The beauty of Manali attracts thousands of visitors every year from India and abroad.The place offers adventurous experience and scenic view.There are many places to explore within Manali and nearby places like the 500 year old Naggar Castle (21 Kilometers) and Solang valley.
The place remains pleasant throughout the year but best season to visit is September to June.To view apple’s in the garden visit this place in the 2nd week of August.If you are about to explore the tourist attractions in Manali Town , these are the places you must visit.
Hidimba Temple
It is a good idea to visit Hidimba Temple which is at walking distance from mall road near Beas bridge.If you are staying in some nearby hotels , utilize your morning , to get to this place.In the morning you will get less crowd and enjoy the serenity and cedar forest.
The uphill stair route is a shortcut to the temple and is enjoyable to see school kids on the way.The pagoda style temple was built around 1553 and bears foor prints of goddess Hidimba.This location falls under ‘Dhungri’ area – the same place where Hidimba did meditation to get warrior prince Bhima.You can also approach this temple via taxi or auto.
Van Vihar
Van vihar on Dhungri is a nature park which falls near manali mall road bus stand.The park is marked by beautiful deodar trees and greenery .You can enjoy paddle boating in the lake which falls within the park.
If you are tired , you can sit and relax , on the park benches amid giant deodar and pleasant weather.Near the lake you can find the bank of Beas river where some adventure sports are performed.The park opens from 8.00 am in the morning till 7.00 pm in the evening.
Beas River
There are many spots to admire the beauty of Vyas river in Kullu district.The nearest one in Manali is inside Van Vihar premises.The beautiful view of mountains , forest and river has a mesmerizing effect.
By the riverside there are some fast food stalls and eateries.Sit on the rock ,drop your feet in the chill water of Vyas river , order a cup of tea and enjoy the ripple of the river.This place is perfect to click some snaps for memories.
Vashist Temple
Vashist Temple is approx 3 km uphill from mall road and you can travel upto there via a taxi or auto.The temple may be visited to witness the exquisite carvings on woods.According to folklore the great sage had narrated Yoga Vashishta, an ancient scripture to Lord Rama
.There is also another temple called Rama temple adjoining to Vashist temple. The sand stone ancient temple is also popular due to the hot water srings.Pilgrims visit these sulphur springs to have a dip which is believed to have healing powers.
If you feel uncomfortable in crowded public bathing inside Vashist Temple , you can go for HPTDC Vashishth Hot Bath Complex where private bathing is arranged at Rs 35 for 30 minutes duration.
Manu Temple/Club House
It is 3 kms. from the mall road main bazar and is believed to be the only temple of Manu in India.The temple opens at 8 am and closes at 6 pm in the evening.According to Hindu epics , sage Manu , was the creator of human race on earth.There is a way through Hidimba temple to reach this place.If you don’t have time you can skip this place.
On the other hand , Clubhouse , is a crowded place where you can enjoy go karting, snooker,billiords, indoor games, and outdoor adventure.You can also find river crossing adventure using Burma Bridge here.
There is also a way to club house through Hidimba temple.If you don’t have ample time you can skip this place.
Tibet Monastry
Built in 1960 , the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa is a popular buddist monastry near mall road in Manali.The attactive monastery has pagoda-style yellow roof. Colorful wall paintings reflects the ideology of Buddhism embellish the Gompa.
The place is quite and peaceful with a giant Buddha statue where you can take some photographs for a fee of Rs 20.There is a row of bells outside the monastry and a giant bell inside the Stupa to rotate and pray.Nearby , falls the Tibetan market where you can buy handicrafts and wooden items.
Travel Information For Visitors To Manali
- The buses ply from Delhi to Manali Via Chandigarh and Its a 12 hour over-night journey from Chandigarh and 17 hours from Delhi
- You can also book bus tickets online.The Himachal Goverment owned buses (HRTC) buses are comfortable and ticket fares are comparatively lower than private bus operators.
- For the sight seeing inside manali , you can strike a deal with the local auto-rickshaw drivers.They may charge you around INR 500-600
Online Bus Booking Portals For Manali
1 HIMACHAL ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION (http://www.hrtc.gov.in)
2 rED BUS (http://www.redbus.in/)
3 Travelyaari (http://www.travelyaari.com/)
4 TicketGoose (https://www.ticketgoose.com)
5 MakeMyTrip (http://www.makemytrip.com)
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