Introduction
Manali, Himachal Pradesh’s prettiest town is one of the most enterprising tourist spots where tourists love to visit for Incredible Indian experiences as it provides nature’s charm, adventure tourism, and cultural surprises. Snow-clad mountains, beautiful green valleys, and the colorful culture of the people make Manali a wonderful destination for every kind of traveler. Whether you are an adventure freak planning for an adventurous trip a nature lover who wants to get close to nature or a spiritual soul searching for a divine experience, Manali offers you it all. When you are planning your vacation with Nixtour be assured that we will make your travel experience as comfortable and help you enjoy the beauty of this magical place. Join us as we explore the top 10 must-visit destinations in Manali, each offering unique and unforgettable experiences.
Hidimba Devi Temple
The Hidimba Devi Temple locally referred to as Dhungri Temple is an essential temple in Manali from a historical perspective. Constructed in the year 1553 AD by Maharaja Bahadur Singh for Hidimba Devi, the temple is believed to be a sacred one in the Hindu pantheon and is the wife of Bhima of Mahabharata. This is an architectural style that does not resemble any other building of worship; it consists of a pagoda roof of three tiers, reverse wooden doors and picturesque wooden carvings on the frontage. The sanctum has the foot imprints of Gore which is said to have been developed when Hidimba Devi stepped on the stone. This integration of the natural environment and structural designs produces an enchanting atmosphere that draws both the faithful and visitors.
The temple is surrounded by a thick cedar forest known as Dhungri Van Vihar; therefore, the environment is both tranquil and mystical. Most tourists prefer to take strolls in the forests as this will help them to relax and have a look at the natural environment. There is also a small shrine within the temple complex to Ghatotkacha, whose parents are the Hidimba and Bhima. Concerning festivals, there is the Hidimba Devi Fair held traditionally in May every year, and this festival is in honor of the temple deity’s birthday and has cultural troupes, music, and dances. It attracts the great crowds of pilgrims and tourists and it gives an understanding of the rich cultural life of the region. The Hidimba Devi Temple is not only a shrine but also a symbol of the historical and cultural heritage of Manali.
Solang Valley
Solang Valley with a distance of 14 Km from Manali is an ideal place for adventure lovers as well as nature lovers. It is followed by the exciting valley where the scenes with the snowy mountains, fresh green meadows, and practicing activity scenes are shot. Solang Valley becomes fully white with snow during the winter season, the activities that are favorable during this time are skiing, snowboarding, and sled riding. Good slopes and beautiful modern lifts are suitable for both amateurs and strong skiers, so it belong to the ski resorts. The main sites include the Solang Ropeway offering thrilling cable car rides to the heights of the valley and the snow-lined mountains.
Solang Valley covers itself with snow during winter but during the summer months, apart from discarding snow, it is a hub of several farmer activities. Flying on a parachute, rolling in a zorb ball and horseback riding are among the most wanted summer activities that tourists love to engage in. Trekking is also best done in the valley region due to the many trails available with beautiful views to accompany hikers. The beautiful wildflowers and the lightly flowing streams are some of the beautiful features displayed in the valley. Thus, Solang Valley is not only a place for tourists, who want to have a special kind of experience but also a place for cultural events, namely the Winter Skiing Festival where during the competition, different shows and even foods are being presented. It is always advisable to approach Solang Valley for holidaying as one stands to be granted a variety of experiences which range from extreme ones like accomplishing adventurous activities to serene ones like enjoying the nature tolls.
Manikaran Gurudwara
The Manikaran Gurudwara is another prominent landmark that is both a religious place for Sikhs and a Hindu temple situated in the Parvati Valley near Manali. The gurudwara is famous for hot water springs, where the water is believed to possess curing properties by the devotees. Historically, it is believed that the first Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak Dev Ji travelled to Manikaran in the sixteenth century. It is also outfitted with hot springs offering bath facilities that pilgrim believes that washing the body will wash away all the sins. The gurudwara is an architectural wonder in itself with all its white marble work and etchings standing tall amidst the backdrop of the great Himalayas.
