While travelling to Himachal Pradesh, Manali is a place on virtually everyone’s bucket list for a variety of reasons. It is open all year, provides something for virtually every age group, and, most importantly, is breathtakingly gorgeous. Most people believe that with only one visit, you would become completely hooked to it. If the idea of visiting Manali appeals to you and you want to make it your next travel destination, here is a small travel guide to help you plan your trip.
We have curated for you a list of the best places to visit in Manali, for food, shopping, and tourism purposes. Make sure you check each of them off your list during your travel to Himachal Pradesh.
Best Places to visit in Manali
FOR ECOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL EXPLORATIONS
1. Solang Valley Manali
Solang Valley is one of those places that are enjoyable in Winter as well as summer. 14 km away from Manali, Solan valley offers a range of adventure sports and fun activities. Some of them include skiing (winter), trekking, camping, horseriding, snow scootering (winter), and many more.
If you don’t wish to ski, you can also enjoy the view from the ropeway. During winters, the temperature can go below −10 °C, and summers are usually under 25 °C.
2. Manali Sanctuary
You might come across this wildlife sanctuary during your trek around Manali. It hosts various exotic plants and animals species like Barking Deer, Flying Fox, Yellow-throated Marten, Himalayan Palm Civet, maple trees, deodar trees, willows, pines, etc. Trekkers often enjoy passing through it during summer, however, Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is stunning during winters too.
3. Rahala Falls
Rahala Falls is situated almost 16 km away from Manali and lays on the Leh-Manali Highway. What makes this waterfall special among all the other waterfalls in Manali is its ice-cold water.
The water in Rahala comes from melting glaciers, which makes it extremely pure. it is surrounded by a dense forest of deodar trees, therefore it is extremely photogenic from every angle.
4. Old Manali
The river Beas divides Manali into Old and New Manali. Old Manali is 3 kilometres from the new Manali and 6000 feet above sea level. Tourists frequently visit Old Manali to escape the throng and overwhelming sights of New Manali. People like it because it is simple and familiar. You may spend your time wandering across town and taking in the splendour of Old Manali in peace.
5. Jogini Waterfall
After walking for 2.5 kilometres from the Vashisht Temple, you arrive at Jogini Fall. The waterfall is really beautiful, and it is nestled behind dark rocks and old, tall trees. This makes it highly noticeable to tourists, who have a refreshing experience. You may go to Jogini Falls by hiking or driving, however, trekking is favoured and suggested by many people since it enriches the experience of getting to this magnificent site.
FOR RELIGIOUS EXPEDITIONS
1. Hidimba Devi temple
This temple was built by Raja Bahadur Singh in 1553 A.D (approx.) and was dedicated to Goddess Hidimba, wife to Bhima. It is surrounded by giant Deodar Trees and resides on the outskirts of the village Dungri. The temple has a unique design and oriental architecture with inscriptions of deities and animals in the interior.
What’s more unique about this temple is, that people of Manali worship Goddess Hidimba during Navratri instead of Goddess Durga like the rest of the country. The myths and mysteries of this temple are definitely worth a visit.
2. Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa
Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa is a Buddhist monastery constructed by Tibetan refugees in 1960. It is primarily visited by Buddhists, although all visitors are welcome. Tourists can sit quietly and meditate, see the paintings, and study Buddha’s teachings.
The best time to visit gompa is during the morning or the evening since you can find Buddhist monks praying and chanting during these hours.
3. Arjun Gufa
As the name suggests, Arjun Gufa is a Cave. According to historical scriptures and folklores, this Cave was used by Arjun from the legend of Mahabharata to meditate.
It is situated 21 km away from Manali and 23 km from Kullu. Apart from the cave, there are a few more temples that you can find under a radius of 2 km. The cave is dark and beautiful and the surroundings are enigmatic.
4. Manu Temple
Manu Temple is located in Old Manali and is dedicated to sage Manu, who is said to be the creator of the world. Inside the temple are the metal sculptures of Gods and Goddesses that are worshipped in the temple.
It is surrounded by the serene old town of Manali. Tourists find the temple very peaceful and mysterious.
5. Ghatotkach Tree Temple
Ghatotkach Temple resides with Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali. Ghatotkach was the son of Goddess Hidimba and Bhim and this temple is dedicated to him.
The tree temple is not very difficult to spot due to its unique appearance. The tree has several horns fixed on it, which act as gratitude and admiration towards Ghatotkach.
FOR FOOD AND SHOPPING
1. Mount View Restaurant
Mount View Restaurant is located on Manali’s Mall Road. It is well-known for its diverse range of Asian, European, and Indian cuisines. In addition, all of the delicacies are reasonably priced. Visitors frequently commend it on its welcoming and pleasant atmosphere.
