Manali Tourism

Kullu Manali is one of the most favourable Hill Station in Himachal Pradesh and becoming more popular among Honeymoon couples who keeps on searching for Manali Honeymoon Packages, and Manali tour package, for Families and Youth. It is easily reachable by Road from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, Amritsar etc. One can enjoy Snow from Nov to May every year. Rohtang Pass is one of the favourite tourist places to visit. Other Local tourist places are Club House, Vashisht Temple, Manikaran Gurudwara, Hadimba Temple etc.

Gateway to Adventure - Manali

A stunning hill station surrounded by massive snow clad mountains and thick pinewood forests, Manali has the twisty Beas River as its magnificent centerpiece. Manali in the state of Himachal Pradesh is popular for its breathtaking Himalayan beauty. Lying at an elevation of 6260 feet, Manali is the top spot in the Kullu Manali valley and is blessed with many attractions. To know more about Manali you can go through the Manali Travel Guide. This eye popping resort is sandwiched between the impressive peaks of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. A scared land, which is the abode of various Gods and Goddesses, this striking hill resort has a full calender of numerous colorful events and festivals.

The Manali Travel Guide offers plenty of details about this majestic hill station and the many tourist places in Manali. The major attractions are the Beas Kund, Chandrakhani Pass, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Parvati Valley and Vashisht village

Popular as the queen of valleys, Manali is named after the law giver of ancient India, Manu. Manali literally means the abode of Manu and hence this place has huge importance from the perspective of the ethnic culture and tradition of India. Manali Travel Guide also speaks about adventure sports. With skyscraping mountains surrounded by deep snow fed streams and profound rocky ravines Manali becomes a different but perfect tourist destination for all. A trendy holiday destination, Manali offers exceptional chances in mountaineering, trekking and skiing.

Manali tourism is fueled by two main seasons. The summer Holiday season when many people and families travel to this place on Manali holiday packages and the second big push to Kullu Manali tourism comes from the wedding season with thousands of honeymoon couples heading to the region.

Manali also turns out to be an enchanting stopover for one who is driving up to the snowclad hues of Ladakh en route some of the highest mountain passes in India. Manali Travel Guide directs you through some of the ancient hamlets inherited by the Tibetans that comes on your way to Leh-Ladakh. In addition, the popular treks from Manali are - Chandrakhani - Malana trail, Beas Kund Trek and Bhrigu Lake Trek.

Attractions in Manali

Solang Valley, Manali
Located at a distance of 13 kms from Manali, Solang Valley lies between Solang village and Beas Kund. It offers a beautiful view of glaciers and snow capped mountains. Since the valley has fine ski slopes, it is a perfect place for skiing. The guest house of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali is based here. This institute is the venue for winter skiing festival and also offers training in skiing to the tourists. In winter, the valley becomes a skiing paradise with children of all ages slipping and sliding over the fresh white snow. When snow melts in the summer, skiing is replaced by parachuting, zorbing, paragliding and horse riding. For snow lovers, the best time to visit Solang Valley is between the months of December to February.

Rohtang Pass, Manali
Located at a height of 3979 metres and at a distance of 51 kms from Manali, Rohtang Pass is on the highway to Keylong/Leh. In winters, the pass remains closed but is open from June to October for motor vehicles. This pass is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley. The best time to visit the pass is between May/June to October/November. In the month of May, Rohtang becomes a hotspot for adventure enthusiasts. Tourists can go for various thrilling activities like snow scooter, skiing and mountain biking. Nature lovers can enjoy beautiful views of glaciers, peaks and Chandra river that flows down in the Lahaul valley.
There is a waterfall named as Rahala, which is located at a distance of 16 kms from Manali on the way to Rohtang Pass. This waterfall flows down from an altitude of 2,500 metres and looks amazingly wonderful. Photography buffs must visit this pass as they get to click one of the most beautiful pictures of nature. It is recommended to hire a local cab or take a bus, as the drive to Rohtang Pass becomes quite tough with slippery road and narrow curves.
Bollywood Connect: The first part of the popular song 'Yeh Ishq Haaye' from the romantic movie Jab We Met was shot at Rohtang Pass.

Naggar Village, Manali
The beautiful village of Naggar is situated at a short drive away from Manali along the left bank of the river Beas. One of the main tourist attraction of this village is Naggar Castle (now a Heritage Hotel) which offers wonderful views of the Beas valley.
Naggar can be reached from the right bank of the Beas as well as by crossing over at Patlikul. The Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery is a highlight of this village, featuring many of the famous artist's Himalayan works. The Gauri Shanker Temple and the stunning Tripura Sundri Temple offer an insight into local architecture.

Vashist Hot Water Springs And Temples, Manali
Located at a distance of 3 kms from Manali, there is a small village called Vashist. It is situated on the left bank of river Beas towards Rohtang pass. This village is known for its natural hot sulphur springs and temples. One of the most prominent temple is the pyramidal stone temple which is dedicated to sage Vashist.
Locals and tourists take a dip in the spring because of its medicinal properties. There are two separate bathing tanks built for men and women, along with a modern bathroom with turkish style showers fitted baths. To avoid tourist rush and enjoy some privacy, one should go early in the morning.

