Manali, Himachal Pradesh

most popular hill station in India

One of the most popular hill stations in India, Manali is associate degree amidst the mountain slopes, with spell-binding views, charming streams, the fairy-tale-like fog encompassing very little hidden cottages and a lingering scent of pines and freshness. The significant flow of travellers has crystal rectifier to the exploitation of Manali as a tourist destination, although the encompassing area unit as are still comparatively untouched. still, this is often one place that ought to undoubtedly air your bucket list. It is the destination on the bank of River Beas. Besides, having the beautiful view of mountains you’ll be able to additionally enjoy adventure sports here.

Solang Valley, Manikarana Sahib Gurudwara, Kullu, Kasol, Rafting, Camping, Tosh

Manikarana Gurudwara( Vashist Baths/Hot Water Springs )

On the outskirts of Manali area unit the hot water springs of Vashisht wherever you’ll detoxify yourself naturally amidst the pristine forests.
Or, if you wish to form a day of trip of, go all the thanks to Manikaran, it’s a very important place of worship for Sikhs and Hindus also, and has a major historical significance. The Gurudwara is exclusive within the sense that the ice-cold waters of the Hindu deity stream(the Parvati river) co-exist with hot sulphur springs known for their medicative worth.

Solang Valley

Solang Valley is quiet and is best approached by road. A half-hour drive from Manali is that the glacial Solang Valley giving the fore most gorgeous view and extremely picturesque. Once you’re there, undertake some Chinese food from the native roadside shacks, and revel in the views. Attributable to its fine slopes, the Solang Valley is a widespread ski destination throughout the winters. In summers, it turns into a paragliding paradise. Sports like zorbing and horse-riding are also available in the Solang Valley.

Kullu

Kullu, that is the solely hill location in India is precious everybody across the world whether they are foreigners or the Indians. Equipped with the attractive mountains, greenery, scenic views, rivers, clouds, forests and snow that makes Kullu the place that has got to be visited in a very lifespan. If you’re visiting Kullu for very first time, then you may be fall in love with the views of here, weather and greenery of the Kullu.

Kasol

Beautiful places square measure usually hidden away within the most simply accessible of places. To those folks with less cash than enthusiasm, Himachal is sort of a gift from God. to flee the stresses of a secular life, Anapurna depression in Himachal is one among the foremost lovely destinations within the world. Beginning at the confluence of river Anapurna and river Beas, the depression is legendary for its pretty as an image evergreen forests and crystal clear mountain rivers. Close in these sylvan hills is that the charming village of Kasol. Resplendent in natural beauty, Kasol is quick rising as a hub for backpackers, trekkers and nature lovers. it’s none the less to be ruined by commercialisation. However, it’s conjointly one among those places you wish to mark your bucket list before you’ve got kids because it is home to a ingrained native culture of pot and reformer hues. Even though you’re not into either of these, there square measure several alternative things to try and do in Kasol.

Tosh

Tosh is a lot of European than Israeli and with a relentless whiff of cannabis in its air. Trekking uphill through the forest could be a shorter route to achieve taradiddle. Cabs also are on the market to require you there for a negligible charge of two hundred Rupees. Accommodation and food area unit low cost and on the market in surplus. you may notice many cafes with nice Israeli and European food and ideal atmosphere to relax. you’d be hard put to seek out a typical Indian eating house although. The village is found on a incline dominating the watercourse and a falls. it’s ideal to undertake long walks to get the beautiful delights of its mountain scenery.

Things To Do

• River-Rafting – The River Beas comes across as a perfect avenue for adventurers to indulge in some exhilarating rafting action amidst grade II and III rapids. Get your adrenaline pumping with water adventure activities such as canoeing, kayaking and of course, white water rafting.
• Camping – Manali also includes places that are strictly camping sites. Away from the town of Manali, lies a spot; amidst green orchards and valleys, where you with your family and friends can camp for an undisturbed vacation. Doing absolute justice to this is the camp site of Raison, which settles at an altitude of around 1400 meters in the vicinity of the roaring Beas river.
• Trekking – Manali is an absolute delight for adventurers looking to take on the jagged hills. A great base camp for treks, Manali’s Mountaineering Institute offers several types of high altitude hiking and rock climbing opportunities. Yoga-Trekking is another unique concept which combines spiritual wellness with physical well-being and has become a rage among both adventure and spirituality seekers.
• Skiing – A thrill for adventure lovers while touring Manali, as they can indulge in some high adrenaline skiing sessions in the snow-clad mountains that surround the hill station. Want something even more thrilling? Go for heli-skiing or yak-skiing to make your experience unforgettable.
• Bijli Mahadev Trek with Rafting Camping in Kullu Manali
• Paragliding
• Skiing
• Manali to Leh Bike Trip from Delhi
• Jeep Safari
• Zorbing
• River Crossing
• Angling
• Rock Climbing
• Snow Scooter
• Cable Car Ropeway
• Kayakin
• Himalayan Caravan Adventure

