Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the world. Nestled in the majestic Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Manali has everything that nature can offer. From snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys to gurgling rivers, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those wanting a serene escape. In this blog, let’s look at the best places to visit in Manali. In addition, we will see the best time to visit Manali.

Why You Should Visit Manali

The topography of Manali is such that it has something for every type of traveler. The natural beauty of Manali is the first thing that strikes its visitors. With several ancient temples & spiritual retreats, it becomes an attraction to those seeking self-awareness and elevation. It is an excellent place for adventure seekers to get an adrenaline rush. From pleasant summers to snowy winters, it is a year-round destination for peaceful getaways & romantic stays.

How to Reach Manali

Before finalizing the best places to visit in Manali, let’s see how to reach Manali. Manali has fair connectivity through road, air, and rail. It is at a distance of around 500 kilometers from Delhi and 275 kilometers from Chandigarh.

1. By Air: Bhuntar Airport is the nearest airport, around 50 kilometers from Manali. You can reach the hill station via taxis or buses from there.

2. By Road: Manali is accessible from all major North Indian cities by road. Several luxury, semi-luxury, and ordinary buses connect Manali from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla. Another way to reach Manali by road is to opt for a private taxi. Many enthusiasts even drive through Himalayan terrain to enjoy the scenic beauty.

3. By Train: Joginder Nagar is the nearest railway station to Manali. It is about 160 kilometers away from the hill station but with a lesser number of trains. So, most travelers prefer taking the train to Chandigarh or Ambala and then taking the road.

Top 8 Best Places to Visit in Manali

Traveling to Manali is a memorable experience on its own. And once you reach Manali, there is so much to absorb and admire. Every corner of the place leaves you mesmerized with its beauty. The villages, temples, hikes, and landscapes in Manali are irresistible. Yet, we have come up with the top 8 best places to visit in Manali that must be on every traveler’s itinerary:

Solang Valley

Solang Valley is a heaven for adventure seekers in Manali. In summer, the valley hosts paragliding, zorbing, and quad biking. While in winter, it becomes a perfect place for skiing, sledding, and snowboarding. Only 13 kilometers from Manali, the valley looks breathtaking with snow-capped peaks all around. However, nothing beats winters that make it a snowy wonderland.

Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass is a must-visit place if you are visiting the town in summer or early autumn. At an altitude of around 4000 meters, you get astonishing views from Himalayan glaciers to valleys below. About 50 kilometers from Manali, Rohtang Pass remains covered with snow almost the whole year. You can enjoy skiing and ATV rides and click some unforgettable photographs of the indescribable beauty. However, it is worth noting that the pass closes a few months each year due to heavy snowfall in winter.

Hidimba Devi Temple

The 16th-century Hidimba Devi Temple is perhaps the most prestigious place in Manali. Hidden in the cedars, the temple is a perfect blend of spirituality and history dating back to the Mahabharata period. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Hidimba. It is famous for its unique architecture with a pagoda-style roof. Besides its spiritual significance, the temple is a tranquil retreat into nature.

Manikaran

Manikaran is a sacred place at a distance of about 80 kilometers from Manali. It is yet another place surrounded by natural beauty and spiritual significance. It is famous for its hot springs, which people believe have healing properties. The famous Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.

Vashisht Hot Springs and Temple

Vashisht village lies at a distance of 3 kilometers from Manali. It is famous for its ancient temples and hot springs. The village is named after the great sage Vashisht and has an ancient temple dedicated to him. The hot springs here are also believed to have healing properties. Besides, the village also has ancient temples dedicated to God Rama and God Shiva.

Jogini Waterfalls

Right from the Vashisht village, there is a hike to the beautiful Jogini Waterfalls. For nature lovers and hikers, it is a must-visit place. The hike passes through pleasant apple orchards and cedar forests. It is an easy hike of about an hour that anyone can complete. The destination is a spectacular 160-foot-high waterfall, perfect for picnics and absorbing natural beauty.

Naggar Castle

Naggar Castle is an over five centuries-old stone-wood mansion built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu. The courtyard of the castle offers a striking view of the Kullu valley. The castle is now under the control of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) as a heritage hotel. It is about 23 kilometers from Manali, and the town also has three old shrines. 

Old Manali

If you want a laid-back vibe, a short walk through Old Manali is all you need. It is a place to enjoy nature, famous quaint cafes, guesthouses, and backpacker culture. It is also home to the only Manu Temple, dedicated to the sage Manu, the creator of human civilization. And it is the sage Manu after whom Manali is named.

Bonus: Adventure Sports in Manali

Besides soul-soothing sightseeing, Manali has several adventurous activities to offer. In Solang Valley and Rohtang pass trips, you can enjoy skiing & snowboarding. The Beas River creates perfect conditions for river rafting in the valley. The valley offers magnificent trails like Hampta Pass and Beas Kund treks. In addition, you can also enjoy camping, mountain biking, paragliding, and bungee jumping in different parts of the valley.

Best Time to Visit Manali

The best time to visit Manali depends on person to person. If you are someone who loves snow or winter sports, December to February is the ideal time for you in Manali. 

March to June is the perfect time to enjoy pleasant weather, greenery, and flowers blooming.

If you don’t like crowds and want to experience a peaceful autumn landscape, plan your visit in September & October.

Conclusion

Manali is one of the few places in the country that offers so much to its visitors. From spirituality to natural beauty, from leisure stays to adventure, you get everything. Manali has also become a charming Himalayan town for cultural exploration. In a new trend, many online working professionals are shifting to Manali and staying here for longer durations.

In this blog, we have tried to cover the best times & places to visit in Manali. We hope that it will be helpful for you to plan your next visit to Manali. If you have any queries or confusion regarding the Manali visit, feel free to contact us. From providing a peaceful stay to comfortable travel arrangements, we are here to help you.