Hadimba Temple, Manali
Hadimba or Hidimba Temple is also known as the Dhoongri Temple as it is located inside the dhoongri forest. It is just 2.5 kms away from Manali and is a major tourist attraction. Mythology lovers must visit this temple as it is dedicated to Hidimba, the wife of Bhima, one of the five Pandava princes from the great Indian epic Mahabharata. The temple has a four-tiered Pagoda shaped roof and its doorway is engraved with legendary figures and symbols.
Far away from the hustle and bustle of city, the peaceful temple is surrounded by towering deodar trees. Inside the temple, there is a 3 inch tall brass image representing goddess Hidimba Devi. There is a shrine which is dedicated to Ghatotkacha (son of Bhima-Hidimba) and is located about just 70 metres from the temple. The best time to visit the temple is during May when it organises the three-day Hidimba Devi Festival. The festival attracts devotees from all over the world and features colourful folk dance performances.

Nehru Kund, Manali
Located at a distance of 5 kms from Manali on National Highway to Leh, Nehru Kund is a natural spring of cold water. It is named after the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who used to drink water from this spring during his stay in Manali. It is believed that the water of the spring comes down from the Bhrigu lake which is situated at an elevation of about 4,300 metres in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The place is extremely popular among nature lovers and photography buffs. One can spend a peaceful moment amidst lush greenery and serene surroundings.

Club House, Manali
Located at a distance of 2 kms from Manali, the club house is an amusement zone. It has indoor game facilities and is situated on the left bank of river Manalsu Nallah. The structure of Club House finds resemblance from British style of architecture. It is managed by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) and offers avenue for playing popular indoor games such as carrom, table tennis, karting and skating. Tourists can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with some delicious snacks from their in-house restaurant. Adventure freaks can indulge in river crossing which can be done by ropeway.
Visiting Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Entrance Fee: 10 INR (for Adults)

Tibetan Monasteries, Manali
Along with the hills and rivers, Manali is also famous for its Tibetan Monasteries as many people from Tibetan origin have settled here. The two prominent monasteries that attract a large number of tourists from all across the world are Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa and Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa. These monasteries are a storehouse for Tibetan culture, literature and crafts. Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa is located near the busy old Manali road and was built in the year 1969. Though small in area, it has beautifully decorated interiors alongwith an impressive statue of Lord Buddha. Meditation can be done in the well-maintained garden situated outside the Gompa. The Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa is located near the market square of Manali.
These monasteries are known for their handicrafts, especially paintings and carpets. The aroma of incense sticks, sounds of hymns/chants and the rotating prayer wheels together creates a divine ambience. The tranquil surroundings of these monasteries act as a great stress buster and hence, they must be included in travel itineraries.

Manu Temple, Manali
Located at a distance of 3 kms from the main bazaar of Old Manali, Manu temple is a major tourist attraction. It is believed that Manali is named after the sage Manu who was the creator of the human race and writer of Manusmrti according to Indian Mythology. The temple is dedicated to the sage Manu as it is said that he meditated in Manali. This beautiful temple is built with wood and stone while marble is used for flooring. The most interesting feature of this temple is that it the only temple in India dedicated to Manu. Travellers can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding hills and river Beas from the temple.

Arjun Gufa, Manali
Located at a distance of 4 kms from Manali towards Naggar, Arjun Gufa (cave) is situated near Prini village. It is said that Arjun, the great Pandav warrior from the Indian epic Mahabharata meditated in this place. Impressed by Arjuna's devotion, Lord Indra gave him the most powerful weapon- Pashupati Astra. Travellers can also visit the lake Kunt Bhayo and Kunti Mata temple situated at a distance of around 2 kms from the cave. Because of the legend associated with the cave, it has become a hotspot among history lovers.

Places to visit in Manali

Some say it’s a natural paradise and gateway to some of the alluring mountain passes and for some Malana village in Manali brings along a dreamy world. Nestled on the banks of the River Beas, Manali offers affluent natural beauty and mountain activities. Some popular Manali attractions include the Beas Kund (Chandratal Lake), Chandrakhani Pass in Kullu, Pandoh Dam in Kullu, Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley (Snow Point). Amongst some popular places to visit in Manali are the Hadimba temple, Raghunath temple and Vashisht Baths.

Manali brings along a tranquil holiday fill with romanticism and idealism. For trekkers and nature freaks Manali is more like adventure that offers activities like trekking, biking, rafting, hiking, mountaineering, and paragliding and together it makes one of the special tourist places in Manali. Nonetheless sightseeing in Manali also includes the vibrant market arraying with shops and resto-bars on Mall Road, Malana village and Vashisht Village.

Holiday in Manali with one of our Manali tour packages allows you to explore the fusion of the hermit local culture of the Himachal Himalaya and a memorable drive to hues and heights of Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley. While you step in one of the hotels in Manali expect a cordial reception and cozy stay along with the mesmerizing view of the lush green mountains under the shadow of the snowcapped Himalayan Range.

