Manali is one of those places where there is an unending list of things to do to keep you entertained for days. It is one of our country’s key tourist destinations, where visitors’ influx never stops. In this blog, I will explain some of the best places to visit in Manali.
Manali is a popular tourist destination and India’s most well-known hill station. It is located along the Beas River in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh and is about 40 kilometers from Kullu town and 550 kilometers from New Delhi.
Traveling to Manali
This mountainous town is well connected by the main highways from big cities and an airport not far away. This makes Manali a popular tourist hub. Not just the connectivity, these roads are well maintained. Manali may best be traveled on the road. It is well linked to most of the cities like New Delhi, Shimla, and Chandigarh. Frequent buses, private taxis are available.
Overnight bus services from New Delhi are frequent and you may easily board a bus from Kashmere Gate’s bus station. You can visit Manali 13 to 14 hours from Delhi, and waking up to the amazing views of the Kullu valleys is a mesmerizing experience.
Private taxis are available. If you wish to drive your vehicle and you have a good experience on mountain roads, then it can be a great option.
The easiest way to get to Manali from other countries is to fly to New Delhi (550 km from Manali). You may fly to Bhuntar Airport (Kullu Manali Airport, which is around 50 kilometers from Manali. The flights to this airport are not so frequent. The Airport offers buses and private taxis to take you to Manali.
Best Time to Visit Manali
This is one of the best Hill stations where visitors can visit any time of the year and there is not such a thing as an off-season. Being one of the best sites to experience snowfall, December and January months see a huge hike in visitors. December and January are the best times to visit the valley to see snowfall. Clear skies and snow-covered mountains in Solang Valley await you in February and are the best time for Snow photography and enjoying the snow-covered valley. However, you won’t find much snow in the main town during this month. January and February are also the best times for snow activities like Skiing.
However, when going during the rainy season, you need to keep in mind that the roads to Manali are notorious for many landslides and the Beas river is furious during the rainy season.
June is overall the best time to visit the valley, neither too cold nor too hot, a pleasant climate for those who want to escape the scorching summer heat. Hence it is the peak season and very crowded too. Those who want a little solitude stay away during this month. Heavy rainfall during July and August makes it less ideal for many but the months following are ideal for Budget travelers. September and October are considered to be the peak season as roads to Rohtang pass and Spiti become more accessible. With the opening of the Atal tunnel, roads are open year-round. The waves of visitors being maximum in June and Mid September to Mid October, it is not so ideal for Budget travelers. In November you may not find much green in the valley nor any snowfalls. So it is considered to be less visited time.
Best Places to visit in Manali
Mall Road
In Manali, every road starts and ends in Mall Roads. Brick paved roads with numerous shops and restaurants on both sides. It is truly an Open Mall where everyone will have their spot shop, dine, click pictures, and relax in the sun. I remember my countless visits to Mall roads even on the same trip. Sipping chai while sitting on a side bench is an experience to try here. There are numerous restaurants and cafes where you can sit and dine. There are shops where we can buy gifts for our loved ones back home.
Tibetan Monastery
The Buddhist Monastery was located at the end of the bustling mall road, only a few minutes walk from the Mall Road.
Hadimba Temple
Temple is located around three kilometers from Mall road. It lies above the Mall roads on a small hill. There are two ways that you can reach the top. If you like hiking, this is the best way to reach the top. But if you are with someone who is not into long steep mountain trails, then you can reach there by car or any other vehicle. Visiting the Hadimba temple is a revitalizing experience. This holy shrine is located amidst the green pinewoods and away from the crowded town.
Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art
The Himachal Culture and Folk Art Museum are situated near the Hadimba Temple. Here you can get an insight into the diverse Himachal Pradesh heritage and culture.
Old Manali
I can say, this is my favorite place to hang out during my visits to Manali. A small winding road after crossing the Manalsu river takes you to a new world of culture and novelty. Famous for its hippy lifestyles and art-driven themes, Old Manali has something to offer for each one of us.
If we walk a little more, all those cafes and gift shops slowly disappear and village life starts to appear. You can witness the calm village life with all its charm. Typical wooden houses with haystacks hanging on the roofs, sheep and cattle, and apple orchards.
Old Manali is perfect for people who want quiet and tranquillity away from the urban hustle and is a short walk from the Mall road.
Solang Valley
Also Read: My Bike Trip to Mussoorie from Delhi
There are a lot of things that make Solang special. First is the changing landscape with change in season. During the winter months, the Valley is completely covered in snow with golden mountains in the evening sun. Visitors are high during these seasons just experience the winter scape and there are a lot of winter sports and activities to takes part in. Paragliding and skiing are some of the activities from December to February.
Summer months are even more alive with more fun activities. The entire valley turns green during the summer months. Camping, Zorbing, and ATV rides are some of the activities available. Paragliding is also available most times of the year.
Valley goes to a standstill phase during monsoon season and paragliding also stops.
Beas Kund
Beas river originates from this high-altitude lake and is famous for its raw natural beauty. It is famous for trekking and camping during the summer months(May to October)
Rohtang Pass
This mountain pass is located around 50 kilometers from Manali and links Manali to the valley of Spiti and Leh. During the winter months, it remains closed and is open from May to October.
Prior permissions must be obtained online on a first-come basis to travel over the Rohtang pass. No passes are issued for travel during Tuesdays. The terrain is both beautiful and treacherous at the same time and therefore make sure to check the weather before even starting the journey.
Atal tunnel: With the opening of the Atal tunnel, most of the traffic to Spiti/Leh has been moved from here.
Vashisht Village
A quiet hamlet, around 5 km from the main town, is famous for its hot springs and religious importance. Vashisht temple is one the significant attractions here and near to the temple are the famous hot springs. The temple architecture is of typical Himachal style with wood and stones.
Jogini waterfalls
Manali is blessed with many beautiful waterfalls and Jogini is the one which is near to the main town. It lies 8 km from the town and is considered to be the most beautiful waterfall in all of Himachal. We can get to the waterfall from the nearby Vashisht Village via the scenic Valley. It’s a 3 Kms trek from the village.
Manu Temple
Manali got its name from the sage Manu. It is believed that his ark landed in Manali after a great flood that deluged the world. Temple is a short trek of 3 Km from the main town along the Old Manali Road. Temple’s construction resembles the pagoda style that can be seen in most parts of the Himachal.
The list of places to see in Manali is never-ending and there is something for everyone. These are my favorite places and these are some of the places you can cover in a 3 to 4 day trip in Manali.