Manali is a Himalayan resort town located in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. This high altitude resort is mostly famous for its reputation as a backpacking destination and a honeymoon destination. Manali tourist places also attract thrill-seekers with a wide range of activities such as skiing, paragliding, rafting, and mountaineering. Places to Visit in Manali: Key attractions include the Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple, and Manali Sanctuary.
Manali is located approximately 500 kilometers north-east of Delhi. At an altitude of 6,726 ft, Manali places itself in the Beas Valley and is a popular getaway spot for travellers looking to escape the hot summer months in North (and South) India. In this article, we have compiled a list of both prominent and offbeat places to visit in Manali, and we hope it will be of interest to you.
Best time to visit Manali: October to February is that the winter season and is taken into account to be the simplest time to go to Manali if you wish the cold weather and month of January is best to enjoy the chilly pleasure of fresh snowfall. The temperature drops down below zero degrees Celsius. Summer within the region starts within the month of March and lasts till June.
How to Reach Shimla: The minimum time taken to travel the distance from Delhi to Manali by bus is 12 hours 30 minutes. By Car: You can hire a cab/taxi. Travel time about 11 to 12 hours on a road journey from Delhi to Manali by Cab.
Popular Tourist Places in Manali
1. Hadimba Devi Temple
If you’re a fan of mythology and history your Hadimba Devi Temple is likely to astound you. This temple was specialized in the wife of Bhima, one of the Pandava princes from the epic ‘Mahabharata’. This temple has been shaped across the lines of a pagoda, as well as the idol is 3-inches tall.
2. Solang Valley
This Valley is by a means among the first popular tourist places in Manali, and its rise to popularity credited to the neighboring snow-capped mountain ranges along with glistening glaciers. Many tourists visit Solang valley to partake in adventure activities like paragliding, skiing amongst an array of options. With numerous new travel agencies that have popped up recently, the charges for adventure activities have, more or less, stabilized.
3. Manikaran Gurudwara
Gurudwara(Manikaran) by the Parvati River is a place to visit in Manali for the spiritually-inclined. This religious place is known for its hot water springs and a Gurudwara. Manikaran is both a Manali tourist place as well as a pilgrimage site. Manikaran is supposed to have mythological connections to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The place where the Goddess lost her precious stones, and the Lord supposedly had to use his ‘Third Eye.’
4. Naggar Castle
Those who wish to indulge in a little royalty can head straight to Naggar Castle. This place used the capital of the kings of Kullu, and presently, there is a castle here that houses various relics and artifacts of the Kullu culture and traditions. The villa has vantage points offering scintillating views of the Beas valley, and captivating hill slopes filled with apple orchards.
5. Gulaba
One of the lesser-known tourist attractions in Manali is this magnificent place called Gulaba, which lies at an elevation of 4000 meters. Gently sloped hillsides covered in snow, tall pine trees, and abundant composure mark this place. Skiing, paragliding, and other fun activities are an integral part of Gulaba. If you find Solang valley crowded, Gulaba could be your next best alternative.
6. Kasol
A hamlet situated in the Kullu district on the banks of River Parvati, Kasol, is one of the best tourist places in Manali. Many travellers from around the world visit this place every year to appreciate its beauty and calmness. A backpacker hotspot, Kasol acts as the starting point for treks to Kheerganga and Malana. The place enjoys excellent weather throughout the year.
7. Rohtang Pass
Boasting an elevation of 4111 meters, the Rohtang Pass is situated on the Manali-Leh highway (NH 21) and is a must-visit during the summer season. Acting as a gateway to Pangi, Spiti, Lahaul, and Leh valley, the pass welcomes more than 25 lakh visitors each year. A key trade route once upon a time, the pass remains open from May to November every year. The Indian Army provides permission to cross after careful inspection of the region.
8. Beas River
One of the most important places to visit in Manali is the Beas River. That flows close by this river has its origins in the Himalayas and flows for nearly 470 km towards the Sutlej River in Punjab. The snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas in the backdrop add to the beauty of this fantastic place. The river banks are home to an isolated group of Indus dolphins.
9. Pandoh Dam
Built across the Beas river, the Pandoh Dam has evolved into a bustling picnic spot frequented by tourists and locals alike. The construction of this dam was completed in the year 1977 and presently functions as a hydroelectric project. The dam is 76 m tall and provides an excellent backdrop for hanging out and clicking photographs.
10. Tripura Sundari Temple – Naggar
A temple with great historical significance, Tripura Sundari Temple is pagoda-themed and made of deodar wood. It much resembles the Hidimba Devi temple in its appearance. This three-tiered temple has a circular top and surmounted by a Chhatra. Squat wooden pillars divide the two lower stories. Constructed by Raja Yashodhapal, the temple houses idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Brahma, Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and Tripura Rakshasa. A famous festival called ‘Sharhi Jatra’ is held every year in May.
Easy to reach, and filled with remarkably beautiful spots, Manali truly is a dream destination. From mountains to glaciers to places of historical relevance, Manali pretty much has it all. Explore the many attractions of Manali tourist places and do share your experience with us by leaving comments on the ‘comment’ section given below!
Truly, Manali is a gorgeous land for summer or winter vacations. Thanks for sharing informative post about Manali.