Manali

Manali, also known as the "resort town" of Himachal Pradesh, is a popular hill station in North India. Places to visit in Manali are secluded from the glittering world, hidden amid the lush deodar and pine trees. Manali is a destination with settings straight out of a fairy tale, providing you with a beautiful view of the Himalayas embellished with glittering streams of water. A trip to places to visit in Manali is a refreshing experience for one's tired mind and body. Your senses will be mesmerised by the sight of lush green valleys and a whiff of pines lingering in the cold breeze at the places to visit in Manali. The town is split into New Manali and Old Manali by the Manalsu river. Each part of the town has its own distinct appeal. Old Manali is renowned for its hippy and bohemian way of life whereas New Manali boasts several restaurants and shopping places. Some of the places to visit in Manali are Naggar Castle, Shoja Himachal Pradesh, Jalori Jot and Jibhi. Plan a trip to enjoy the bounties of nature to the fullest during the best time to visit Manali.

Manali Overview

Best Time to Visit Manali

The charm of Manali lies in its snow-capped mountains, scenic landscapes and misty valleys. Manali weather remains pleasant throughout the year. The best time to visit Manali is between March to June. Manali temperature hovers between 10°C to 25°C at this time. It is the best time to get engaged in adventure activities and go around the places to visit in Manali. October to February is under the spell of chilly winters with subzero temperatures. If you want to enjoy snowfall, then December to February is the best time to visit Manali for snowfall. Places to visit in Manali look beautiful wrapped in a white layer of snow.

How to Reach the Places to Visit in Manali

Bhuntar is the nearest airport to Manali. Located at a distance of 10km from Manali, this airport is connected to major cities. People who want to spend less time travelling so that they can enjoy more of the places to visit in Manali can opt to travel by flight.

The closest train station to Manali that connects the hill town to numerous significant cities in the nation is Jogindernagar. There are several rail lines from Chandigarh and Ambala to Manali. You can access a variety of affordable transportation options to reach the places to visit in Manali, such as taxis and buses from the railway stations. There are many state-run and private buses available that will take you through the scenic winding roads from nearby cities. You can also take a taxi or drive yourself to Manali and enjoy the picturesque journey by road.

Things to See & Do in Manali

Manikaran Sahib

One of the most prominent holy places to visit in Manali, the Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is located deep within the Parvati Valley. There are hot springs near Manikaran. It is believed that this hot water has medicinal powers that can cure chronic ailments. This place is mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures and is associated with Hindu Gods like Shiva, Parvati and Vishnu. Sikhs believe that Guru Nanak visited this place with his disciples during one of his missionary travels. A gurudwara was constructed to commemorate his visit. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Manali that is equally relevant to Hindus and Sikhs.

Hidimba Devi Temple

Hidimba Devi Temple is also known as the Dhungari temple. It is a cave shrine devoted to Hidimba Devi, Bheema's wife. In order to transform herself from a demon to a goddess, it is believed that Hidimba Devi meditated here. During Navaratri, people in Manali worship her rather than Goddess Durga. The shrine is encircled by dense woodlands and features finely carved wooden doors.

Rohtang Pass

A popular destination for thrill seekers, Rohtang Pass is also known for its surreal beauty. It is well known for its magnificent vistas and is a favourite among adventurers. The thrill-seekers take a bike trip to Rohtang Pass where they engage in adventure activities including paragliding, skiing, river rafting, quad biking and ATV riding. The route to Rohtang Pass is adorned with beautiful sceneries and you can always get down to click the best instagrammable pictures. Situated at an altitude of 3900m above sea level, the majestic Himalayas and pristine white snow are always ready to welcome travellers. It is the best place to experience snowfall in Manali. Don't miss the thrill and add this destination to the list of places to visit in Manali.

Manu Temple

Manu Temple is dedicated to Manu- the Indian sage who is believed to be the first man and the author of Manu-Smriti. The Sanskrit phrase "Manu-alaya," which translates to "the dwelling of Manu," is the source of the town's name. Reaching the temple is a thrilling adventure as you will have to take a short trek to reach here. The fresh calm breeze, majestic peaks and deep valleys provide an ideal setting to soak yourself in the charm of nature. The pagoda-style temple was renovated, and new marble floorings and vaulted ceilings were added to the old structure. One of the most unique places to visit in Manali is known to be the only temple on the entire globe that is dedicated to Manu.