Some of the well-known destinations that you can also even visit while visiting to Manali, that are very near by Manali

• Rohtang Pass
• Old Manali
• Vashisht Hot water springs
• Van Vihar National Park
• Gulaba
• Naggar Castle/Village
• Rahala Waterfalls
• Jogini Falls
• Kothi
• Manu Temple
• Hadimba Devi Temple
• Maa Sharvari Temple
• Nehru Kund
• Arjun Gufa
• Club house
• Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa
• Tibetan Monasteries
• Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art

Where to Eat in Manali

• Il Forno in Siyal
• Café 1947 in Old Manali
• Casa Bella Vista on Log Huts Road
• Rose Garden Restaurant in Vashisht
• Café Nirvana in Old Manali
• Fat Plate in Shuru
• Art Café in Old Manali
• Dylan’s Toasted Roaster
• Khyber
• Johnson’s Bar and Restaurant

What to Eat in Manali

• Bombay Bhelpuri
• Samosas
• Khatta
• Sidu
• Babru
• Trout
• Patande
• Bhey
• Aktori
• Tudkiya Bhat
• Mittha
• Chha Gosht
• Cantonese Noodles
• Gulab Jamun
• Momos
• Bread Omellete

You simply cannot miss…fresh fruits & juice!

Where To Shop

• Mall Road
• Old Manali Market
• Tibetan Market

What to Pack

If you are visiting during the summer and autumn months, pack your summer clothes and essentials. However, the temperature drops down in the evenings, so light woolens and windcheaters are recommended. If you are visiting during the winters, pack your woolens and warmers to save yourself from the cold. Besides clothing, pack comfortable walking shoes, trekking boots, sunscreen, raingears and a camera to capture all the special moments during your holiday.

When Should Go

Whether to escape from blistering heat or enjoy the white winters, here’s a monthly breakup of Manali’s climatic conditions so that you can plan accordingly:

• September to February – The monsoons draw to an end in September and winter starts setting in from October. The temperature in winter months can go down to -1 °C, so make sure you carry enough woollens to keep yourself warm.
• December end to January – a time to enjoy snowfall and the spectacular scenic white views of the surrounding mountains, making it a favourite with the honeymooners. This is the ideal time for adventure enthusiasts who want to go skiing.
• March to June –  Summer steps in from March but the weather is still pleasant. The temperatures during these summer months usually vary between 10°C to 25°C, so you might still need light woollens during the night. This is the perfect time to indulge in outdoor activities such as paragliding, rafting, trekking and mountain adventures in the Solang Valley. This is also the time when the region’s flora is in full bloom lending it the most pristine natural beauty.
• July to August –  Monsoons in Manali can be tricky as the region experiences heavy rainfall, which can also sometimes lead to landslides. But considering a lot of tourists don’t prefer to travel during this time, the prices of hotels tend to drop.

Average annual temperature: 4 °C -26 °C

While the summer temperature ranges between 10 °C and 26 °C, the temperature drops to as low as -15  °C to 12 °C during the winters

How To Reach

• By Air – The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, located approximately 50 kilometres away from Manali. Domestic flights connect Bhuntar with Delhi and Chandigarh. Once at the airport, you can take a pre-paid taxi to Manali. However, owing to weather conditions, flights are not the most reliable option for getting to or out of Manali.
• By Bus – Manali is very well-connected to important tourist destinations like Leh, Shimla, Kullu, Dharamshala and New Delhi by means of a network of state-run as well as private buses. The bus journey from Delhi to Manali is 550 kilometres, and it is advisable to book your tickets in the air-conditioned Volvo coaches, as the buses are more comfortable than ordinary ones, keeping in mind the long distance of the journey.
• By Road/ Self Drive – The drive up to Manali is simply breath-taking! You can catch scenic glimpses of the adjoining mountains and valleys from almost every turn that the twisty uphill road throws you. Though a lot of tourists prefer a self-drive up to Manali, it is advisable to hire a taxi in case you are not comfortable with driving in mountainous regions.