🏔️Manali a Hill Station Like Jannat in Himachal
If you are thinking of going to a place where you can enjoy a snow-covered valley every day with a gust of cold winds and enjoy an adventure throughout the year, then yes, you are thinking so. Manali is the perfect destination for you. Manali is a very beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh where one can see a beautiful landscape in every season. Whether you are planning a summer vacation, a honeymoon or a peaceful solo journey, Manali attracts all kinds of travellers.
📍 Location and Reachability of Manali
Manali, a city located on the banks of Beas River in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, is a very beautiful place which is situated at a height of about 2050 meters. The nearest airport to reach here is Bhuntar Airport which is about 50 kms from Manali. You can come to Bhuntar Airport by flight from any city of India, from where you can reach Manali by sharing cab or private cab. You can reach Manali after travelling overnight by Volo bus or Himachal Pradesh roadways bus from Delhi or Chandigarh, which is also a safe and comfortable option.
🌄 Natural Beauty of Manali
Manali is one of the biggest attraction places in Himachal Pradesh in terms of natural beauty. Pine jungles, snow-laden mountains, open sky and flowing rivers. Everything looks as if it has come out of a postcard. Every view here is Instagram-worthy.
During the winter season, Manali is completely covered in snow which looks as if it has been covered with a blanket of snow. Hence, Manali is one of the most favourite places of couples, families and adventure lovers. Which is becoming the most favourite place for couples year after year. And in summers Manali becomes very mesmerizing, all the greenery is in its full swing and the heat which is there in the cold during summers gives a different feel.
🌟 Famous Tourist Places in Manali
Manali’s most attractions which must be included in your itinerary
1. Solang Valley
Solang valley is approx. 14 km away from Manali which is one of the most popular places for adventure lovers. Here you can enjoy fun activities like paragliding, zorbing, ropeway ride, skiing (in winter) and snow scooter. After snowfall, Solang valley turns into white heaven.
2. Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass is a very attractive place of Manali which is 50 km away from Manali and Rohtang pass comes first in every traveller’s interior. The unforgettable experience here is glaciers, high altitude views and snow activities. You need a permit to go here, for which you have to plan in advance. You can go here only from May to October because it remains closed from November to April.
3. Hadimba Devi Temple
Hadimba Devi temple is dedicated to the wife of Bhima among the pandavons. Its wooden architecture and peaceful environment give a very unique and spiritual feel. Maa Hadimba Devi temple located in Manali is an ancient temple which is in the middle of the jungles of Deodar.
4. Old Manali
Old Manali is a very stylish locality where you get the vibe of chilled out cafes, foreigners, live music and hippie culture. Here you get quirky shops, vibrant graffiti and relaxed environment. Old Manali is the perfect place for those who want peace away from the crowd.
5. Vashisht Temple & Hot Water Springs
Vashisht Temple is located in the nearby village Vashisht of Manali. It has a hot water pond. According to many, people who bathe here get relief from skin problems and they experience a traditional bath.
🛍️Shopping in Manali
Mall Road is a famous place for shopping in Manali. You will get a similar experience of shopping here. Himachali woollen cloth like shawls, mufflers and warm caps. And Tibetan jewellery and artefacts are also quite famous here. Coming to this, organic products and homemade soaps are a different matter altogether. You must have heard about local pickles, jams and honey here, which have no answer.
The main thing is not to forget to bargain here.
🧗♂️Adventure Activities in Manali
Manali is also an adventure hub. It is not only fun to see nature but also a different kind of adventure activity. Come here and enjoy it.
You can enjoy river rafting at Beas. The best places for paragliding are Solang and Dobhi. For trekking you have Hampta pass, Bhrigu lake and Beas Kund. For skiing you will have to go to Solang or Rohtang but these activities happen especially in winter season and for camping your location is the best.
All these activities add a touch of excitement and thrill to your trip.
🍲 Manali's Local Food
For food, Manali is a point where all types of food are available non-vegetarian, vegetarian and Himachali dishes. But is it possible to not eat local Himachali dishes when you come to Himachal? Do forget to eat siddu and thukpa here and if you are a non-vegetarian, do try the Trout fish which is a special fish from the Beas River. Manali’s Tibetan memos, coffee, apple cider and local wine are also quite popular. Do try all these food and drinks when you come to Manali.
🏨 Where to Stay in Manali?
Himachal’s Manali city provides options for staying according to every budget. There are luxury resorts, mid-range hotels, backpackers’ hostels and if you want to stay in close proximity to locals, homestays are the best option.
Old Manali: For those who like to stay in a peaceful environment here, Old Manali will be the best. Mall road area is a little busy but is also accessible.
📅 Best Time to Visit Manali
By the way, Manali has something special in every season.
But in summer (April to June) the weather is pleasant and perfect from the outside, it is considered as peak season. During this time Manali is full of clouds. In winter October to February is also very fascinating, you can come here during this time and enjoy snowfall and skiing. In monsoon avoid coming here from July to September because there is a risk of landslides here every year.
If you want to enjoy snowfall then you can plan the best time from December to February.
📝 Travel Tips for Manali
There are some things to keep in mind while coming to Manali, like you should wear warm clothes, no matter how hot it is in your area. If you have plans to go to Rohtang Pass, then make a pre plan for it and apply for permit. Yes, digital payment is less accepted in Manali, so if you don’t have any problem, then definitely carry cash. Respect the local Himachali culture and Himachali people.
Please friend, when you come to Manali, don’t spread dirt, reduce the use of plastic, thank you.
💬 Conclusion
Manali is not just a destination of Himachal but a feeling of every traveller. There is something special for every traveller in Manali, be it a snow lover or a peace lover. Manali makes everyone happy. The vibe of Manali, the simplicity of the people and the raw beauty of nature will touch your heart.
If you have not visited Manali yet, then plan your next trip to Manali only because whoever comes to Manali once, tries to come again and again.