Mall Road is the center attraction of Manali. All the important buildings of the city like the government centres, police station, fire station and others lie by this road. While these might be of tourist significance, there are a lot of shops, cafes and other places that you can explore to experience the rich cultural heritage of the place. One good thing about the road is its lack of traffic, except for emergency vehicles, so you can wander around freely while enjoying the pulsating life of the city.
10 Places To Visit In Manali Near Mall Road
Under the caring shadows of the Pir Punjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, the Mall Road of Manali is a busy street, here are the places to visit manali near mall road:
1. Vashisht Village
Photo: Ajisi / Wikimedia Commons
The Vashisht village is said to have been the residence of one of the Saptarshis, Vashisht sage. Legend has it that upon learning the news of his children’s demise, he was grief-struck and tried to commit suicide by drowning but river Bipasha refused to kill him and saved his life. After that, he started living in the village and later on became the teacher of Lord Rama and Laxman. This village has a beautiful temple that is said to be about 4000 years old and the famous Vashist baths that will be worth your time.
Best Time To Visit: May to June
Timings: 8 AM – 9 PM
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh airport
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2. Rahala falls
Photo: Aditya Verma / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Set beside the road that leads to the Rohtang Falls lies a magnificent waterfall named Rahala Falls. Amid the vibrant green forests and the snow-covered Himalayas, this waterfall is straight out of a fairyland. You can relax here in the misty ambience of the mountains and fresh air or start trekking to well-known spots. This trip will leave a rejuvenating mark on you and is undoubtedly one of the best tourist places to visit in Manali near Mall Road.
Best Time To Visit: March to September
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh airport
3. Hadimba Temple
Photo: Ashish3724 / Wikimedia Commons
This ancient temple is dedicated to Hadimba Devi, the wife of Bheem, one of the Pancha Pandavas mentioned in the Mahabharata. Also known as the Dhungri temple, this pagoda-shaped temple was built on a rock in early 1553 and is set to bear the footprints of the deity. The wooden carvings of the door narrate various mythical moments, characters and symbols. The temple is built amidst a forest of cedar trees popularly known as the Dhungiri Van Vihar. Every year the temple witnesses the celebration of Behang Poornima with great pomp and show.
Best Time To Visit: July to August
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh airport
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4. Anjani Mahadev
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Set at an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level, this place is famous for its Shiva Linga, which has been formed naturally from ice. A beautiful destination for pilgrims, this place is named after Anjani, the mother of Hanuman. The legend has it that Shiva himself walked this land and imparted his teachings. This unique combination of spirituality amidst the uncanny natural beauty is a must on your Manali tourist places list.
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh airport
5. Beas Kund
Photo: Gaurav Dhingra / Wikimedia Commons
At a loftiness of 3,700 metres above sea level, this is a picturesque alpine lake in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Legend has it that the great Rishi Beas meditated here and wrote one of the greatest epics of Hinduism, the Mahabharata. The Beas Kund is the birthplace of the Beas River and is a beautiful place set among the snow-cladded hills and vibrant forested meadows.
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Trip Duration: 12 – 14 hours
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh airport
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6. Rohtang Pass
Photo: BIPROJYOTI / Wikimedia Commons
Set in the eastern Pir Panjal range, about 51 Km from Manali, is a lofty pass about 3,978 meters above sea level known as the Rohtang Pass. What’s striking about this pass is that it is not only a geographical divide but also a cultural divide between two regions. If you are an adventure enthusiast, this is one of the best places to visit in Manali near Mall Road. This place offers adventure sport activities like snow scootering, skiing, and mountain biking.
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM (Monday – Wednesday & Sunday) for going towards Leh and 12 PM – 6 PM (Monday – Wednesday & Sunday) for returning from Leh
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh airport
7. Naggar Castle
Photo: Shubhankar Sakalkale / Wikimedia Commons
Built by the Maharaja of Kullu in the 15th century, this castle is an architectural marvel of stone and wood. The architecture blends the native Himalayan and European styles and has now been converted into a fine hotel. The castle-turned-hotel also has an art museum apart from offering an eagle view of the magnificent Kullu valley. It is about 21 Km from Manali.
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh airport
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8. Manu Temple
Photo: Britt Reints / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in old Manali on top of a hillock is a temple dedicated to Sage Manu who created the human race according to the Hindu belief. Amidst the lush greenery and misty sky, this ancient temple looks straight out of the legends with its stunning wooden architecture and carvings. It is just about 1.8 Km away from Manali centre and is one of the topmost attractions near Mall Road in Manali.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh airport
9. Gulaba
Photo: Disha Shenoy / Wikimedia Commons
In the path towards the Rohtang Pass lies an alternative spot of jaw-dropping scenic marvel. This is Gulaba, which has witnessed several Bollywood shootings owing to its uncanny natural beauty. Located at an altitude of 3000 metres above sea level, the place was historically used by the Punjabi ruler Gulab Singh during his campaign against the Qing dynasty in the Sino-Sikh war. The area has several trekking spots and other adventure spot options like skiing and paragliding.
Best Time To Visit: March to April, November to February
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh airport
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10. Manali Sanctuary
Photo: Anup Sadi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Spanning 31.8 square kilometres, the Manali Sanctuary is home to several exotic animals like the musk deer, monal, brown bear, and leopard. Apart from that, the dense forest comprises deodar, kail, horse chestnut, walnut, and maple trees and other exotic species of plants. It is located just 2 Km from Manali and offers several trekking routes to enjoy the green forest and many viewpoints to see the photogenic snow-covered peaks surrounding the sanctuary. If you are a nature enthusiast, this is one of the unmissable tourist places for a Manali trip.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh airport
Apart from the several places to visit in Manali near Mall Road, the road itself is a place that you will love to wander and explore thoroughly .Adorned by the multiple shops offering specialities of manali and cute cafes serving the local dishes on both sides, you will have a hard time getting over your obsession with this road. Plan your expedition to Manali with TripXL!
Cover Photo: Tanweer Morshed / Wikimedia Commons