The Manikaran Gurudwara premises also have Langar, a community kitchen for preparing and serving food free of cost to all the people, pilgrims regardless of their caste and color. Thereby the service to the needy elderly person is a clear example of Sikhism’s teachings of sewa or service to other people and team spirit. People regardless of their cast, color, or status come to the Langar hall to take food and in doing this it breaks all forms of social status. There is also the benefit of the location of the gurudwara at the bank of Parvati River which also contributes towards serenity and religious environment. Established in the heart of nature, the river is also close by and there are even mountains that can be seen in the background.
Jogini Waterfall
Jogini Waterfall which is situated near Vashisht Village is today one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Manali. It is approximately 150 feet high, and there is a beautiful pool formed at the bottom of the waterfall. To reach Jogini Waterfall there is a trek which is very interesting and a Hobby ride passing through apple tree fields, green forests, and small rivulets. The trek is about 3 kilometers in length and is considered rather easy allowing most of the visitors to complete it and that is why is popular among the tourists and the citizens of the country.
When one gets to the waterfall either by foot, car, or any other means of transport, the sound of the falling water plus the view of the waterfall compensates for the effort that one has had to make to get to the waterfall. The area around the waterfall is ideal for a picnic as visitors can take time and enjoy the view at the waterfalls. The water of the pool is cool and refreshing which is ideal for the hot season, where people can go for a swim. The existing forest also contributes to its serene environment, hence Jogini Waterfall is recommendable for nature and photo enthusiasts. Jogini Waterfalls is also believed by locals to be a place of residence to Jogini which is a goddess according to their belief. This gives a religious connotation to the waterfalls, which gives an extra dimension to come and visit the waterfalls.
Beas River
The Beas River which passes through the centre of Manali is an important as well as beautiful asset of the area. The river starts from the Beas Kund near the Rohtang Pass and moves through the green valleys, forested zones, and charming Distributed Villages which form wonderful scenery. The river derives its name from Vyas, which is considered the author of the Mahabharata and is located in this area, which spices up the river’s existence with history and tradition.
The rafting tours that cover a distance of approximately 45 km start from Pirdi and end at Jhiri offering an exciting experience amid splendid landscapes. Other than rafting, fishing on the river banks is also possible specifically fishing for trout and this has attracted fishing enthusiasts from all over the world. The Beas River also offers many places for having a picnic and relaxing walks. The parks and trails along the river provide places for rest and recreation among recesses of natural sceneries. The area is overgrown, with the river’s flow remaining audible, which enhances the sensation of calmness.
Solang Nullah
Solang Nullah also situated near Solang Valley is one of the beautiful and calm places where one can enjoy the natural beauty of the snowy Himalayas and its surroundings. It is a glacial stream that passes through open grassy and forest areas and is ideal for nature walks and a picnic destination. There are not many tourists visiting this place as compared to Solang Valley and this place can be perfect for people who are in search of a somewhat solitary and serene zone.
The site is apt for camping and trekking especially when the sun is out, because it falls during the summer. The paths near the water are beautiful, especially the mountains and valleys that one gets to have a glimpse of when cycling. The water of the stream is very clear and cold, which makes it suitable for swimming; while special meadows can be the best places for preparing a picnic. The sound of the water and the surrounding environment gives the place a quiet and serene feel making it quite relaxing. During winter the place is filled with snow and it then turns into a winter resort called Solang Nullah. It transforms into more of a winter wonderland and people start visiting the place to ski, sled, go for snowshoe ventures, or even engage in snowball fights.
Gulaba
Gulaba is a beautiful village that is on the way to Rohtang Pass and it has captured the real unspoiled beauty of the area. The village has its name from Raja Gulab Singh of Kashmir and has marvelous greenery of meadows, forests, and snow-white mountains. It is important to note that Gulaba is a perfect tangent to Rohtang Pass when the latter closes down due to increased snowing.
In the summer season, Gulaba has numerous attractions to attract nature lovers and adventure freaks. The meadows are sprinkled with wildflowers and facilities of trek can admiration neighboring mountain ranges. Adventure activities like trekking, camping, and paragliding are available at Gulaba and this helps the tourists to come closer to nature and take a fresh climate of mountains. The village is, therefore, suitable for families and anyone interested in having a peaceful time in a nature-rich environment, which is a great place to have a picnic or just take a casual stroll. During winter the weather becomes very cold and Gulaba becomes a snowy destination for people to come and ski, snowboard, and sled. The snow creates beautiful scenery, especially on the meadows and trees which are great for shooting. It also serves as a beginning point for the treks to the Bhrigu Lake trek, a high-altitude lake that is a treat to the eyes with its clear water and beautiful scenery.
