EXCLUSIVE MANALI HIMALAYA
About Manali Tourism: Located in the northern end of Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley, Manali is not just one of India’s most popular tourist destinations but also a significant honeymoon destination. Manali is one of the perfect destinations for honeymooners with quaint and comfortable cottages and snowfall during winters. With the lush greenery, heritage sites, cafes and plenty of space for adventure activities, experience it all with Himachal Tour and Travel’s diverse range of Manali travel packages.
Your trip to Manali also has to include adventure activities like river rafting, paragliding, skiing, trekking, mountain biking, sledging, zorbing and more; Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, River Beas etc. are some of the famous sites.
Manali travel packages make your stay unforgettable by lodging in resorts, hotels, and guesthouses in picturesque locations, and also includes destinations like Kasol, Shimla, Dharamshala and Dalhousie. In addition, Himachal Tour and travel offers a plethora of affordable and customisable packages for travelling with family or friends and guarantees you a marvellous trip!
Best Time to Visit Manali
The best time to visit Manali, according to Holidify's recommendations, is during the spring and summer months, from March to June, and in the post-monsoon season from September to November. Here's why:
1. Spring (March to June): Manali welcomes spring with blooming flowers and pleasant weather. This is the perfect time to witness nature's beauty as the valley comes alive with colorful blossoms. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities, trekking, and sightseeing.
2. Summer (March to June): During summer, Manali experiences its peak tourist season. The weather is delightful, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, offering relief from the scorching heat of the plains. It's a great time for adventure enthusiasts, honeymooners, and families to explore the region.
3. Post-Monsoon (September to November): After the monsoon showers, Manali gets a fresh lease of life. The lush green landscapes are a treat for the eyes. The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. This is an excellent time for trekking, nature walks, and enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
While these months are considered the best time to visit Manali, it's important to note that the hill station is a year-round destination. Each season offers a unique charm, from snowy winters to the monsoon's lush greenery. However, for those seeking the perfect blend of pleasant weather and outdoor adventures, spring, summer, and the post-monsoon period are ideal.
Places to Visit in Manali
Hadimba Temple: Located amidst the snow-covered hills of Manali, the Hadimba Temple is a unique shrine dedicated to Hidimba Devi, who was the wife of Bhima and mother of Ghatothkach. Surrounded by gorgeous cedar forests, this beautiful shrine is built on a rock which is believed to be in the image of goddess Hidimba herself.
Manu temple: The Manu Temple is said to be the only temple dedicated to the King Manu, who was later known as Sage Manu in India. The temple is a pagoda structure that offers a glimpse into history and spirituality through its fascinating architecture. Some may find it difficult to reach Manu Temple because there is only a narrow road that leads to the shrine; however, the journey is certainly pleasant.
Van Vihar: Adorned with sky touching deodar trees, Van Vihar National Park is located near the Mall Road making it easily accessible. The favourite attraction of this park is a man-made lake that is open for boating.
Manali Club House: The Club House in Manali is an amusement and adventure retreat set up on the banks of the Manalsu Nalla, a branch of the breathtaking Beas River. It has indoor and outdoor activities like Billiards, Carom, Video Games, Table Tennis, Roller skating rink, River crossing, Go-karting, Zip lining and Ropeway. It also has a restaurant and bar along with some small stalls for local shopping.
Manikaran: Manikaran is a famous pilgrimage destination for both Sikhs and Hindus. It is known for Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib and the hot springs. There are three hot springs where one can take a bath, one being inside the Gurudwara itself and the other two being privatised by the guesthouses. Different sections for men and women are made at the bathing place. The water in these springs contains sulphur which is believed to cure many diseases.
Solang Valley: 14 kilometres to the north west of the main town of Manali, Solang Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. It is famous for adventure activities like parachuting, paragliding, horse riding, driving mini-open jeeps, zorbing, etc. During winters, Solang valley is covered with snow, making skiing is a popular sport here.
Rohtang Pass: Located at a distance of just 51 kilometres from Manali, Rohtang Pass can be reached only by road. The pass is located at a massive height of 3978 metres on Manali- Keylong road. Activities like sledging, mountain biking and skiing are popular here. Due to heavy snowfall in winters, the pass remains closed from November to May.
Atal Tunnel: Also referred to as the Rohtang Tunnel, Atal Tunnel is a horseshoe-shaped highway tunnel that connects Manali and the Lahaul-Spiti valley, reducing the time taken by around 4-5 hours. Named after the former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the tunnel is the world’s longest one above 10,000 feet and is constructed in the Pir Panjal ranges, under the Rohtang Pass.
Jogini Waterfalls: Jogini Waterfall is located about 3 kilometres away from the bustling town of Manali and around 2 kilometres away from Vashisht Temple. What makes it a popular tourist spot is the trek from Vashisht Temple, through pine trees and orchards, to the mesmerising Jogini Waterfalls cascading from a height of 160 feet. It is considered as one of the most romantic attractions in Manali.
Vashisht Baths: Located inside the very famous Vashisht Temple in Manali, Vashisht Baths is a hot water spring, believed to possess medicinal values. Also known as Vashisht Springs, it is visited by a lot of tourists, many of whom take a dip in the holy water to rid themselves of skin diseases and infections.
Kullu: Kullu, a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh is located on the banks of the Beas river. Kullu is generally coupled with its sister town Manali. It has few important temples like the Raghunath Temple and Jagannath Devi Temple. There are many treks that also originate from this area include the Bijli Mahadev Temple Trek, Parvati Valley Trek, etc. With panoramic views and majestic hills covered with Deodar and Pine trees, Kullu is a nature lover’s paradise. Rafting is a popular activity here that starts from Pirni, around 4 km away from Kullu.
Things to Do in Manali
Skiing: Manali is known for its excellent skiing conditions with skiing enthusiasts visiting from all over the country. The undulating slopes of Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass are perfect for skiing. They are popular for amateurs to learn their first move while ideal grounds for professional skiing in Manali.
Paragliding: The hillside town of Manali is famous for paragliding. Starting with a basic training course, the operators are well organized, competent and trustworthy. Medium flights involve a 15-minute flight, while long/high flights last between 40 minutes and 1 hour. Individuals with a paragliding license can opt for solo flights while amateurs are allowed to take tandem flights – where a pilot accompanies the individual and navigates the glider.
River Rafting: River Rafting in Kullu Manali is done along the River Beas and is considered ideal for expert rafters as well as beginners. The section of rafting starts from a small district called Pirdi and it flows through various locations like Bajaura, Sarabai, Bhuntar, Shamshi, Mohal, Raisol and Katrain. Rafting in Kullu Manali usually starts at 10:00 AM and takes about 1.5 hours. It is open throughout the year and people are advised to avoid the time when there is heavy rainfall which can lead to the rise in water level.
Visit Old Manali: Away from the hustle and bustle that the town of Manali holds, Old Manali is a backpacker’s paradise. Lying at a distance of 3 kilometers uphill from the central city, Old Manali is often frequented by tourists from all across the world. Here you can sit back and relax in the lap of nature, away from the hullabaloo of city life. Along with the myriad other things, this is one of the topmost things to do in Manali.
Zorbing: Zorbing is a fun hill-sport in this region that takes advantage of the picturesque downward slopes of the Himalayas. The thrill of rolling down picturesque views at a speed that is not in your control is not just exhilarating but also alluring for zorbers. While zorbing has become a popular recreational activity, Zorbing in Solang Valley is a wholly new experience. Professional instructors ensure that you are well instructed and safe throughout the activity.