This year has been a bit on the tougher side, right? How about a few days off? Take a break and find yourself amidst exceptional natural beauty, lush green valleys, and the scenic Beas River. Sounds exciting, right? Manali, “The Valley of Gods,” welcomes you for a visit.
The biggest X factor that Manali offers its visitors is its location in the Himalayan Kullu Valley, which provides unparalleled natural beauty and snow-capped mountains. Manali is also known as the hub of adventure, offering various activities ranging from trekking to paragliding, and also serving as a gateway to remote yet heavenly locations of Ladakh, Lahaul, and Spiti.
The Heart of Himachal Pradesh, one of the most Popular Hill Stations of India, Manali should definitely be at the top of your next vacation list. Himachal Pradesh itself offers a wide variety of destinations for tourists to visit, but in this blog, we will be focusing on Manali and its local beauty. So here’s the Top 10 unique places to visit in Manali.
1. Hidimba Devi Temple- The Famous Temple in Manali
Let's set the tone with a mysterious 16th-century pagoda-style shrine crafted with wood and stone dedicated to Hidimba Devi. She is the demoness wife of Bhima, whom we know as one of the most well-known characters of the Mahabharata epic. The temple was built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1553. The temple resides in a cedar forest in Manali itself and is known for its distinctive architecture. In Hindu mythology, Hidimba is referred to as a guardian deity. A very chilling yet calm and spiritual place, the Hidimba Devi Temple should be on your destination checklist.
2. Solang Valley- The Ultimate Destination for Adventure
Are you a bit of a sports maniac? Love that adrenaline rush in your body? Then, Solong Valley of Manali is just the place for you to be. Apart from being known for breathtaking natural beauty, snow-capped mountains, and all the other boring stuff, Solong Valley also offers you diverse and mind-bending adventure sports that include skiing, paragliding, and even zorbing. At a distance of 13 km from Manali, Solong Valley stands out as an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts and honeymooners. Also, a secret tip: December to February is the best time to visit Manali Solang Valley.
3. Rohtang Pass- Witness The Natural Beauty
Another place that bears the burden of beauty is Rohtang Pass. A high mountain pass located on the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, close to Manali in Himachal Pradesh. At an elevation of about 13000 feet, the Rohtang Pass serves as a gateway to the Lahaul and Spiti valley. Apart from the obvious natural beauty, the place also offers a variety of adventure sports for tourists. Requiring permits to enter, the passes are typically available between May and November. Tourists will also get to witness the beauty of the newly constructed Atal Tunnel.
4. Vashisht Hot Water Springs- The Medicinal Waters of Manali
Exhausted from all the travel done in the past few days? Well, how about a bit of relaxation? Drain all your accumulated stress, and get into a hot water spring. Located in a village near Manali, Himachal Pradesh, Vashisht Hot Water Springs, known for their sulphurous medicinal waters, are believed to have healing properties. They got their name while being linked with the Vashisht Temple dedicated to Sage Vashistha. The location operates year-round with timings between 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
5. Jogini Falls- The Unique Pilgrimage Site
Are a few trekking enthusiasts reading this blog? Well, good news for all of you. Jogini Falls is just the location that you were waiting for. Situated near Vashisht village in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, is a significant pilgrimage site named after the Goddess Jogini. Trekking is all about tranquility, accompanied by great scenic views. Jogini Falls offers you just the same. There are two main routes leading up to the location. One being from the Vashisht village itself (easier route, takes about 3 hours). Another, much steeper and longer trek that originates from Old Manali.
6. Beas River - Enjoy the Beautiful Landscapes
How can we forget to talk about the mighty Beas River while mentioning Manali? Apart from its rich history and undeniable cultural significance, the Beas River is also a major tourist attraction in Manali. Known for its beautiful landscapes and adventure activities like river rafting and camping, the spot is tremendous for a joyful family visit while in Manali.
7. Nehru Kund- Relax in The Calm
Looking for a place to sit a while and take it all in? Well, Nehru Kund is just what you are looking for. Named after India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who used to drink from the naturally formed spring. Nehru Kund is located on the Leh-Manali Highway. It is known for being a peaceful spot ideal for you to bring your family, rest for some time, capture the scenic beauty through your lens, and then move on with your journey.
8. Old Manali- Explore the Secrets of An Old Village
Did you not come to Manali to express your laziness through the mountains and streams? Yet the journey has caught up with most of your time. Now, lie back for a while, and visit Old Manali. A traditionally slow-paced village, nothing less than a time capsule, with a charm of its own, dwelling in between the mountains, waiting for you to explore all of its secrets. About 2-3 km away from the Mall Road, there lies a village, old but beautiful in its own way.
9. Naggar Castle - Explore the History
Apart from all the natural beauty that Manali brings to the table, it also serves you with a rich history to explore. If you, too, are a history geek, Naggar Castle, situated in the ancient town of Naggar in Manali, is filled with surprises. The Castle itself is a remarkable Himalayan architectural landmark, constructed by Raja Sidh Singh over 500 years ago. Though now it has been transformed into a heritage hotel, it once served as the royal seat for the Kullu rulers. The structure is built with wood and stones and offers a panoramic view of the Beas Valley.
10. Gulaba - Witness Something Heavenly
Let's complete the journey with a bit of a stretch. Pack your bags for one last time and start your journey towards Gulaba. A village located in Himachal Pradesh itself. It is located at a distance of about 27 km from the town of Manali and 25 km from Rohtang Pass. The area itself is highly conserved with limited passes available (800 petrol and 400 diesel vehicles). Gulaba remains free from any negative impact of large-scale tourism. Thus, what you see there is exclusive and heavenly.
FAQs
What are the most unique places to visit in Manali?
Starting from the Hidimba Temple to Solang Valley, the Rohtang Pass, and Mall Road are all among the most visited unique places to visit in Manali.
Foods you should try while in Manali?
Traditional foods like Siddu, Thukpa, Dhaam, Chha Gosht, Khatta, Trout, and obviously momos are the way to go.
What is the best time to visit Manali?
The best time to visit Manali is March to June for adventure lovers. For people who wish to enjoy snowfall, December to February is the best time.
