Manali

History of Manali

Manali was the homeland of the lawgiver of Brahmin- Manu and the town is named after him. Manali derives its name from the word Manu-Alaya. A legend has it, that one day the seventh embodiment of Manu found a tiny fish which told him to take it with him as it would do him a tremendous benefit one day. He took care of the fish until the fish grew and released it into the sea. The fish warned him about the world being submerged and asked him to build an ark during the flood. Later, there was a flood that submerged the earth as said by the fish. However, that fish rescued Manu and other Gods. When floodwater receded, Manu's ark came to rest upon a hill, which was after called Manali.

Manali Geography

Manali one of the major hill station is located approximately 40 km from Kullu in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Manali situated at the elevation ranges from 1800 m to 2000 m. Manali has a complex and variable topography, with grassy valleys, forested hillsides. The Sutlej and Beas River cross through the lush green meadows and rocky terrain, Manali offers access to the Lahaul, Spiti, and Kinnaur regions of Himachal Pradesh as well as the Leh and Zanskar regions of Jammu and Kashmir through Rohtang Pass and Atal Tunnel.

Plan My Package Recommends: Places To Visit In Manali

Old Manali is the most recommended place by Plan My Package. The old charm of this market attracts a wide range of tourists, from the narrow colorful streets of the market you can buy lots of good stuff like warm shawls, pashminas, decorative items, accessories, and many more things.
Visit Bhuttico, it was started in 1944 by a group of women as a cooperative shop where you can purchase numerous winter wears from this place.
Visit one of the important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Manali Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa was constructed in 1960, it has been a refuge to people, those who migrated from Tibet. This Monastery is famous for its wall paintings.
Naggar Castle is a magnificent historical site, made of stone & wood. This castle is a blend of European and Himalayan architecture. This place is a residence of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu in the year 1978, the castle changed into a heritage hotel run by HPTDC.

Nearby Tourist Places in Manali

Hidimba Devi Temple (approx 2.2 Km from Manali)

Hidimba Devi Temple is also known as “The Dhungri Temple” This temple belongs to the Hindu-goddess Hidimbi. Hidimbi was the wife of Bhima and the mother of Ghatotkach. The construction of the temple is with walls, cone-shaped roofs, and wooden doorways. The Hidimba Devi Temple was built in 1553 CE. It is an excellent place to visit and one can explore the culture and heritage. The timings for visiting the temple is between 8 am to 6 pm. The people of Manali worship Hidimba Devi at the time of Navratri. The Distance from the Bhuntar Airport is approx 52.2 km to the Temple.

Solang Valley (approx 11.6 Km from Manali)

Solang Valley is also known as “Solang Nala” which is extracted from the words Solang and Nullah. It is a Ski paradise in North India, It has been surrounded by beautiful and dreamlike slopes. The best time to visit Solang Valley is in December. The adventure activities in Solang Valley are Paragliding, Zorbing, Quad Biking, Camping and the adventure activities done in winters are Skiing, Snowmobiling, and Gondola ride. The places to visit near Solang Valley are Great Himalayan National Park, Rohtang pass, Kothi. The distance from Manali Airport to Solang Valley is approximately 13km.

Jogini Waterfall (approx 3.2 Km from Manali)

Jogini Waterfall is a waterfall situated near the Vashisht Village in Himachal Pradesh. The Jogini Waterfall has been formed by a stream and now it has been merged into the Beas River. It is one of the famous places in Himachal. There is also a Jogini Mata Temple near the waterfall. The local people of Himachal take their children for their first tonsure. There is also a trek to Jogini Falls and it is one of the best and shortest treks in Manali. The trek passes through the Vashisht Temple and the way goes through tall pine trees, apple orchards, and the small water streams. The total time the duration trek takes is around 3 hours.

Vashist Hot Water Spring Temple (approx 3.6 Km from Manali)

As we all know that Himachal is famous for its valleys and springs. The village of Vashist is also known as Hot Sulphuric Springs. The temperature of the water is around 40 to 50 degrees celsius. The hot water springs of Vashist are a source of freshwater in Manali. The restaurants near the water spring are Rasta Cafe, German Bakery, Rose Garden Restaurant, Freedom Cafe. This Famous hot spring is a 3kms away from Manali. The timings for visiting the Vashist Hot Water Spring Temple are 7 am to 10 pm.

Old Manali (approx 1.9 Km from Manali)

It is located at 6589 feet above sea level and 3 km upward from Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Manali is divided into Old manali and New Manali. Old Manali is cleaner and less crowded because now more people travel to New Manali. It is most famous for Hadimba Temple. This destination is the most perfect place to experience the beauty of Himachal Pradesh. A nature walk here along with your camera is a must for the Old Manali and people also buy the delicious cherries. Old Manali takes 15-20 minutes to reach by trekking hill from New Manali as the distance between them is approx 3 km.

