Manali is a popular holiday destination not just for spending a weekend break with family or friends but also for sparing quality time with your bestie and weaving lifetime moments. With so many things to do here, we bring you a travel guide for Manali tourism to help you find the places where you have a great time with your loved ones. The scenic natural beauty is dotted with mountains, warm springs, chilly wind, & much more.
If you plan to take a break from your hectic schedule & move to a hilly, scenic place, then Manali is indeed one of the prominent choices to go with. This place stockpiles everything that appeals to all kinds of travellers, be they peace seekers, adventure enthusiasts, or honeymooners. Hence, today, we bring you a travel guide of places that you can cover during your short visit to the charming hill station.
Places in Manali to visit during weekend: Manali tourism
Below are some places worth exploring in Manali, one of the top hill stations near Delhi during your short vacation plan with your family or friends. It will give you a relieving break from your strenuous work life.
- Manu Temple
Manu Temple is a prominent holy site in Manali. This temple is dedicated to sage Manu, on whose name this hill station is known. According to mythological legend, he saved the Vedas and seven sages from the great flood and made Manali his home. Constructed with wood and stone, the temple provides exotic views of the Beas River and magnificent hills. The religious edifice attracts countless devotees every year.
- Solang Valley
Solang Valley is also a trendy tourist spot which you must visit for its picturesque views & solitariness. You can try some Chinese food from local roadside shacks when coming here. This place is best known for its snow-capped mountains & glaciers. It is located on the way to Rohtang Pass, 13 km from northwest Manali.
- Naggar Castle
Naggar Castle is one of the top picnicking spots in Manali in the breathtaking forested hills in Naggar Town. The place had been a residence of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu. The castle is attractive for its architectural marvels made with European & Himalayan styles. Its interior is graced with fitting staircases, fireplaces, & majestic works of stone & wood.
- Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass is a famous travel destination that attracts maximum tourist footfall every year. It is a high-altitude mountain area in the Himalayas, located 51 km from Manali. Visiting this place during winter is not safe because the region is completely covered in snow, which makes it inconvenient. Hence, it is closed from October and reopens in May.
- Old Manali
If you are looking for top honeymoon destinations in Manali, Old Manali is one such place to consider. It features lovely roads, small kitschy places, oscillating eucalyptus, eateries, & cafes serving continental food at low prices. Other things to notice here are the twittering of birds & the gushing water sound of the Kullu River.
Activities to do in Manali
Besides exploring these sites, our Manali tourism guide suggests you experience the adventure activities in Manali to add more thrill to your vacation. Below are the activities that will keep you delighted throughout.
- River rafting
River rafting is one of the popular adventure activities in Manali to add fun. The activity takes place on the Beas River. So do partake in the exhilarating adrenaline fun with Grade II & Grade III rapids. The age limit for this adventure sport is 12 yrs to 45 yrs.
- Himalayan Caravan Adventure
Himalayan Caravan Adventure includes multiple adventure activities, such as trekking, paragliding, jeep safaris, and mountain biking. With tailor-made holiday packages, it attracts many adventure lovers every year.
- Trekking
Manali is a fantastic place for those ready for high-altitude trekking on the jagged hills. There are Mountaineering Institutes that provide several types of trekking and rock climbing. Yoga trekking is also a popular concept, blending spiritual and physical well-being. It is very famous among adventure and spiritual seekers.
- Zorbing
Zorbing is one of the exciting adventure activities to do in Manali. In this, you are put in a huge transparent zorb ball and rolled down a mountain slope, which makes you see everything going upside down.
- Skiing
When coming to Manali, it’s impossible to miss out on partaking in the high-adrenaline skiing sessions in snow-clad mountains. To make your journey more interesting and memorable, try heli-skiing or yak-skiing.
Top eatery zones for lip smacking treat
Savouring the local cuisines also makes a significant part of Manali tourism. To enjoy a culinary treat, there are many top eatery spots to consider for your dining time. Some of the top ones are:
- Dylan’s Toasted Roaster
This cafe is named after American singer Bob Dylan, with its portraits adorning the walls. It is an ideal visit for his fans & music lovers. It was initially called Double Vision, but it was later renamed to Dylan’s Toasted Roasted.