Solang Valley

Elevated at a height of 8400 feet, Solang Valley is a paradise for naturalists. It has cemented its position at the top of the list of places to visit in Manali owing to the picturesque landscapes that are dotted with snow-laden trees, clear-blue skies and magnificent mountains. You can try your hand at zorbing, paragliding, skiing, and snowmobile adventure at Manali. If you are not much of an adventurer, you can enjoy the mesmerising view of the Himalayas from the cable car. This valley is best visited during the winter months when it is totally covered with snow.

Food to Try in Places to Visit in Manali

The local Manali food is influenced by Kullvi cuisine. Don't miss the authentic dishes in places to visit in Manali. A popular bread, Sidhu is made with wheat flour and yeast. A generous filling of boiled peas and other condiments gives it a unique taste. Babru is a snack made using a filling of black gram paste and spices. This is accompanied by tamarind chutney and goes well with tea. If you are a non-vegetarian, don't miss the Himachali-style mutton curry, popularly known as Chha Gosht. It is cooked using unique ingredients like buttermilk and roasted gram flour. Mustard oil, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon are used to give it an authentic flavour and texture. Your trip will remain incomplete without tasting delectable Manali food.

Things to Buy in Manali

As your tour to various places to visit in Manali comes to an end, you might like to go on a shopping spree. Manali's Mall Road is a perfect place to satiate the shopaholic inside you. You will find several shops selling local delights. Tibetan artefacts, artificial jewellery, footwear, books and woollen items are available in these shops. You can buy these for your near and dear ones. Old Manali market is known for funky clothes and accessories. For authentic handicrafts, you can visit the state emporium.

Tourist Places Nearby Manali

Manali is surrounded by several beautiful places that are worth exploring. Here are the top seven places around Manali that you should not miss:

Solang Valley

Solang Valley is located at a distance of 13 km from Manali and is a popular destination for adventure sports such as paragliding, zorbing, and skiing. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows, and gushing streams. It is an ideal place for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Beas Kund

Beas Kund is a beautiful high-altitude lake seated 3,700 meters above sea level. It is a popular trekking destination and offers stunning views of the serene vistas. The trek to Beas Kund starts from the Solang Valley and takes about 3-4 hours to reach the lake. The trek is moderate and suitable for beginners.

Naggar

Naggar is a quaint town located near Manali that is known for its ancient temples, beautiful architecture, and stunning views of the Himalayas. It is a popular tourist destination famous for its Naggar Castle, a historic landmark that dates back to the 15th century.

Kullu

Kullu is a beautiful valley located on the banks of the Beas River. It is known for its scenic beauty, apple orchards, and traditional handicrafts. The town is also a popular destination for adventure sports such as rafting and trekking. The Kullu Dussehra festival, held every year in October, is a major attraction and draws thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Kasol

Kasol is a small village located in the Parvati Valley, known for its scenic beauty and hippie culture. A popular destination for backpackers, the pretty hamlet is surrounded by stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and hot springs. It is also dotted with several cafes and restaurants that serve delicious food. Come here to dine in the lap of the Himalayas!?

Hadimba Temple

Hadimba Temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to the goddess Hadimba. Intricately carved, the architecture represents a blend of Tibetan and Indian styles and is surrounded by beautiful cedar forests. The temple also hosts an annual fair during May to celebrate the birth anniversary of Goddess Hadimba.?

Conclusion

The weather in Manali is very cold so it is advisable to pack your bags accordingly. If you are travelling during the peak season, book your hotel and tickets in advance as the influx of tourists is high at that time. Manali is famous for apples, so don't miss the opportunity to taste garden fresh apples on your trip. Before you go back to your hometown after exploring the places to visit in Manali, you would have collected beautiful memories and innumerable experiences that would remain in your memory forever and would coax you to revisit this place.