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Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh, is a spiritual town in the beautiful Parvati Valley and is known for its natural hot springs, which many believe have healing powers. The town is home to the Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara and several ancient temples, drawing visitors every year who come to pray and seek blessings. Surrounded by stunning mountains and lush greenery, Manikaran offers a peaceful escape for all. The tourists enjoy the bustling local markets, relax in the hot springs, and soak in the tranquil & sacred atmosphere with amazing things to do in Manikaran.
Top 14 Things To Do In Manikaran
Experience the best of Manikaran with these thoughtfully chosen activities, ensuring a memorable trip.
1. Visit The Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara
Photo: Tegbains / Wikimedia Commons
The Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is a peaceful place of worship with the Parvati River flowing by it. Visitors can experience captivating views in a beautiful, relaxed, and spiritual environment here. It is a Sikh pilgrimage site with natural hot springs and stunning scenery. A free community kitchen, popularly known as ‘Langar’, is also available for devotees and people visiting the place. As per another mythological legend of Manikaran, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati spent about eleven hundred years and were amazed by the beauty and the greenery present here.
Timings: Opens Daily
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2. Dive In The Hot Springs
Photo: Jaisridhar / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best things to do in Manikaran is to take a dip in the hot springs near Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara. The deep cracks in the mountains near the region of Parvati Valley are the source of the hot water. Some believe that Guru Nanak Devji came here and wanted to make Langar for the masses, but there was no source of fire or heat in the region. After praying to God, the spring here was transformed into a hot water spring which is used to cook food for devotees even today.
Location: Near Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara
3. Visit Kulant Pith
Photo: John Hill / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
It is believed that the Kulant Pith is the most sacred and superior pith in India. People believe that Lord Shankar and Goddess Parvati lived here for some time. The views from this pith are extremely mesmerising with sky-high and beautiful mountain peaks on one side and gushing and wonderful Parvati River on the other side. This place is deeply rooted in mythology and hence attracts tourists throughout the year. It’s an amazing place to unwind and rejuvenate to take a break from the hasty city life.
Timing: Open all year round
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Hamirpur During Your Himachal Tour
4. Explore Lord Ramchandra Temple
Photo: Raahul95 / Wikimedia Commons
If you are wondering what to do in Manikaran during the festive season, then visiting the Lord Ramchandra Temple is one of the exciting things to do. The spiritual atmosphere during the festive season is exceptional and is surely something to experience once in your lifetime. It is believed that the idol of Lord Rama in this temple was brought from Ayodhya. This temple is very popular among devotees from all over the globe and they come to pay a visit here to seek blessings.
Timing: Opens daily
5. Trek To Kheerganga
Photo: Photos Worldwide / Wikimedia Commons
The enthralling Kheerganga Trek is a moderately difficult but adventurous thing to do in Manikaran and it makes your vacation extra adventurous and unique. Camping in the lap of the mountains with scenic views enhances the trekking experience here. From the lush pine forests to vibrant meadows and taking a dip in the hot springs or just relaxing & enjoying the breathtaking natural beauty, tourists can experience it all with this trek.
Location: Starts from Barshaini, near Manikaran
Cost/Person: ₹500 – ₹1000
Suggested Read: Panchvaktra Temple
6. Visit Harinder Mountain
Photo: Jeremy Bishop / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Exploring the breathtaking views of Harinder Mountain is one of the best things to see in Manikaran. This mountain offers panoramic views of the Parvati Valley and tourists can witness sunset or sunrise here. Certain trekking options are also available for adventure enthusiasts. The fresh mountain air and the serene environment make it a perfect spot for nature lovers. The peaceful surroundings and the breathtaking scenery are what attract tourists to this place throughout the year.
Timings: During sunrise or sunset
7. Explore Parvati River
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
A peaceful walk along the banks of the Parvati River is an amazing experience for the visitors. During summers, there is an option of river rafting in certain parts of the river which can be an excellent experience for adventure seekers. This river is known as a celestial watercourse with breathtaking valleys and views everyone deserves to witness. According to a legend, Goddess Parvati dropped one of her earrings in this river and it was taken by Shesha, the serpent deity.
