15 Best things to do in Manali

“Devbhumi” or “the land of Gods” as Himachal Pradesh is known, is surrounded by the great Himalayan snow covered mountains and the temples here prove that the Gods actually reside in Heaven. Just like the environment, the people of Himachal too are sweet and amazing, they are very warm and friendly and also extremely helpful which makes the trip more memorable. You can savor you taste buds with lip-smacking food like the local Siddu or any of the Tibetan dishes and even enjoy a bite of softy or ice cream while enjoying the surrounding view of snow covered mountains.

Manali is a famous tourist destination for many, be it newly married couples or retired grandparents, college trips or family outing, you see everyone enjoying and this place can be visited any time of the year.

Here is a list of most amazing things to be done in and around Manali.

1. Shopping at Mall Road

Mall Road is the tourist market place in New Manali. It is a promenade with the shops where you can buy a variety of stuff, be it souvenir for your loved ones or for yourself, Kashmiri shawls, Himachali sweaters, Tibetan artifacts, hand painted frames or keychains of deodar or cedar wood and the list goes on and on. Being at city center, bus stand and auto/ taxi stands are adjacent, making it easier for all the tourists to travel to/from this place. Here, you can get customized hand painted Keychains and frames of deodar or cedar wood with the names of your loved ones or any quote of your choice painted on it. If you feel hungry while shopping, you get a wide range of café and restaurants to choose from, along with roadside softy vendors having as much as 8 to 16 flavor choices (Yeah, you read the flavor count correct!!!)

2. Visit Van Vihar

As the name suggests, it is a dense jungle of Deodar trees preserved and maintained by the govt. of Himachal Pradesh and hence an entry fee of Rs. 50 is charged per person. Now don’t get confused, remember that there are 3 Van Vihars in the vicinity, this one is close to the Mall road. We can also call it a garden for kids as well as adults as you can enjoy swings, slides, sea saw, etc. irrespective of your age, just like when you were a kid. You may also encounter Himachal women Knitting and at the same time selling woolen work and a few other women carrying a huge fluffy Himachal bunny (Rabbit) which you can hold and touch and get clicked from your own camera. Van Vihar also contains a small lake, where you can enjoy paddle boating (charges not included in the entry fee). The small green mini stand like structure just behind a stone and streetlight pole (see picture) is actually a speaker where they play old Hindi songs and is spread all over the place. It feels very romantic, walking through the dense greenery, watching snow covered mountains around, sound of river flowing (Beas river flows parallel to this place), birds, along with old Hindi songs. In short this place is a total bliss and a favorite of instagramers

3. Hadimba Mata Mandir

Being at this place just makes your soul happy as it feels like the temple is situated right in middle of a huge deodar or cedar jungle. The temple is said to be built in 1553 CE by Maharaja Bahadur Sing. Hadimba initially belonged to Rakshasa family. But after Bhima (from Mahabharat) killed her brother, she married him, according to her vow and they both had a son Ghatotkach, whose temple is a few meters ahead of this place. The temple is built around a stone in a cave, where Mata Hadimba sat for her tapasya (meditation) to attain a status of goddess. The most reassuring feature of the temple, according to the believers, is the fact that inside the temple an imprint of the feet of the Goddess is carved on a block of stone, which is worshipped. Being situated very near to Mall road, you can opt to walk (or can say climb a few hundred steps) or take a vehicle to reach here. This place has also been featured in a few Hindi movies like “Yeh Jawani hai Diwani”.

4. Manu Temple

Manu, or sage Manu, who is said to the 1st human or the creator of human race according to the Hindus. The name Manali is derived from sage’s name who turned from King Manu to Sage Manu. This place is another example of Indian architecture with beautifully carved wood and stone along with a calm and beautiful surrounding. The way to reach the temple is hilly and narrow. Situated in old Manali, you can get a vehicle to reach this place from Mall road. You can also enjoy the city and sip hot chocolate in any nearby café with stunning views.

5. Enjoy snow at Khoksar

Khoksar, a place situated in middle of hilly, snow covered mountains near Dhundi or Lahaul. Wish to play in snow? Khoksar is a precise spot for you. There are many tourist stalls/shops, near Manali, where you rent an overall which will keep you warm in the snow, along with boots and other accessories. The rent rates are pre defined by the Himachal govt. and hence no bargain works. These shops will pick you from Dhundi to Khoksar (and also drop you back), then a half hour trek to the spot where you will be entertained with ski and other snow activities, for which the rates are decided by the shop owners. If you feel tired or hungry, there is a small stall which serves tea and Maggie in the middle of the trek. You can spend as much time as you want here, in the snow, which is the best part as you don’t wish to go back soon. Like many other tourist places, you encounter local Himachal women who rent their traditional attire which you can wear and get clicked.