- Johnson’s Bar and Restaurant
Johnson’s Bar and Restaurant is an Italian eatery with experienced chefs, quality food, and a well-stocked bar serving shooters, liquors, cocktails, & fine-quality wines. It is the place to have a memorable dining experience.
- Casa Bella Vista
Casa Bella Vista is the best cafe to savour Spanish and Italian dishes. Located amidst lush green surroundings, you can munch on freshly baked bread and thin-crust wood-oven pizza with a chilled beer or mocktail.
- Khyber
Khyber is a multi-cuisine restaurant you should definitely prefer dining out with your loved ones. It serves different delectable dishes ranging from Continental, Mughlai, Indian, & Chinese. The prices of drinks here are reasonable.
Best time to visit Manali
Manali is one of the scenic escapes everyone would love to spend their vacations. However, one must also know what is the right time to visit this charming hill station. Let’s start with the following:
- Summer ( March to June)
The onset of summer in Manali begins in March. However, in comparison to cities, the weather here is pleasant. During this time, the temperature usually varies between 10°C to 25°C. This is when you can witness the natural pristine beauty with the blooming of flowers. Since it is cold at night, be ready with your woollens.
- Monsoon (July to September)
Monsoon season starts in July and lasts until September. If you love rainfall & want to visit this hill station during this time, please drop your plan. Travelling during this season is unsafe, as heavy rainfall and landslides are possible. So don’t make your travel experience unpleasant.
- Winter (October to February)
Winter is the ideal time for honeymooners to visit Manali & witness the snowfall and scenic white views of the encircling mountains. The season begins in October & lasts until February. This is the best time to indulge in skiing.
How to reach
To visit Manali, there are different commuting routes to prefer as per your convenience. Following our Manali travel guide, these are the options:
- By Air
Bhuntar Airport is the nearest airport to Manali, which is 50 km away. After descending from the airport, hire a pre-paid taxi to visit Manali. Domestic flights connect Bhuntar with Chandigarh and Delhi.
- By Train
Since there is no railway station in Manali, you need to board a train for Joginder Railway Station, which is 147 km away. Also, there is no direct connectivity with the major Indian cities.
- By Road
Since Manali is well-connected with major cities like Shimla, New Delhi, Kullu, Dharamshala, and Leh, it would be easier to travel by bus. The total distance from Delhi to Manali is around 550 km. To make your journey convenient, you can book air-conditioned Volvo buses. You can even visit with your vehicle, witnessing the breathtaking views of mountains and valleys along the way.
Best resort to stay in Manali
To explore the pristine natural beauty of Manali, you need to search for an accommodation that brings luxury & comfort. To suggest you a better option is jüSTa Grand View Resort & Spa. Located at a distance of 5 km, it is one of the luxury resorts in Manali, featuring 36 luxurious rooms acquainted with modern facilities. The other added amenities to enjoy here include a spa & a gymnasium.
It is even the best wedding venue to book for your destination wedding in Manali (if you plan to do so). The resort comprises a Board Room of 200 sq. ft and an extensive lawn area of 3200 sq. ft. From intimate outdoor settings to grand ballrooms, the resort has everything to make any event successful. Having a team of professional wedding planners will prove a great help, as they will assist you in every wedding detail.
Coming to the dining part, Sabor is one of the top restaurants in Manali, serving a range of delicious culinary surprises, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. This multi-cuisine restaurant lets you savour not only authentic Himachali cuisine but also international favourites made with the freshest ingredients sourced from local markets.
Conclusion
Manali is an evergreen tourist destination that has always impressed travellers with its picturesque natural beauty and fascinating places. However, adventure activities are also significant in upscaling Manali tourism, luring people from all over India to experience the thrill. Hence, if you plan to visit this charming hill station, explore it for your next vacation.
