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Manali is a favourite amongst tourists for many reasons. One of the reasons is that it is the starting point for skiing in Solang Valley and trekking to Parvati Valley. Known for its natural beauty and amazing surroundings, there are multiple things to do in Manali with family that will leave you with remarkable memories. Manali is the doorway if you are an adventurous person and planning about paragliding and mountaineering in the Pir Panjal mountains. At an elevation of 2050 metres, Manali is the place to enjoy the beauty and adrenaline rush that the mountains bring.
Top 9 Things To Do In Manali With Family
Whether you’re planning a winter vacation or a summer retreat, here are the top things to do in Manali with family that promise fun, bonding, and lasting memories.
1. Visit Manu Temple
Photo: Sanyam Bahga / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Manu Temple is situated along the Beas River, and visiting is one of the best things to do in Manali with family. It is a Pagoda-style temple that is dedicated to Sage Manu. The temple is beautiful in architecture and heritage, and also provides the most beautiful view of the valley. The temple is to be trekked through the Manali Mall Road. The trek path showcases amazing ancient stone carvings and scriptures on the pillars and walls.
Location: Old Manali, Manali, HP 175131
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: NA
Suggested Read: Discover The Spiritual Charm Of Manali Temples In Himachal Pradesh
2. Visit Arjun Gufa
Photo: Ashish Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Arjun Gufa is located near the Manali district of Himachal Pradesh. It gets its name from the local belief that the warrior Arjuna meditated in these ancient caves and received his divine powers. The cave is surrounded by lush green beauty and an amazing view of the surrounding mountains. The cave is explored for its interior structures and its amusing mythological tale. The serene environment makes for the most peaceful spot for meditation and contemplation. It is a 2-hour long trek to an elevation of 2200 metres.
Location: Near Prini, ~5 km from Manali
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: NA
3. Explore Vashisht Hot Water Springs
Photo: Aksh Patial / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Vashisht is a village in the Manali district of Himachal Pradesh. This village is home to the Vashisht Temple, which is flocked by people due to its hot springs. It is believed that hot springs have medicinal properties, which is the main reason for the tourist attraction received here. The sulfurous hot springs of Vashisht appear from the ponds at the very center of the village. The most amazing beauty of the hot spring is its green surrounding scenery. The temperature of the hot springs remains between 110 and 123 degrees Fahrenheit.
Location: Vashisht Village
Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: NA
Suggested Read: Relax And Rejuvenate At The Famous Vashisht Hot Springs In Himachal
4. Visit Himvalley Amusement & Cultural Park
Photo: Tim Gouw / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
While travelling through the beauty of Himachal, if you feel like a dose of fun and entertainment, then visit Himvalley Amusement & Cultural Park. It is located on the highway from Leh to Manali and is the only amusement park there. This Park is known for its rides, cultural programs, and also the food joints. The food points offer an authentic local taste of Himachal. It also has the most amazing rides and swings for you to enjoy with your family.
Location: Bahang, on Leh-Manali Hwy
Timings: 11 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: ₹200 – 500
5. Explore Solang Valley
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Solang Valley is a lively place and is famous for its beautiful scenery and exciting activities, making it one of the best things to see in Manali with family. The valley changes with the seasons. In the winter, it’s a fun place to ski, snowboard, and go snow tubing in the snow. In the summer, you can go skydiving, zorbing, horseback riding, and ATV riding. From the Solang Ropeway, you can see all of the Himalayan peaks in the area, and the open fields are great for relaxing and having a picnic.
Location: Manali, India
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: NA
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Solang Valley
6. Offer Prayers At Hadimba Devi Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best things to do in Manali is exploring the Hadimba Devi Temple, which is tucked away among tall deodar trees in Old Manali. Built in 1553, this old wooden temple is dedicated to Hadimba, a figure from the Mahabharata. Its pagoda-style architecture and intricately carved wooden doors make it stand out. During the Hadimba Devi Fair, which happens once a year and has traditional music and dance, the temple is especially busy. Because it’s close to Manali town and only a short walk through cedar woods, people of all ages can enjoy it.
Location: Hadimba Temple Rd, Manali, HP 175131
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: NA
7. Rohtang Pass Tour Packages And Activities
Photo: Achiwiki356 / Wikimedia Commons
At an elevation of 3,978 meters, Rohtang Pass is the start point for many exciting adventures and beautiful views of the Himalayas. From May to November, children can go there to play in the snow, enjoy the views of the mountains, and do things like ski, sledding, and ride snow scooters. It’s a beautiful drive to Rohtang, with stops at the famous Atal Tunnel and through lush mountains. It is one of the best places to visit in Manali, so you should book ahead and get a permit, especially during the busiest times.
