Manali is one of the most famous hill stations in India that is popular for its snow-clad mountain, thrilling activities, ancient temples, Rohtang pass and mesmerizing natural beauty. In the last couple of Years, Manali has become a tourist hub due to the heavy influence of foreigners and young travelers. So here we have shared everything that help you to plan a perfect trip to Manali.
Location: Manali is located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is located 536 KM from Delhi and 304 KM from Chandigarh.
How to reach?
By Air: Bhuntar has the nearest airport to Manali that is located just 50 KM away. Domestic flights connect Bhuntar with Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata and Bangalore. From Bhuntar, you can take a taxi or bus to Manali.
By Train: Joginder Nagar railway station is the nearest railway station to Manali that is located just 144 KM away. It is well connected to other major cities of India like Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Jammu, Jaipur and Agra. After reaching Joginder Nagar you can easily get a taxi or bus that takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach Manali.
By Road: Road is the most convenient and cheapest way to reach Manali. It is well connected to other major cities of India like Shimla, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, UP, Uttarakhand and Jammu by an excellent network of government and private buses. Delhi and Chandigarh are considered as the base point for the road journey to Manali. Just take a flight or train to Delhi or Chandigarh then take a bus or taxi to reach Manali. In Delhi, ISBT and Dhola Kua are the places where you can easily get a bus to Manali.
Best time to visit
Due to pleasant weather conditions, Manali is a year-round destination. However, Oct to July is considered the best time to visit Manali. During these months you can enjoy the chilly winters and pleasant summer in Manali. In winter December to January is the peak season in Manali due to snowfall. And in summer March to July tourists visit Manali for surreal weather and adventurous activities.
For more check out the complete guide of best time to visit Manali.
Places to visit in Manali
From ancient temples to adventurous mountain pass there is lot to explore in Manali:
Hadimba Devi Temple: Hadmiba Devi temple is the prime attraction of Manali. It is dedicated to Goddess Hadmiba the wife of Pandava Bhima. It is an ancient temple with lots of figures and pictures that depict the Indian epic Mahabharta.
Manu Temple: Manu temple is another major tourist spot in Manali that is famous for its Pagoda-style architecture. The temple is dedicated to Sage Manu. If you’re looking for a peaceful place in Manali then this is the place where you need to go.
Jogini Fall: Jogini fall is the natural landmark of Manali that is famous among adventure seekers and nature lovers. Trek is the only way to reach this waterfall. There is a pool at the bottom of the fall where you can take bath and do swimming.
Solang Valley: Solang valley is the adventure hub of Manali where you can do various adventurous activities likes Paragliding, skiing, camping, zorbing, snowboarding, cable care riding, snow scooter riding and trekking.
Mall Road: Mall road is the perfect place for shopping buffs. There are lots of shops lined with hotels and restaurants where you can do the shopping and enjoy delicious local food. Mall road is the place where you can find all the important buildings of Manali like ATMs, transport offices, Medical shops, food stalls, hotels, and hospitals.
For more ideas do check out our handpicked list of 27 best places to visit in Manali.
What to do
If thrill excites you then Manali is the perfect place for you. White water rafting, trekking, hiking, paragliding, camping, mountain biking, zip-lining, bungee jumping, mountaineering, fishing, skiing and snowboarding are some of the best things to do in Manali. You’ll find lots of tour agents to organize the adventure tours but do bargaining for reasonable prices.
Many people start their journey to Rohtang Pass, Spiti and Leh from Manali.
For more ideas check out these top 12 things to do in Manali.
Where to stay in Manali?
Being one of the most famous hill stations in India, Manali has a wide range of hotels, Home-stays and camps for everyone. No matter whether you’re a budget traveler or love to stay in luxury there are lots of options in Manali. Mall Road, Old Manali, and Vashisht village are some of the places to find the best hotels in Manali.
Where to eat in Manali?
There are lots of cafes and restaurants where you can have delicious Indian, Italian, Thai, Japanese and Continental cuisines.
- Cafe 1947 is a place for great food with live music. This is an Italian cafe with the sound of the Beas river and cozy ambience. It is a perfect place for couples in Manali.
- The Lazy Dog cafe is another great place to enjoy western food with live music.
- The open-air restaurant at Apple Bud Cottages is a perfect place to have great food with amazing views. It is a great place to have dinner under the night sky. This rooftop restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner date with your partner.
- Old Manali, Vashisht Village and streets near Mall road are perfect to find delicious and authentic food at a reasonable price in Manali.
- Dhungri village is another place to find affordable food courts and cafes.
Manali Travel Tips
- Old Manali and Vashisht village are the best places to stay in Manali for the budget.
- Mall road is the most expensive place in Manali for stay and food. Shops and hotels on streets near Mall road offer you better service at a reasonable price.
- To save money try to include breakfast and dinner in your hotel meal.
- August to October is the cheapest time to visit Manali.
- 15th Dec to 15th Jan is the most expensive time to visit Manali as tourists from all over India visit Manali to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
- Jan to April is the best time to see snowfall in Manali.
- Summer is the best season for adventure freaks.
- Don’t hire a photographer to take pictures as you can’t even check photos and end up paying a lot of money for useless photos.
- A rental bike or scooter is the best way to roam around Manali.
- Volvo bus is the best way to reach Manali.
To Know More About Manali Check out –
- Top 10 Places To Visit Near Manali
- How To Plan a Budget Trip To Manali?
- 14 Best Places To Visit In Kasol
- Covid 19 State Wise Travel Guidelines
- Where To Stay In Manali
- Best Budget Hostels In Manali Under 600 Rs
Manali is a perfect getaway for people of all ages. No matter which type of trip you’re looking for whether a romantic honeymoon with your partner or an adventurous holiday with friends, Manali is the perfect place to go. So don’t wait and plan your perfect trip to Manali with our handpicked guides. Do share and comment your thoughts in the below comment section. Peace out!