Manali, a beautiful hill resort in northern India, is nestled among the mountain slopes and has breathtaking vistas, attractive streams, a fairy-tale-like fog surrounding little hidden cottages, and the intoxicating aroma of pine and freshness that permeates the atmosphere. Although Manali has been over-exploited as a tourist attraction due to a large number of visitors, its surrounding landscapes have remained largely unspoiled. Nonetheless, this is one destination that you should certainly include on your bucket list. 

There are so many places to visit in Manali, like the Beas River, with its gushing waters, rushes boldly across the valley. A large number of flowing waterfalls, such as Jogni Falls and Rahala Falls, flush out of rocks that have been hastily arranged. You may also see huge meadows, terraced farmland, and fruit orchards while walking through the forest. All of these things combine to create a stunningly lovely scene in the town center. 

What is the best time to visit Manali? 

Whether you’re visiting Manali to escape the scorching summer heat or to take advantage of the snowy winters, here’s a monthly breakdown of the weather conditions so you can plan your trip accordingly:

From September to February: The monsoon season comes to an end in September, and winter officially begins in October. During the winter months, the temperature might drop below -1 °C, so make sure you have enough woolens to keep yourself warm and comfortable.

December to January: The end of December to the beginning of January is a beautiful time to experience snowfall and the breathtaking panoramic white vistas of the surrounding mountains, making it a popular honeymoon destination. If you’re an adventure enthusiast who wants to go skiing, now is the time to do it.

From March until June: Summer arrives in March, although the weather is still mild and pleasant. During these summer months, temperatures typically range between 10°C and 25°C, so you may still need light woolens to keep warm at night. The Solang Valley is now the best season to participate in outdoor sports such as paragliding, rafting, hiking, and mountain adventures. This is also the time of year when the region’s flora is at its peak, resulting in the region’s most pure natural splendor.

July to August: During the months of July and August, the monsoon season in Manali may be challenging since the area sees severe rainfall, which can occasionally result in landslides. However, since a large number of visitors do not want to go during this period, the costs of hotels tend to decline during this period. 

How To Reach Manali 

By Air — The Manali nearby airport is Bhuntar, which is roughly 50 km distant from Manali and serves the surrounding area. In addition to international flights, Bhuntar is connected to Delhi and Chandigarh by domestic aircraft. From the airport, you may take a pre-paid cab to Manali, which is about an hour away. Flights, on the other hand, are not the most dependable mode of transportation to or from Manali due to the weather conditions.

By Bus — Manali is very well-connected to popular tourist locations including Leh, Shimla, Kullu, Dharamshala, and New Delhi, thanks to a well-developed network of state-run as well as private bus services. The bus travel from Delhi to Manali is 550 kilometers long. Additionally, HPTDC Volvo Buses go from Delhi to Janpath every day at 6 p.m. from the HPTDC Office. These buses arrive in Manali the next day at around 8 a.m. The fee for one-way travel is around Rs 1300-1400.

Getting There By Road/Self-Road — The drive up to Manali is quite stunning! Every curve on the winding, steep route offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and you can see them from practically anywhere on the road. Despite the fact that many visitors choose to self-drive up to Manali, it is recommended that you hire a cab if you are not comfortable driving in steep terrain.

By Train: Chandigarh is the nearest rail station of Manali, and it would take around 9 hours to travel by bus or vehicle to reach Manali from there. Apart from that, the Joginder Nagar railway station, which is located near Mandi, might be regarded to be the most convenient. However, it may be difficult to reach it from remote parts of India due to low connections. 

Best Places To Visit in Manali 

Here is the most comprehensive list of tourist places in Manali and its surroundings. From Hidimba Temple to Manu Temple and from Tibetan Monasteries to Jogini Falls, these tourist places in Manali will take you on a tour of the finest the city has to offer. From the main city, it will take no more than an hour to go to these locations. 

