Ever imagined waking up to an illustrious sunrise with heavenly views or sitting by the streaming water and looking for some inner peace; “The valley of the Gods”, Manali is sure to charm any coronary heart.
Nestled at the height of 2000 metres above the sea bed on the river Beas, Manali is one of the best holiday destinations in North India, around the year. With spell-binding views, charming streams, the fairy-tale-like fog surrounding panoramic luscious green hills, alpine pastures and a persisting scent of pines and freshness makes it a popular holiday destination in India with tourists thronging Manali both in summers as well as in winters for family holidays or for a perfect Honeymoon Escape. Besides natural charm and unparalleled heavenly beauty, Manali is known for its unlimited adventure opportunities making it a “Backpacking Capital Of India.”
History
Manali is rich in cultural heritage and age old traditions. The city is named after the Hindu lawgiver Manu. Manali exactly means “the abode of Sage Manu”.
The Manali town actually flourished during the British era, They introduced apple, pine and trout fishing to Manali.
Things To Do In Manali-
Nature Connect
Rediscover yourself in the serene surroundings of the Indian Himalayas, a perfect place for someone who is seeking seclusion amidst nature. Take a walk in the woods or
listen to the music of nature in the gushing Jogini waterfalls or Rahala falls running at their peak flow in the summer season.
Relish a freshly plucked apple from the apple orchards in the pre-monsoon months of June and July.
Temples and Monasteries
Find your lost peace in the temples and monasteries around Manali. Explore Hidimba Devi Temple, locally known as Dhungari Temple, an ancient cave temple surrounded by tall cedar forest, dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, wife of Bhima, a figure in the Indian epic Mahabharta. Visit local Tibetan Monasteries of Nyingmapa Gompa and Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa
great places to learn about the Buddhist culture.
Adjacent to the charming river of Parvati valley is Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib, a Sikh temple, famous for its hot water springs and beautiful landscapes.
Another famous temple is Siyali Mahadev temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva
Adventure
Besides picturesque landscapes, Manali is a hub for adventurous sports. Solang Valley offers adventure junkies with splendorous winter as well as summer adventurous sports. Here one can indulge in gondola riding, paragliding, zorbing and quad biking in summers whereas in skiing, sledging and snowmobiling in winters. Covered with fluffy white snow during winters is another destination, Sethan Valley, a tiny Buddhist hamlet to try your hand at skiing and snowboarding.
Another popular vista of the Manali Tour is Rohtang Pass, a mecca for adrenaline-pumping activities. Skiing, paragliding, zorbing, sledging and other snow activities. One can enjoy these activities in the summer season when the pass remains covered with the gleaming white sheets of snow. Else try your hands at river rafting in the Beas river where the rafting season in Manali begins in mid-April and ends in mid-June with the arrival of the monsoon in the region.
Hiking And Trekking Tours
Top the thrill-o-meter and boost up your adrenaline levels with bewitching treks and hiking trails on the Himalayas, Manali being the hub of all adventurous treks from beginners to the long and challenging levels. To begin with, one can trek to the pictorial location of Bhrigu Lake or to Beas Kund Trek.
Nightlife
Evenings are beautiful in Manali where one can sit in a riverside cafe of Old Manali for a piping hot bowl of soup with a view of the gushing Beas River, swaying eucalyptus covering tall cliffs and guitar sessions.
From camping under the star-lit sky in Solang valley to dancing in the clubs like khyber, Chelsea club or Cafe 1947, Manali has it all.
Manali’s Mall Road too is quite happening and popular. The Mall road of town is packed with Tibetan artefacts, artificial jewellery, and woollen items, one can buy themself a souvenir.
Offbeat Destinations Around…
Pick off the beaten tracks of the Kullu Valley to witness the enthralling views of snow laden peaks in Gulaba village, one of the best places to visit the village would be in winters when Rohtang pass is closed. Another offbeat destination and former capital of Kullu in Naggar. Explore the beauty of Mountaneous architecture with a perfect backdrop of the Beas river in Naggar Castle.
Drive through Atal Tunnel, the horseshoe-shaped highway tunnel that connects Manali and the Lahaul-Spiti valley. An all-weather tunnel that made entry to the winter locked land and opens into Sissu village.
Best Time To Visit
Manali has a subtropical highland climate with warm summers and cold winters.
All the dominant seasons of Manali have their charm. Manali can be explored all throughout the year, avoiding monsoons.
October to February is the winter season and from December end to January is the time when one can enjoy snowfall and the picturesque scenic white views of the surrounding mountains. This is the ideal time for adventure enthusiasts.
March to June is the summer season- This is the perfect time to indulge in outdoor activities such as paragliding, rafting, trekking and mountain adventures in the Solang Valley.
How To Reach
By Air – The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, located approximately 50 kilometres away from Manali.
By Train– The closest train station to Manali is Ambala Cantt, which is 200 km away.
By Bus – Manali is very well-connected to important tourist destinations. Manali can be reached from Chandigarh by national highway NH21 which passes through Kullu towns connecting Leh.
Dreaming of a family vacation or an adventurous tour, a perfect holiday destination or a solo backpacking tour amidst the snow-clad Himalayan mountains? Manali and its precincts give a plethora of options to explore.
So what are you waiting for?
Answer the mountain call and book a trip with IndiaATour
Your best travel partner for your next Soulful Trip!!
