Manali is a popular backpacking and honeymoon destination in India’s northern state of Himachal Pradesh. Set on the banks of the Beas River, it is gateway to adventure activities in Solang, Gulaba, and Kothi. But there is much more to the town and its popular tourists spots than adventure.
Some
of these places are always buzzing with tourists, but that doesn’t
necessarily mean you should give them a miss. In fact, if you are
visiting for the first time, such places to visit in Manali must be on your itinerary. If it is like your third or fourth visit to this lovely town, here is the best mix of tourist attractions in Manali and its vicinity. Reaching these places will hardly take an hour from the main city.
1. Hadimba Temple: The most popular religious attraction in Manali
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This beautiful temple, said to be dedicated to Hadimba – the wife of Pandu son Bhima, is one of the best places to visit in Manali. The most striking feature of this temple is that it is located in the Dhungri Forest and is surrounded by pine trees. The pagoda-shaped Hadimba temple in Manali is not only unique in its architecture but is famous for its religious value too. The effigy of Hadimba is made up of brass and is quite awe-inspiring.
This beautiful temple, said to be dedicated to Hadimba – the wife of Pandu son Bhima, is one of the best places to visit in Manali. The most striking feature of this temple is that it is located in the Dhungri Forest and is surrounded by pine trees. The pagoda-shaped Hadimba temple in Manali is not only unique in its architecture but is famous for its religious value too. The effigy of Hadimba is made up of brass and is quite awe-inspiring.
Opening hours: 8 am – 6 pm; throughout the year
Suggested Read: A Blueprint To Make Honeymoon In Manali A Timeless Experience
2. Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art: A walk through history
A stone’s throw from the Hadimba Temple, the Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art allows a walk through time. It houses unique collection of unknown antiques including religious relics, household objects, weapons, instruments, and scale models, among many other things.
Opening hours: 8 am – 8 pm; throughout the year
Entry ticket: INR 10 per person per day
3. Tibetan Monasteries: Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa & Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa
Manali also boasts of respectable Tibetan population settlement. The famous Tibetan monasteries – Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa and Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa – draw a large number of tourists, and are among the most visited and certainly the best places to visit in Manali. Specially the Tibetan art and craft items displayed here deserve a visit.
Things to do: Meditation and shopping for unique Tibetan art and craft objects
Opening hours: Like any other monastery, the Tibetan Monastery in Manali welcomes the guests at any hour of the day and on any day of the year. The main entry to the shrine, however, is open only from 7 am to 7 pm.
4. Manu Temple: The abode of Lord Manu
Nearly 3 km away from the famous Mall Road of Manali, the famous Manu Temple is among the frequently visited tourist places in Manali. Dedicated to Lord Manu, the temple’s premises offer a sense of peace and serenity to the devotees walking in. It is frequented by religious tourists and foreigners and is among the most popular attractions in Manali.
Things to do: Instead of taking a hired cab, take a trek to the temple to enjoy the greenery and natural beauty of the region.
Opening hours: 5 am – 9 pm; throughout the year
5. Club House: It’s time for some adventure!
Things to do: Adventure activities available here include table tennis and carrom, skating, river-crossing, boating, and go-karting
Opening hours: 10 am – 8 pm; throughout the year
Suggested Read: 10 Things To Do In Manali For Solemn Joy
6. Vashisht Hot Water Springs: Pampering the tired body
Things to do: There is no way you can miss taking a dip in the hot water spring.
Opening hours: 7 am – 1 pm and 2 pm – 10 pm, throughout the year
7. Maa Sharvari Temple: The holy abode of Kullu Kings’ Kuldevi
Located at the Shaminallah Village on the outskirts of the Manali city, Maa Sharvari Temple houses the idol of Kullu Kings’ Kuldevi (another form of Devi Durga). During the Dussehra festival at Kullu, the idol is beautifully decorated and taken to the temple of Raghunathji.
