A travel Guide to Manali

Manali Tourism

Manali is a little village famous for its natural beauty and calmness. From the very onset of the 20th century, people from all around India and the world have been coming here to experience the vividness that Manali tours have to offer. Every year innumerable tourists arrive here just to get a taste of the culture and nature that surrounds it.

Adorned by the glistening banks of river Beas, the hill station is located in the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh. Manali is known for its gorgeous, lush forests and mesmerising snow-capped mountains. It also offers the perfect balance between adventure and serenity. From picturesque sceneries to scintillating activities, Manali tourist attractions have got a lot to offer.

Whether you need to reconnect with your friends of yesteryear or spend some quality time with your better half, visiting Manali India is bound to keep your emotions and senses tingling with joy and happiness.

Places to visit in Manali

1. Rohtang Pass

This geographical wonder is one of the most famous Manali attractions and is a sight to behold. Adventure sports like skiing, ice-skating, and paragliding are what attract tourists from around the country. The pass itself is embraced by scenic beauties like the twin peaks of Gaypan, that make for great surrounding views. Walking along the snow-covered pass, you can also find the source of the Beas river, which is considered holy and is a pilgrimage spot too.

2. Solang valley

The Solang valley has to be there on the list of must-visit places in your Manali travel guide. If you are an adventure buff and want to feel the adrenaline rushing through you, this valley is the place to be. Activities like paragliding and horse-riding are the main attractions of this place. If you are one to feel the culture and calmness of the valley, be sure to walk up to the Shiva temple. You can either walk it or hitch a pony ride.

3. Old Manali

While the nature and the modern tinge to the town provide that sparkle to Manali tourism, what gives this spot a raw and genuine feel is Old Manali. It is sure to take you way back to the era of the 60s. You can see that this small village was one of the first settlements in the area by its traditional architecture. Despite its old age, it has been modernised a bit with the constant inflow of tourists. Many modern cafes and hotels have popped up that serve delicious cuisines and offer memorable stays. It is also the house of the Manu temple, which sits right at the top of the hill. If you want to indulge yourself in the old soul of Manali, you should visit here at least once.

4. Hadimba temple

Manali is known for its temples and monasteries. One such holy place is the Hadimba temple. Located on a hill, this temple pays homage to Hadimba, who was Bhim’s wife in Mahabharata. The structure is a beautiful confluence of two architectural styles: Indian and Buddhist. It follows a four-tier pagoda structure that gives it a unique look. The temple is surrounded by dense deodar forests that add to the mystical feel of the region. Owing to the serenity that the place provides, it attracts devotees as well as architecture lovers from all around the globe, thereby making it one of the most famous Manali tourist places.

5. Vashisht Baths

These hot water springs are a place where spirituality meets relaxation. The archaic, stone-carved temples combine with the naturally existing springs, that provide much respite to travellers and devotees. Legend says the water in these springs has medicinal properties that supposedly cure skin diseases. This is certainly a fact that your Manali travel guide will tell you. So if you want to enjoy a sacred environment, these baths are worth a visit.

6. Manali Wildlife Sanctuary

The Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a multitude of species that allure tourists from all around. Ensconced in a dense forest with trees like deodar, maple, and walnut, this sanctuary is a must-visit for all nature lovers. You will find animals like the Musk Deer, Brown Bear, and if you walk a little further, you may also come across Blue Sheep and the majestic Snow Leopard. It also has many convenient spots for camping, from where the wildlife can be appreciated. A heaven for photographers, the sanctuary happens to be one of those Manali tourist places that are lesser-known but ever-growing in popularity.

Things to do in Manali

Manali is a place that never disappoints and always remains surprising. There are several things to do in Manali that will not keep you idle when you are here.

Rafting in Beas

You have surely seen people navigating the tumultuous waters on small rafts on television, bobbing up and down to the rhythm of the water. Now, you get to experience it. Rafting has to be one of the most sought-after activities in Manali tourism. The river Beas offers stretches of icy-cold water that set the scene for beginners as well as professionals. If you crave to feel the chilly waters splashing against your face while you parry against the swift currents, rafting is for you.

Paragliding at Solang Valley

Want to soar like a bird under the clear blue skies? If yes, paragliding at Solang valley is the thing for you. It has always been one of the more popular Manali attractions. While in the air, you will be treated to the mesmerising views of the valley. Apart from this fun activity, you can also beat the summer heat by indulging in some skiing on the pristine white sheets of snow.

Be adventurous at the Rohtang Pass

At the Rohtang Pass, you get to do all the things that you have ever wanted to do. Be it mountain biking, snow scooter, ATV or even hitching a ride in the Gondola (cable car), the Pass offers you much more when it comes to satisfying your thirst for adventure. These activities are the soul of Manali tourism.

Get lost in the Bazaar

You can get lost in the humbling streets of Manali. The people, the culture, the environment, all are very simple yet very captivating. The streets are filled with little bazaars that are enough to fulfil a shopper’s whims and fancies. You can buy souvenirs, woollen clothes, and a host of Himachal handicrafts that are perfect gifts for your loved ones back home. These bazaars also have a winding path that leads to Old Manali. The Mall Road, where most of the hotels in Manali are located, is known for small eateries that provide cuisines like Indian, Continental, and local flavours too. Therefore, simply venturing out in the streets is also one of the top Manali attractions.

Best time to visit Manali

Manali is known for its pleasantness and its ability to provide relief from the scorching heat in other parts of the country. So, the best time to visit Manali would be in the months of March-June when the Sun rays feel like a gentle prick and nothing more. Visiting in winter or monsoon is not advisable due to the temperatures it can reach. Hence to experience the real deal, the best season to visit Manali would be summer for sure.

How to reach Manali

Wondering how to reach Manali? There are various ways and routes that can take you to this place. If you are in a nearby area, it is best to come via roadways. Otherwise, you can board a flight or train.

By Airways: You can take a flight to Kullu Manali airport, located in Bhuntar, which is about 50kms away from Manali. Private taxis and buses are available from Bhuntar to Manali.

By Railways: The nearest railway stations to Manali are the ones in Ambala Cantt and Chandigarh. From here, you can easily find buses to Manali.

By Roadways: Manali is well-connected by road with the nearby states and cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jaipur. Buses can be booked to reach the destination. Even within the state of Himachal, there are enough taxi and bus services available to take you places.