Manali is a gorgeous hill station located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated in the Kullu valley, because of which it is very often known as Kullu Manali. This place is situated in the heart of snowy mountains at a height of 6726 feet.

Manali is said to have a great mythological origin according to the Hindu religion. It is named after a great sage Manu, who is said to have revived life here after a great flood had wiped everything away. Initially, Manali was barely inhabited by people and the unending natural beauty, rightfully earned it the nickname of “Valley of Gods”.

Due to its serene location, Manali offers a great escape for everyone looking to spend some time in nature’s lap peacefully. It offers so many things like various kinds of adventures, temples, natural spots and so on. Also, it is multifaceted during the year, as it offers a different experience depending on the season. All this makes it very hard to resist a trip to Manali.

How to Get There

The hill station of Manali is located very high up in the Himalayas. This makes it not very easy to get there. However, despite being in such a location, Manali has many ways to be accessed. Since the nearest airport and train station are quite far away, a road trip with family or friends is the best option. Manali has great connectivity from many cities. It is 570 kilometers from Delhi, 280 from Shimla and 310 kilometers from Chandigarh. The long distances are not a hindrance as the drive to this valley is nothing short of spectacular.

Best time to Enjoy Manali

Manali is a heavenly place throughout the year. It has something for every type of person. It offers a great retreat for people looking to beat the heat in summers. Also, it becomes a snow-covered wonderland during the winters. This makes it a matter of personal preference as to when and how this beautiful place can be enjoyed. However, you should remember the fact that it gets very cold in the winters and the temperatures drop below 0 degrees. So, for a winter visit ample preparation in terms of clothes and amenities has to be done.

What to Do

Manali is a serene place with so many things to see and do. All of this makes it very evident why it is one of the most loved hill stations in India. There are temples, waterfalls, hot springs and other great spots adorning this place. From an endless list, the places that should be definitely visited are listed below.

1. Hadimba Devi Temple – This temple was made to idolize Hidimbi Devi from the famous Indian epic, Mahabharata. It is a huge temple located in the midst of a cedar forest. This cave temple dates back to 1553. It is known worldwide for its grand doorway and Pagoda rooftop. Every person seeking spiritual blessings should definitely pay this holy place a visit.

2. Vashisth Temple and Hot Water Springs – The Vashisth area is located on the other side of Beas River. It is named after the local sage Vashisth. This village is famous for its hot natural sulfur springs and the Vashisth Temple. A bath in these springs is something that should definitely be not missed out upon. Also, threre are two very old temples, which offer an insight into the intriguing past of the location.

3. Rohtang Pass – The most popular spot in all of Kullu Manali is the Rohtang Pass. It is located around 50 kilometers from the main town of Manali. Rohtang Pass, at a height of 13497 feet is the highest point in the region. It offers unimaginable views of snow covered mountains and is also the home of many famous glaciers. Its name means ‘pile of corpses’ purely because of the number of accidents it is prone to. This is the reason why this place is shut down during December to April. Because of the adventures it offers, Rohtang is a must for every such thrill-seeking enthusiast.

4. Solang Valley – The Solang Valley is a great place to enjoy some mind blowing views. Also known as Snow Point, this location is famous for its 500 meter ski lift. Skiing, snorkeling, paragliding and other such adventurous activities attract a great amount of customers to Solang Valley.

5. Waterfalls of Manali – Being at such a height, Manali has a lot of waterfalls enhancing its beauty. A few of them are not worth missing out at all. They are – Jogini Falls, Rahala Waterfalls and the Rozy Falls. All these are situated at little distances from the city. They are a real treat for everyone who watches them in all their glory. All this makes these falls a great picnic spot.

6. Explore more – The place does not leave any part of you hoping for more. However, to make the perfect trip even better, there are places of great natural beauty that can be visited along with a trip to Manali. Of these, Beas Kund and Ladakh are excellent locations.

Manali Specialities

1. Shopping – This is famous for its woolen products like sweaters, jackets and shawls. Also, there are amazing items of woodwork that can be bought from here. The few things that are quite unique in this region are – Chingu (a type of shawl), having your name written on a grain of rice and key chains made of wool. The most popular market in the area is the Manali Market.

2. Eating – This is a place greatly inspired by the mountains and the surrounding atmosphere. This inspiration is also evident in the food of this region. There are a few local special food items, which are surely to be tried. These dishes include – Dham, Red Rice and River Trout. On the drinks front, the local alcoholic drinks of Lugdi and Adak are quite famous. Also, a large variety of fresh fruits in raw and juice form is available.

3. Festivals – While people here celebrate all the festivals with great fervor, a few of them are really special to these people. Since Lord Ram is very highly worshipped in the region, Dusshehra is celebrated in very high spirits. There are a few local festivals like Mela Bhuntar and Vasantotsava that are celebrated by all the folks. Mela Bhuntar is a three day gala done to thank the benevolent dieties.

Thus, Manali combines every possible essence needed for a perfect getaway any time during the year. Pack your bags, get hold of your loved ones, and drive down straight into this Valley of Gods. If you wish to hire a car on rent.

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