Manali is one popular tourist destination among Indians especially during the winter months when the slopes are covered in snow, making them amazing for different snow activities. However, beyond snow, there are a lot of places to visit in Manali that truly define its splendour. Manali offers a balance of natural wonders with Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass and also offers religious experiences like at Hidimba Devi Temple. With its diverse landscapes and unique experiences, Manali caters to the interests of varying travellers, irrespective of age.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Manali
Here are the 10 best places to visit in Manali, offering an enchanting blend of natural beauty, adventure and cultural richness :
1. Hidimba Devi Temple
Photo: Ashish3724 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the tourist attractions in Manali that you must explore is the Hidimba Devi Temple. It is a unique architectural marvel, wherein it is designed and carved out of a single deodar tree. Not just for the natural setting, visiting this temple comes with a lot of religious and spiritual significance as well. According to legends, the Pandavas of the Mahabharata epic sought refuge here. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Hidimba, who happens to be the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata. It is a pagoda-style temple that’s situated on top of a rock for stability and support.
Location: Hadimba Temple Rd, Old Manali
Timings: 24 Hours
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2. Solang Valley
Photo:Shashikant71 / Wikimedia Commons
Solang Valley is a paradise of sprawling valleys that offers a plethora of thrilling activities, including skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, zorbing, and quad-biking. If your purpose of exploring Manali tourist places is for adventure, Solang Valley is the place you need to be in. The valley is located in the middle of Beas Kund and Solang Village and is surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks. There’s a Solang Ropeway available, allowing you to soak in panoramic views of the surrounding spots. You can witness the breathtaking Himalayan peaks at a distance from here.
Location: Between Solang Village and Beas Kund
Timings: 9 AM to 4 PM
3. Rohtang Pass
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No trip to Manali is complete without a visit to the iconic Rohtang Pass. Situated at a height of over 3978 metres, this high-altitude mountain pass offers jaw-dropping views of the Himalayas. Experiencing its ethereal beauty during the summer months is an unforgettable experience. It is one of the highest passes in the Himalayas, enabling you to soak in the views of the snow-covered mountains. Popular Bollywood movies like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani have been shot here as well, adding to the significance of the spot.
Location: Leh Manali Highway
Timings: 24 Hours
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4. Old Manali
Photo: Chennai Passangai / Wikimedia Commons
Consider adding Old Manali to the itinerary of Manali tourist places list. This is the “less commercialised” area of Manali where you get to walk through old streets, explore the typical Himachali culture and learn more about the locals residing there. This quaint village boasts a laid-back atmosphere, bohemian cafes, and beautiful cottages. Not only can you indulge in the local cuisine, but also take your time to soak in the authentic Himalayan experience. Don’t miss out on exploring the local market, especially during the evening time to pick up souvenirs, handicrafts, etc.
Location: Adjacent to Manali
5. Manu Temple
Photo:Britt Reints / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another popular temple in Manali is the Manu Temple, dedicated to Sage Manu. There are numerous legends and folktales associated with the temple. The temple features a unique architectural layout, which attracts tourists from across the world. The intricate wood carvings on the temple leave many travellers in awe. This is the only temple in the country dedicated to the Sage. It’s one of the most popular places in Manali Himachal Pradesh India due to the surrounding views of the Beas River and the trees located adjacent to the temple.
Location: Manu Temple Rd, Old Manali
Timings: 6 AM to 5 PM
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6. Jogini Falls
Photo: Aditya verma / Wikimedia Commons
For nature lovers and trekkers, Jogini Falls is another one of the tourist places in Manali that you can’t skip out on. The 3 Km trek to the falls, while moderately challenging, is an adventure in itself. The trail winds through dense forests, offering glimpses of the valley and the Beas River. However, the trek requires you to wear proper gear. The closer you reach the falls, the cascading water intensifies, adding to the excitement. Upon reaching the falls, the sight of the water plunging down a rocky cliff into a crystal-clear pool is truly mesmerising.
Location: 5 km from Manali
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
7. Manali Sanctuary
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For wildlife spotting and exploration, another one of the places for Manali trip is the Manali Wildlife Sanctuary. You get to witness native mountain wildlife there along with a variety of plants and trees. Some of the most popular wildlife you can spot there are Barking Deer, Flying Fox, Kashmir Flying Squirrel, Chakor, Treecreepers, etc. The vegetation around the sanctuary includes willows, horse chestnuts, deodars and red rhododendrons, adding to the beauty of the place. The wildlife sanctuary is located on the banks of Manalsu Nullah, adding to its beauty.
Location: Circuit House Marg
Timings: 24 Hours
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8. Vashisht Hot Springs
Photo: Balajijagadesh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Vashisht Hot Springs are renowned for their therapeutic properties due to the high concentration of sulphur in them. Most of the tourists spot by this spring to take a dip in the hot water to relieve complications related to skin and arthritis too. The spring is located in the premise of a local Hindu temple that is reportedly 4000 years old. Beyond sulphur, the springs also contain calcium and lithium, adding to its therapeutic benefits. There are separate areas for men and women which makes it ideal to take a dip.
Location: Near Manali bus stand, Vashisht village
Timings: 7 AM to 9 PM
9. Mall Road
Photo:Ivishalbhutani / Wikimedia Commons
Manali has an exceptional Mall road with a vibrant market scene and street food. There are hundreds of shops and stalls lined across the market from where you can try a variety of different dishes and even buy souvenirs, clothes and handicrafts. There are multiple cafes and German bakeries around the area where you can stop to try some baked goods and coffee. One of the main attractions there is the Hong Kong market where you can find a variety of clothing and accessories at a cheaper rate.
Location: Main Manali Street
Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM
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10. Van Vihar National Park
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons
Van Vihar National Park is renowned for its diverse biodiversity. The national park offers respite from the otherwise boring life and allows you to witness animals in their natural habitats, exploring the area. The surroundings of the park have dense pine forests and canopy trees, which add to the beauty of the place. Beyond the wildlife like lions, tigers, cheetahs, etc., you will encounter wild beetles, plants and trees along the nature walk. There are jeep safaris available and a pond inside the national park where you can indulge in bird watching too.
Location: Chichoga Rd, Aleo
Timings: 8 AM to 7 PM
Include all the top places to visit in Manali on your next vacation for an enriching and fulfilling travel experience. There are a variety of amazing spots to explore, each featuring natural wonders and historical significance. With its diverse landscapes and unique experiences, Manali caters to the interests of varying travellers, irrespective of age.To avail of the best deals and discounts, ensure that you book your vacation with TripXL for the best experience.
Cover Photo: Vikash Singh / Pexels