18 Places To Visit In Manali For Ultimate Experience

A cool respite in summers with a whole lot of summer activities, a lush green heaven in monsoons and fairy-tale like beauty in winters, Manali is a perfect place for every season. Whether you wish to unwind from a hectic routine, get a refreshing change from a monotonous life, explore the wonders of nature, spend some cozy time with your loved one, indulge in adventures like rafting/gliding, take a break from the heat or simply make memories with your family and friends, Manali has something for everyone! If you have already been to this beautiful hill station, situated at an altitude of 6,398 feet, in Himachal Pradesh, this piece would surely make you nostalgic. However, if you are one of those who are yet to explore this Himalayan destination, do not forget to thank us! As we have compiled a list of places in Manali that you ought to include in your itinerary.

1. Rohtang Pass

A personal favourite since childhood, this tourist destination is a pass that connects the Kullu valley and its primarily Hindu culture with the arid high altitude Lahaul-Spiti valley bearing a predominant Bhuddhist culture. The pass is located on an elevation of 13,050 feet around 51 kms from Manali and is a perfect picnic spot during sunny days, although it stays chilly and windy throughout the day. While we drove up to the Rohtang Pass once, I would advise you to take a cab as they know more thoroughly about the treacherous roads and hairpin bends. Due its scenic beauty, Rohtang Pass is, without a doubt, the most recommended spot in Manali. Enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of the Grand Himalayas, from all possible angles, relishing a cup of tea and maggi along with it!

2. Hidimba Temple and the adjoining Eco Park

Easily accessible through roads/treks/steps, the temple is flocked by tourists for its sanctity and tranquility. The temple is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, wife of Bhima in the Indian epic Mahabharat, who is worshipped by the people of Manali, even more during Navratri. The temple is an ancient cave temple and the deity is worshipped in the form of a huge rock jutting out of the ground. It is surrounded by a cedar forest known as the Dhingiri Van Vihar and has a lush green rejuvenating feel to it. The eco park that lies next to the temple is a wonderful place to soak in the freshness of nature. You may sit there on the rocks or swing a little and have the most tranquil time amidst tall pine trees or walk along the little walkways. Once out, you can indulge in various street snacks being sold outside the premises. The whole complex also houses a few hawkers selling handicrafts and woolen items. Our best memory is being able to hold the angora rabbits in our arms. Soft, cuddly and unharming, they let you up-close with a different part of nature.

3. Solang Valley

This is one of the most happening places in Manali for sporting an array of activities like paragliding, zorbing and many more. It is also known as the Snow Point and is most famous for its 300 m ski lift. Solang Valley is located around 13 kms northwest of Manali and offers stunning views of the glaciers and snow clad Himalayas. It falls on the way to Rohtang Pass, but you cannot club these two spots. Save a whole day for each to enjoy thoroughly the unique experiences they have to offer.

4. Old Manali

Contrasting yet complimenting the town of Manali is this quaint part of Old Manali which lies across the river Manalsu. Old Manali remains mostly untouched and virgin. People from across the world prefer staying here due to its isolation from all things commercial. You can relax at various cafes here, explore apple and apricot orchards, meditate amidst the tranquility of nature or simply get the feel of old traditional buildings/houses of Himachal Pradesh. The narrow roads surrounded by lush green deodar trees make for a perfect cozy drives and look very Bollywood-ish!

5. Club House

This place has evolved into an entertainment hub for people of all ages over the years. Easily accessible via roads, it is located right next to the river Manalsu and has a wide array of activities that you can choose from. You can sit with your feet immersed in the stream or take your pick from activities like ziplining, skating, billiards, carom, table tennis and much more. The kids also have a lot of options to choose from like a giant bouncy and toy ponies to ride. The club houses a video-game centre, auditorium, a library and in-house restaurant and you can also find hawkers selling street style snacks.

6. Rahala Falls

This magnificent waterfall is located on the way to Rohtang Pass, roughly 16 kms from Manali at an altitude of 2,501m. It is a Punchbowl waterfall of a cascade type and is one of the most prominent tourist spot on the Leh-Manali Highway. What adds to the beauty of the whole scenery is the fall being surrounded by lush green forests of Birch and Deodar trees. The Mighty Himalayas in the backdrop make the picture perfect! You can reach the falls via taxi or buses that ply from Manali.

7. Rozy Falls

Another one on the Manali-Rohtang route, Rozy Falls is situated amidst hoards of scenic green hills and chilly winds. You can visit this waterfall on your way to Rohtang Pass from Manali and enjoy the feel of chilled water high up in the mountains. In winters/colder days, you might be able to see frozen parts of the waterfall as well as the temperature drop astonishingly low at that altitude.

8. Jana Falls

Jana Falls is located around 31 kms from Manali towards Nagar town and is a good place to spend a few hours at. Crystal clear water, a little restaurant service light snacks, while being surrounded by dense greenery, is a perfect setting for a memorable picnic. Whether you indulge in sitting by the stream, or sipping tea best suited for the chilly winds, or enjoying the nature around or even trekking your way upto the fall, you will relish every moment of being here. The most recommended time to visit the falls (any) is during the monsoons as the water gushes down in its full glory!

