One of the most picturesque places, Manali is a dream destination beautifully tucked on river Beas's banks. Often referred to as the ‘Honeymoon Capital of India’, it is the best hill station in Himachal Pradesh, offering spectacular vistas of snow-covered Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. A serene environment, cultural vibrancy, a host of thrilling activities and much-needed seclusion are prime features of this beautiful hill destination.
It is also known as the ‘Valley of the Gods’ as Manali is famous for its ancient temples. Lately, Manali has emerged as a workstation hotspot as it is well developed in terms of infrastructure WiFi connectivity and offers an array of options to stay and eat. Right from honeymooners to family holidaymakers, adventure junkies, and solace seekers, this place in Himachal Pradesh never ceases to impress visitors with its undeniable charm.
Best Time to Visit Manali, Himachal Pradesh
The peak season for Manali Tourism is between October and December, when a large number of tourists flock here from different parts of the globe. However, the best time to visit Manali depends largely on the activities you wish to partake in.
If you want to enjoy activities like paragliding, rafting, and mountain climbing, you can consider planning your trip in the summer months, which fall between April and July. But if you want to enjoy snowfall and take part in activities like snow-racing, skiing, etc., then the winter season, which falls between November and February, would suit you best.
It is best to avoid the monsoon months of July and August, as there are heavy downpours and the chances of landslides are high.
History of Manali
Manali is named after the sage Manu, who is considered the law enforcer and the father of all mankind. According to the legend, Manu was so awestruck by the beauty of Manali that he stepped off his ark to recreate life in this heavenly town, which was named Manu-Alaya. There is an ancient temple dedicated to Manu in Old Manali, which supports the fact that Manali was once Manu's abode.
Read More : Hill Stations Near Manali
Modern History
It is said that in the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh brought a statue of Lord Raghunath to ensure the well-being of his kingdom. Since then, Lord Raghunath has been considered the presiding deity and the symbolic king of Manali.
By the 20th century, the Britishers invaded India. They began holidaying in Manali due to the pleasant weather. With their arrival, this secluded hill town witnessed many developmental changes. Britishers introduced roads, contemporary restaurants, churches, and activities like snow-racing, skating, etc, to make it their perfect holiday spot. It is also said that the Britishers planted the first apple trees in the region in 1865, and they introduced this delicious fruit to the farmers of the Kullu region.
Best Places to Visit in Manali
Searching for ‘Manali places to visit’? We’ve got you covered! Manali is an idyllic hill town overlooking the dramatic Himalayas and the pride of Himachal Pradesh Tourism. It is a gateway to a host of fascinating places and adrenaline-pumping activities that draw tourists from all over the world. Check out these 10 best Manali tourist places mentioned below, which should be on travellers' wishlists!
1. Rohtang Pass. This pass connects Manali to Himachal. The unmatched beauty of Rohtang Pass will leave you wanting more. Every year, the pass is open in May to November for the perfect Manali sightseeing. It was also a part of the ancient trade route for the people residing on either side of Pir Panjal.
2. Hadimba Devi Temple. This ancient temple is one of the most popular tourist places in Manali, tucked in Dhungri Forest, surrounded by tall pine trees. Dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, the wife of Bhima, this pagoda-shaped temple holds immense significance for the locals and is a must-visit place in Manali to seek blessings and solace.
3. Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art. If you love to delve into the cultural diversity of this hill state, then this museum is the perfect place to gain enriching insights. As you walk through the galleries, you will come across a large collection of brilliant masterpieces of art, along with weapons, musical instruments, utensils, coins, models, etc., that will take you back in time.
4. Manu Temple. Manu Temple is another most visited Manali famous place, carrying the pure essence of Manali as it has drawn its name from the sage who created mankind. This simple but significant temple is situated 3 km from the famous Mall Road and is one of the best tourist places in Manali.
5. Old Manali. Brimming with charming cafes, reasonable hostels, and rustic homestays, Old Manali is one of the best places for budget travellers looking to experience sightseeing in Manali. It is about 3 km away from the main town, but it is a buzzing place and ideal for younger crowds.
6. Manali Wildlife Sanctuary. A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, this amazing wildlife sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh is perfect for capturing exciting views of the region's exotic flora and fauna. This sanctuary is also perfect for adventure, as there are some thrilling hiking and trekking trails to test one's endurance level.
7. Vashisht Temple & Hot Springs. This beautiful stone temple dedicated to Sage Vashist is located 3 km from Manali. It is also famous for its natural hot water spring, which is said to have medicinal properties. Many tourists visit this temple to take a bath in its hot water spring, which instantly relaxes the body.
8. Jogini Falls. One of nature's breathtaking wonders, Jogini Falls is a delight for nature lovers, trekkers, and backpackers. It offers an enchanting view of a cascading waterfall, which is indeed a feast for the eyes. It is located in Vashisht Village, about 5 km from the centre of Manali.
