It doesn’t matter whether you are on a solo trip searching for inner peace, an adventure backpacking trip with your friends or a honeymoon trip with your beloved, Manali and its mountains will never cease to fascinate you. The budget-friendly hotels in Manali will take care of your accommodations while also allowing you to experience the hospitality that the region is known for. In addition, it has some cultural gems that are unique to this area of the world that have made the hill town a haven for the wandering heart.
In that case, it goes without saying that Himachal Tourism is one of the most sought-after attractions for both Indians and foreign visitors alike. Here are the interesting Places to Visit in Manali, we are sure you will enjoy them.
Best Places to Visit in Manali
1. Hadima Devi Temple
2. Hampta Pass
3. Naggar Castle
4. Jogni waterfalls
5. Gulaba
6. Old Manali
7. Rohtang pass
8. Vashisht Hot Spring
9. Solang Valley
10. The Manali Gompa
1. Hadimba Devi Temple
First things first, always the sacred places! Start your day by visiting the Hadimba Mata Temple. It’s 2 km from the mall road. As the name says, it is the temple of Mata Hadimba, wife of ancient superhero Bheema. Way back in 1553, this ancient shrine was built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh. Located amidst lush cedar groves and set against snow-capped mountains, this temple is one of Manali’s top attractions. There’s one more shrine here which is dedicated to Hidimba Devi’s son Ghatotkacha. As a matter of fact, the wooden architecture of the shrine is quite distinct from that of most Hindu temples around India. And that’s exactly what makes it unique!
Location- Hadimba Temple Rd, Old Manali, Manali
Timings- 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM; every day.
2. Hampta Pass
If you’re a trekker or adventure enthusiast, this one’s for you! With moderate difficulty, the Hampta Pass trek allows you to witness mesmerizing views of Kullu Valley and Lahaul Valley. Another key attraction of the trek is Chandratal Lake located en route. There are fascinating river crossings as you ascend to over 4000 meters on the Pir Panjal Range. It is about 15 kilometres (approximately) from Manali. Manali is home to many groups that arrange Hampta Pass trekking tours and their rates vary with the itinerary and length of the trek. Ask around, arrange for one and get to see the most picturesque side of Himachal!
3. Naggar Castle
Naggar Castle, a magnificent historical structure built in the 15th century, sits quietly on the banks of river Beas and is one of the best places to visit in Manali. The castle was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu and now serves as a heritage hotel managed by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. Architecturally, the wooden structure of the castle represents a distinct style common to the region, complemented by some elements of European influence. Here, a gallery houses the paintings of the Russian artist Nicholas Roerich who came to Kullu and made it his forever home. The castle offers a magnificent view of the city and the nearby alpine forests. Do visit! It is meant to stay in your memories forever.
Timings: 10 am – 5 pm on all days.
Entree Fee: Rs. 20 per person.
4. Jogni Waterfall
A women’s Power Place, yes that’s what Jogini falls is all about. There is a sacred significance to this area, river, and forest near the waterfall since this was a place where one of the Shakti Peethas fell. You can visit many old shrines around the pool at the bottom. The fall is located near Vashisht village and it is named after the goddess Jogini.
You can reach Jogini Falls via a short, energetic trek. As you walk to the waterfall amidst the lush green forests, you can see peaks topped with snow and the River Beas flowing below while constantly hearing the babbling Jogni waterfall. That hypnotizing sound will increase your excitement two times as you make your way to the top. In order to spend more time at this scenic natural spot, which is one of Manali’s best trekking and picnic spots, it is best to begin early in the morning. This is unquestionably the best tourist place to visit in Manali. So, this sets in for a perfect day hike, in case you have a bigger fish to fry!
5. Gulaba
Phorto By – Jagjeet Singh
Don’t you think it is important to visit nearby villages while visiting any place to experience the distinct culture of that particular place? Hell yeah!! Speaking of Manali, Gulaba will not let you down. Winter travellers who long for some snowy landscapes are drawn to the village, as it has many of Himachal Pradesh’s best trekking routes. Due to its low light pollution and high elevation, it is considered a good place for stargazing and camping. If you’re in Manali, pack your things and stay at Gulaba for one day at least. It is just 20km from Manali. Go and have a good time!
