Manali Tourism

Manali – The mountains are calling

Where snow meets spirituality and sport. Where mountains meet museums and monuments. Where valleys meet vibrant artefacts. Where flora meets food and festivities. Manali is a hot pot of steaming ingredients. A symphony of glorious notes. A travel destination that will entice, thrill and woo you. So, buckle up. The frills of the hills await you.

Highlights of Manali: Exploration of the hills

Places of Worship

Hadimba Devi Temple is obscured by gorgeous cedar forests and the snow studded hills that watch over ominously. An aura of mysticism envelopes this sacred shrine, built entirely from rock and stone. Dedicated to the demon Goddess Hadimba, who was the wife of Mahabharata’s Bhima, the revered temple attracts pilgrims from all over. It’s 3-tiered pagoda, conical roof and wooden doorway will remind you of Japanese architecture. A sacred tree lies 200 metres south of the temple, which is a manifestation of their son Gatothkach.

Located in Old Manali is the quaint and delightful Manu Temple, dedicated to Saint Manu. With the gentle ripples of River Beas and the magnificent mountains and valleys surrounding it, the temple commands a serene atmosphere.

Himalayan Nyingmapa Tibetan is one of the most renowned Buddhist monasteries in North India. And for good reason too! Everything, from its façade to its neighbouring scenery, exudes tranquillity. You will find the idol of Sakyamuni sitting in a meditative posture, one of the most special features. Colourful artwork adorns the walls, an exquisite contrast against nature’s hues.

Nature and Recreation

A mere 14 km away from Manali, at the top of Kullu Valley, is the thrilling and breath-taking Solang Valley. Conducive for summer and winter sports, you will be spoilt for choice. Giant slopes of lawn encompass this region. The 360-degree panorama of the majestic mountains creates the perfect setting for adventure. Depending on the season, you can go skiing, parachuting, paragliding, skating and zorbing.

Parvati Valley lies within the confluence of Parvati River and River Beas. Deemed as the Amsterdam of India, you will be acquainted with postcard landscapes, chilly mountain air and delectable Israeli food. This region is famous for its wonderful treks where you can explore Kasol and Manikaran.

Rohtang Pass lies 51 km from Manali, connecting Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. There is so much beauty over here, for you to explore! visit Nehru Kund, Vashisht Hot Springs, Marhi and Gulaba.

Attractions

Manali Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of exotic reptiles, birds and mammals. There is also an abundance of rich vegetation and flora for you to marvel at and learn about. With meandering trekking routes and camping facilities, the park is a travel oasis.

If you're traveling with children, HPTDC Club House is the place to be. Equipped with a roller-skating rink, library, billiards room, bar and restaurant, there are ample of opportunities to have fun. You can even ride on swan shaped paddle boats!

Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art might seem a little dusty and forgotten, but its collection of traditional textiles, musical instruments, utensils and wood carvings are fascinating to glimpse. The highlight of this place is undoubtedly its expressive masks and the process of mask preservation.

Food

For authentic Himachali food, that is plated with care, head on over to Vibes. From the ambience, to the seating, everything reflects traditional and quintessential Himachal culture. With live music, and a delicious menu, this eatery should be placed very high on your food list! We recommend that you pre order the Lingdi and Patrodu, both are scrumptious vegetarian delicacies. You can choose from a range of succulent meats too. Don’t forget to top it off with some Tibetan Butter Tea!

If you’re craving something global, try Casa Bella Vista. It offers Spanish and Italian cuisine that is pretty darn tasty! Enjoy the gorgeous oven pizzas with the thin crust. Try and get seated in the enchanting little pine garden.

Interesting facts about Manali: Secrets rarely spoken

• The iconic destination of Rohtang roughly translates to heap of dead bodies.
• Most of the locals in this region own an apple orchard or at least an apple tree in their backyard.
• The sacred Vashisht Temple is more than 4,000 years old.
• The hot water springs in Manikaran are sometimes used to boil pulses and rice. 

Location: Caressed by nature

An idyllic resort town cradled in the vast mountains of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is situated near the northern end of the Kullu Valley, within the Beas River Valley. More accurately, it lies within the Kullu district. Approximately 270 km north of Shimla, 309 km northeast of Chandigarh and 544 km northeast of Delhi. The town serves as a gateway to Lahaul, Spiti district as well as Leh.

Click here to view Manali on Google Map

Timings: Best time to visit

Manali is beautiful throughout the year, however certain seasons can prove to be extremely harsh in its weather. For instance, the winters. From December to March, Manali is blanketed in quilts of snow. Although this is a wonderful time for adventure seekers and photographers, for some people it may prove to be unconducive. The gorgeous landscapes can be difficult to traverse, and temperatures drop to minus degrees. The monsoon season paints Manali with lovely showers, making everything lusher. However, there is a risk of landslides. As such, the best time to visit would be in the summer. Temperatures range from 10 to 25 degrees; flowers are in full bloom and the sky is clear.

How to get to Manali: Journey of a lifetime

By Road - If you choose to go by road, know that the drive to Manali is splendid. It is advisable to opt for a taxi instead of self-driving as the mountainous region can be treacherous. You can also avail of the bus service. The town is well connected to Leh, Shimla, Kullu, Dharamshala and Delhi via state and private buses. Note - book the air-conditioned Volvo coaches.

By Air - Kullu Manali Airport is located in Bhuntar, 50km away from Manali. It offers flights to and from Chandigarh and Delhi. So, if you’re looking to take a flight, hop onto one from these two well connected cities. Once at the airport, you can book a prepaid taxi to Manali. However, due to the unpredictable weather, air travel is not the most reliable option.

History: Timeless tales

Manali’s history is entwined in mythical fables and legends. It is believed that the saint/sage/Sanatan Hindu law maker Manu stepped of his arc and landed in Manali, after the world had been destroyed in a massive flood. He recreated life and then proceeded to call this region his home. Manu-alaya means the home of Manu and Kullu Valley is referred to as the valley of Gods. A more factual version of history dates back to the British colonisation of India. Manali was deemed as a stunning summer resort and an escape from the blistering heat of the northern plains.