2. Roof Top Restaurant at Keylinga Inn
The Rooftop restaurant at Keylinga Inn is popular for the view from its rooftop. it is rated highly by tourists and local visitors. However, that is not all there is to it.
This restaurant serves great meals at cheap costs, allowing even bachelors on a limited budget to enjoy their meal. It provides vegan and vegetarian Indian and Chinese cuisine, making it quite flexible.
3. La Plage
La Plage is well-known for its European food and relaxing atmosphere. It is located on Clubhouse Road in Old Manali village. Tourists have frequently praised its courteous service and ranked it as one of the greatest eateries in Manali.
Its cafe-like vibes have earned the interest of couples on their honeymoons and youngsters on their trips. Moreover, the location complements the food well.
4. Il Forno
Il Forno is an Italian restaurant that is surprisingly budget-friendly for tourists. If you are looking for quality food that doesn’t cost a fortune, Il Forno is the right place for you.
It has a rustic 19th-century ambience that makes you forget reality for the time you are there. The food is delicious and the environment adds to the experience.
5. Drifter’s Cafe and Bar
Drifter’s Cafe is popular among both children and adults due to its great cuisine, quality range of liquor, and charming atmosphere. Their menu features American, Continental, and Indian cuisines, attracting customers from all over the country. You may spend your time at the Cafe enjoying the beverages and board games.
FOR SHOPPING
1. Bhuttico
Bhuttico holds a great history of being started by some village women in 1944. Since then, it has perfectly lived up to its image and is one of the best-rated shopping markets in Manali.
You can get authentic woolen garments and pashmina shawls at a reasonable price. Along with that, you can get jackets, scarves gloves, and other winter essentials as well.
2. Old Manali Market
The Old Manali Market is a place where you can get absolutely everything. Be it food, drinks, snacks, or Woollen clothes, jewelry, t-shirts.
Unlike the markets in the rest of the Manali, Old Manali Market is quiet, peaceful, and relaxed. You won’t find the tourist crowds here, just the natives.
3. Manu Market
You will find Manu Market On the Mall road in Manali. You can walk your way to most of the shops and take your time selecting the best garments, souvenirs, and handmade Tibetan Jewellery.
How to Reach Manali by Trains, Bus, Car, Flights?
1. Rail Routes
The closest railway station to the town of Manali is the Joginder Nagar railway station, which is 144 km away from the town. From there you can reach Manali by Hiring a One Way Taxi for Manali from Joginder Nagar which shall take you around 4-5Hrs Drive.
2. Road Routes
Because tour buses aren’t accessible in Manali, you’ll have to rely on private taxis or cabs to get about. However, there is no need to be concerned because the mode of transportation is extremely simple and much more comfortable for visitors and travellers in Manali. Another benefit of renting cabs is that you may tour the city on your own time and enjoy it as much as you like.
3. Air Routes
If you are thinking of taking the air route to Manali, you will land at Bhuntar Airport. It is 50 km away from Manali and after an hour-long drive, you will reach Manali.
WHAT TO PACK FOR MANALI
1. Warm Clothes
Manali, like many other Himachal Pradesh cities, maybe bitterly cold, especially during the winter. As a result, it is critical to bring weather-appropriate clothing. In addition to your woollen sweaters, puffer coats, and winter accessories, bring something suited for heavy snow, such as a raincoat.
2. Snacks
When visiting one of the many lovely towns surrounding Manali, you will notice a lot of street food and fruit vendors. However, if you are avoiding fast food at all costs, it is a good idea to have some snacks with you in case the journey becomes too long.
3. ID Proof
This one should be self-explanatory. Not only for Manali, but for any trip outside of your hometown, you should bring some kind of identification, such as your driver’s licence, Adhar Card, or even your passport. ID evidence is especially crucial in border areas, where crime rates fluctuate and the authorities are always on high alert.
List of Hospitals
|
NAME |
CONTACT INFO | ADDRESS |
|
Manu Diagnostic Centre and Hospital |
+91 94180-83587 |
The snowdrop Hotel building, Gompa Rd, opposite Buddhist monastery, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131 |
|
Lady Willingdon Hospital (Mission Hospital) |
+91 190-2252379 | 65VQ+XCW, Model Town, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131 |
Important Contact Numbers
| POLICE | 100 |
| AMBULANCE/MEDICAL | 102, 108 |
| FIRE | 101 |
| WOMEN’S HELPLINE | 1091 |
| CHILD’S HELPLINE | 1098 |
| DISASTER MANAGEMENT | 1070, 1077 |
FAQs
How many days are enough to visit Manali?
3-4 days are enough to visit Manali to see and do everything you want in Manali. In fact, you can even visit a few good places around the city in the time frame of 3-4 days.
Is Ola available in Manali?
No. Ola and Uber’s services are not available in Manali. However, you will find plenty of local alternatives to the cab service.
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