Mountains, Fun, Adventure and Peace! Sounds like the dream retreat, right? That’s Manali for you.
Manali is the perfect destination for all the seasons to rejuvenate your soul, an ideal escape for anyone, whether you’re travelling solo, with your beloved, in a group or with family.
Along with trekking and sightseeing, Manali has a plethora of other activities to tick off your bucket list.
More than adventures, people visit Manali to find peace and serenity in nature.
In this blog, we’ll take you through a backpacker’s paradise to visit in Manali must-do things in Manali.
Manali – The Valley Of Gods
A blessing of the Great Himalayas to the world, Manali is a popular hill station nestled in the meticulous Beas River valley. It is a beautiful town known for its chilly climate and magnificent snow-capped mountains, a perfect escape from the scorching heat of the plains. Manali has a rich culture embedded with exquisite hill stations, architectural delights, and a scenic view of lush green forests.
According to Hindu mythology, the Lord Manu stepped off his ark at Manali when the world got flooded to recreate human life on the earth. You can even find an ancient temple dedicated to King Manu in an old village in Manali.
The Manali town flourished more into the British era when they decided to make this a hill station to stay during hot summers. Since then, Manali has constantly been gaining popularity, and it is amongst the top and most visited places in India.
Manali offers you a power pack adventure including river rafting, skiing, trekking, camping, parties, hot springs, parks, local villages, and markets that you cannot miss while here.
If you’re not a fan of dainty places, then the popular places of Manali will help you in making your trip memorable. These are some famous places in Manali that you can visit to experience the essence of this beautiful Hill Station.
Popular Places to Visit in Manali
1. Beas Kund
The term “Beas” has been derived from Vyas, and “Kund” means lake. It is said that Rishi Ved Vyas, the creator of Mahabharata Puran, used to take his daily bath in this lake. This lake was also the biggest hurdle for Alexander during his invasion of India.
A frozen waterfall located in “Beas Kund” is a popular tourist attraction for Indian travelers. This is an adventure because it’s not only about exploring but also finding out what exactly makes this place unique!
Without certainty, the Beas Kund Trek in Manali will match your schedule because it takes two days longer than a typical weekend trip (4 days). It’s packed with natural beauty to feed your eyes and re-energize your spirit.
Beas Kund’s location
Trekkers go to Manali’s Beas Kund, which sits at an elevation of 12772 feet. This lovely alpine lake is surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountain range, Friendship peak, Hanuman Tibba, and Sheti Dhar peak. The distance
Manali to Beas Kund is around 17 kilometres apart. The Beas Kund Manali hiking is simple and suitable for beginners.
How to reach Beas Kund, Manali
Dhundi serves as the trek’s starting point. You must travel through Manali to get to Dhundi. The easiest way to reach Manali is by taking an AC Volvo bus from Delhi. Zingbus serves the best bus facility when it comes to intercity travel. Check out to make your next bus ticket bookings.
If you are travelling from Delhi
Delhi > Manali > Solang Nallah > Dhundi > Bakarthach > Beas Kund > Bakarthach > Dhundi > Manali > Delhi
Don’t miss out-
Rafting is one of the most popular activities being done here as it provides not just adventure but also jaw-dropping views of river Beas as it travels through landscapes of lush green forests, snow-covered mountains, and pine trees that line its shores.
Best Time to Visit Beas Kund
The best time to explore the beauty of Beas Kund is mid-May to mid-October.
It is best to avoid December to February as a thick blanket of snow during extreme winter would cover the area.
And during August to September, you should avoid the path to Beas Kund in Manali because of excessive rains, As it causes landslides and overflowing rivers.
The trail is covered in waist-deep snow during March and April and has limited sight. But you can do the trek, although it would be much more difficult at this time of year, and you should bring snow gear along with other trekking necessities.
2. Hadimba Devi Temple
Hadimba temple is one of the most visited attractions in Manali. Situated 1.5 km from Mall Road, this historic temple was built by Raja Bahadur Singh in 1553. It is a four-story wooden temple amid a dense forest, Van Vihar.
Also known as the Dhungiri temple, this temple is dedicated to Devi (Goddess) Hadimba. Interestingly, this temple is that no idol is worshipped here; however, a set of footprints is revered holy at this pagoda-style temple. The Bahadur Singh Re Jatar fair has been held here for centuries every year.
You will also find vendors renting pahadi dresses, cute rabbits, and lambs for clicking pictures. The route to this temple also has several shops that sell exclusive shawls, antiques, woolen items, etc.
No one should miss out on this peaceful yet artistic place at Manali.
Best time to visit Hadimba Devi Temple
The best time to visit this place is in May when the fair is held.