Things to do: Trek down from main city to temple with picturesque views of the landscapes in the backdrop
Opening hours: 5 am – 12 pm, and 4 pm – 9 pm, throughout the year
8. Nehru Kund: Named After The First Prime Minister of India
Located on the Leh National Highway, Nehru Kund is another must-visit tourist attraction near Manali. It is a natural spring of cold water and this water is believed to have come from the Bhrigu Lake. This lake is located at a height of 4,300 meters. Serene surrounding and lush greenery enthrals the tourists coming here. The spring is so named because Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, used to drink water from the spring during his stay in Manali.
9. Jogini Falls: The Melodious Sounds of Nature
The breath-taking Jogini Falls, located a lot beyond Vashisht Hot Springs towards the Vashisht Village, is another major tourist attraction near Manali. Melodious sounds of nature, stunning views, and some sumptuous authentic Himachali delicacies – Jogini Falls has it all for the backpackers and nature lovers.
Suggested Read: 10 Secret Places In Himachal That Tourists Haven’t Discovered Yet
10. Solang Valley: The Hub of Adventure Sports
Lying between the famous Beas Kund and Solang Village, this beautiful Solang Valley is among the most popular places to visit near Manali. It lies about 14 km from Manali and is the venue for winter skiing festival that is held every year. People of all age groups love to visit this place during winters to enjoy skiing and other adventure sports.
Distance from Manali: 14 km
Things to do: Zorbing, paragliding, skiing, parachuting, and horse riding
Opening hours: Unlike the Rohtang Valley, Solang is open throughout the year. However, you can try the adventure sports only between 9 am and 5 pm. For skiing, the ideal time is between 10 am and 2 pm.
Suggested Read: Snowfall In Manali: 8 Intoxicating Things To Do During Your Visit
11. Kothi: An Offbeat Adventure Getaway
Kothi is a beautiful village nestled amidst verdant land and forests. It is located on the road going towards the Solang Valley, almost 16 km away from Manali. The rustic charm of villages is pretty evident here. Painters, poets, and writers love to spend time here and unleash their creativity, while enjoying breathtaking views around.
Distance from Manali: 16 km
Things to do: Trekking to Rohtang Pass, paragliding, and other snow sports
Opening hours: Open throughout the year; Adventure sports can be done between 6 am and 6 pm
12. Rahala Waterfalls: Nestled Amidst Birch & Deodar Forests
A famous picnic spot, Rahala waterfall is located almost 16 km away from Manali. The source of these magnificent falls is the water melting from the glaciers and precipitous rocks. Thick forest with birch and deodar trees looks truly magnificent. Behind this impressive waterfall, amazing views of snow-clad Himalayan ranges can be seen.
Distance from Manali: 16 km
13. Gulaba: A Perfect Substitute To Rohtang
Gulaba is an alternate destination to visit during November – May when Rohtang Pass is inaccessible due to heavy snow. During these months, snow activities can be enjoyed at Gulaba. It is less crowded than the valleys of Rohtang & Solang and provides better experiences of the snow activities.
Distance from Manali: 16 km
Things to do: Snow activities such as tobogganing & skiing and paragliding
Opening hours: Open throughout the year; Adventure sports can be done between 6 am and 6 pm
Suggested Read: Fly Like A Bird: 9 Gorgeous Places In India For An Exhilarating Paragliding Experience
14. Naggar Village: Of Lesser-Known Temples & Art Galleries
At a short drive from Manali, Naggar Village is another beautiful destination that nature lovers must visit. Situated on the left bank of River Beas, the village is only 19 km from the main city of Manali. It boasts of amazing views of the Beas Valley. The highlight of this attraction is the famous Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery where paintings of some of the magnificent Himalayan Views have been showcased. Temples like Tripura Sundari and Gauri Shankar are also famous.
Distance from Manali: 19 km
Things to do: Visit the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery, Tripura Sundari temple, and Gauri Shankar temple.
15. Arjun Gufa: Where Arjuna Received The Pashupati Astra
Arjuna Cave is located near Prini Village where the Pandava Arjuna meditated to earn the powers of Pashupati Astra from Lord Indra. Because of the mythological significance of the place, the cave and the nearby temple have become a popular tourist destination located very close to Manali.
Distance from Manali: 20 km
With a long list of places to visit in Manali and its precincts, tourists have several options to explore on their trip to the beautiful town on the banks of the river Beas.