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Barot Valley For Your Next Crazy Trip
8. Visit Shiv Temple
Photo: DPK70211 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the things to do in Manikaran, especially for the spiritual souls, is to visit the famous Shiv Temple. It is believed that Lord Shiva gave a command to his serpent Sheshnag to find the lost earring of Goddess Parvati, but Sheshnag failed to do so. Hence, Lord Shiva got extremely angry and opened his third eye which caused a massive eruption of hot water and led to the earring appearing miraculously from the boiling water. The temple features a beautiful idol of Lord Shiva made of black sandstone.
Timing: Open daily during the day
9. Experience Local Cuisine
Photo: Nilesh Agnihotri / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most exciting things to do in Manikaran includes trying the local cuisine and entering the world of delicacy. The local dishes of this place include authentic Himachali dishes like Siddu and Dham. The flavours of these dishes are rich and unique, offering a true taste of the region’s culinary heritage. Many local eateries and dhabas serve these traditional meals, making it easy for visitors to enjoy an authentic dining experience. Enjoying local delicacies in Manikaran takes the visitors on a delightful journey into the heart of Himachali culture.
Location: Local restaurants in Manikaran
Cost/Person: ₹200 – ₹500
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10. Visit Naina Bhagwati Temple
Photo: jly un / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Naina Bhagwati Temple is a gorgeous and wonderful temple constructed with wood and stone. It portrays expert craftsmanship with its intricate carvings and wooden architecture. It also has a hot water chamber which helps keep the area warm. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Bhagwati, believed to be a divine powerful deity who emerged from Lord Shiva’s third eye.
Timings: Open daily during the day
11. Explore Tosh Village
Photo: Atulshishodia / Wikimedia Commons
Tosh village, accessible by road from Manikaran, is full of cultural traditions and breathtaking views. Surrounded by lush greenery and towering mountains, Tosh offers a tranquil escape from the fast-paced city life. The charming wooden houses, hike through the scenic trails, and the serene atmosphere make it a popular tourist spot for nature lovers. The village’s unique culture and warm hospitality attract tourists to this perfect destination that offers a peaceful retreat.
Location: 20 km from Manikaran
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12. Visit Pulga Village
Photo: Gaurav Kumar / Unsplash
Pulga Village is a hidden treasure and a peaceful getaway spot located in Himachal Pradesh’s picturesque Parvati Valley. Pulga, nicknamed the ‘Fairy Forest’, is far from modern comforts, offering a tranquil escape for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its breathtaking scenery includes high mountain peaks, dense forests, lush tea plantations, and charming wooden houses that create a truly magical atmosphere. The village also offers various trekking trails, perfect for adventure enthusiasts looking to explore the beauty of the region.
Location: 16 km from Manikaran
13. Explore Kasol
Photo: BenSalo / Wikimedia Commons
Kasol is known for its charming cafes and scenic beauty. Visitors can meet people from all around the world as this place is very popular among foreigners. The Nature Park in Kasol is nestled in the beautiful Parvati Valley, making it a peaceful haven for nature lovers to explore. Additionally, the scenic hikes, river rafting, and bustling local markets make Kasol a perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity.
Location: 4 km from Manikaran
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14. Trek To Malana
Photo: Jaypee / Wikimedia Commons
The trek to Malana begins from Manikaran and takes about 10 hours to complete. It offers breathtaking views amidst lush greenery and sky-high mountains along the way. While modern amenities have made their way here, this village has been able to preserve its distinctive charm. The tourists can trek through natural beauty, breathe in the fresh air, soak in the stunning views, and unwind with this extraordinary experience.
Location: 21 km from Manikaran
Manikaran, nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Himachal Pradesh, is a place that boasts its unique blend of spirituality and mesmerising natural beauty. It is famous for its hot springs, ancient temples, and stunning landscapes that attract tourists from around the world throughout the year. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, consider planning a trip to Manikaran with TripXL and cherish unforgettable memories for a lifetime.
Cover Photo: Kuvampuri / Wikipedia
