Manali is a high altitude resort in Himalayan range in Himachal Pradesh. It is a coveted destination for honeymoon goer and adventure enthusiasts. Manali is a place which provides scintillating view of  Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges covered with snow for most parts of the year. It has been bestowed with cascading Beas river, along with lush greenery filled with oaks and pine trees. Many youngsters travel Manali to indulge in adventurous activities. Solang valley and Parvati valley are two quintessential gateways to feel never ending adrenaline rush. Valleys offer sports activities like paragliding, skiing, horse riding, camping, trekking and river rafting to feed the adrenaline hunger of the bagpackers. Off late Manali has also emerged as a homestay during pandemic. Several youngsters opted to work in between snowcapped mountains to take a break from hustling and bustling city life. It has many budgeted stay for such travelers who wish to stay for a longer duration. Manali is fun, thrilling, tranquil and scenic. So let’s divulge a closer look at hilly resort. 

HISTORY

‘Abode of Manu’ meaning of Manali, it is believed town has been named after Hindu lawgiver Manu. When living species were deluged by floods. He recreated life on planet by  stepping off his ark in Manali. Rakshas, the nomadic hunter tribe and shepherds from Kangra Valley are believed to be the earliest inhabitants of Manali. Lord Raghunath a form of Lord Ram, is said to have ruled Manali. 

ACTIVITIES TO DO 

•    CAMPING: Set up a camp on mesmerizing landscape of Himalayas and you can even work from these remote areas. 
•    TREKKING: There are treks and operators who help and train you to explore hidden gems of city. 
•    SKIING: Soar high and feel wind splashing your face with skiing. It is one among mostly practiced activities of Manali. 
•    SNOWBOARDING: It is mostly functional during snow time. A little bit training and you can enjoy zest of this surreal activity. 
•    ZORBING: Get yourself locked in an inflatable ball and slide from a slope. Yeah it’s like revisiting your own childhood.
•    PARAGLIDING: Fly like a bird, this is again one of the major activities in Manali. You have professionals to help and guide. 
•    RAPPELING: It is mostly done under professional trainers. But traveller who have zeal for this particular activity can indulge in. 
•    CYCLING: Cycle on steep roads and sloppy roads. It is a way to even explore this city. 
•    RIVER RAFTING: Let splashes of gushing Beas river fall on your face. Twirl along waves and flowing water and increase adrenaline rush. 
•    ZEEP SAFARI: Yes, you can sit and explore snow capped mountains in an open jeep. It is a mesmerizing experience. 

LOCAL DELICACIES

•    MITTHA: A famous street food and every restaurant also offers. MITTHA is made with rice and raisin and decorated with loads of dry fruit. Crunchy dry fruits and sweeten flavour makes it scrumptious dish. 
•    KHATTA: Khatta is a ball made from pumpkin and dry amchoor power. It is sweet and savoury and has a tanginess. It’s available at every street food vendors.
•    SIDU: Sidu is a bread which is eaten with mutton or a veg gravy. It is mostly served with lunch and dinner instead of roti. 
•    BABRU: Babru is himachali kachori. It is mixed dals soaked and churned and deep fried. It’s spicy and delectable. 
•    PATANDE: If you can’t stop relishing sweet food then patande is your dish. Made of milk, sugar and wheat flour it is traditional sweet dish of Manali. 

PLACES TO VISIT

1.    HIDIMBA DEVI TEMPLE: Pagoda-shaped Hadimba temple of all Manali tourist places is not only unique in its architecture but is famous for its religious value too. It is dedicated to Hidimba wife of mighty Bheem one of the Pandavas. Temple is a tourist attraction as it is located Dhungri forest and is surrounded by Pine trees. 
2.    TIBETAN MONASTERIES: Himachal Pradesh has many tibet tribe settled  in its land. Hence two famous monasteries are Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa and Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa , these both are tranquil and magnificent architecture of Tibetan culture. You can visit to practice meditation and yoga. 
3.    MUSEUM OF HIMACHAL CULTURE AND FOLK ARTS: Situated adjacent to Hidimba temple this museum showcase life and culture of Manali tribe. It has weapons, relics, books, clothing accessories, antiques and many historical monuments to brief you abou Manali. 
4.    MANU TEMPLE: Located near Mall road, it is one the most visited places of Mananli. Dedicated to Lord Manu it is a place of peace meeting serenity. As Manali preached lord Manu this temple has revered devotion in locals as well as tourists. 
5.    CLUB HOUSE: An ideal picnic destination for any tourist. This place represent it’s name, with food, indoor games, artificial lake and abundant greenery i. You can put a day at leisure and relax within its premises. 
6.    JOGINI FALLS: The breath-taking Jogini Falls, located a lot beyond Vashisht Hot Springs towards the Vashisht Village, is another major tourist attraction near Manali. Humming birds, cascading water, ethereal trek and sprawling fields makes it a nature at its best place. 
7.    VASHISHTHA HOT WATER POND: A temple devoted to Save Vashishtha, it is famous for a natural hot water tank in premises. It is believed to have natural healing power and a dip in sacred pond can eradicate skin disease. It has separate areas for men and women. 
8.    MAA SHARVARI TEMPLE: Dedicated to Kullu king’s kuldevi MAA Sharvari,this temple is located on the outskirts of Manali. It is one the tourist attraction fro it’s scenic landscape. 
9.    NEHRU KUND: Named after first prime minister of India, Nehru kund is located at Leh National Highway. Water gushing from Bhigru lake, it is a sight to behold. One of the major sightseeing of Manali this place is a natur delight. 
10.    SOLANG VALLEY: Nestled between Beas river and solang village, this is one the most happening and visited places on a trip to Manali. An adventurous destination for sports enthusiasts it is about 14 km from city. People of all age groups love to visit this place during winters to enjoy skiing and other adventure sports in Manali.
11.    KOTHI: Kothi is a small breathtaking village located about 16 km from Manali. It is nestled between snowcapped mountains and versant land forest. Kothi has also emerged as a destination among creative artists and photographers to hone their skills. 
12.    ROHTANG PASS: One of the most beautiful passes in India, Rohtang pass is flocked with tourists during winter season. It is mostly covered with snow. Picturesque landscape amidst snow mountains makes it a sight to behold. Trekking and Snow games are some activities you can indulge in. 
13.    MALL ROAD: It doesn’t need a notification in places to visit in Manaki. A broad and long road is sublime and busy road. Shopping stores and good joints are located at both side of pedestrian. Visit it at night to see illuminated Manali. 
14.    CHANDRAKHANI PASS: This trek route is full of raw experiences with rural hill villages,  green vegetation and the sight of massive mountains all through the way. If trekking is your thing then this extremely beautiful trekking route from Manali to Kasol through Malana will definitely make you fall in love with nature and your life. 

HOW TO REACH

•    AIRPORT: Bhuntar airport is the nearest airport to Manali. It is about 50 km from city and you can hire a cab from here. It connects to domestic cities like Delhi, Chandigarh and Mumbai. 
•    RAILWAY: Ambala cantt is the nearest railway station about 200 km from the city. You can easily travel via road from here. 
•    ROAD: You can travel by road as Manali is well connected to Chandigarh and Delhi. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT

March to June and October to February
•    SUMMER: Temperature hovers from 10°c to 25°c (Pleasant and Favorable)
•    RAIN: Temperature hovers from 8°c to 16°c (Torrential rainfall) 
•    WINTER: Temperature hovers from -2°c to 10°c (Snowfall)