Manali-Plan Your Trip into The Eye Pleasing Valleys

Hello friends! Today, I am taking you to a majestic Himalayan resort town which will not only refresh your mood, but also lift your adrenaline rush by offering you some of the best adventurous activities in India.

Friends, I am talking about Manali, one of the most popular Indian hill stations situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The beautiful town is encircled with lofty Himalayan Mountains and the lush green forests. Apart from this, its rustic culture, colorful markets, adventure sports and delicious local cuisine are some of the major reasons that attract tourists to visit this amazing destination. So, I would suggest you to make aweekend trip to this wonderful spot. It is a perfect tourist destination to visit with friends and family and is budget-friendly too.

Places to Visit in Manali

Friends, it is important to plan in advance to make your Manali sightseeing more wonderful and interesting. It’s each and every place is worth watching. So here I am starting with pilgrimage sites in Manali and its surrounding.

Hadimba Devi Temple:

Actually, the temple is an ancient cave dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, wife of Bhima. The temple is built in pagoda structure type, which it makes somewhat different to others temples in India. The place is associated with Mahabharata. It is said that the whole of the region was ruled by a demon who was the brother Hidimbi Devi. During their exile, Pandavas were passing through this place and on the request of locals, Bhima Killed demon and married his sister. Hidimbi and Bhima fell in love with each other. After marriage, Hadimba gave birth to son named Ghatotkachh. Wooden Carvings inside the temple are worth watching.

Key Points

-Temple is accessible by road; you can take your vehicle up-to temple’s stairs.

- To avoid annoying traffic, park your vehicle a KM. behind and walk to temple enjoying nature, if you can.

- Get your pictures clicked in traditional dresses, which are offered by nearby shopkeepers.

- Very important thing- To avoid heavy queue rush in temple, visit temple early morning.

Manali Bazaar:

Manali has its own beautiful bazaar that is parted into three major parts Mall road market, Old Manali market and Tibetan Market. So, if you want to buy a souvenir to keep your Manali trip memorable, Manali Bazaar gives you lots of options.

Key Points:

-Hand-woven carpets, shawls, rugs are worth to buy in Mall Road Market

-If you’re decorative items, you can also buy Tibetan artifacts and souvenirs from Tibetan Market.

Manali Sanctuary:

Friends, if you’re on long vacation, then you have lots options around Manali, but if you have to limited time and want to visit best of Manali, head to its amazing sanctuary. Manali sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Manali in one day. It’s just a 2 kms distance from the main Manali where you can seek pleasure in Himalayan flora and fauna. 

Key Points:

-Sometimes you may have to go 10-15 kms ahead inside the park to see animals, depends on your luck.

Solang Valley:

Friends, as I said above, Manali is equally best place for adventure lovers along with nature lover; Solang valley is the place where you can enjoy ice skating and paragliding. Few Ski agencies are set up around the place which operates during winters. However, you can enjoy Para-gliding, horse riding, and ropeway all year around.

Key Points

For ice skating January is the best time

You can also head to an oldest temple Anjaani Mahadeve, located 2.5 Kms from here.

Recommended for honeymooners

Jogini Falls:

I personally liked this place so much in Manali. I find myself very close to Mother Nature. Serene atmosphere, natural sound of waterfall I think you can count yourself lucky, once you’re here. Sit near to this eye-pleasing waterfall and enjoy tiny droplets of water on your face.

-Best place for meditation as very less people go here.

-You need to trek 1.5 km from Vashishta temple to reach here.

-There is no shop for food here, so keep some snacks and water bottles with you.

Manikaran Shahib:

The sacred place is approximately 35 kms from Kullu and 80 kms from Manali. The founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Ji came to this place during third Udasi. There is a huge Gurudwara here on the right bank of river Parvati. Every day thousands of devotes come here to seek blessing.

Key Points

-Don’t forget to have bath in hot and holly springs of Manikaran before going for prayer

- Relish the mouth watering langar (God’s food).

Rohtang Pass:

32 Miles away from Manali on Eastern Pir Panjal Range, Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass that connects the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. It is located on an elevation of 13,051 ft that remains open only from May to November.

Key Points

- With enchanting and picturesque landscapes you may also face traffic in as lots of people head to this place in season. I would suggest you head to this place as early as you can in morning

- If you’re going through a local taxi service, beware they may insist you to rent local winter clothes. They would tell you that Rohtang pass is too cold; yes it is cold but not more than their intention.

Vashishta Temple:

It is almost 4000 years old ancient temple in old Manali. The beautiful temple is dedicated to Rishi Vashistha, one of the seven sages of Hindu.

Key Points

-       You can have an exceptional view of the Beas River from the temple.

-       Bathing in hot water springs is an amazing experience here.

What to Eat in Manali

Friends, visiting Manali and not having its local street food, is like you’re enjoying half of Manali trip. Believe me the town gives best mouthwatering authentic local food that you would hardly get in any 5 star hotels.

Trout Fish:

If you love to eat Non Veg trout fish is fantastic to have here, which is caught from the local river. The Johnson Café is a perfect place to have it where it is served with roasted almond sauce.

Italian Pizza:

Italian Pizza is another best food to eat in Manali. There are lots of small-big restaurants in Mall Road that serve Italian Pizza. I would personally recommend you to go to IL Forno Restaurant, which is located on Hadimba Road. It is run by a foreigner lady. The best part of their pizza is they use everything organic from their own garden.

Dham:

Dham is an authentic food of Manali that is cooked during wedding ceremonies in Himachal Pradesh. It includes rice, curry, and sweetened rice. There are many food eateries in Mall road that offer this amazing, mouth watering dish.

Chinese and Tibetan Food:

Chinese and Tibetan food is worth to taste in Manali. Some shops are really good, especially which are far from Mall road. May be because of they have less customer; they make it from their heart.

I hope you liked this post. Please do comment for your suggestions and stay connected to read our next travel blog.