How to reach Hadimba Devi Temple
- By Flight – the nearest airport to Hadimba Devi temple in Kullu. You take a cab or taxi after reaching Kullu airport
- By Train – Joginder Nagar is the nearest railway station of Hadimba Devi temple at a distance of 165.3 km. You can take a local cab/taxi/bus after getting out of the station.
- By Bus – You can book a bus using the zingbus app to Manali.
- By Cab/Taxi – You can use the cab from any location whereas the temple is 2.5 km from the city center and just 100 m off from the mall road in Manali. You can also take local rickshaw our autos available around the market.
- By Foot – You may also just take a stroll of 20-30 minutes to the Hadimba Devi temple as it is reachable by foot as well.
3. Jogini Waterfall
Jogini waterfall, Manali, is a place that has become a symbol of natural beauty and a landmark in Himachal Pradesh. Located near Manali, the Jogini waterfall is formed on the outskirts of Vashishtha village, which later joins the Beas river near Kullu valley. The waterfall is almost 183 feet high and falls over an impressive three tiers. It is just 3 km from the Vashishtha Temple in Manali.
- Importance
Along with the beauty, it also has religious importance as the temple of Jogini Mata, village goddess, is situated just across the waterfall’s base. People visit there for special ceremonies and rituals.
- Don’t miss out
It must be seen to be believed. So whenever you plan your trip to Manali, don’t forget the trackside picnic near Jogini Fall at night or visit during the day for the best footprint in nature and enjoy this scene under the sky full of stars for beautiful moments with your friends or family members.
- How to reach Jogini waterfall
It is about a 3 km trek from the Vashihstha village, and the trekking duration depends upon the starting point.
Manali > Vashishtha Temple > Jogini Waterfall
- Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Jogini Waterfall is during summers as the weather is pleasant and the natural breeze around the fall makes it more happening.
4. Arjun Gufa – Meditation cave of Manali!
Find peace at the ancient cave where Pandava king Arjun meditated. As you discover the fascinating vista of this location, take in the stillness of this beauty. And the most significant part is that because few people know about it, you won’t find it crowded with visitors; visiting this cave is one of the most unusual plus healing things to do in Manali. Some of Manali’s top cafés also flank this location.
The location of Arjun Gufa Manali
Arjuna’s cave is located very close to the Beas River. It’s in Manali, near Prini Village. Prini Village is a well-known tourist resort known for its natural beauty. It is one of Manali’s historical sites to see.
There is no light in the cave; therefore, finding the trail requires a flashlight. Tourists appreciate the dark cave as this task grows more adventurous.
Manali’s Arjun Gufa is another peaceful location. Snow-capped peaks genuinely encircle it. The only thing that has broken the silence is the sound of rushing water. Inside the cave, there is an uneven route.
Arjun Gufa’s background
The great Indian epic ‘MAHABHARATA’ is linked to Arjun Gufa. It was named after one of the PANDAVA Brothers, the famous warrior ARJUNA. During his exile from HASTINAPUR, Arjuna pondered and worshipped Lord Indra and Lord Shiva at this location.
Lord Shiva bestowed the PASHUPATASTRA and numerous other DIVYASTRA onto him because of his meditation and prayers. Near Arjun Cave is Kunt Bhayo Lake and Kunti Temple.
Best time to visit Arjun Gufa
March and June is the most delicate time to see Manali’s Arjun Gufa. Because there is no snow, it is a really tranquil time to visit. Though the cave is open 24 hours a day, it is best to come during the day to appreciate its grandeur.
Because the cave’s tunnel is so tiny, it’s best not to bring big bags
5. Vashishtha Temple
Vashishtha Temple is located in Vashisht village, which is 3 km away from Manali across river Beas. The temple is named after one of the seven sages of Hindu mythology, Rishi Vashishtha. The temple is built with intricate wooden carvings depicting tales of mythology and is believed to be more than 4000 years old.
The temple also has hot springs, which are believed to have healing and medicinal value to cure many skin diseases.
If you are in Manali, don’t forget to visit this place to experience divine bliss.
Must Do’s in Vashishtha Temple
- Try hot water spring
- Visit nearby Bhrigu lake
- Visit adjacent Rama temple
How to reach Vashishtha Temple
- You can easily take a local rickshaw from Manali to the Vashishtha Temple
- Cabs and taxis are also available
- Regular bus from Manali bus stand
Best time to visit Vashishtha Temple
The best time to visit the Vashishtha Temple in Manali is from March to October, with the expectation of the monsoon.
Top 5 Hidden Places to visit in Manali
Bored of visiting the crowded places? Treat your soul with the tranquility of the less explored places in Manali, Himachal Pradesh.
