Sightseeing and things to do in Manali

Manali is a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, located on the Beas river. It encompasses breathtaking waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and picturesque valleys. Adventure sports like rafting, trekking, skiing, ziplining, and paragliding add excitement to the town’s calm atmosphere. 

People travel to Manali every year from all over the country and the world to see the magnificent vista and relish unlimited adventure opportunities. In addition, Manali is renowned for its thriving culture and pilgrimages. Here are some of the best tourist places in Manali for a memorable trip.

By train: Joginder Nagar, 50 kilometres from Manali, has the closest railway station to Manali. Additionally, viable choices are Chandigarh and Ambala Cantt. Although it is well connected by train, you must first travel to Ambala to take a bus to Manali. However, because it is a narrow-gauge station, it is not connected to all major cities. Wide gauge railway stations are in Chandigarh (310 km) and Ambala (300 km).

By air: There is no airport in Manali; the closest one is in Kullu, 50 km distant. There are Air India flights between Kullu and Delhi; however, they are inconsistent and extremely expensive. From the airport, you have two options for transportation: either hire a taxi to drive you to Manali or go to Kullu and take a bus that travels this route frequently. Chandigarh Airport (IXC) is located 178 kilometres from Manali.

By road: From Delhi to Manali, which is 570 kilometres away, there are frequent bus routes. Shimla, Dharamshala, Leh, and Chandigarh are other destinations from where buses to Manali can be taken.  As an alternative, you could take a taxi to go to Manali. However, ascertain if the driver has prior experience on a hilly road.

Best time to visit Manali: The ideal time to visit Manali is from October through June. Characterised by vibrant, beautiful flowers that are in full bloom, and one can experience a comfortable climate with temperatures between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius. The best time to experience snowfall in Manali is from December through February.

 

16 best places to visit in Manali for a memorable trip

 

• Solang Valley 

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Known colloquially as Solang Nala and Snow Valley, Solang Valley is located between the Beas river and Solang Village. Because of its unrivalled beauty, many people visit Solang Valley every year just to bask in its stunning, snow-white magnificence. Along with revelling in its breathtaking scenery, tourists come to Solang Valley as there are numerous other things to do. 

You can engage in activities like camping, quad biking, zorbing, skiing, paragliding, trekking, mountaineering, and parachuting. You should also visit Solang Ropeway and Ski Centre, which offers adventure opportunities like ATV rides, snowmobiling trails, ski slopes, paragliding, etc. Although Solang Valley is stunning and breathtaking throughout the year, April to December is the ideal time to visit this place in Manali, as the weather at this time of year is suitable for engaging in a variety of exciting sports.

 

 

• Old Manali

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Old Manali and New Manali are separated by the Manalsu river. A river bridge connects Old Manali to the rest of the city. Old Manali is a peaceful town situated beneath a valley covered in a thick layer of apple orchards. There are also several beautiful houses made of wood and stone. Enjoy some delicious continental food while shopping in nearby markets for souvenirs and handicrafts. 

You’ll fall in love with this place because of the captivating sunrises and sunsets. One of the most well-known and picturesque sites in Old Manali is the Hadimba temple. Visit several well-known cafes, including Cafe 1947, Drifter’s Cafe, Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted Coffee House. You can explore the roads, do water rappelling and more.

 

 

• Hadimba Temple 

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Locally known as the Dhungari Temple, the Hadimba Temple honours Hadimba Devi, the mother of Ghatothkach and the wife of Bhima. For aficionados of mythology, it is a destination they must visit. It is situated on a rock that is thought to represent the likeness of the goddess Hadimba herself and is surrounded by snow-covered hills. Its unique structure, which features wooden walls, entrances, and a cone-shaped roof, is fascinating. 

 

• Manu Temple

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This stunning temple meant to honour Sage Manu can be found in the captivating Beas River valley of Manali. It has been a popular tourist destination for many years, and visitors who wish to get closer to the heavenly energies of Indian deities typically come here looking for tranquillity and spiritual enlightenment. 

The Manu Temple is known to be the only temple devoted to King Manu, also known as Sage Manu in India, and it features awe-inspiring architecture. The Manu Temple has been built close to the spot where he is said to have meditated. You must visit Manu Temple to feel the serene vibrations and understand why it is a famous Manali tourist place.

 

• Rohtang Pass

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Rohtang Pass, situated at a height of more than 13,000 feet above sea level, serves as the entrance to the Spiti and Lahaul valleys in Himachal Pradesh and is a well-known part of the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. It is one of the best places to visit in Manali as it is very popular among film directors due to its magnificent scenery. 

From “Jab We Met” to “Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani,” numerous blockbusters have been filmed at this Manali place. Additionally, you can engage in exhilarating activities like sledging, mountain biking, skiing, and tyre drop. Due to its difficult road, high altitude, and cold climate, Rohtang is best visited during the day. 

 

• Vashisht Baths

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The well-known Vashisht Temple, located approximately 6km from Manali, is home to the hot springs known as Vashisht Baths or Vashisht Springs, which are thought to have therapeutic or medicinal benefits. Many visitors here take a bath in the holy water to get rid of illnesses and infections. The government has built up separate bathing facilities for men and women. There are stunning sandstone temples nearby the Vashisht Temple, as well as a number of little stores where you can buy trinkets and religious items.

