Are you tired of your hectic life schedule & craving to escape to a place dotted with lush greenery, trees, meandering rivers, orchards, & lots of activities to do? If yes, then there are places to visit in Manali where you can experience all these. According to Hindu mythology, this picturesque hill town of Himachal has been named after sage Manu, who wrote Manusmriti, depicting Hindu laws. He is the first person who led the evolution of the human race in the world. Earlier, the hill station was called Manu-Alaya until it was finally renamed Manali, to what we know today.
One of the best reasons to visit Manali for your vacation is its pleasant climate throughout the year. In summer you can witness the astonishing view of blooming flowers, in winter you can enjoy the snowfall. Visiting Manali in the monsoon will bring an unpleasant experience as it is unsafe to travel because of heavy rainfall or landslides. Now follow our Manali travel guide as we bring you a compiled list of places worth visiting in Manali for an unforgettable vacation.
Popular 20 places to visit in Manali for a memorable vacation
Revisiting Manali for your holidays will always let you experience exciting moments. This is all because of its evergreen natural beauty that never loses its lustre. Here are the places you must visit in this hill town of Himachal.
1. Old Manali
Old Manali is one of top places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, as it lets you enjoy the best views of the region including forests & apple orchards. The place had been very popular due to hippie culture during the 60s decade. At present, it still maintains its old charm with cafes, & shopping places where you can buy woollens, boho chic clothing, shrugs, & much more.
2. Manu Temple
Manu Temple is one of the famous sites to visit in Manali. This temple is dedicated to sage Manu, the first man to have walked on earth, & the one who wrote Manusmriti. The structure of this temple is made with pagoda architectural style. It went through renovations in 1992. Some additions incorporated in this temple included marble flooring & a vaulted ceiling.
3. Beas River
When planning a Manali trip, it is impossible to overlook the Beas River, a prominent landmark in this hill town of Himachal Pradesh. The snow-capped mountain at its backdrop enhances the beauty of this fantastic spot. If you wish to have a close up of its pristine blue waters, you get it from Vashisht Village & Kothi. Kayaking & river rafting are some of the top activities to do in Manali. It takes place on the Beas River.
4. Jogini Waterfalls
Jogini Waterfalls is among the top views to explore in Manali. The gushing flow of water is so fascinating to capture with your camera. It takes a 30-minute trekking route lined up with deodar trees to reach this spectacular 150-ft. waterfall spot near Vashist village. It is considered one of Manali’s beautiful waterfalls named after the village goddess, Jogini.
5. Hadimba Devi Temple
Hadimba Devi Temple should be on your Manali itinerary if interested in history & mythology. This holy shrine’s structure is remarkable, made in pagoda architectural style. The central brass idol here is about 3 inches in height. As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Hadimba, a demoness who married Bhima, the mighty member of the Pandava clan in Mahabharata. The temple is thronged with devotees during the Navratri festival.
6. Nehru Kund
Nehru Kund is a natural spring on the Manali – Rohtang Pass Highway. It is named after Pt—Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, who frequently visited here. The primary source of water comes from Bhrigu Lake. The gushing sound of water flowing in the valley gives a soothing effect to the ears. You must visit Nehru Kund from October to May.
7. Gauri Shankar Temple
Gauri Shankar Temple is one of the top attractions in Manali to seek mental peace. This holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Mahadev & his consort Parvati. Besides spirituality, this sanctum is also adored for its Shikara-style architecture & is considered a protected heritage. When it comes to its outdoor appearance, it features a dome-shaped top, squared base, & exquisitely decorated interiors. It is the last monumental structure of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty.
8. Bhrigu Lake
Bhrigu Lake is named after the sage Bhrigu. It is said that this lake is only partially covered with snow. According to mythological facts, it is considered sacred as the sage meditated near the lake. This intriguing travel spot lies nearer to the eastern part of Rohtang Pass. Due to its high level of purity, it gives an opaque blue shade.
9. Manikaran Gurudwara
Manikaran Gurudwara is a great place to be visited by spiritually inclined people. But besides that, this place also grabs attention for its natural hot springs that effectively heal various diseases when taking a bath here. According to a mythological tale, once, Goddess Parvati lost her earring & insisted her consort Shiva search for it. When he failed in the mission, he became furious & opened his third eye, leading to a massive eruption of hot water. Finally, the jewel emerged out of the boiling water & this led to the formation of hot springs.
10. Vashisht Temple & Hot Water Springs
Vashisht Temple is an ancient sanctum dedicated to sage Vashishta. In Ramayana, he was the revered family priest of the Raghu clan, & teacher of Lord Ram and his brothers. The temple houses a black stone image of the sage clad in dhoti. Like Manikaran Gurudwara, this sacred place is also known for its hot springs that have medicinal properties to heal skin diseases. So do take a bath here.