6. Old Manali
Quite peaceful yet mesmerizingly beautiful, the city is highly favoured by tourists, especially solo travellers, as a place to relax and unwind. The forests and apple orchards surrounding Old Manali offer some of the best views in the region. Old Manali is separated from the main town by a bridge spanning the Manaslu River, which is an iconic image in itself. Old Manali isn’t just a natural retreat, it also offers some really good restaurants and cafes. Go to the café crawling at some of the popular cafes in Manali, such as Café 1947, Born Free, Evergreen, and Sunshine, or go shopping for dream catchers, boho-chic clothing, and woollens. Adventurers will also find a place in Old Manali, where they can take part in river rappelling, wander around the streets or hire a cab or a scooter to explore new fascinations and find the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. Let your CAMERA’s shutter make noise!
7. Rohtang Pass
Don’t miss out on Rohtang Pass on your Manali itinerary! On the Pir Panjal Range, this high mountain pass stands at an elevation of 4000 meters above sea level. Located just 50 km from the main town, the pass is easily accessible by road. You’ll see a dramatic change in the scenery as you move forward on the Manali-Keylong road, and the breathtaking landscape will leave you breathless. Such natural wonders as clear blue skies, fluffy snow-covered mountain peaks, and sprawling landscapes make you wonder how you ever survived without them?
From Jab We Met to Yeh and Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani, this mesmerizing beauty has been featured in many Bollywood blockbusters. Once you’re up there, you can barely stand still, the gale is constantly hitting you. Be prepared for that.
8. Vashisht Hot Spring
Photo By – Raghu
Another of the impressive Tourist Places in Manali. Vashisht village is a spiritual refuge that boasts a picturesque temple amidst the dramatic Himalayan landscape. According to ancient legends, the temple dates back more than 4000 years, and its interiors contain wooden carvings, antique figures, and paintings. In addition to its uniqueness, this destination is also known for its hot springs believed to have healing properties. Furthermore, the place also lets modern-day tourists know a little about how Manali used to be. Shoppers can also enjoy some shopping in the surrounding area, as woolens are very popular here.
Timings (Temple): 7:00 am to 9:00 pm; every day
9. Solang Valley
Located 14 km from Manali at Burwa, Solang Nala is a mini valley about 8400 feet above sea level and is just as beautiful. You can go skiing or ride a snowmobile if you are in the mood for a little adventure. People flock here in the summer to try zorbing and paragliding. You can also hop onto a cable car and enjoy mesmerizing views of the Himalayas. If you are looking for snow-based activities and sports, winters are the best time to visit while the months of summer are ideal for other adventure sports.
10. The Manali Gompa
Located in old Manali, The Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, also known as the Manali Gompa, is regarded as one of the prettiest landmarks in Manali due to its ornate design and traditional Tibetan architecture. Designed by Tibetan refugees in the 1960s, this monastery provides incomparable spiritual vibes and a serene setting. There are exquisite murals depicting Buddhist events in vivid colours on the walls of the Manali Gompa, and the roofs are built in Pagoda style. Additionally, it is a good place to pick up souvenirs and handicrafts from the stalls in the complex. Therefore, it is one of the most recommended places to visit in Manali.
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm; closed on Sundays.
Winding up: The perks of travelling to Manali are endless since there are so many fabulous places to visit and exciting things to do. There’s something for everyone here, all the way from romantic restaurants to family-friendly spots to fun places to shop or eat. In the winter, you can ski and snowboard at one of the area’s many ski resorts. In the summer, you can hike, mountain bike, and rock climb. The town is also surrounded by beautiful national parks and nature reserves, which are great places to explore on foot or on a mountain bike. Plus, to add to its charm and as we mentioned earlier there is no shortage of the best accommodations in Manali.
There you go! Enjoy your blissful vacations. Toodles!
