Manali, a stunning hill town located in the heart of the Himalayas, is a heaven for all those who want to have a holiday of their lifetime.
Manali has outstanding treasures of beautiful snow-capped peaks, serene valleys, and rich cultural sites that will provide everything from adventure and relaxation to a slice of the region's profound history.
Given below are the top 10 beautiful places that you simply can't miss while traveling to Manali. Discover these breathtaking spots with our exclusive Manali tour packages.
Solang Valley
Solang Valley is one of the most famous spots in Manali offering both spectacular views and fun outdoor activities. Snowed by mountains, green meadows, and surrounded by snow-covered mountains, it makes this valley highly apt for sightseeing as well as adventures in sports and games.
During winters, this valley becomes a complete wonderland of snow, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and snowball fights. When you visit there in summer, you will be able to enjoy paragliding, zorbing, a thrilling ride where one would roll down from a place inside a giant transparent ball, and horse riding.
For whatever reason you might be going there, Solang Valley in Manali promises an experience beyond words.
Rohtang Pass End
Rohtang Pass is an entry into the high mountains, about 51 kilometers away from Manali. There are stunning views of snow, glaciers, and rugged terrain found here. Rohtang Pass has an altitude of over 13,000 feet, and you can still find snow in even the hottest months.
The view to Rohtang Pass promises some of the most breath-taking views through which one can cross the Himalayan ranges and valleys. The pass is accessible only during May to November; therefore, the date of the visit requires proper planning as it remains closed most of the time in winters due to snowfall.
Travelers wanting to experience the raw beauty of the high Himalayas cannot afford to miss Rohtang Pass.
Old Manali
This town, Old Manali, is a hidden gem in that part of town. I think the place will be both classical and modern, quiet, sometimes. Narrow streets in Old Manali are paved with quaint cafes and small shops selling goods of local artisans.
Small guesthouses of a cozy kind spread all over the town. Visitors walk the town and find new views, try some food, and appreciate the rich culture of that region. Natural beauty becomes another attraction of Manalsu River, which flows nearby.
Be it a quiet place for relaxation or an interesting destination to explore, the bohemian feel at Old Manali has something for everyone.
Hidimba Devi Temple
The Hidimba Devi Temple is, by far, one of the most glorious town landmarks in Manali as part of its great rich cultural heritage. Established way back in 1553, the ancient temple houses a character from the epic in the Indian epic, Mahabharata, the celebrated Hidimba Devi.
Around the temple, tall cedar trees have enhanced the serenity and mysticism that surrounds this place. The temple is a wooden structure built on stilts and topped with a pagoda-style roof; however, what strikes greatly are the wooden pillars found with subtle detail inside.
Quiet reflections amidst peaceful surroundings invite anyone who steps into it. It's not only a spiritual visit but can be felt is the rich history and traditions of Manali.
Vashisht Hot Springs
The natural hot springs and temples at Vashisht, about 3 km from Manali, attract many tourists. In fact, the warm springs are believed to have great therapeutic value since they have mineral-rich water.
After a long day of viewing and trekking, it is sure refreshing to dip in these springs. Vashisht is also known for the ancient Vashisht Temple of the sage Vashisht. The village has a serene ambiance, so it becomes an ideal place to spend an afternoon enjoying the views and gentle waters.
Beas River
It flows beautifully in Manali, displaying brilliant views and providing sports like river rafting to the viewers. The river provides adventure activities like rafting, especially during the summer months.
Beas is very thrilling for rafting; gentle rapids add great zest even to the beginners, besides others. For relaxing purposes, one can stroll on the riverbanks and sit quiet by water when someone wants to enjoy his surrounding with wonderful tranquility and scenic beauty.
Jogini Falls:
Jogini Waterfall is a beautiful place. Here, you walk along the way to Vashisht village. A nice trek through forests and apple orchards takes you to this beautiful place. Water cascades down from great heights like a squeegee, creating a refreshing mist around.
The scenic trail makes the journey as beautiful as the destination. Many visitors love to spend some time in its base, take photographs, have a picnic, or simply relax in the cool, serene surroundings. It is an ideal place to experience the beauty of Manali's landscapes.
Great Himalayan National Park
A visit to this park is a must for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering over 1,100 square kilometers of land, which features a vast array of flora and fauna, including rare ones such as the snow leopard and Himalayan brown bear.
The park provides various routes suitable for trekking, which range from easier to more challenging ones so that you can find one that suits your experience level. Spread out in the lush forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude lakes of its vast expanse, the Great Himalayan National Park is the vicinity where life to the unalloyed Himalayas is on display.
Manu Temple
Manu Temple is one of India's few temples for the sage Manu; believed by Hindus to have created the world. This temple is located in Old Manali surrounded by stunning views of mountains and valleys.
Temple architecture is simple yet beautiful with intricate carvings on the walls and floors in wood. The surrounding area is very quiet and peaceful for relaxation with spiritual experiences at Manu Temple.
Naggar Castle
Naggar Castle is a historic construction in the 15th century, about 20 km from Manali. Once a seat of the Kullu kings, it was later evolved into a heritage hotel by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department.
The interiors of Naggar Castle beautifully depict a blend of typical Himachali and European styles, with wooden balconies and stone walls. From this point, one can see panoramic views of the Kullu Valley and the Beas River. Inside, there is also a small museum and an art gallery of works by the Russian artist Nicholas Roerich.
Conclusion
Manali is a real destination to have it all-natural beauty, adventure, history, and culture. Visiting these top 10 places will give you a really well-rounded experience of everything Manali has to offer.
Whether you're here for the thrill of river rafting, serenity of temples, or simply to take in the views, Manali is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
