Manali is a stunning highland location on the banks of the Beas River. Known as the "Honeymoon Capital of India," it has long been a popular destination for newlyweds. Given its natural beauty, which includes stunning vistas of the snow-capped Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, it is, after all, one of the best hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. This evergreen paradise's tranquil surroundings, pure air, nice climate, adventurous activities, and much more are what draw people there. Thus, we provide you with a comprehensive travel guide to Manali for your ideal trip if you intend to visit this hill town.
Let's give you a brief overview of this picturesque hillside's history before continuing. The sage Manu, the first person to initiate the evolution of the human race on Earth, is the answer to this question, starting with how it received its name. He portrayed several human values and regulations in his Manusmriti. According to a tale, the sage Manu chose to establish human life in this celestial town because he was so taken aback by Manali's beauty. It was formerly known as Manu-Alaya before changing to Manali. Manali is identified as the home of the sage Manu by a temple devoted to him
In contemporary history, King Jagat Singh ruled Manali during the 17th century. According to legend, he once carried a statue of Lord Raghunath for his kingdom's prosperity. Since then, Manali's ruling god has been Lord Raghunath. Then, during the British Empire's dominance over India in the 20th century, Manali gained popularity as a vacation destination among British nationals due to its nice climate. Despite their cruelty, the hill town saw numerous improvements during their tenure, including the construction of well-maintained roads, eateries, and churches as well as the introduction of adventure sports like snow racing and skating. They are credited with planting the first apple trees in 1865.
Top Places to visit in Manali: Introducing a complete travel guide for Manali
Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass is well-known for its breathtaking scenery and captivating views of the Chandra River, Lahaul Valley, peaks, and glaciers. For the inhabitants of the Pir Panjal region, it was formerly a part of an old trading route. It is blanketed in a thick layer of snow in the winter. As a result, it closes in October and reopens in May.
The distance is 35.6 km from Manali.
The Atal Tunnel
Another well-liked tourist destination in the hill town is the Atal Tunnel. Built at a height of 10,000 feet, it is the world's longest highway tunnel. Travelers can enjoy a breathtaking view of mountain peaks and running rivers on both sides as they pass through the lush, green woodlands. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Indian prime minister, is honored by the tunnel's name.
The distance is 24 km from Manali.
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
Temple of Hadimba Devi
Among the many temples in Manali, Hadimba Devi Temple is another well-known shrine. The temple honors Hadimba Devi, a demon who fulfilled her pledge to wed the powerful Pandava prince Bhim after he destroyed Hidimb. This temple's magnificent Pagoda-style architecture makes it worthy of admiration. Include it in your agenda for Manali.
3 kilometers away from Manali
Temple of Manu
One of the historic, revered temples in Manali is the Manu Temple. The philosopher Manu, to whom this temple is devoted, is the name of this holy town. Legend has it that the sage Manu meditated at the current temple. Numerous devotees visit this hallowed structure in Manali, where they are reenergized both spiritually and mentally.
3 kilometers away from Manali
The Solang Valley
One of Manali's top tourist destinations is the Solang Valley. It is a must-see for its breathtaking scenery, the Winter Skiing Festival, and a variety of adventure sports like zorbing, horseback riding, paragliding, skiing, sledding, mountaineering, parachuting, and trekking.
13 kilometers away from Manali
The Jogini Falls
With a breathtaking vista of a tumbling waterfall that drops 160 feet, Jogini Falls is an excellent destination for tourists. To reach this well-known tourist destination, you must start your trip from Vashisht Village, where you will see pine trees and orchards. For hikers, backpackers, and nature enthusiasts, Jogini Falls is a beautiful sight.
5 kilometers away from Manali
Temple of Vashisht and Hot Springs
The attractive interiors, wooden carvings, murals, and antique statues of Vashisht Temple, a historic sacred temple, draw travelers. This temple is devoted to the guru Vashisht, the master of Lord Ram and his brothers and a royal priest of the Raghu clan, as the name implies. In addition to its divinity, this location is known for its hot springs, which have therapeutic qualities that can treat skin conditions.
Three kilometers away from Manali
Sanctuary of Manali
In addition to being a haven for thrill-seekers and nature lovers, Manali Sanctuary attracts wildlife enthusiasts who want to explore the wild. This 31.8-square-foot refuge is home to unique and endangered wildlife species, such as brown bears, musk deer, leopards, and snow leopards, among many more. During the summer, herds of ibex can also be seen traveling over the glacier zone.
Two kilometers away from Manali
Manali the Old
Old Manali, which was once a favorite among hippies, still enchants tourists with its verdant woods, apple orchards, rustic homestays, charming eateries, and artifacts from a bygone period. In addition to being a charming town in Manali, it continues to be popular with tourists who like to walk down its streets and shop for wool, trinkets, and other items.