Best Time to Visit Manali
The Manali weather plays an important role that falls upon the upsurge of emotions in tourists. Well, one can obviously backpack anytime round the year but he should be aware of the climatic behavior that dwells and even alte rs within a friction of time. Mountains have their own charisma. Even during the heavy monsoon in Manali, July and August, it draws in some freak adventurers but all of a sudden he might have to chance upon an accidental landslide. Well, summers are naturally received with jam-packed leisure travellers as well as honeymooners and the chilling winters are also frequented by the same group.

Naturally the best time to visit Manali is after the retreating monsoon. The weather in Manali in September and the Manali weather in October lives on a mild climate when the temperature roves around from a minimum of 10 degree to a maximum of 20 degree. Just after the monsoon, the hill station soars to new foliage and breaks open many alluring trekking destinations. Ah! Spring followed by summer, just after the chilling winter, from March to June offers a pleasant climate when one can spread their wings of love, romance and lust. The temperature in Manali in March and in April hops between 7 degree to 15 degree whereas the temperature in Manali in May and June lounges between 15 degree to 25 degree and there upon one can enjoy a relishing holiday.

The temperature during the monsoon nestles between 10 degree to 17 degree and during the winter, that is by end of October till mid-march, the temperature rolls down below the freezing point and the maximum remains up to 5 degree to 7 degree. Though it is during this time of the year when one can indulge themselves into various winter sports, one being skiing and even a couple enjoy a romantic walk down the snowy paths. However, precautions should be taken if travelling with children and old people.

Thus if you want to know when to visit Manali, visit our Manali Travel Guide and you will always receive the best days in Manali anytime in the year.

Summer Season in Manali
Summer in the region starts in the month of March and lasts till June. It is the best time to visit Manali if you want to enjoy paragliding, rafting and mountain sports in Solang Valley. Temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C and the weather remains pleasurable during the day and cold during the night. Snow can be seen only at very high altitudes.

Monsoon Season in Manali
Manali experiences monsoon in the months between July and mid-September. It is not at all the best time to visit Manali as due to heavy rain landslides are very common here.

Winter Season in Manali
October to February is the winter season and is considered to be the best time to visit Manali if you like the cold and January is best to enjoy the chilly pleasure of fresh snowfall . The temperature drops down below zero degrees Celsius.

Manali is one of the most frequented hill stations in India and during its peak season it is mostly occupied with tourists from different parts of the country. Thus with a flourishing tourism in Manali, the mighty hill station is well connected by road to different parts of the state and Kalka Railway Station that connects different parts of the country through broad gauge tracks is the closest railway station. Whereas encircling Manali one can even hop to the nearby hill stations like Shimla, Dalhousie, Manikaran, Dharamsala and Kasauli. Amongst the unexplored destinations one can even drive up to Keylong that falls on the Manali-Leh highway, which connects one to Ladakh. The distance from Manali to Leh-Ladakh is approximately 453kms.

Nonetheless how to reach Manali is not a matter of fuss. One can drive from Kalka to Manali, which is approximately 285kms and if you are planning your trip from Delhi to Manali, then en route Chandigarh, drive to Manali is approximately 550kms and it takes approximately half a day to cover the distance by road. The State Highway 4 that connects the National Highway 21, en route Ambala and Chandigarh is the most reliable route. The distance from Chandigarh to Manali is approximately 310kms. One who is planning to hit the highway from Dehradun, should catch the National Highway 123 that connects to State Highway 1 followed by State Highway 10. Steer your wheels to National Highway 22, which connects to National Highway 21 en route State Highway 11. The approximate distance from Dehradun to Manali is 440kms. One will surely fall into a chunk of cabs honking to drive to Manali after stepping out from Kalka Railway Station. Daily buses ply from Delhi, Chandigarh and Dehradun for Manali.

One, who is planning to reach Manali by train, may find the narrow gauge track up to Jogindernagar that is the closest railhead to Manali. The approximate drive from Jogindernagar to Manali is 3-4 hours en route Mandi and Bhuntar. Well, the Kalka Railway Station, which is a terminal in the foot of Himachal heights, circuitously connects Manali to New Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bhopal, Indore, Guwahati, Patna, Kanpur, Lucknow, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai.

If you are thinking to reach Manali by air, then the closest domestic airport is Chandigarh that runs scheduled flights from Kolkata to Chandigarh and major cities likes New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore and the closest International Airport is at New Delhi. The Bhuntar airport which is actually close to Manali, approximately 50kms, has been shut down.

So far and by any means you map out to reach Manali, our suggested route is to reach Manali by road and one can avail discounts on booking a bus to Manali by just clicking our offers. Happy Journey.

Reach Manali By Air
Bhuntar airport located at a distance of 10 km from Manali and is the gateway to this region. Tourists who prefer and can afford to fly cut down on travel time hugely and thus can have a lot more time to enjoy Manali. Flights are available from all the major cities.