TOP PLACES TO SEE AND THINGS TO DO IN MANALI
When you think about snowy peaks, roots that date back in time, and lush valleys, then Manali is the perfect place. Aside from this, Manali is also the adventure hub of Himachal. The hill station present here has an impressive landscape that will make your adventure a thing to remember. The beautiful sights and the delightful ambiance here are the primary things that attract tourists to Manali.
If you want to go on an adventure and experience a wonderful time, Manali is the place for you. Whether it is a thrilling summer or winter holiday, no worries, the hill town here is the perfect thing you need. For a long time, Manali has always attracted those that love adventure and couples who desire a romantic honeymoon, and now, families visit here seeking a beautiful snowy winter holiday in India. Moreover, the excellent features here like the clear blue skies, snowy mountains, and the swift rivers make your adventure one always to remember.
Below are the best places to visit and activities to do while you are in Manali:
Hadimba Devi Temple
One of the main places you should visit while you are in Manali is Hadimba Temple. It is considered a historical temple that is located about 1.5km for Mall Road. The history of the four-story wooden temple dated back to 1553 and was built by Raja Bahadur at the center of the dense Van Vihar forest. The style which he used in creating the temple is dedicated to Hadimba, a goddess. Although nobody worships any idol at the temple, foot imprints are considered holy in the temple. The people here always hold a fair called Bahadur Singh Re Jatar every year which they have observed for centuries. So, you want some peaceful time, then visit the temple and do not forget to take some great shots of the impressive building.
Rahala Waterfall
You can consider Rahala Waterfalls as a wonder to behold near Manali. It is located on the road to Rohtang Pass. The waterfalls get their source from the melting of glaciers. You will enjoy the sight as water gushes out from a particular height of the waterfall. Don’t be in a hurry to leave, pause for a while and enjoy the view. At the background is a beautiful view of lovely snow, and the surrounding trees and deodar make the Rahala Waterfalls a real beauty you cannot miss. You can come and visit with your family and have a nice picnic, and as usual, don’t forget to take some nice shots!
Skiing
Now, if you are a fan of winter sport, you are in the right place. Manali provides great rendezvous that are filled with snow. Here at Skiing, you get the best opportunity to participate in winter sports. You can glide down the slope covered in snow and just enjoy the beautiful view. The adventure you get here makes people visit Manali frequently. If you are a beginner, no worries, there are easy runs you can ski on. There are also skiing facilities available for the whole year at Rohtang. Those that are good at skiing also have the chance to enjoy the heli-skiing during the months of winter. The valley here that is well-known for skiing during winter is Solang Valley. You can also go skiing at other beautiful places like Marhi, Gulaba, and Dhundi.
Naggar Castle
Naggar castle is located in Nagar town. Regardless of the forested hills that are breathtaking, Naggar Castle remains a beautiful historical edifice. It is made of stone and wood, and back in the day, it was the residence of Raja Singh of Kullu. It was built in the year 1460 and remains till this day an embodiment of both European and Himalayan architecture. For those of us that love art so much, you will find this place very useful as there are a lot of priceless arts on display in the castle. At Naggar Castle, there is the portrait of the famous Russian painter, Nicholas Roerich. The castle later became a heritage hotel in the year 1978, and the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) that was in charge of running the hotel. Your trip to Manali can never be a complete one if you don’t pay a visit to Naggar Castle, and you also have the opportunity to take home some nice traditional items like wall hanging and artifacts.
Manu Temple
Manu Temple is a breathtaking temple that you must visit while you are in Manali. It is dedicated to the sage Manu, who is considered the creator of the world and the writer of the Manusmriti. The Manu Temple is found in Old Manali, and the surrounding area is congested, and it is as a result of the River Beas that is present here. The Manu Temple is one of the primary things that attract people to Manali. It provides an excellent view of valleys and the town, and visitors who come to the temple must always put on dresses that cover the knees and shoulders.
Manali Gompa
Manali Gompa is a significant site for Buddhist pilgrimage. It is one of the best places that attracts tourist in Himachal. It is commonly known as Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa. It was built in 1960, and since then, it remained a refuge to who migrate from Tibet. Manali Gompa has an excellent example of a Buddhist monastery and an awesome pagoda-style of architecture. Aside from its location that ever remains undisturbed, Manali Gompa is known for its wall paintings, choetens, and a massive statue of Lord Buddha. There are also small shops built alongside the monastery that sell unique Tibetan handcrafted items and carpets.
Manikaran Gurudwara
Manikaran Gurdwara is also another popular site for pilgrimage for the Hindus and the Sikhs dwelling in Himachal. It takes a day to get to Manikaran Gurdwara from Manali. According to ancient history, it was Sri Guru Nanak Devji and his disciple Bhai Mardana that constructed the holy site. It is also very famous for the hot springs present here. Manikaran Gurudwara is filled with a significant number of devotees every year. Pay a visit to Manikaran Gurdwara and swim in hot water springs here for the healing properties they possess.
Camping in Solang Valley
Solang Valley is a fun-packed place in Manali. It is located an altitude of 13km from the hill town. The valleys here present a magnificent view of glaciers and snowy mountains and peaks. Whether it is summer or winter, the valley is always a beauty to behold for visitors. If you are paying a visit to Malani and you don’t come to Solang Valley, then your stay is not complete. Most visitors that come here always enjoy the camping activities that are still adventurous. The events you can try out while you are here are skiing, trekking, rock climbing, river crossing, bonfire, rappelling, and paragliding to name a few.
Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass is yet another place of adventure in Himachal Pradesh. The Mountain pass lies comfortably at the height of 3979 meters, and a distance of 51 kilometers from Manali. The pass is always covered in snow all through the year. Although the pass is mostly closed in winters, it is still open from June to October so that motor vehicles can pass. The fantastic thing about Rohtang Pass is that it is a gateway that leads to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi, and Leh Valley. It often attracts tourist who goes for several activities like skiing, mountain climbing, and snow scooting. When you are here, take time to enjoy the beautiful view of the glaciers, snows, and peaks. If you love taking pictures, you will get the best shot you can ever imagine of nature at its best.