MANALI

My Manali travel blog to offbeat Manali and the best places to visit in Manali

I would take an unknown trail leading to a strange place over a popular trek any day. I leave a city from its bus stand if I see it is crowded. Staying alone in one tent amongst the hundred empty ones makes me feel like a ninja. Ditching the most popular restaurants in a city I get lost in the back lanes to find local treats.

The road less traveled is my home.

Otherwise, why would I wander alone in South America for nine months while Europe waited or stalk wild orangutan around the Kinabatangan river in Borneo when a national bird park in Kuala Lumpur was a fifteen minutes walk or become a blogger while I still get software engineering job offers from TimesJobs or hitchhike in the deserted Spiti alone when I could have just stayed on under the blossoming apple trees of Parvati Valley.

My unexpected love affair with Manali, India’s summer queen, started when I arrived there for a day to travel to Spiti the next morning. Though the counter at the HRTC bus stands and the many travel agents in Manali told me that the road to Spiti wasn’t open yet, I shuttled between the tour agencies that fringed the rickety lanes of Old Manali until I found one who understood that I wouldn’t take no for an answer. 

But on that one day that I spent in old Manali, I walked in the colorful old market of Manali that is catered to please the ones on the Hummus trail, got enticed by small coffee and confectionary shops right in the middle of a tiny street lined with guesthouses, the green hills around Manali called me to walk along them, the various local dishes sizzling out of Manali restaurants’ kitchens made me hungry, while the Manaslu and the Beas river flowed in all glory. 

I decided that I would return to Manali from Spiti and ignore the top places to visit near Manali lists put up by the tour agencies and spend a few days in Manali to explore the dream destination of many Indians in my style – which was mainly to avoid crowded places and find the dusted gems.

 

When I went back to Manali after traveling in Spiti for a week, I took a room in a simple hotel in Old Manali. From my room’s balcony, I could look at the ubiquitous snow-capped Himalayas surrounding Manali, but nothing more than that. Compromising for a hotel rather than a homestay, which is unusual for me, I stayed away from the backpackers who go to Manali to smoke, play cards, and party and live in lush homestays that want to make a living. 

Well, that is already one secret that I have told you to experience Manali differently — stay in an (almost) empty guesthouse if you prefer solitude, like me. 

What happened in those next few days is between Manali and me. But I would be generous enough to let you in on some secrets in this Manali guide; in fact, I will tell you the best things to see in Manali. 

Come on. Let’s go into the green lanes of Manali and find ourselves some adventure. 

For that is what Manali is for. 

Manu Temple

Manu temple is one of the ancient holy shrines to visit in Manali. This sacred town is named after sage Manu, to whom this temple is dedicated. According to legend, the present-day temple is where sage Manu meditated. This revered edifice in Manali is visited by countless devotees who are rejuvenated with mental & spiritual energy.

Distance from Manali – 3 km

Hadimba Devi Temple

Hadimba Devi Temple is another famous shrine among several temples of Manali. The temple is dedicated to Hadimba Devi, a demoness who married the mighty Pandava prince, Bhim, after he killed Hidimb, fulfilling her vow. This temple is worth admiring for its spectacular Pagoda-style architecture. Add it to your Manali itinerary plan.

Distance from Manali – 3 km

Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass is famous for its scenic beauty and mesmerising views of glaciers, peaks, Lahaul Valley, & the Chandra River. It was once a part of an ancient trade route for the people residing in the Pir Panjal region. During winter, it is covered with a massive blanket of snow. Hence, it is closed from October & reopens in May. 

Distance from Manali – 35.6 km

Solang Valley

Solang Valley is one of the best places to visit in Manali. It is a must-visit for its scenic wonders & for partaking in the Winter Skiing Festival, plus enjoying multiple adventure activities like zorbing, horse riding, paragliding, skiing, sledging, mountaineering, parachuting, & trekking. 

Distance from Manali – 13 km

Atal Tunnel

Atal Tunnel also joins the list of popular tourist places in the hill town. It is the longest highway tunnel known in the world, constructed at the height of 10,000 ft. Passing through the verdant green forests, providing a striking view of mountain peaks & flowing rivers on either side, is a visual treat for vacationers. The tunnel is named after the former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Distance from Manali – 24 km

Jogini Falls

Jogini Falls is a fantastic spot for travellers with a beautiful view of a cascading waterfall falling from 160 ft. To visit this popular tourist attraction, you must begin trekking from Vashisht Village, where you will spot pine trees & orchards on your way. Jogini Falls is a delightful sight for nature lovers, trekkers & backpackers.

Distance from Manali – 5 km

Vashisht Temple & Hot springs

Vashisht Temple is an ancient holy shrine that attracts tourists with its appealing interiors, wooden carvings, paintings, & antique figures. As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to sage Vashisht, a royal priest of the Raghu clan, & the master of Lord Ram & his brothers. Besides divinity, this place is also acknowledged for its hot water springs that have medical properties to heal skin diseases. 

Distance from Manali – 3 km

Old Manali

Once popular with the hippie crowd, Old Manali continues to charm its travellers with its green forests, apple orchards, rustic homestays, endearing cafes, & things from a bygone era. Besides being a quaint town of Manali, it still holds its relevance among the tourists who prefer strolling on its streets, & shopping for woollens, souvenirs, & lots more. 

Distance from Manali – 3 km

Manali Sanctuary

Manali is not just a retreat for nature lovers & adrenaline junkies but also welcomes wildlife enthusiasts who can experience the wilderness at Manali Sanctuary. Sprawling at 31.8 sq ft, this sanctuary houses endangered & rare wildlife species, including leopards, snow leopards, musk deer, brown bears & many others. Herds of Ibex can also be spotted migrating in the glacier zone during summer.  

Distance from Manali – 2 km

Nehru Kund

Nehru Kund is a natural spring in Manali named after the first Prime Minister of India, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. It is said that he made a frequent visit to this place & drank water from it. While making your way towards Rohtang Pass, Nehru Kund does make an ideal stop for its pristine waters & view of serene Himalayan landscapes. It is a perfect spot to embrace nature & exploit your photography skills.

Distance from Manali – 5.2 km