Three kilometers away from Manali
Thrill to your Manali tour with adventure activities
Skiing
Make the most of the opportunity to enjoy skiing if you are in Manali during the winter. Gliding on the snow powder while wearing safety gear is a lot of fun. To prevent unintended accidents, if you are an amateur, do it under professional supervision. When organizing a honeymoon trip to Manali, take advantage of this adventurous sport.
Paragliding
Manali offers the paragliding activity if you've ever wanted to soar like a bird. The more alluring it appears, the more difficult this adventure sport is. Therefore, only engage in this activity when you are fully confident. Follow the advice of an expert if this is your first time doing it.
Biking in the mountains
Another well-liked adventure sport in this little hill village is mountain riding. Mountain biking is the perfect sport for you if you are confident in your ability to ride. You will traverse challenging terrain in this sport, which calls for the best use of your balancing abilities.
Rafting in rivers
One of the greatest adventure sports to try in Manali is river rafting. The setting is the Beas River. Take up this water challenge activity if you are capable of using your firm grasp of oars to navigate the roaring waves. You will be given a quick rundown of everything before you start, along with a warning about any potential hazards.
Zorbing
Have you ever had a vision of yourself within a translucent, round ball? If not, take part in zorbing, a well-liked adventure sport in Manali, to experience it yourself. To see the world turn upside down, you will be placed inside a gigantic rolling ball. Both children and adults can experience it.
Best marketplaces of Manali
Bhuttico
Bhuttico is a very well-known bazaar, having received the Ministry of Textiles' 1993–1994 National Award. Since all of the handicrafts you purchase here are certified with the ISO stamp, there is no concern about counterfeiting. The products you buy here also come with quality certifications. You can get coats, shawls, Himachali headgear, scarves, and other winter clothing at the Bhuttico market.
Bazaar Akhara
If you're looking to buy traditional goods, you should visit Akhara Bazaar. Here, you may purchase a wide range of goods, such as wool clothing, Himachali headgear, wooden toys, jewelry, footwear, and decorative things. Carpets and rugs with eye-catching designs and traditional Himachali patterns are also worth buying from this site.
The Tibetan Market
As the name implies, Tibetan Market is a marketplace where you can purchase handicrafts and souvenirs made in Tibet. Because of its popularity, you may get Buddhist paintings and home décor products. Everything you purchase from this store will represent Buddhist culture in Manali, whether it is the rarest Buddhist prayer wheels, prayer flags, handcrafted goods, bamboo objects, or singing bowls. You may also buy Buddha idols, jewelry, and clothes here.
The Himachal Emporium
The Himachal Emporium is the ideal place to buy Kangra silks, pottery items, Himachali headgear, wool sweaters, Pashmina shawls, and native jewelry. The beautiful items that showcase the labor and artistic abilities of Himachal Pradesh's artisans and tribal people will also catch your eye.
Mall Road
Indeed, Manali has a Mall Road market in addition to Shimla. Pashmina shawls, paintings, Himachali headgear, Tibetan handicrafts, shoes, home décor, and food items like jams, pickles, and fruit syrups are among the many items that people love to purchase at this well-known bazaar. The market is a well-liked destination with picturesque mountain and valley settings, and it is packed with tourists day and night.
The Manu Market
Shopping for items such as crockery, electronics, jewelry, handloom items, Buddhist artwork, shawls, books, wool clothing, carpets, rugs, utensils, Himachali caps, and much more is worth doing at Manali's Manu Market, which is just as worth seeing as the well-known Manu Temple. you enjoy this bazaar, make sure you book your accommodation at a nearby luxury resort in Manali.
The Best time to visit Manali
Whether you're traveling alone, with friends, family, or a spouse, Manali is a fantastic destination. But it takes more than just organizing a trip to this highland station. One needs to be aware of the climate before visiting this evergreen hill station. Let's now determine the ideal time of year to visit Manali.
April to June is summer.
The best time of year to visit Manali is during the summer, which runs from April to June. The weather is still nice, with temperatures between 10°C and 25°C, which is better than in towns with humid climates. This is the ideal time of year to engage in mountaineering, paragliding, trekking, and rafting. The temperature is cold at night, so make sure you have the lightest woolen clothing ready.
July to September in monsoon season.
Let us advise you that it can be dangerous to take a holiday in Manali during the monsoon season. We mention this because the area experiences a lot of rainfall around this season, which could lead to landslides. The only upside is that the cost of upscale lodgings decreases. However, in general, we advise you to avoid making your trip miserable.
October to March is winter.
In addition to summer, the hilly town is best explored in the winter, from October to March, when it is heavily snow-covered. It's when you have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities, including skiing. For couples on their honeymoon, Manali is a genuinely romantic destination.
How to get to Manali
Following a summary of the main sights, adventurous pursuits, retail establishments, and regional cuisines, it is imperative to understand how to organize your vacation to Manali. Three possibilities for travel are shown below for this. Your visit to this highland wonderland can be planned whenever it is most convenient for you.
