

Turquoise or silver jewelry, local tweeds, bamboo souvenirs, Buddhist paintings etc sold by the refugee community in the Tibetan Bazaar area.

The best time to travel

The best time for travel to Manali late March until the mid of July (before the monsoon arrives), and September to October. From October onward, the Manali weather starts getting cold, and snow begins in December. The spring, when nature starts to come alive again after the winter, is a beautiful time to visit hence a star in Himachal tourism destinations.

How to Reach

Bhuntar the closest airport which about 50kms away from Manali and can be traveled to by taxi. The airport has a lot of flights to and from “Delhi”.

Traveling by the broad gauge trains also one of the faster ways to get to Manali by taking one to the nearest railways stations of Pathankot, Kalka, and Chandigarh.

Getting to this beautiful location by road the easiest way to get there. A mere 110kms away from Mandi, 85km away from Manikaran and 311kms from Chandigarh to Manali. The road from Delhi to Manali is 538kms long.

Most accommodation places here overlook the beautiful valley or-or the Beas River a treat for all your senses.

The Mall road offers a wide range of options ranging from Luxury resorts that preferred by cosmopolitan couples and businessmen, quaint riverside cottages in Manali preferred by backpackers. The 3-star  hotels in Manali usually favored by middle-class families or honeymooners.

Map Of Manali