#1. Hidimba Temple

Hidimba Temple is one of the most popular places to visit in Manali. This gorgeous temple is dedicated to Hidimba, the wife of Pandu’s son Bhima. The temple’s most noticeable feature is its location in the Dhungri Forest, which is surrounded by pine trees. All Manali tourism attractions include the pagoda-shaped Hidimba temple, which is remarkable in construction and famed for its religious significance. Hidimba’s puppet is made of brass and is incredibly magnificent. It is one of the most popular religious destinations in Manali. Opening hours of the temple are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the year. 

#2. Tibetan Monastery Manali 

Manali also has a considerable Tibetan community settlement, which is one of the most important Manali travel advice not to overlook. If you’re shortlisting locations to see in Manali in two days, you should include at least one of them. The renowned Tibetan monasteries – Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa and Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa – attract many visitors, are at the heart of Manali sightseeing, and are among the most important frequented and unquestionably the finest locations to see in Manali. The Tibetan art and craft products on show, in particular, are worth seeing. The Tibetan Monastery in Manali, like any other monastery, welcomes visitors at any time of the day. The shrine’s main entrance, however, is only open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

#3. Club House 

This is one of the fascinating places to visit in Manali. In addition to adventurous activities and indoor games, the Club House is a popular tourist destination in Manali. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation handles it near the Manalsu Nallah. It was built in the British architectural style and is maintained by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). The on-site restaurant offers a wide variety of delectable cuisine and snacks. 

#4. Jogini Falls 

Another important place to visit in Manali is Jogini Falls, situated a short distance beyond Vashisht Hot Springs and towards Vashisht Village. Jogini Falls has everything for hikers and nature lovers: soothing sounds of nature, breathtaking scenery, and tasty traditional Himachali dishes. To keep safe, wear a pair of comfortable, grippy shoes and stick to the established trek path. If you want to experience an adrenaline rush at this beautiful place, you can also do jogini waterfall trekking. 

#5. Mall Road 

Mall Road is a must-see in every mountain town. Manali also has a bustling Mall road. Evenings are full of visitors wandering here. In the winter, have ice cream or a platter of hot momos. Here you may also purchase wooden crafts and woolens. Mall Road offers various wonderful family eateries and confectionery businesses. If traveling with family, one may rent a hotel room here. It is one of the greatest places to visit in Manali with kids. 

#6. Manali Van Vihar 

Manali is famed for its picturesque beauty and deodar trees. Van Vihar is one such beautiful and green location. It’s a nature lover’s dream. The city’s municipal government maintains this renowned garden in Manali. A man-made lake also exists in Van Vihar. On this lake, one may enjoy boating. Evenings are very enjoyable here since the lake offers a stunning sunset view. 

#7. Rohtang Pass

The Rohtang Pass is one of Manali’s most well-known attractions. It’s one of the most picturesque crossings in the nation. When coated with snow during the winter months in Manali, it provides stunning vistas. It will give you chills since it is situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet. Many people come here for hiking and snow play from across India and the world. 

Where To Stay in Manali 

If you’re planning a trip to Manali, you’re definitely looking for the finest spots to rest your weary body after a day of excitement in the Himalayan highlands. Finding a wonderful hotel or resort is critical to having a fantastic holiday, so take a look at some of these wealthy establishments to get a sense of what Manali has to offer: 

• Shivadya Resort
• Hotel Manali Inn
• Upadhyay Cottages
• Himalayan Eco Resort
• Camp Exotica
• Into The Wild Himalaya Camps
• Manali Homestay
• Nagma Home Stay 
• HPTDC Log Hut

Where to Eat in Manali 

• Johnson’s, which is close to Circuit House, is well-known for its food. When we visit Manali, lunch here is a must for us.
• Chopsticks, on Mall Road, offers a wide range of Chinese meals with excellent flavor.
• Grozy, which is situated near the start of Mall Road stores, is well known for its high-quality cuisine. This was the only place where we ate throughout the trip.
• IL Forno is, without a doubt, Manali’s greatest pizza restaurant. If you like pizza, don’t miss out on this fantastic establishment. 

Conclusion 

You have various possibilities to explore on your vacation to this great city on the river bank Beas, with a lengthy list of these notable places to visit in Manali and its surrounds. So, what do you have to lose? Plan a vacation to Manali and experience the finest memorable time with your friends, family, or spouse.