 

• Jogini Waterfall

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A renowned tourist destination, Jogini Waterfalls, which cascades from a height of 160 feet, is located 2 kilometres from the well-known Vashisht Temple. The way leading to Jogini Waterfall is surrounded by beautiful orchards and pine trees. For all the nature lovers and adventure seekers, crossing a number of smaller streams while taking in the breathtaking views of the River Beas and the snow-capped peaks of Rohtang is an unforgettable experience. 

It is a popular Kullu Manali tourist place and is also well-known for its adventure and leisure activities, so take along a camera to capture the awe-inspiring beauty. 

 

 

• Parvati Valley

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The Parvati Valley is a steep, narrow valley and the most significant relic of the hippy trail in India. It starts—or rather ends—at the intersection of the Parvati and Beas rivers, and it is dotted with a number of villages. Numerous small tributaries that join the Parvati River along the route provide stunning gushing waterfalls. It is thought that Lord Shiva lived there for about 3,000 years. The valley is also famous for trekking, camping, river rafting, rave parties, spiritual experiences, and various festivals. This place near Manali is a wonderful location to visit to relax and rejuvenate. 

 

 

• Arjun Gufa

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Arjun Gufa is located in Prini, a settlement on the left side of the Beas River. According to legend, Arjuna from the Mahabharata carried out his penance and was blessed with Pashupati Astra by Lord Shiva. It is a popular picnic venue among tourists. A steep hillside trail leads to the Arjun cave. With the surrounding natural scenery, the ascent to this Manali visiting place is thrilling in and of itself.  

The thrill is increased, though, when the light stops streaming in, and one has to use flashlights to find their way through the cave’s interior, which is completely dark. The months of March until June are the best for visiting Arjun Gufa because the area will be less snow-covered, making it possible to explore the cave.

 

 

• Mall Road

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Mall Road is a popular tourist attraction in Manali. It is well known for its hundreds of shops, guesthouses, cafes, local food outlets, and handmade woollens. You should visit Mall Road to experience some of the most pleasant and lively moments. After a day of shopping, you can relax on one of the many benches and admire the view, sounds, and backdrop of the mountains. Some things to do in Mall Road are exploring the Dragon Shopping Complex, Snow Line Underground Market, and Hong Kong Market.

 

 

• Atal Tunnel

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The Atal Tunnel, also known as the Rohtang Tunnel, connects Manali with the Lahaul-Spiti valley, cutting travel time by about 4-5 hours. It is named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee and is constructed in the Pir Panjal ranges under the Rohtang Pass. It is a horseshoe-shaped highway tunnel. Visitors enter Sissu from the North End of the tunnel, which is flanked by tall mountains.

 

• Sissu

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Sissu, also referred to as Khwaling, is situated on the right bank of the Chandra River. It can be reached by the Atal Tunnel and is located in the midst of the Gyephang Goh. It is one of the best sites to visit in Manali because of its magnificent waterfall, known locally as Palden Lhamo dhar, and lovely surroundings. You can find accommodations in places like Hotel Triveni, Hotel Plm Dhara, and other nearby hotels and homestays. 

 

 

• Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art

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Established in 1998, this museum exhibits the unique culture, folk art, and antiques of Himachal Pradesh. You can find things like Himachali traditional dresses, Himachali kitchenware, Himachali handicrafts, musical instruments, paintings, woodwork, traditional ornaments and many more interesting things. To assist visitors understand how the region’s early generations lived and thrived, there are also miniatures of ancient houses and temples. The museum is the ideal location for visitors to gain a glimpse of the traditional lives of the people of the region. For history and cultural enthusiasts, this is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Manali. 

 

 

• Van Vihar National Park

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Located near Mall Road, Van Vihar National Park has tall Deodar and Pine trees. Many animals, including the tiger, lion, bear, panther and hyena, live in this national park. One of the major tourist attractions of the Van Vihar National Park is a man-made lake where people are allowed to boat. The national park is maintained by the Municipal Corporation of Manali. If you are someone who loves to spend time in nature, then you must visit this place. 

 

• Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple

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One of the most well-known monasteries in north India is the Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa, located in Manali. It is popular among tourists for its peaceful environment, religious significance and architectural magnificence. The huge statue or idol of Sakyamuni in a seated or meditative position is the main attraction at the Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple. Those seeking mental peace are welcome to visit the monastery. The management has made efforts and installed sign boards to help visitors find their way around the stupas without getting confused.

 

• Beas Kund Trek

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Beas Kund Trek is one of the most captivating hiking expeditions in Manali. You will absolutely love the glimpses of River Beas and Pir Panjal’s natural beauty, including its towering mountains and verdant forests. Explore the vast meadows of Bakarthach and Dhundhi and the trails of ancient deodar trees. This Kullu Manali place to visit will get you away from the rush of city life.

 

FAQs

Is Manali a good vacation spot for families?

Yes. You can engage in a variety of family-friendly activities here, including camping, hiking, and playing wintertime snow games.

How long is a trip to Manali expected to last?

Make plans to stay for at least 4-6 days in order to fully appreciate the stunning places in and around Manali.

What is the typical wintertime temperature in Manali?

The average wintertime temperature might drop as low as -7 degrees Celsius.