11. Muralidhar Temple
Joining the list of temples in Manali is Muralidhar Temple, which lies near Thawa. This century-old shrine is dedicated to Lord Krishna with his beloved lover Radha. You will also spot the idols of Laxminarayan & his mount Garuda. The temple faced a tragic collapse due to the earthquake that occurred in 1905. It was renovated later after it.
12. Arjun Gufa
Arjun Gufa is a place located near Naggar Castle in Manali. This travel spot holds a mythological significance, as it was named after Pandava prince Arjun from the Mahabharata era. The place got its name because he did a lengthy meditation in the cave. So when coming to Manali, you too can sit for some time meditating.
13. Pandoh Dam
Pandoh Dam is a famous tourist spot built across the Beas River. It is thronged with locals & tourists who visit here for picnicking with family & friends. This dam is 76 m tall, & is an ideal spot for photography & hanging out with loved ones. Its construction was completed in 1977, & is now operational as a hydroelectric project.
14. Solang Valley
When it comes to listing the top places in Manali, then Solang Valley is also counted. After all, this tourist spot drives a significant tourist footfall for its snow-capped mountains & glistering glaciers. The place welcomes tourists to partake in adventure sports like skiing, paragliding, & other range of activities.
15. Rohtang Pass
Nestled on the Manali – Leh Highway (NH21), Rohtang Pass is a famous tourist destination during summer. Once a main trade route, it is a gateway to Lahaul, Spiti, Leh Valley & Pangi & attracts the maximum number of tourists annually. For entry, you must get permission from the Indian Army, who will allow you after a thorough inspection. It is open from May to November.
16. Gulaba
Gulaba is one of the top sites to plan a honeymoon in Manali. It is a place featured with slope hillsides covered with snow, tall pine trees, & calmness. Paragliding & skiing are some activities that you can expect in Gulaba. It is the best alternative to choose when Solang Valley is crowded.
17. Van Vihar National Park
Van Vihar National Park is a perfect spot for family vacationers for picnicking. This municipal garden lies in front of the Tibetan Market on Mall Road. Featured with Deodar trees, it is a place you can refer to relax yourself. There is also an artificial lake where locals & tourists experience boating & viewing sunsets.
18. Jana Falls
Jana Falls also comes as the next top place for picnicking. Besides capturing the fantastic sight of a gushing waterfall in your camera, you can also have fun dipping & swimming in its formed pool below. The dazzling sight of the waterfall at the backdrop makes it an ideal romantic spot for honeymoon couples.
19. Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art
The Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art is a great exhibition, displaying several artefacts related to the bygone era. Apart from this, you will spot jewellery, musical instruments, cutlery, cookware, & clothes that are used by locals in Manali. The museum also exhibits forts, temples, & historical structures.
20. Kothi Village
In Manali, there is a place where frequent visits of film crew have taken place for shooting scenes. We are referring to Kothi Village, situated in the Rohtang Pass’s foothills at an elevated height of 2500 m. You can have a fantastic view of the Beas River, as it flows through a narrow gorge. There is also a temple dedicated to Goddess Shuwang Chandika, a local deity worshipped by people here.
Experience unforgettable stay at Bookmark Resorts, Manali
If you want to make your vacation memorable by visiting these best places in Manali, we suggest you book your stay at Bookmark Resorts, Manali. Located at 7000 ft., this luxury resort in Manali lies between the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal mountains of the Himalayas, giving a panoramic view of Rohtang La. Here, you can experience optimum luxury & comfort with its multiple room categories, acquainted with all modern amenities. Rooms also have attached private balconies, from where you can enjoy fantastic mountain views with a cup of hot aromatic tea in your hand.
For holistic healing, the resort has a spa with two treatment rooms, a steam, a sauna, & special curated oils & aromas. The other services to expect here include a library, fitness centre, tea lounge, solarium, recreational area for kids & adults, in-room amenities including linen towels, private yoga session, original artwork, iron with ironing board, toiletries, & much more.
Bookmark Resorts, Manali, also has an all-day dining restaurant that welcomes guests to savour Himachali delicacies & other Asian & Italian tastes. It is one of the best dining restaurants in Manali that excels in serving culinary enthusiasts who want to try different flavours. The restaurant is appealing with its wooden flooring, soothing colour palette, & artefacts that too will grab your attention while going to the dining area. There is also a well-appointed bar comprising all the finest liqueurs worldwide. So, pick your preferred drink to complement your after-meal session.
Conclusion
If you wish to spend an unforgettable vacation with your loved ones, then there are places to visit in Manali. Every place you explore has something to offer visitors, from natural scenic vistas to lush greenery, snow-capped mountains, & even adventure activities like paragliding, skiing, & boating. All these make your trip fulfilling & thrilling. With many luxury resorts here, your vacation in Manali will turn into a thread of beautiful memories you will remember throughout your life.
