Manali – Blissful Place to Visit in Himachal

One of the most magical aspects of visiting Manali is the beauty of nature. The air always smells nice because it’s pure; the water always tastes good, because in most of the places, it comes from waterfalls that emerge out of glaciers. Moreover, it’s a lot of fun to walk around in Manali to discover new viewpoints and secret trails where one can be in the lap of Mother Nature. In fact, if you love walking and can go for hours, this mountain is yours.

Places to visit in Manali

Being in Manali itself is a blissful feeling. It is that day you will realize how lucky your life is. Everyday just mere walking will take you to a cliff of serine view. But if you are particular in knowing places to visit. Here are best options to plan,

1. Hadimba Temple

The pagoda-shaped Hidamba temple is not only unique in its architecture but is famous for its religious value too. The effigy of Hadimba is made up of brass and is quite awe-inspiring. This beautiful temple, said to be dedicated to Hadimba –  the wife of Pandu son Bhima.

2. Tibetan Monasteries

The famous Tibetan monasteries – Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa and Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa – draw a large number of tourists, and are among the most visited and certainly one of the best place to visit in Manali. Specially the Tibetan art and craft items displayed here deserve a visit.

3. Club House

The Club House is also one of the tourist places in Manali for adventure activities and indoor games. Located adjacent to the Manalsu Nallah, it has been constructed in the British style of architecture and is managed by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). The in-house restaurant serves a lot of delicious dishes and snacks.

4. Vashisht Hot Water Springs

the Vashisht Temple is famous for its natural hot water spring. The premises enclose a pyramid-shaped stone temple dedicated to Sage Vashisht, and the water spring, which is said to have medicinal properties, are both one of the best places to visit in Manali. Take a dip in the water to relax your body and mind.

5. Jogini Falls:

Melodious sounds of nature, stunning views, and some sumptuous authentic Himachali delicacies – Jogini Falls has it all for the backpackers and nature lovers.The breath-taking Jogini Falls, located a lot beyond Vashisht Hot Springs towards the Vashisht Village, is another major tourist attraction near Manali.

 

6. Solang Valley

Solang is among the most charming tourist places in Manali, it lies about 14 km from Manali and is the venue for winter skiing festival that is held here every year. People of all age groups love to visit this place during winters to enjoy skiing and other adventure sports.

7. Kothi:

The rustic charm of villages is pretty evident here. Painters, poets, and writers love to spend time here and unleash their creativity, while enjoying breathtaking views around.

8. Arjun Gufa

Arjuna Cave is located near Prini Village where the Pandava Arjuna meditated to earn the powers of Pashupati Astra from Lord Indra. Because of the mythological significance of the place, the cave and the nearby temple have become a popular tourist destination located very close to Manali.

What Not to Miss when in Manali

 

1.    Enjoy the music of waterfall.

2.    Touch the healing stones at monasteries

3.    Do heart full of adventure sports

4.    Go back in time at a museum

5.    Learn and do yoga

6.    Ride a yak, its fun

7.    Visit Arjun gufa, try to meditate

8.    Take A Dip In The Vashist ‘Healing’ Hot Water Springs

9.    Wear your heart on your sleeves as you ride through the Rohtang Pass

10. Winter brings the best out of Manali. It is beautiful in January and February, and plays host to skiers and kids hurling snowballs.

11. One must stop at the German  to buy a wheel of excellent yak cheese.

12. Right opposite are a couple of shops stocking dry fruits, nuts, saffron and churan. Buy different grades of tasty dried apples, dried apricots and chilgoza nuts.

Some Facts about Manali

A long time ago, European tourists discovered this picturesque region. Following this discovery, Europeans of varying nationalities started visiting this beautiful town, stayed on, discovered yoga, married locals and started their own cafés. 

§  The town that you and I know as Manali is actually a collection of three adjacent hills. Each hill has a village and an old temple dominating it

§  Sage Manu saved several species of animals during a terrible flood and led them to this beautiful mountain. Manali is named after Manu according

§  Manali has the feel of a global village, which has led to the establishment of several riverside cafés called River Music or Moondance. You can choose from a wide variety of soups, pastas, momos, pancakes and teas at these establishments at very reasonable prices. 

§  Goddess Hadimba was Bhima’s wife when he was exiled in the forest, and bore him a demon son, Ghatotkacha. 

§  Hadimba framed by towering deodars, is worth seeing as it has been left pretty much untouched in all its 400-year-old wooden glory.

§  The geothermal heat which heats the water as it ascends from the earth’s mantle is a fascinating sight to watch.

§  Temperature of the water in Manikaran spring is too high that visitors are often found to boil pulses, rice using the water from the hot water springs. It is believed that this water cures muscular pains and arthritis.

How to Reach Manali

By Air: The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, located approximately 50 kilometres away

By Road: 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 buses.

Mind it! Manali is addictive. You may not want to come back!