By Air:
The closest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport, which is 50 kilometers away. To get to your location after descending from the airport, you can use public transportation or a taxi.
By Train:
You have to take a train to Joginder Nagar Railway Station because Manali lacks a railway station. At 147 kilometers, it is the closest train station to the hill town.
By Road:
Interstate Volvo buses that stop at the Manali Bus Depot connect Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Haridwar, Shimla, Dharamshala, and Chamba to Manali's excellent road network. To get to your destination in this hill city, you can alternatively use a taxi or an automobile.
Road Conditions between Manali and Delhi
The NH-21 and NH-1 highways that connect Delhi and Manali are in generally excellent condition for a highway. There are one or two difficult spots along the entire journey to ensure you never lose focus.
The travel from Kiratpur to Sunder Nagar is particularly awful because of the trucks that are frantically parked on both sides of the road, which severely slows you down. The remaining road conditions are excellent for driving, except for a little section from Chandigarh to Roopnagar that is in poor condition.
Please visit the DwD Community thread: Delhi – Manali Road Conditions for the most recent information on the roads from Delhi to Manali.
Bus Service between Manali and Delhi
According to the HRTC Facebook page, six Volvo buses are operated daily between Manali and Delhi by HRTC and HPTDC. HPTDC costs ₹1300 for this service, while HRTC charges ₹1283. It takes about 14 hours to travel 580 km.
The following are the bus times from Manali: 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, and 6:30 p.m.
Bus times from Delhi are as follows: HRTC (from Delhi ISBT): 7:35 pm, 8:00 pm, 8:25 pm, and 9:03 pm; HPTDC (from Himachal Bhawan): 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm.
Savouring local yet popular delicacies in Manali
Dhaam
Dhaam is one of these well-liked dishes. Dharma, which is packed with many flavors and nutrients, is the last item on the list. It includes red kidney beans, fried dal, jaggery, desserts, curd, salad, boor ki kadhi, and aromatic rice. In addition to being served regularly, Dhaam is also used while organizing a destination wedding in Manali or any other noteworthy event. In addition to Manali, Chamba also offers a flavorful dhaam.
Fish, Kullu Trout
Try Kullu trout fish for lunch or dinner if you want something that isn't vegetarian. To bring out the true flavor of the fish, this meal is made with marinated fish meat and basic Indian spices. To add further flavor, it is fried in lemon-onion sauce and mustard oil. For a nutritious treat, Kullu trout fish is eaten with veggies.
Bhey
When on vacation in Manali, you should eat the crispy, well-liked Himachali delicacy bhey bhey. To make it more palatable, locals cook lotus stems with additional ingredients like gram flour, ginger, garlic, onion, and other Indian spices. Bhey taste great with roti, rice, or paratha. Just one mouthful will leave you wanting more.
Madra
Madra is crucial for enumerating the best Himachali cuisines because it is frequently offered during festive seasons. Chickpeas or vegetables are used to make this hearty dish, and Indian spices like cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric powder, and coriander powder are used for flavor. You can have Madra with rice, chapati, or even babru.
Aktori
A popular food among the people of Himachal Pradesh, aktori is a pancake dish that comes from the Spiti Valley. Buckwheat leaves, milk, water, sugar, and baking soda are the components. When consumed, the dish tastes great and is made quickly. Visit Spiti Valley if you want to sample this delicious treat.
Thukpa from Tibet
There are two varieties of Tibetan thukpa noodles: vegetarian and non-vegetarian. In the earlier instance, it includes carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, and onions. In cold conditions, one cup of Tibetan thukpa will help keep you warm.
Siddu
One of the well-known dishes in Manali that you should taste is siddu. Dough made with wheat flour is used to make this classic treat. It is a bun-shaped dish that is stuffed with either mutton or vegetables. It is first roasted and then steamed to add flavor. It is placed on the table when it is ready to be enjoyed.
Gosht Chha
For those who are not vegetarians, Chha Gosht is the ultimate delight. Made with marinated lamb meat, it is also a popular dish in Manali. Gram flour, yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, and flavoring Indian spices including cardamom powder, red chilli powder, asafoetida, and bay leaf are the ingredients required to cook it.
Madra
Madra is crucial for enumerating the best Himachali cuisines because it is frequently offered during festive seasons. Chickpeas or vegetables are used to make this hearty dish, and Indian spices like cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric powder, and coriander powder are used for flavor. You can have Madra with rice, chapati, or even babru.
In Conclusion
This concludes our Manali travel guide, which covers everything from tourist attractions, adventure sports, markets, local cuisine, and how to organize your vacation. However, aside from that, we also recommend the greatest staycation at Bookmark Resorts in Manali, which has all the luxuries you could need to make your stay unforgettable. All things considered, Manali is a great place to visit if you want to get away from the busy city life.
