Manali is a small himalayan town in the Himachal Pradesh, with a reputation of being a destination for backpackers and honeymooners. The city offers an abundance of activities ranging from trekking in Parvati Valley, Hampta Pass Trek and Jagatsukh, skiing in the Solang Valley, Snowboarding in Sethan Valley and Igloo stays. Manali also offers paragliding, rafting and mountaineering experience. There are plenty of other locations in the city that can be explored solo or with friends and family. Aside from that, Manali is known for its magnificent and unrivalled natural beauty, which is still present in its original state.

Best time to visit Manali

Manali is best visited from October to June, when the city has a lovely climate with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, and from December to February, when the city offers snowy pleasure.

How to reach Manali

Kullu Manali Airport in Bhuntar is the closest airport. It is around 50 kilometres from Manali. The city is accessible via highway buses from Delhi, Dehradun, and Chandigarh. There is a train route to Jogindernagar from other states, which is the nearest railhead to Manali. From the railway junction, it takes approx 3–4 hours to reach the mesmerising city in the lap of Himalaya.

Top 10 places to visit in Manali:

1. Hadimba Temple, Manali

Hidimba Devi Temple was a 15th century old construction, from Mahabharata period, built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh. It is also known as Dhungari Temple and is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, wife of Bheema. It has a wooden architecture and a small separate temple inside the premises dedicated to Ghatotkacha, who was a son of Hidimba Devi. This temple is surrounded with cedar woods and high rise mountains that gives a temple a lovely atmosphere that promises to bring you inner calm.

Location: Old Manali
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day

2. Vashisht Hot Water Springs & Temple, Manali

One of the major places to visit in Manali is the Hot Water Springs which is located in the 4000-year-old temple dedicated to Vashisht who was the kulguru of Lord Ram. The hot water spring has the presence of chemicals like lithium, calcium and more, which are said to have medicinal properties that cure diseases from its root. In the campus, the spring bath facilities is available for both male and female in two separate areas

Location: Vashisht Village, Manali
Timings (Temple): 7:00 am to 9:00 pm; every day

3. Manali Sanctuary

Trips to hill stations are not just meant to be the exploration of mountains and temples but also about knowing the life that exists there. One of the best places to know about that is the Manali Sanctuary where you can find the native wildlife and large varieties of mountainous flora. It is located on the banks of the Manalsu Nullah. You can find Kashmir Flying Squirrels, Flying Fox, Barking Deer, Snow Pigeons, Himalayan Black Bear, Treecreepers, Chakor, and many more in the region. Apart from that there are trees like horse chestnut, deodars, willows, red rhododendrons, etc.

Location: Circuit House Marg, Manali

4. Manu Temple

There are several stories associated with Manu Temple that can only be explored on a visit to this place. Manu Temple is dedicated to Sage Manu. It is immensely popular with tourists for a variety of reasons, including the exquisite architecture and wood carvings of the temple from the ancient time. Manu temple is nestled in a lush green woodland and offers a tranquil ambience that is unmatched.

Location: Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131

5. Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art

The Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art was founded in 1998 to preserve the state’s antiques. It is next to the Hidimba Devi Temple and houses artefacts that represent the culture and heritage of Himachal Pradesh. You can find the traditional ornaments and himachali kitchenware that were once used in the past along with the traditional himachali dresses and many other artefact. This museum is an important destination to be visited in the city as it preserves the history of ancient and old Himachal.

Location: Utopia Comlex, Near Hadimba Temple, Hadimba Temple Rd, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131

6. Nehru Kund

Another spring in the city is Nehru Kund, which is located on the Manali-Leh route. Because he once drank water from the spring, it was named after India’s first prime minister. Bhrigu Lake is thought to be the source of the spring. Nehru Kund features crystal clear water, a peaceful ambiance, and a beautiful landscape that cannot be found anywhere else. Nehru Kund offers a kind of experience that you can enjoy both physically and spiritually.

Location: Bashisht, Himachal Pradesh 175103

7. The Castle Manali

Naggar Valley Castle, as it is known, is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped hills and lush greenery. It is built in Indo-Western architecture with stone and woods, and it has a distinct charm to it. The Naggar Castle was once the residence of Raja Siddharth Singh Kullu, but now it serves as a rest house run by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. You can book a room ahead of time for a comfortable stay, or simply explore the castle and buy souvenirs to take home as a keepsake.

Location: Near Hotel, Sun Park, Naggar Rd, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175101

8. The Manali Gompa, Manali

Manali Gompa is also known as Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa. This Tibetan architecture is one of the city’s most beautiful landmarks. It is believed to have been constructed by Tibetan refugees in the late 1900s. The Manali gompa displays important Buddhist events and has pagoda-style roofs, giving it a beautiful appearance that draws people from all over the world. There ares also stalls on campus where you may buy Tibetan handicrafts and gifts.

Location: Old Manali Road, Manali
Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm; closed on Sundays

9. Arjun Gufa (Arjun Cave), Manali

Arjun Gufa is a site linked with Mahabharata legends. There are various legends about this place that locals have to convey or even you can explore on your own upon visiting this cave. According to mythology, this location served as a meditation spot for the Pandava brothers. Arjun cave is surrounded by scenic valleys and hills, and it is adjacent to two of the city’s most popular attractions, Kunt Bhayo Lake and Kunti Mata Temple. Locals and visitors alike regard Arjun Gufa to be the ideal picnic location, as it promises to provide thrills of exploration.

Location: Near Prini Village, Manali

10. Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple, Manali

The Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple’s soothing and calm atmosphere is something you must see at least once in your life. This Temple, located in the heart of the city, is guaranteed to calm your nerves and refresh your soul. The mysterious and enticing tone, pagoda-style building, Sakyamuni idol, wheel of prayers, and wall murals inside the premises are not to be overlooked because it is simply extraordinary. It is one of the finest monasteries of Manali for getting in touch with your spiritual self.

Location: Near Manali Mall Road, Manali
Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm; every day

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