9. Naggar

Located at an elevation of 5,900 feet is this ‘olde worlde’ village of Naggar which is also the base for many treks. The topography of this town is perfect for trekking and it is also known for its trout fishing. Naggar is situated on the left bank of Beas river and is around 22 kms from both Kullu and Manali. Once the capital of the Kullu kingdom, it is now home to one of the most antiquated buildings, Naggar Castle. While here there many places that you can visit such as the Castle, Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery and Museum, Gauri Shankar Temple, Dagpo Shedrupling Monastery, Nishala and Murlidhar Temple.

10. Naggar Castle

Current being run as a heritage hotel by HPDTC, this castle was the official seat of the kings for centuries. It was built by Raja Sidh Singh more than 500 years ago using certain earthquake-resistant techniques, due to which the castle survived the earthquake of 1905 while most building in and around it were completely ruined. A prime tourist attraction, it now houses an art gallery containing Russian artist Nicholas Reorich’s art work and collectibles. If hungry, you could also indulge in Garhwali food that is served by a small restaurant located near the castle.

11. Gauri Shankar Temple

There is something different and unique about Shiva Temples of the hilly regions of India. The whole environment feels dedicated to the lord and worshipping is the most peaceful here. Gauri Shankar Temple is another such temple, located in Naggar, believed to be built in the 11th century. The carvings and architecture of the medieval styled temple is further beautified by the perfect natural surroundings.

12. Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery and Museum

This tourist attraction is an erstwhile property of the famous artist Nicholas Roerich which has now been converted into an art gallery and museum displaying his work and life. Not just that, it also displays many traditional Himachal products like dresses, utensils and ornaments which were used by the locals back then. The paintings of Nicholas Roerich beautifully showcase the breathtaking landscapes and surrounding of Kullu, Manali and the nearby regions. It might be noted that the museum and art gallery are closed on Mondays.

13. Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art

Located in the Utopia Complex and around two minute walk away from the Hidimba Temple, is another tourist attraction that introduces you to the Himachal culture. The museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art consists of 18 galleries that showcase a unique collection of rare and unknown antiques depicting the forgotten culture, art and handicraft of this state.

14. Manali Gompa

Also known as Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, is it one of the finest Buddhist monasteries in the region. With a classic tiered tower at the top, the monastery sports a pagoda-style yellow roof and looks magnificent against the lush greens in the backdrop. It was built in 1960 and is flocked by people wanting to explore the Buddhist culture or to meditate in peace and seek blessings.

15. Kothi

Kothi is a beautiful village situated at the foothills of Rohtang Pass and around 12 kms from Manali. Located at an altitude of 2,500 metres, it offers spectacular views of the mountains, valleys and a deep narrow gorge through which river Beas flows gushingly. The village is one of the most scenic places of Manali, perfect for those who come to Manali looking for beauty. While here, you can also visit a temple of goddess Shuwang Chandika who is a local deity. Due to its beautiful surroundings, Kothi has been featured in various Bollywood movies and paintings alike.

16. The Mall Road

Unlike the mall roads of counterparts like Shimla and Mussourie, the mall of Manali stays low key with a humble count of shops and restaurants. You can shop for woollens and handicrafts and then grab a meal at the restaurants/cafes/bakeries at the mall. While the Mall is at a walk-able distance from most of the hotels, there is a parking available next to it if you wish to drive down. The best time to visit the mall is during the day time around lunch when you sit at the benches after eating a hefty meal and soak up the sun.

17. Gulaba

Gulaba is a village located around 27 kms from Manali and 25 kms from Rohtang Pass. It falls on the route to Rohtang Pass from Manali and is one of the most picturesque places of this region. Superb topography coupled with tourist friendly environments makes Gulaba a perfect spot to explore comfortably or rest. The place has facilities like mobile toilets, waste disposal and other tourist-friendly equipment. A start point for Brighu lake trekking, it is traversed by the Leh-Manali Highway and receives heavy snowfall during winters, which makes it a perfect place for winter sports and adventures. The scenic landscape, lush greenery and breathtaking views makes it a gorgeous alternative to Rohtang Pass, for those who have motion sickness and do not wish to travel all the way to Rohtang Pass.

18. Vashisht Hot Water Springs

About 6 kms from Manali, lies the land of an amazing phenomenon, hot water springs. The village, Vashisht, lies in the valley of river Beas, and is home to various hot water sulphuric springs formed naturally and considered highly sacred. It is believed that this was a meditating spot for sage Vashisht, and that the springs were formed when Lakshman shot an arrow into the ground. The place also has turkish-style bathing sections for men and women, separately.

While, personally, we have always aimed at grabbing a hotel/resort with a spell binding view of the river, valley and mountains which makes you sit in your balcony in awe the whole day, it is wise to explore all the possible tourist attractions to make the most of your trip; unless you are going only with one aim – to relax. Manali is flooded with tourist attractions in every nook and corner, as everything about this place is beautiful. Manali provides ample transport service so you can visit the nearby attractions with ease. And if you do not want to travel outside of Manali, there is plenty to explore within the town. So if you still haven’t explore this beautiful town, get going to not just see the Mighty Himalayas up close but be a part of them too!

Also read- 22 Places To Visit In Shimla, India’s Most Famous Hill Station