Just 40 Km away from Kullu to the north, Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape here is breath- taking. One sees well-defined snow capped peaks, the Beas River with its clear water meandering through the town.
Surrounded by high peaks in the beautiful green valley of the Beas River, with mountain adventures beckoning from all directions, Manali is a year-round magnet. Backpackers come to hang out in the hippie villages around the main town; adventurers come for trekking,
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.
Road/Self Drive
The drive up to Manali is simply breathtaking! You can catch scenic glimpses of the adjoining mountains and valleys from almost every turn that the twisty uphill road throws you in. 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.
climbing, mountain biking, canyoning, paragliding, rafting and skiing; and Indian families and honeymooners come for the cool mountain air and a taste of snow on a day trip to the Rohtang La. Manali is also the main jumping-off point (between June and October) for Ladakh and Spiti. It makes sense to unwind and feed up here for a few days while organising your trip into the mountains.
When to Visit
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 woolens to keep yourself warm, especially for the chilly nights.
December end to January is the time when you can 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 woolens 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-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 donÂ’t prefer to travel during this time, the prices of hotels tend to drop.
Temperature : In winter, the temperature gets quite low and it gets pleasant in summers
Clothing : Heavy woollens in winters and cottons in summers are recommended.
Place to visit
1. Rohtang Pass
The high mountain pass of Rohtang lies at an altitude of 3,978 meters above sea level and located in the eastern hills of the Pir Panjal Range. The pass lies at a picturesque location with the rivers Beas and Chenab that lies to the southern and northern side of Rohtang Pass. Rohtang Pass is famous for its picturesque views of the valley and various hidden waterfalls. Rohtang Pass is a must visit on your trip Kullu-Manali.
2. Hadimba Temple
Situated atop a hillock the Hidimba Devi Temple is surrounded by thick deodar forests and was built in 1553. The temple is dedicated to the Rakshasa Hidimba who was also the wife of the Pandava Bhima. The temple structure is built in a distinctive architectural style that somewhat crosses Indian architecture with the one employed in the Buddhist monasteries. The structure is made primarily of wood and 70 meters from the temple also lays the temple dedicated to Ghatotkacha, the son of Bhima and Hidimba and a hero of the Mahabharatha war.
3. Vashist Hot Water Springs
The place lies at a distance of 4-5 kilometers from Manali and is situated across the Beas River. The village of Vashist is famous for its sulphurous Hot Water Springs and is a popular attraction among tourist and pilgrims. The springs can also be enjoyed in privacy at the Turkish-styles bath houses which are available here. The village is also famous for its stone temples which are dedicated to a local saint Vashishta.
4. Solang Valley
Solang valley is also known as the ‘Snow Point’ and is famous for hosting various winter adventure sports like skiing, parachuting and paragliding etc. The Solang Valley is located at an average altitude of 2,560 meters above sea level and is also one of the favorite trekking hotspots in the region. The views from the point are magnificent and give views to snow capped peaks and glaciers.
5. Basheshwar Mahadev Temple
Located at a distance of 15 kilometers from Kullu at a small village called Bajura, Bhasheswar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity lord Shiva. The temple was constructed back in the 9th century AD and is famous for its intricate stone carvings and various small idols of the Hindu deities like Lord Vishnu, Ganesha, Durga and Laxmi.
6. Nehru Kund
Nehru Kund refers to a natural cold water spring that originates from the Brighu River. The springs are located 5 Kilometers from Manali on the national highway to Leh towards Keylong. The place is named after Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru who was said to drink from this very spring whenever he visited Manali. The place is a serene and beautiful picnic spot which is sure to refresh your senses.
7. Sultanpur Palace
Sultanpur Palace was formerly called as the Rupi Palace and is newly built on the remnants of the older which was damaged in an earthquake. The palace houses various wall paintings and its marvelous blend of Pahari style architecture and colonial style. The palace is the residence of the erstwhile Rulers of the Kullu valley.
8. Bijli Mahadev Temple
Located at an altitude of 2,460 meters above sea level, Bijli Mahadev Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. The temple is located across the Beas River and can be reached by a moderately easy trek. The name Bijli Mahadev refers to the 60 feet high lighting rod that is situated in the temple and is struck by lightning throughout the year.
9. Beas River
Beas River is often described as the Heart of Kullu valley and is known for its various camping spots and water sports. The river also marks the eastern border of Alexander the GreatÂ’s empire in 326 BC. The flow of the river is very fast and is not fit for swimming, but is the perfect for Rafting. The shores of the Beas are famous picnic spots and the best place to relax during the evenings.