Manali is a Magnet attracting tourists of all age and craze. Backpackers come to hang out in the hippie villages around the main town; adventurers come for trekking, climbing, mountain biking, canyoning, paragliding, rafting and skiing; and Indian families and honeymooners come for the cool mountain air.

Surrounded by beastlike Himalayas in the lush green valley of Beas River Manali offers a variety of things and one single post about Manali is not just enough.

When to visit : Year round fantasies are offered by Manali. Different season comes with a different reason to visit Manali.

How to reach : Nearest airport is Bhuntar and nearest railway station is Chandigarh/Delhi from where one can take either a Volvo/HPTDC Bus or hire a taxi.

Once you are in Manali one thing is for sure that you’ll leave all the stress here and take along bags of memories from this heaven. Backpackers come to hang out in the hippie villages around the main town; adventurers come for trekking, climbing, mountain biking, canyoning, paragliding, rafting and skiing; and Indian families and honeymooners come for the cool mountain air.

Places to visit are numerous here but the best amongst them are:

Hadimba Temple (1.5 kms from Mall road)

It is an old wooden temple of four store, located in the middle of dense forest and echoed by chirping of birds. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba and was erected in 1553.

You will find local ladies standing with a rabbit whom you can hold and get a picture clicked. My piece of advice would be please don’t do this. <RABBITS DON’T LIKE TO BE CUDDLED>

Manu Temple(3 kms from Mall road)

The Manu Temple in Old Manali is surrounded by tall Decidous Trees. Situated on the banks of river Beas, the trek to the temple in itself is an experience worth savouring. The temple, built centuries ago, is dedicated to sage Manu, the creator of human race in the world.

Van Vihar (On Mall Road)

Right in the middle of Mall Road is a park enduring within itself a variety of flora and fauna with that beautiful sight of flowing Beas River. It has swings for kids, Calm surroundings for those seeking peace and photogenic views for the younsters.

Club House

If playing snooker or Table tennis by the side of flowing river and amidst tall trees thrills you then this is a place you shouldn’t miss. Club house of Manali offers various indoor games like TT , Snooker , Carom etc. and fun rides for kids apart from this various handicrafts stalls for the shopping spree chics and food stalls for foodies.

Solang Valley- An Adventurer’s Paradise(13 kms from Manali)

Want to fly high with The Himalayan Eagles reaching till the top of snow capped mountains or would love to be thrown from a mountain(of course in a giant Ball) visit this valley of magnificent views. You can enjoy paragliding , Zorbing ( While you are in a ball which slides down from a hill) , Jumping jack swing , Horse Riding etc. all in one place – SOLANG.

Vashishtha Temple(3 Kms from Manali)

Famous for its Sulphur hot water springs, It is a popular tourists point. You can visit this place early in the morning to avoid crowd and experience tranquillity.

Tibetan Monasteries

 Manali is also famous for its Tibetan Monasteries as many people from Tibetan origin have settled here. The two prominent monasteries that attract a large number of tourists from all across the world are Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa and Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa. These monasteries are a storehouse for Tibetan culture, literature and crafts. Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa is located near the busy old Manali road and was built in the year 1969

Mall Road

Located in the heart of this town Mall road is the most happening place. It has several souvenirs’ shops , a variety of restaurants , Travel agencies etc. Also Relish locally grown cherries , strawberries ,Apples , peaches etc on Mall road.

Last but the Best is “Rohtang Pass – A step above heaven”

Rohtang Pass, is a high mountain pass on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas around 51 km from Manali. The Moment you start from Manali to Rohtang Pass you will be left speechless by the beauty it offers at each step. Meandering Beas river , High water falls and sunshine falling straight on the white peaks. While you are nearing Rohtang Pass the color of roads might change from Brown to White.. Keep a check .. 😛

If you want to answer the question “how does if feel to stand at a place from where only two colors are visible white and blue” Rohtang is your calling..!

Word of  caution – Be prepared for extreme cold weather here ;Mercury might drop to zero degrees or even -4/5 degrees. Although heavy woollens are available at rent still I would recommend to take along yours. YES even in the months of April –May.

Also you need to start from Manali at wee hours of the morning to avoid traffic jams and to ensure that you get more time at Rohtang.

Rohtang is a place to go only in the months of March-June.

Bollywood Connect – You will find these scenes in song “Yeh Ishq Hai” from Jab We Met.              

These were a few amazing places to visit in Manali. But if you are among those who prefers Offbeat places, then wait for the Undiscovered side of MANALI…