1.Patilkuhl
Patilkuhl is a cocoon of peace that bestows its visitors with a pleasing view. This place is not a popular travel destination in India, but it assures a captivating experience to the travellers. Patlikuhal is a budding tourist destination you must visit on your way to Manali, since it is just around 27 minutes drive from
Manali.
An interesting fact about this place is that the song Aao Sunau Pyaar Ki Ek Kahaani from the movie Krrish was shot here. Enjoy the lush green hills, the snow-capped mountains, and the floral meadow with the gushing streams. Take a break and relax at Patlikuhal, a true hidden gem.
2.Malana
A quaint village, nestled amidst the lush green forests fused with sparkling snowy mountains of the Parvati valley at an altitude of 9500 ft above sea level. Malana is around 2 and half hours from Manali. This tribal heaven is the production city of the best hashish in the world.
You can visit the Jamdagni and Renuka Devi temples in the Malana village which are famous for their intricate wood and stone carvings. It is an ideal tourist location for trekkers, explorers, and nature enthusiasts.
3.Gulaba
A tiny village located a few kilometres away from Manali, on the way to Rohtang Pass. Gulaba was named after Raja Gulab Singh of Kashmir. This dainty village features magnificent snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows, with the Beas River flowing alongside adding to its exquisite beauty.
It attracts a large number of tourists looking for tranquillity, sports, and adventure. You can enjoy nature sightings, skiing, trekking, hiking, paragliding, and snow-scooter riding. Some scenes of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani were shot here.
You can set up camps and enjoy the ethereal beauty of the sunset and stargazing
in the clear and twinkling night sky.
4.Vashisht Kund
Located in an ancient village with religious significance, Vashisht Kund is at a distance of 5 km from Manali. Vashisht Kund is famous for its sulphurous hot water springs holding medicinal and therapeutic values. It also features an architectural delight of a stone temple dedicated to the great Hindu sage,
Vashisht.
It is a tourist’s paradise that offers the tremendous sight of nature and provides
serenity and peace to the mind.
5.Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa Monastery
Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa is a Buddhist monastery situated in Manali. It’s a religious place with divine spiritual vibes. This unknown Monastery is quite close to the old Manali road. It was constructed in 1960 by the Tibetan Refugees. Tourists can meditate in the serene ambiance and contemplate the meaning of life and explore the mural artwork highlighting humanity and kindness.
It is an ideal place to experience spirituality, art, history, architecture, and rich Tibetan culture and traditions. Visitors can shop for Tibetan handicrafts from the nearby Tibetan Market.
Things you shouldn’t miss out in Manali
Manali is an ideal destination for those looking to escape for adventure and relaxation with easy access to the breathtaking scenery. You will have the opportunity to explore an array of
religious sites and enjoy the vibrant nightlife that Manali has to offer.
Things to do in Manali
Explore the thrill Manali has to offer. What a bummer it would be if you visited one of the most favorite tourist places and all you do is sit in your hotel room? Get out and explore the various famous lakes and rivers, fascinating local markets, and quaint villages as it has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing, relaxation, adventure, etc.
- Ski down the slopes
Snow at Manali is fantastic for adventure lovers. Make sure you explore Solang valley- one of the best ski areas as this winter wonderland offers everything- skiing, trekking, and sightseeing.
- Be the king of the hill
Well, you can easily rent out any two-wheeler from local vendors and ride on the open roads with challenging curves. Riding with scenic views, fresh air and road challenges is one of its kind experience.
- Time to play
From mellow evening games to gala evenings before dinner, there is no option but to enjoy yourself at Manali with friends and family. You can also indulge in some adventurous sports such as Rafting, Motorbike Riding, Horse Riding, Fishing, etc., all adding to the list of things to do in Manali.
- Don’t miss city life
Apart from exploring the villages and their culture, it is equally important to explore the city life of Manali. The mall road and central city have many famous cafes that you shouldn’t miss. They offer authentic Himachali food along with other cuisines. So just step out of your hotel and explore the restaurants and street markets that surprisingly exist here.
- Slice some cake
Cake, Cupcakes, Muffins, don’t mind if you are not into baked goods, but still, you can indulge in them at one of the famous cafes that offer a wide variety of desserts.
Best time to visit Manali
Although Manali is bustling with vacationers throughout the year as all seasons are pleasant here.
The best time to visit Manali is during winters (October – March) as it is pleasant weather everywhere and you will be able to enjoy yourself thoroughly.
How to reach Manali
- Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, also known as Kullu-Manali airport.
- Bus: The road distance from Delhi to Manali is 570 km, and Chandigarh to Manali is 310 km.
- Train: There are no close rail services available in Manali.
Now that you have got the fair idea of things to do and peaceful places to find in Manali, you are all set for your trip!
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