Manali is a wonderful hill station in Himachal Pradesh with snow-capped mountain peaks of Himalayas in the background. Manali is blessed with beautiful nature. This charming city is covered by beautiful mountain peaks rising above the sky. This truly panoramic view has made Manali, most preferred honeymoon destination in India.
Manali tourism relies of honeymoon couples as well adventure lovers. There are all sorts of adventure sports to try in Manali. During winter skiing becomes a major tourist draw. Rock climbing and trekking are also important pillars of adventure tourism in Manali.
Manali serves as ideal weekend getaway for North Indian tourists during the summer and winter. In the heat of peak summer season, tourists travel to Manali to escape extreme heat of North India. During summer vacations, Manali becomes hotbed for family vacation.
Winter tourism in Manali relies of snow. Good snowfall would mean thousands of tourists during the Christmas and New Year. Tourists will travel to Manali for skiing and other winter sports that are quite popular here. However Manali is not all about adventure sports and admiring beautiful nature. Manali has several important Hindu temples. Pilgrimage tourists travel to Manali throughout the year.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
There are two tourist season in Manali. The first one from April to July/August. This is the time when tourists visit Manali to escape summer heat. The second season starts in winter. Early December usually sees first snowfall for season in Manali. Following which tourists throw to Manali till March to enjoy skiing and other winter sports. Tourists should not travel to Manali during the monsoon season that starts around August to early October.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN MANALI
Hadimba Temple - The Hadimba Devi Temple is dedicated to Hadimba who according to Mahabharata was wife of Bhima. The image of Hadimba is made of a huge rock. According to Hindu mythology, Hadimba meditated in Manali and indulged in penitence. Due to which she was given the title of Goddess Durga. The rock where she meditated is inside the temple.
Maa Sharvari Temple - The temple is dedicated to Kulldevi of Kullu Kings. Maa Sharvari Temple is located 5km from Manali in the Shaminallah village. The temple is very popular in the region. During Dussehra the statue of goddess is transported to Kullu to meet Lord Raghunathji.
Manu Maharishi Temple - This ancient temples belongs to Rishi Manu sage who according to Hindu mythology created human race. The Manu Maharishi Temple is very sacred for the local people. It is located in the Old part of the town. The path to temple is quite slippery. The temple opens 6AM in the morning. Bringing camera or video camera inside the temple is strictly prohibited. Please follow the simple dress code and cover your shoulders and knees while entering the temple.
Manali Gompa - Built in 1960, Manali Gompa or Himalayan Nyingmapa is an important place for Buddhists in North India. The main attraction of Gompa is huge gold faced statue of Lord Buddha. Buddhist devotees visit Gompa from all parts of India especially Ladakh and towns in Himachal Pradesh.
Nehru Kund - Named after India's First Prime Minister, Nehru Kund is a natural spring located on the Manali-Keylong road around 6km from Manali. Pandit Nehru used to drink water from this spring on his way to Manali.
Vashist Hot Water Springs - Vashist is a picturesque village some 3km from Manali famous among tourists for Hot water springs and temple. The town offers panoramic views of the River Beas. There are several ponds of hot springs including different ones for both man and woman.
Gadhan Thekchokling Gompa - This is another Tibetian monastery in Manali. The yellow colored structure with pagoda roof looks awesome from outside. The gompa is equally beautiful from inside. The prayer hall inside has a statue of Lord Buddha. At the main entrance of the gompa is a roll of honor that lists the name of Tibetans killed in the uprising against illegal occupation of China.
Arjuna Gufa - According to Mahabharata, Arjuna performed penance and meditated in this cave. Due to which he managed to obtain Pashupata Ashtra, a powerful weapon from the Lord Indra. This is why the cave has been named after Arjuna. The cave is some 5km from Manali.
Rahala Waterfalls - The waterfalls is located on route to Rohtang Pass. It is some 16km from Manali. Rahala Waterfalls is an ideal picnic spot.
Rohtang Pass - Located at 3979 mts, Rohtang Pass is the highest point of the Manali-Keylong road. Being disconnected by the civilization, Rohtang Pass has managed to retain its beautiful natural atmosphere. Adventure tourists and nature lovers would definitely love to travel Rohtang Pass. The views of mountain peaks piercing the clouds is breathtaking. You can trek from Manali to Rohtang Pass or hire a car. Rohtang Pass is 51km from Manali.
Solang Valley - Tourists will have to travel 13 km from Manali to reach picturesque Solang Valley. The valley is famous for snow-capped mountains and 300-meter ski lift. Himachal tourism offers ski opportunity in the Solang valley region. The ski slopes in Solang valley are good for beginners.
Paragliding - There is no better place for Paragliding than Manali. The snow-capped beautiful mountains of Solang valley looks paradise from bird's eye view. Paragliding offers a great unique view of the entire valley. Paragliding starts from Rs 500 to 3000.
Trekking - There are several trekking route in Manali that gives a breathtaking views of Indian Himalayas. Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek, Friendship peak Trekking and Hampta Pass Trek are among the most popular. There are several trekking operators in Manali.
HOTELS IN MANALI
Manali has plenty of accommodation options ranging from luxury to budget hotels. Some of the most notable hotels in Manali are Snowcrest Manor starting with room rate starting at $23, Banon Resorts Manali - $99, Royal Park Resort - $27, Snow Valley Resorts - $20 and Manali Heights - $50. You can book hotels in Manali by clicking on the links.
HOW TO REACH
By Air - The nearest airport from Manali is in Kullu around 50km away. Airlines like Kingfisher and Air India offers flights to Kullu from Chandigarh and Delhi. From airport, there is option of taking pre paid taxi to reach Manali.
By Train - This is not the best option to reach Manali. The nearest railway stations are in Chandigarh (250km) and Ambala (200km). There are trains that connect Delhi with Ambala on route to Amritsar. From Ambala you'll have to take 10 hours bus ride to reach Manali.
By bus - Manali is well connected to North Indian cities via Bus. There are buses available from Delhi, Shimla, Leh etc. From Delhi you can book ticket for Inter State Bus service from Himachal Tourism office in Safdar Hashmi Marg near Mandi House. It takes 14 hours to reach Manali from Delhi.
The best option is to opt for Volvo buses that starts at 5PM in the evening from Delhi and reach Manali next morning around 10AM. Several hotels in Manali like Snow Valley Resorts can book volvo tickets along with the hotel package.
By Car - It is not advised to travel Manali by driving car unless you have good experience of driving in the hills. The roads can be very tricky. Its better to hire a taxi or the driver with some experience of hills.