Location: Himalayas, Pir Panjal Range
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹500 – 600
Suggested Read: Rohtang Pass Trekking
8. Shop At Mall Road
Exploring the famous Mall Road is one of the best things to do in Manali. This street is great for walking, and it’s full of shops that sell handmade goods, woollen goods, gifts, and local snacks. Families can enjoy going from café to café, trying Himachali food, and looking around in different shops. There are also restaurants, bookstores, and small places for kids to have fun in the area. Mall Road comes alive with street artists and lively crowds in the evenings. This makes it a great spot to experience the culture of the area and find unique souvenirs to take home with you.
Location: Central Manali
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: NA
9. Stroll Through The Manali Nature Park
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons
Wondering what to do in Manali with family? Manali Nature Park is a great option, a peaceful place to relax in the beautiful hills of Himachal Pradesh. It’s only 2 km from the centre of Manali. People love the park because it has beautiful scenery, thick forests of tall deodar and cedar trees, and it is right on the Beas River. Nature lovers, families, and people looking for excitement can all find peace and quiet there. It offers both places to relax and new things to discover.
Location: Van Vihar Path, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20
Suggested Read: Hiking In Manali
4 Things To Do Near Manali With Family
Apart from these places, here’s a list of the top things to do near Manali with family, promise bonding, fun, and unforgettable views.
1. Visit Naggar Castle
Photo: Shubhankar Sakalkale / Wikimedia Commons
Naggar Castle is an amazing wooden castle built by Raja Sidh Singh in 1460 AD. Currently, it is owned and maintained by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. While visiting this castle, do not miss out on trying the regional trout in the restaurant to get a taste of the local food. This castle also has accommodation facilities for both romantic and secluded stays. The balconies overlook the snowy mountains. The Gauri Shankar Temple of Lord Shiva is a must-visit while in Naggar.
Distance From Manali: 22 km
Timings: 7 AM – 10 PM
2. Explore Shoja
Photo: Ramwik / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Shoja is a beautiful little village in Himachal that is perfect for weekend retreat. It showcases the abundance of valleys, snow-capped peaks, and vast deodar and oak forests. Here, you can go for nature walks among the enchanting environment and enjoy bird watching. The lush greenery includes oak trees, bamboo trees and coniferous trees. The waterfall point creates a mesmerising view as well. Do not miss out on trekking to the Raghupur Fort through foggy mountain roads and enjoy a picnic by Serolsar Lake.
Distance From Manali: 70 km
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Shoja For A Enjoyable Outing In Himachal
3. Visit Jalori Jot
Photo: Empty call / Wikimedia Commons
Jalori Jot is still not popularly explored but an unmissable spot of Himachal. If you love adventure, this mysteriously high mountain pass is a must-visit place while travelling to Manali. This pass connects Kullu with Shimla at an elevation of 11000 feet. Jalori showcases a very different ecosystem due to its amazingly great height. Jalori Jot is not just known for its amazing scenic beauty but also holds great religious significance amongst the locals. While visiting Jalori Jot, you can also explore the Great Himalayan National Park along with the Tirthan Valley.
Distance From Manali: 100 km
Timings: 24*7
4. Explore Jibhi
Photo: Phototraveller1 / Wikimedia Commons
Jibhi is another unexplored wonder of Himachal situated in the Banjar Valley. Its green surrounding provides you with various outdoor activities, such as trekking, bird watching, and fishing. While at Jibhi, the unmissable spot to visit is the Jibhi Waterfalls. Jibhi also has a Krishna temple which is a popular religious sight in the town. Go fishing in the lakes in Jibhi, go nature walking amongst the greenery, and watch birds along the way. Do not miss the Shringa Rishi Temple for a calm meditation session and Raghupur Fort to dive into the history and heritage.
Distance From Manali: 100 km
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: A Complete Travel Guide For The Things To Do In Jibhi
Manali is a popular place to visit for anyone who loves the hills, and it has all the places to be enjoyed with family. Boasting natural beauty and endless sights, there are many things to do in Manali. It is a place that is perfect to visit any time of the year, with each season showcasing a different glory of nature and mountains. So, connect with TripXL to plan an amazing trip to Manali with your family, so you can sit back and enjoy.
Cover Photo: Vinay Jilowa / Unsplash
