Nestled in the Beas river valley, Manali is North India’s popular tourist destination. It’s a paradise for honeymooners’, adventure enthusiasts and trekkers. Frequented by tourists all throughout the year, Manali is haven for all those who want to take a break from their monotonous life and seek a breather. Manalibackpackers.com crafts amazing tour packages tailored to suit your needs and the staff is amicable and the drivers are well trained and hold legal licenses.
For us, the honeymooners, visiting Manali was like a dream come true. Both me and my husband like doing adventures, and so it was a perfect destination. As told before, our dream itinerary was laid out by Manalibackpackers and all we did was packing our bags and hopping upon the taxi. So, here we share everything about our mesmerising trip to Manali.
1. Chandratal Lake
Our parents who had earlier visited Manali wanted us to start our trip from taking bath in the holy waters of the Chandratal Lake or Beas Kund. It is believed that the great Sage Vyasa used to take daily bath in this kund. Well, apart from the religious significance, this place also presents some very beautiful scenic views.
2. Chandrakhani Pass
Well, as said we are adventure junkies, we undertook the trek. The pass connects Kullu Valley and Malana valley. One passes through small village of Malana and on the way enjoy some very beautiful views.
3. Pandoh Dam
Built on river Beas, the Pandoh Dam is a hydro electric dam that rises to 76Km above sea level. This dam is enroute Kullu to Manali and one can just stop over for some serene moments with beautiful backdrop and musical notes by gushing water.
4. Rohtang Pass
Well, if you come to Manali and did not visit Rohtang Pass, you saw nothing. A meeting point for Kullu with other valleys, Rohtang Pass is buzzing with visitors all throughout the summer months. If you are lucky enough, you can get to see snow even in summer months! It’s not just the lofty snow clad mountain peaks and picturesque views but a host of adventure activities here await the visitors. Paragliding in Manali is one such activity that should not be given a miss.
5. Solang Valley
Again, if you feel Rohtang Pass is too crowded, you can head to Solang Valley which lies between Solang Village and the Beas Kund. This valley is famous for its Lord Shiva Temple and a host of adventure activities it offers. Paragliding in Manali, Parachuting, Skating, snorkelling, zorbing are some of the fun activities one can try.
6. The Great Himalayan National Park
Some rare species of wildlife can be found here in this park which is also famous as Jawaharlal Nehru Park. Apart from rich flora and fauna, this park’s location surrounded by the mountains is one more attraction. Then there are waterfalls, streams that run through this park all offering a great habitat for plants and animals to live properly.
7. Bijli Mahadev Temple
Situated on the top of a hill, the Bijli Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The natural scenic beauty of this place allures every visitor who comes to seek lord’s blessings. Some of you might feel dizzy due to the terrain but it’s all worth one you reach here!
8. Vashisht Bath
River Ravi flows through Himachal and on its banks is situated Vashisht Hot Spring Baths. It is believed that Sage Vashisht used to bath in this kund and it has some medicinal properties that can cure various skin allergies. Moreover, soaking in the water leaves you rejuvenated and you feel refreshed from the tiring journey so far.
9. Hadimba Temple
Built in the memory of Hadimba, wife of Bhima, one of the five Pandav brothers in 1553, the tourists flock the temple for not only seeking the blessings but also to appreciate the architecture of the temple. Carved wooden rods, square roofs, covered with timber tiles and the fourth roof is made of brass in cone shape. A few kilometres ahead of the temple is Ghatotkatch temple, son of Hidimba and Bhima which is also frequented by visitors
10. Jogini Waterfalls
In Vashisht village, there is one more place worth visiting, i.e. Jogini Waterfalls. The water stream falls down in the Beas River. I and my husband, we both loved the place as it was away from the hustle and the bustle and also a place where we could enjoy the real beauty of the Mother Nature. You can even undertake a small trek, this is a must visit place for the nature lovers.
11. Nehru Kund
Located at 5 KM from Manali on the National Highway to Leh, Nehru kind is a popular tourist place. Named after Jawaharlal Nehru – the first prime minister of India, this place is a blessing for those who love nature photography. It is believed that this Kund is a natural spring that originated from Lake Bhrigu. It is said that the prime minister used to drink water from here whenever he used to visit this place.
12. Sultanpur Palace
If you love historical monuments and have interest in history, well, Sultanpur Palace would be a great stop. Here you will find the architecture to be an eclectic blend of Pahari and Colonial style. This palace was earlier known as the Rupi Palace, but when it was destroyed in an earthquake, it was reconstructed and got its new name, Sultanpur Palace.
13. Manikaran Gurudwara
Situated in Parvati Valley over the River Parvati, Manikaran Gurudwara is a very sacred pilgrimage for the Sikh devotees. Even Hindus go there in large numbers and seek the blessings of the almighty. Everything there seems so divine, the hot spring, the Prasad, the food; the place in whole is always full of positivity. An awesome place that must be visited while on a trip to Manali!
14. Gulaba
The magical aura and the serenity of this place behold every visitor coming here. The snow laden mountains, small prairies and the Beas River- all make up for a perfect scenic spot. The place got its name from Raja Gulab Singh of Kashmir, who loved this place so much and often used to camp over here during his stay.
15. Dobhi
Paradise for the paragliders, this place is the first private paragliding sire approved by the Himachal govt. the landing area is 23 Km from Manali on NH21 and 15Km from Kullu. The highest paragliding site in Manali, this is owned and operated by manalibackpackers. We had an amazing time paragliding the mountains and yes, it was completely safe and thrilling experience.