9. Solang Valley. Located 14 km from Manali, Solang Valley is a must-visit place to visit in Manali that can leave you mesmerised with its undeniable charm and scenic wonders. It is famous among travellers for its vibrant Winter Skiing Festival and adventure activities like horse riding, skiing, sledging,zorbing in khajjiar,, and more.
10. Atal Tunnel. Located 24 km from Manali, Atal Tunnel has become one of the prominent tourist attractions of Manali as it is the world’s longest highway tunnel built at a height of 10,000ft. This 9 km tunnel passes through the lush green forests and offers a vivid view of dramatic mountain peaks on one side and a rivulet flowing on the other side, which is a visual treat for travellers.
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Manali is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is popular for many thrilling activities, shopping, trekking, and much more. Check out the list of things to do in Manali!
1. Beas Kund Trek. Now, trekking to Beas Kund is simply one of the best things to do in Manali. The outstanding views of the Pir Panjal Mountain range over the Beas River are worth exploring and capturing with your camera lens. The spectacular meadows here will simply take your breath away.
2. Paragliding at Dobhi. Glide amidst snow-covered mountains and get a birds-eye view of Manali from a height of 8,000 ft. Enjoy this thrilling adventure activity under the supervision of professional gliders to make memories for a lifetime.
3. Shopping at Mall Road and Manu Market. Mall Road in Manali is a busy part of the city, as tourists stroll here during the evenings. It is dotted with handicraft showrooms, eating joints, garment stores, small shops selling local stuff, and whatnot, which makes it perfect for shopping. You can also visit Manu Market to buy local handicrafts and woollens.
4. Skiing in Manali. Manali is undoubtedly one of the best tourist spots in Northern India. When people travel to this place, the one thing they don’t miss out on is skiing. Many skiing enthusiasts travel here on an annual basis to have fun and make cherishing memories.
5. Rafting. Located on the banks of the River Beas, Manali is a wonderful place to enjoy the thrilling adventure of rafting. Rafting along the current of a mountainous river is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and adrenaline-pumping experience.
6. Mountain Biking. Manali is a paradise for bikers and cycling enthusiasts. It has some of the toughest terrains to raise your endurance level. Steep slopes, sharp cuts, and cycling downhill here will surely pump your adrenaline.
7. Camping. Camping is one of the best experiences you can have in Manali, as the campsite here is equipped with fully loaded tented accommodation and various activities such as a zipline, commando net, volleyball court, etc.
8. Partying. If you like less crowded and more fun parties, Manali is the place to be. The cafes here are all about live performances and amazing food. Cafe 1947, Johnson's Cafe, Sunshine Cafe, Casa Bella Vista, Martins, and Rasta Cafe are a few top spots in Manali where one can enjoy crazy New Year's Eve celebrations.
How To Reach Manali
Manali is a refreshing travel getaway where you can spend some of the best moments of your life. It is situated between the herculean peaks of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. To travel to Manali, follow the route.
- Nearest Major City. Chandigarh
- Nearest Airbase. Bhuntar Airport
- Nearest Railhead. Jogindernagar Station
- Distance from Chandigarh. 308.4 km
By Air
The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, also known as the Kullu-Manali Airport. It is situated 50 km from Manali. After deboarding at the airport, you can easily get a taxi or some other public transportation to reach the desired destination in the city.
- Distance from Bhuntar Airport. 50 km
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Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Kullu
By Train
Jogindernagar station is the nearest railway station from Manali. But it doesn’t have very good connectivity with other Indian cities, thus it is best to travel via flight or roadways.
- Distance from Jogindernagar Station. 47 km
By Road
Manali is very well-connected via the road network. Tourists may also take the inter-state Volvo buses that will terminate at Manali Bus Depot. From the bus depot, one may take an auto or a taxi to further reach the desired place in Manali.
- Distance from Kullu. 40 km
- Distance from Shimla. 248 km
- Distance from Jalandhar. 367.9 km
- Distance from Amritsar. 396 km
- Distance from Dehradun. 502 km
- Distance from Delhi. 540 km
- Distance from Mumbai. 1,943 km
- Distance from Kolkata. 2,054 km
- Distance from Bengaluru. 2,707 km
Manali is a destination, which we believe, no one can resist! Packed with soul-soothing panoramas, this destination is popular among adventure seekers! So, why wait? Book now with adotrip.com and let the adventure begin! Book exclusive tour packages, hotels, flights, buses and more with Adotrip and get the best offers along with end-to-end services. We ensure the best prices and services for a memorable vacation for all our clients. With us, nothing is far!
Frequently Asked Questions About Manali
Q 1. What is famous in Manali?
A 1. Manali is famous for its breathtaking beauty, adventure activities, stunning places like Rohtang Pass, Solang etc and ancient temples.
Q 2. Which is the best time to visit Manali?
A 2. Manali is a year round destination where weather is always pleasant and calming.
Q 3. Is Manali expensive?
A 3. There are options of budget stays in Manali which makes it a reasonable destination.
Q 4. Why do tourists go to Manali?
A 4. Tourists visit Manali to enjoy serenity.
Q 5. Is Manali safe to go now?
A 5. It is safe to visit Manali.