How to Reach Manali

Manali by Air

The nearest airport is Bhuntar in Kullu, which is 50 km away from Manali because there is no airport in Manali. Daily most tourists fly to Chandigarh or Delhi and then drive down to Manali. Both Delhi and Chandigarh are major cities and all carriers have a regular flight in and out of these cities.

Manali by Train

The nearest railway station to Manali is Chandigarh, which is approx 300 km away and another option is available to get a train from Ambala Cantt, which is approx 340 km away. Jogindernagar and Kalkaji are others, which are less popular options for Manali.

Manali by Road

Buses and taxis are good options if you want to reach Manali on a budget. The distance is around 540 km from the capital city and there are also regular buses connecting to two cities with a very good frequency. You can also book tickets online for Manali or get tickets from the Inter-State Bus Terminus or the Himachal Tourism office on Safdar Hashmi Marg near Mandi House in Delhi. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses are regular and comfortable and Volvo bus services are also available. The time taken almost to travel from Delhi to Manali is 14 hours, from Ambala to Manali is 10 hours from Chandigarh is 8 hours and from Kullu to Manali is 1.5 to 3 hours. The road to Manali can be breezy and causes motion sickness so it is advised to stay away from too much food and keep motion sickness medicine along with you.

Best time to visit Manali

October to June is the best time to explore Manali and December to February is the best time to experience snowfall in Manali, while during the Monsoon season June to August due to the rainy season tourists avoid visiting Manali. Weather plays a crucial role in deciding on a trip to Manali, though we can take a trip around any time of the year. But we must take into consideration the climate factors as well. Winters and Spring are the best times to visit Manali. As monsoon retreats and Spring advances, you will spot honeymooners and couples enjoying themselves to the fullest. Winter brings winter sports like skiing and couples walking down the snowy path.
Manali Weather & Temperature
Manali in Monsoon
- The monsoon in Manali lasts from July to Mid-September. Due to heavy rain, there are high chances of landslides. Hence, it isn't the best time to visit Manali.
Manali in Winters
- The best time to visit Manali is from October to February, which is also the winter season. The temperature during the winter season drops below Zero degrees celsius.
Manali in Summers
- Summers in Manali last from March to June. It is the most suitable time for tourists who want to relish the experience of rafting, paragliding, and mountain sports in Solang Valley. Know More...

Famous Places To Eat in Manali

Cafe 1947

Cafe 1947 is the most famous restaurant in Manali, especially for good food and good mood. With a cozy sweet ambiance, sounds of the river, and great music, this Italian cafe has got everything to win your heart and it is one of the best non-veg restaurants in Manali.

Chopsticks

Chopsticks is a foodie’s paradise. Its comprehensive menu of Tibetan, Indian, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines would leave you spoilt for choice. Amidst the busy street, this little restaurant might not amuse your fancy at first but would leave you smitten later. It is a good place for vegetarian lovers.

Mount View Restaurant

Mount View is the oldest restaurant, known for serving numerous dishes Chinese, Tibetan, Italian, Japanese, Continental, and Indian delicacies. For a foodie's heart, this place would be heaven!

The Lazy Dog

This restaurant is located on the banks of Beas in old Manali, this restaurant allows an experience of the metro lifestyle with a traditional touch. The ambiance is quite impressive as there are fine arrangements of wooden chairs, bean bags, adding to the laid-back party vibe, making it famous amongst travelers of all kinds.

Johanson`s

Johnson’s Restaurant & Bar is located in the Manali and situated in Johnson’s Lodge. Covered in a serene ambiance, lush greenery, and beautiful colored setting.

Places To Stay in Manali

Himalayan Heights Manali

Himalayan Height is a 3-star hotel that offers 24hrs services, provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, garden, and terrace, and also provides family rooms, all rooms include a wardrobe, private washroom and you will enjoy a buffet breakfast with a mountain view.

The Orchard Greens Resort & Spa

This hotel offers a rooftop restaurant, located in the dense green Deodar forests and provide a spectacular view of the apple orchards, field, cottages, villages, and valleys. They provide room packages - the presidential suite, the luxury room, the deluxe room, and family room packages also.

Hotel Solitaire

Hotel Solitaire is located in the lap of nature surrounded by snow-capped peaks all around. The offering comfortable room and services, the tariff of the hotel at a reasonable price, 3-star deluxe facilities the room of the resort element, and stylish decor. Deluxe rooms and Honeymoon suites have their private sit-out balcony.

Royal Park Resorts and Spa

Royal park resort offers 24 hrs front desk, rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV, seating to relax, free toiletries, certain rooms with a view of the mountain or river. Know More...