Vashisht Baths
The Vashisht Baths are natural hot springs that are found in the small village of Vashisht which is between Manali and Rohtang Pass. These hot springs are usually thought to have medicinal value because of the high concentration of sulfur and other related minerals. Vashisht baths are located right next to the Vashisht Temple which is devoted to the famous sage Vashisht of the Hindu mythology. The temple itself is a piece of architecture; ornate wooden gates and doors and the style of construction of the temple can be termed as purely Himachali. Men’s and women´s baths are separated which makes the place suitable for everyone and allows them to maintain their privacy.
The natural Hot Springs at Vashisht Baths are visited by people from all walks of life to get the healing touch of the hot springs. Some people also relieve several sicknesses, including rheumatic arthritis, skin diseases, and many more, by taking a dip into these warm springs. The climate is also tropical and consistently warm, so tourists can swim in the sea regardless of the time of the year. These baths are located in a beautiful environment with beautiful trees and beautiful mountain ranges which are also very quiet to enhance the quietude aspect of the baths.
Jana Waterfall
One of the least explored waterfalls is Jana Waterfall situated in the village of Jana in Kullu Valley. There is greenery all around, apple trees, and beautiful Himachali-style houses, giving the place a serene outlook. Getting to Jana waterfalls is not very hard as one has to hike through forest areas and some typical Nepali villages, which helps the tourist to observe the natural and culturally rich part of Nepal. The trek is moderate, and everyone including children can go for it making it one of the most explored day treks from Manali.
At Jana Waterfall it is also possible to observe the main waterfall; the water flows from a height of about 30 meters and collects in a natural pool. The water is clear and cool making it one of the best places to swim or just lay down and relax while enjoying the calm sounds of the water. There is space for a picnic near the waterfall, as there are several locations for a space to set a blanket down for a snack. It is very quiet and serene to visit Jana Waterfall, thus you feel that you are very close to nature after being overwhelmed by the busy activities that are trending today. The village of Jana itself becomes a clue to introduce the idea of traditional Himachali village and their lifestyle. The people are friendly and the tourists can tour through the apple farms, and get to taste freshly made apple juices as well as other fruits and foodstuff. Apart from these, other local restaurants and food stalls near the waterfall offer traditional Himachal food like siddu, rajma, and rice.
Bhrigu Lake
Bhrigu Lake trek is a popular trek starting near Manali and ending at an altitude of approximately 4300 meters where Bhrigu Lake is situated. Believed to be the place where Sage Bhrigu has performed penance, the lake is surrounded by snow-clad peaks and vast meadows. The track to reach Bhrigu Lake starts from Gulaba village and passes through the mesmerizing view of lush meadows full of chill blooms in June and July.
The trail to Bhrigu Lake is an easy-moderate trek for beginners and trekkers of all capabilities and in the end, they get to enjoy beautiful views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. The trekkers can sleep in tents in specific areas that are authorized for the activities along the trail, as they relish the serenity of the place and the fresh air. The Bhrigu Lake is not an exception and can be visited both in summer when the meadows are full of blooms and in winter when the lake freezes over.
Conclusion
Thus Manali is not only a place, but it makes a man feel an unforgettable experience. Starting from the divine calmness of Kullu-Shimla’s Hidimba Devi Temple to the adventurous fun Cliff Terrain at Solang Valley, the enchanting natural beauty of Jogini Waterfall, to the spiritual faith of Manikaran Gurudwara Manali has it all. While taking a healing bath at the warm water springs in Vashisht Baths wandering in the beautiful village of Gulaba or going for a high-altitude trek to Bhrigu Lake, every single moment of Manali is intriguing and delightful. At Nixtour, what matters to us is the notion of traveling and the enthusiasm people have for visiting new locations. We aim to make your trip to Manali as comfortable as it can get. Here we provide the best travel packages to make your vacation super comfortable and also get easy flight booking to make your journey to Manali memorable. Therefore, you should call your travel agent or browse through the catalog and prepare for an incredible trip to one of the many fascinating areas in India. Choose Nixtour as the guide to explore Manali, which will leave no stone of untouched nature and the cultural heritage of India uncovered.
