Vashisht Falls, Manali

One of the top Manali Tourist places is the natural spa or the ‘The Vashisht’ Hot Water Spring.

The hot water springs are believed to have medicinal value and claim to cure many skin diseases. The hot water springs are just behind the Vashisht temple which is said to be more than 4000 years old.

Pay your respects to the idol and then change for your dip. There are separate kunds or tanks for men and women. Ideally, people spend 15-20 minutes in the tanks to soak in the medical properties of the sulfur water.

If hot water springs attract you and you want a bigger area to bathe, get ready to travel 80km to Manikaran for bigger hot water springs.

Hidimba Temple, Manali

Locally known as the Dhungiri temple, the Hidimba Temple is a unique shrine dedicated to Hidimba Devi.

Surrounded by tall cedar forests, overlooking the snow-clad hills of Manali, this beautiful shrine is built on a rock and the construction style is a cone-shaped roof like a pagoda while typically Indian temples do not display such a design. The temple has a wooden doorway and the mud walls adorn stonework.

You can drive over the hill to reach this shrine or simply take a walk from Mall road by following the signs.

Feel the chill in the air when you go up the hill. If you’re tired or just need a refreshing drink, stop by IL Forno, an authentic Italian restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas and homemade apple and plum juice.

Mall road for Shopping in Manali

Like every hill station in India, even Manali has a Mall road that sells woolen items and has many restaurants to suit every taste bud. Buzzing with activity throughout the day, Mall Road acts as a central place for meetings. Lined with multiple hotels, restaurants and the busy commercial center also houses numerous shops and emporiums. A beautiful forest walk connects Old Manali to the Manali market. You walk through the thick deodar forest along the Beas river to reach the Mall road.

Shopping in Manali for Manali Souvenirs is a must-do thing in Manali and definitely features under Manali Travel Guide. From jewelry to artifacts, handicrafts to books, from cakes to winter wear the options are unending on what to buy in Manali.

One of the main places to visit in Manali is Mall Road. If you want to buy affordable souvenirs from Manali as gifts for your friends, I will suggest picking up beaded jewelry, yak mittens, or a shawl.

Valley views

Sometimes, taking a break and not doing anything is so therapeutic. No matter where you are in Manali the enchanting views of the valley, mountains, and river will leave for energized. Soak in the chilly air and leave that mobile behind and prepare for a detox. 

Manali Apple Orchards

Manali in Himachal Pradesh is lined with apple trees around the highway, in hotels, and even in local residences. Other fruits such as peaches, plums, cherries, and litchis also make their presence felt in Manali. It is a sheer joy to be able to pluck it from the tree and eat it then and there. The sweetness is undescribable especially if you live in a city and buy fruits from a supermarket. It definitely reminded me of picking raw mangoes in my childhood.

Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass is the highlight of Kullu Manali Tourism.

With curvy roads and stunning landscapes, going to Rohtang pass is the most picturesque drive from Manali. About 50 km away, Rohtang pass connects the Kullu Valley with the Spiti Valley.

Rohtang Pass, also known as the Snow Point of Manali draws tourists as it is one of the most popular destinations. During the winter, the mountains of the Rohtang Pass are completely covered in snow and it remains closed from October until May.

During summer it turns into a lush green meadow with some portion of snow that never melts. You are most like to cross it during your road trip to Ladakh, Spiti, and others.

White water Rafting, Manali

Wonder about offbeat things to do in Manali?

Manali is a broad, open valley, formed by the River Beas, and white water rafting in the icy cold water is a nail-biting and teeth-chattering adventure. The River Beas is at its strongest in Manali and the valley is famous for its 14 kilometers stretch of white water right down to Jhiri, making it perfect for rafting in Manali on its wide currents. 

Best time for Water Rafting in Manali: Summer (April to July). I went in August and the rafting was not operational.

Here’s a guide, in case you are looking for some offbeat things to do in Manali.

Where to stay in Manali?

There are dormitories to vacation homes, luxury hotels to Airbnb, and hostels to camps available in Manali for every kind of traveler. I would recommend you stay away from mall road. Here are some of my recommendations:

Hostel: Zostel, Backpacker Panda 

Mid-range hotel: Snow bliss, Golden apple resort 

Luxury hotel: Span Resort and Spa, Larisa Resort 

Camps: Himtrek camps, The Wrong address camp and cafe 

Vacation homes: Hamta house cottage, Heaven’s Abode

Best time to visit Manali

Though Manali is accessible all year round, summer and monsoon are the best seasons to go as the weather is pleasant and it has good connectivity with buses from Delhi. Manali in winter is special as one can watch the snow and there are some skiing options nearby. This is why a honeymoon in Manali is extremely popular. However, the Rohtang pass may be closed during that point in time.

How to reach Manali, Himachal

By Air

The nearest airport is Bhuntar which is around 50 km from Manali. There are flight services from Delhi to Bhuntar.

By Train

There is no railway station in Manali however there are train services from Delhi to Jogindernagar and Pathankot. Then you have to hire a cab or bus to reach Manali. The distance from Pathankot to Kullu is around 325 km and from Jogindernagar is around 160 km. 

By Road

It is ideal to take a road trip from Delhi or Chandigarh to Manali. Cabs, as well as overnight air-conditioned buses, ply from Delhi and Chandigarh. This region also has good connectivity with Ambala, Chandigarh, Shimla, Dalhousie and other districts through regular bus services of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation.

Sustainable tips for Places to visit in Manali

• The state has officially banned polythene bags so do not use single-use or disposable plastic. Dispose of biscuit wrappers, wafer packets, and juice boxes in designated bins. Do not litter the highways, mall road, or riverbanks.
• Do not pluck fruits without permission. Be a responsible and respectful tourist.
• Eat and enjoy local food.
• Stay at Rohtang pass for a limited period of time. It may cause breathing problems for some tourists who are not used to heights.
• Respect nature during adventure activities and do not harm it in any form. A single cigarette butt can give rise to fires hurting the economy of the entire region. 

Read More Himachal Posts here:

• Triund Rhododendron Trek in Himachal Pradesh
• Places to visit in Mcleodganj
• Volunteering at Triund with Waste Warriors

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