6. Atal tunnel

A 9 km, world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet, named after Former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The significance of this tunnel is that it took almost 20 years to built it completely. The views at both the ends of the tunnel are breathtaking. A part of the tunnel sees some lush green mountains along with some snow covered mountains while the other side is total white where, the temperature drops drastically. But the temperature does not affect you as you get deeply indulged in enjoying the view.

7. Vashisht Temple

Vashisht Temple is located in Vashisht, a few kms away from Manali. This temple is dedicated mainly to Sage Vashisht and to Lord Shiv and Lord Ram. There are hot water springs just besides the temple where men and women sections are different. The sulphurous hot water is said to cure all the skin diseases if one baths in these springs. You get immersed in the beauty of this place with sight of amazing wood carving and architecture of this temple.

8. Paragliding at Dobhi

Dobhi is a small village near Kullu and a great spot for paragliding. The Paragliding time ranges from about 10-15 mins depending on your bodyweight. The rate at this place is cheaper as compared to other places around. Again like Khoksar, there are multiple agencies for paragliding and the rate may vary from agency to agency. Here as well, they pick and drop you from the place you book your tickets and then take you to the paragliding spot

9. Naggar Castle

This famous castle, facing breathtaking views of Kullu valley and flowing Beas river is located in a small Village of Naggar in Kullu district. The castle was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu in around 1460 and is a maintained heritage hotel since 1978. The castle is also known for its wood and stone architectural beauty with amazing carving work. The alternate wood and stone slabs are meant to save the structure from earthquakes. You will have to bare an entry fee to enter the castle of Rs. 30 per person. You can enjoy the Castle café having amazing local menu aside from continental food. The castle premises contains the famous Jagatipatt temple, a museum and handicraft store containing local wood works. This famous heritage is also known to have featured is a few Bollywood movies and songs.

10. Murlidhar Krishna Temple, Naggar

This famous Murlidhar temple is believed to be around a 1000 years old. You have to take a short trek to reach this place and is near to Naggar castle. The temple has breathtaking views of beautiful valley. The deities here other than that of Krishna are Radha, Laxmi, Narayan and Garuda. The temple is famous for the celebration of Dussehra festival.

11.Roerich Art Museum, Naggar

Nicholas Roerich was a famous artist and philosopher. Many Russians also considered him as a spiritual leader. He along with his wife settled in this small village of Naggar. Overviewing the great Kullu valley, surrounded by dense deodar lush green trees is the residential area of the couple. The entry fee is Rs. 50 for each person which includes visits to the art gallery along with museum. To reach museum you have to go ahead a few meters either by road or by a small trek. You can also shop for various art works by Nicholas Roerich at the museum.

12. Vaishno Devi Mandir, Kullu

This Multistoried temple is situated on Manali-Kullu highway. The temple structure looks like any other temple around but once inside, prepare your eyes to view stunning wood carvings all over this place. Each floor seats various deities with some breathtaking views of flowing Beas river alongside. You will not be disappointed to experience this stunning human created wonder. Please make a note that photography is not allowed this place.

13. Beas River Rafting, Kullu

If you are love adventures, you can try you hand at rafting here at Pirdi near Kullu. As the river does not flow as forcefully in these areas, you can try this fun adventure even if you are an armature. It is totally safe as all the safety measures are followed. There rates vary agency to agency. Just enjoy amazing views while seated on a rafting boat.

14. Visit Kasol

A tiny, funky land where the homestays and hotels accept “stone(r)s”. This place is a must visit not only because of its cool weather but also for the spectacular view of snow covered mountains, cool Parvati river flowing along and funky fashionable street shopping. Submerge in the beauty of this place while sipping hot chocolate or a cup of coffee in famous cafes situated in the small lanes of Kasol.

15. Gurudwara and Hot Springs in Manikaran

Last but a very important and a must visit place, Manikaran. Situated over the Parvati river in Parvati valley, is the most sacred place for Hindus and Sikhs. As there are both temples and a gurudwara, there are different beliefs of both religions, over the hot springs. The water from the hot springs, then flow into the ice cold waters of river Parvati, raising a huge amount of steam in the air. When you visit Manikaran, make sure you eat langar.

There are many more things to do in and around Manali. Be it with your friends or family or any other loved ones, Manali automatically makes your trip mesmerizing. Make sure to explore various cafes and enjoy the street shopping in various areas of Himachal.