Manali is a high-altitude Himalayan vacation town in the India state of Himachal Pradesh. It is well known as backpacking and honeymoon location. The towering Himalayas and the unpolluted River Beas combine to makes this one of our country’s most famous and lovely hill stations. The breathtaking scenery proves that this is gift from the Gods to humanity. In ancient time, it was also the link to a vital commerce route with Ladakh.
The Hidimba and the Manu temple are two of the most important and beautiful destination to visit. And don’t forget the wonderful monasteries. Manali, a cluster of many numerous gorgeous valleys, provides a highly relaxing experience for all of its visitors. After all there is so much discover in this lovely land. This is for those who are more daring. Nothing beats paragliding above subterranean mountains, rafting in some of the most active crystalline stream and ascending the Himalayan glaciers and mountains of which need extraordinary tenacity and guts.
If you are considering a trip to this Himalayan resort town in Himachal Pradesh, here’s a list of the top 10 places to visit Manali attractions.
1. Hidimba Devi Temple
Hidimba Temple is a serene location surrounded by towering deodar trees. The temple honours Hidimba, the wife of Bhima, one of the five Pandava princes in the classic Indian epic Mahabharat. This temple is about 2 kilometres from Manali’s main city centre, and it may be reached by bus, taxi, or on foot. This temple is a one-of-a-kind and great spot to visit and experience something you will never forget. For good cause, Anali is regarded as the Valley of the Gods. This is a spot that will never, ever disappoint you. It is located in the splendour of Himachal Pradesh, within the majestic Himalayas.
- Location: Old Manali
- Timing: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day
2. Manu Temple
The Manu Temple is dedicated to an old sage after whom it has been named. The pagoda-style architecture of the shrine stands out amidst the deep valleys and mountain peaks that form a postcard-worthy backdrop. You will have to hike a little to reach the temple, but the views at the summit and the spiritual vibes it exudes make all your efforts completely worth it.
- Location: Old Manali
- Distance from Manali: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm; every day
3. Solang Valley
Solang Valley gets its name from the phrases Solang and Nallah. It is a side valley at the top of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India, 14 kilometers northwest of the resort town of Manali on the road to Rohtang Pass, and is well-known for its summer and winter sports opportunities. It is a ‘Snow Valley,’ which is famous for hosting various winter adventure sports like skiing, parachuting, paragliding, trekking, and mountaineering.
- Location: Burwa, Manali
- Distance from Manali: 14 km (approx.)
4. Atal Tunnel
The Atal Tunnel is a highway tunnel built beneath the Rohtang Pass on the Leh-Manali Highway in Himachal Pradesh, India, in the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. The Atal Tunnel is the world’s longest highway tunnel over 10,000 feet, with a daily traffic density of 3,000 cars and 1,500 lorries. The road route has previously been closed for six months each year due to climatic circumstances, but the Atal Tunnel promises to not only keep the driving option open all year but also to minimise driving distance.
- Location: NH-3, Leh-Manali, Highway, Rohtang
- Distance from Manali: 28 km
5. Sissu Village
Sissu is a small Village in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul valley. It is around 40 kilometers from Manali and is situated on the right bank of the Chandra River. It is situated at 32°29′0′′N 77°7′0′′E. It’s 3,120 meters above sea level. Sissu Village is home to the well-known ‘Raja Geypan’ temple. While travelling through Sissu, residents and Himachalis from far and wide pay their respects to Lord Geypan, who is reputed to shelter the people of the Lahoul valley. This location has the advantage of being on the main highway that connects Manali to Leh. This community is bordered on all sides by lush nature, including dense willow and poplar trees, steep mountains, and a lake. In the background, the magnificent Gyephan peak can be seen in all its glory. Sissu is also a lovely camping spot due to its abundant foliage and tranquil setting.
- Location: Lahaul and spiti
- Distance from Manali: 40 km via NH-3
6. Jogini Waterfalls
The Jogini Waterfall is a waterfall with a stream that flows down to join the Beas River in the Kullu Valley below. It is dedicated to the village goddess Jogini and is hence a site of female strength, also known as a shakti peeth. Jogini Falls are located on the northern outskirts of Vashisht Community and serve as the village boundary. The community of Goshal owns the land on the other side of the waterfall. Sacred to the Vashisht Village protecting goddess, who is claimed to live inside the rushing waters of the stunning falls. Villagers visit Jogini Devi to make sacrifices and to seek her intercession. Villagers sleep there on occasion since it is such a quiet, even somniferous, hallowed spot. The preparation of food and the performing of rituals mark special occasions.
- Location: Vashisht Village, Manali
- Timing: 24 hours
7. Rohtang Pass
The Rohtang Pass got its name from individuals working in harsh weather to overcome the pass. It is a high mountain pass on the eastern extremity of the Himalayan Pir Panjal Range, about 51 kilometres from Manali. It connects the Kullu Valley to the Himachal Pradesh valleys of Lahaul and Spiti. The Rohtang Pass got its name from individuals working in harsh weather to overcome the pass. Rohtang Pass is only accessible by car and is located only 51 kilometres from Manali. The pass is located on the Manali-Keylong route at a tremendous elevation of 3978 metres. It is possible to visit both locations in a single day. However, to get the most out of your visit, it is preferable to spread it out across two days, as these areas are best appreciated during daylight hours.
- Location: Manali Highway
- Distance from Manali: 51 km. (approx.)
8. Naggar Castle
Naggar Castle is a mediaeval stronghold. For centuries, it served as the formal residence of kings. Raja Sidh Singh built the fortress with stones from Rana Bhonsal’s abandoned palace (Gardhak). Naggar Castle is a 15th-century historical structure in the Kullu Region, located on the Beas Valley amidst magnificent surroundings. The castle’s wooden structure is an architectural marvel that embodies the region’s own style, coupled with certain European characteristics introduced over the years. From the castle, you may get a great view of the town and the surrounding alpine forests.
- Location: Naggar Town, Manali
- Distance from Manali: 21 km (approx.)
9. Van Vihar, Manali
The Van Vihar is a municipal garden located in front of the Tibetan market on the Mall Road in Manali, 750 metres from the Manali Bus Stand. The Van Vihar Park, which is wonderfully ornamented by deodar trees, is an ideal area to spend quality time with loved ones. A large number of locals and visitors visit the park to unwind and enjoy the cool breeze from the Deodar trees. If you visit the park in the evening, you will be able to enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful vista of the sun setting against the magnificent backdrop of the majestic mountains. You can even hop onto a boat and maneuver around the man-made lake here.
- Location: Opposite to Tibetan Market
- Timing: 8 am – 7 pm in summer and 8 am – 5 pm in winter.
10. Vashisht Hot Water Springs and Temple
Vashisht Hot water spring and Temple, located inside the world-famous Vashisht Temple in Manali, is a hot water spring with medical properties. It is also known as Vashisht Springs and attracts a large number of tourists, many of whom take a plunge in the holy water to cure skin disorders and infections. The Vashisht Baths are surrounded by stunning sandstone temples. Hundreds of little shops surround the Vashisht Spring, where you may buy souvenirs and religious products.
- Location: Near the Beas River
- Distance from Manali: 6km
Apart from these, there is a list of great places in Manali that are well worth a visit. Of course, Manali has many things worth seeing, and if you have enough time to explore the natural beauty, you will be amazed and impressed. So you must be prepared to organise a trip to Manali with your partner or family.
