Manali, a snowy abode situated in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, is a beautiful town that comes in the district of Kullu. Manali got its name from Manu-Alaya which means ‘abode of Manu.’ Manali is located 270 kilometers north of the city of Shimla, and 577 kilometers away from Delhi. With a little population of 8096, Manali is a popular tourist destination for Indians and international travelers, who love the peace and cold of the Himalayas. A wanderer can find amazing places to visit in Manali. If planned properly with time and budget one can have a spiritual experience with all the best places to visit in Manali. Manali is the perfect choice for Lovebirds, as it is an amalgamation of places to visit in Manali for couples.
Manali is the opening door for the Lahaul and Spiti districts. Manali is situated in the Kullu valley, and the valley is often referred to as the ‘Valley of Gods.’ Manali offers magnificent views and one can look at Pir Panjal and Dhaulandhar Ranges, which mostly remain under the snow all the year. Manali is home to aesthetic and old cafes, that attract travelers and wanderers from different places. The best tourist places in Manali offer comfort for all types of people. So, whether you are looking for workation, a holiday, a honeymoon plan, a trek, Manali has it all set and prepared to offer all the vibe and beauty. Top Tourist attractions in Manali include temples, cafes, hilltops, Himalayan lakes, etc.
Current times have brought the youth generation to spend long weeks in the laps of Manali, searching for solitude and love among the top places to visit in Manali. There are several hotels and guest houses that provide an affordable and comfortable stay. Manali is also famous for the extreme and adventure sports troops. There are several trekking spots, that make it a gorgeous stay to wander the sides of the Himalayas. Manali receives snowfall n the month of January and February and December and March. Sometimes snow might ruin the chance of visiting the famous places to visit in Manali. April also witnesses snowfall sometimes. Rohtang Pass invites you for an adventure trip and Solang Pass has interesting activities like skiing, paragliding, horse-riding & zorbing.
Hidimba Devi Temple
Hidimba Devi temple, which is popularly called Dhungari Temple is a temple dedicated to Bheema’s wife, Hidimba, and brings its reference from Mahabharata. The temple is dedicated to Hidimba, and it is built around a cave, where it is said she performed meditations. The temple is soothing and peaceful and is surrounded by Cedar trees.
Manu Temple
Manu temple is an old temple that is situated in the regions of old Manali. To reach the temple one has to take the road that passes through the Manali Community Centre. The temple commemorates the Indian Sage Manu. It is the only temple that is dedicated to this sage. This makes it unique, and the temple receives huge crowds.
Vashisht Hot Water Springs & Temple
Moving ahead from the Manali Bus stand, at a distance of 3.5 km, stands the Vashisht Temple that is dedicated to the ancient Sage Vashisht. It is amongst the top places to visit in Manali. It is believed that the temple is 4000 years old. Inside the temple, one can see a black stone, that has the image of Vashisht wearing a dhoti.
Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art
The museum is located in Manali and features an amazing collection of unknown and rare antique pieces of Himachal Pradesh. The museum focuses on the traditional and cultural background of Himachal Pradesh. The museum brings out the artistic handicraft of the state, as well as almost extinct things.
Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple
Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is a Buddhist monastery situated in the town of Manali. It is a popular monastery and is among the top monasteries in the North-Indian region. The religious significance it holds is valuable for the devotees who visit it. It is very close to Mall road, and that gives birth to a contrast of peace and hustle.
Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa Monastery
Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa Monastery is a popular religious and meditation center, especially for Buddhists. The place is open to all people from different religions, and it welcomes people to explore a spiritual atmosphere. It is a small shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha.
Gauri Shankar Temple
The Gauri Shankar Temple is an 800-year-old temple that attracts a huge number of Hindu devotees. The Hindu temple is open from 05.00 am to 10.00 am and 05.00 pm to 10.00 pm. The best time to attend the temple is either in the mornings or evenings when the Mandir is performing the aarti at 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
Siyali Mahadev Temple
Siyali Mahadev Temple is a spiritual temple and place of worship that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is considered to be among the oldest temples of Manali. The sight of the temple gives the chills of astonishment due to its outstanding architectural beauty. The temple has wooden structures, accompanied by water streams, that add aesthetic glamour to the temple.
Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery
Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery is a spiritual place where Buddhist Monks stay and is known for its unique energy. The spiritual place was inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 2005. It is a gem in the Kais Village. It is also called Kais Monastery.
Manikaran Sahib
Manikaran is a common and most opted pilgrimage center by Hindus. It is located in the Parvati Valley. The small town attracts a lot of visitors, and Kasol is just 4 km away from the place. The place has set up an experimental geothermal energy plant.
Solang Valley
Solang Valley is located at a distance of 13 km from Manali. The valley is famous for the breathtaking and mesmerizing view of a snowy blanket falling over the young hills. People come to do camping and trekking in the valley, and also enjoy winter sports.
Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass, situated at an elevation of 3980 meters is a famous high mountain pass. The pass naturally divides the Kullu Valley and the Spiti Valley. The Kullu valley deals with Sanatani culture and the Lahaul and Spiti Valley with Buddhism culture. The pass is located in the watershed area of Chenab and Beas basins. It is a famous drive for all the drivers.