Manali
One of the most popular hill stations in India, Manali is a amidst the mountain slopes, with spell-binding views, charming streams, fairy-tale-like fog surrounding little hidden cottages and a lingering scent of pines and freshness. The heavy influx of tourists has led to the exploitation of Manali as a tourist destination, though the surrounding areas are still relatively untouched. Nevertheless, this is one place that should definitely be on your bucket list.
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| manali mall road |
Old Manali
How to reach Old Manali:
By Air – The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, located approximately 50 kilometres away from Manali. Domestic flights connect Bhuntar with Delhi and Chandigarh. Once at the airport, you can take a pre-paid taxi to Manali. However, owing to weather conditions, flights are not the most reliable option for getting to or out of Manali.
By Bus – Manali is very well-connected to important tourist destinations like Leh, Shimla, Kullu, Dharamshala and New Delhi by means of a network of state-run as well as private buses. The bus journey from Delhi to Manali is 550 kilometres, and it is advisable to book your tickets in the air-conditioned Volvo coaches, as the buses are more comfortable than ordinary ones, keeping in mind the long distance of the journey from delhi the ticket cost is around 900-1400 depending upon the holidays and seasons .
By Road/ Self Drive – The drive up to Manali is simply breath-taking! You can catch scenic glimpses of the adjoining mountains and valleys from almost every turn that the twisty uphill road throws you. Though a lot of tourists prefer a self-drive up to Manali, it is advisable to hire a taxi in case you are not comfortable with driving in mountainous regions.
Where to Stay in Old Manali:
There is lot of hostel and cottage/Room option avaialbale in old manali .Its depend on you what you want so if you looking for hostel i will suggest you Zostel , Rockway Hostel ,Yolo Backpacker Hostel ,One Light Hostel these all are one of the best options available if you looking for hostel that have good view as well as budget option. If you looking for room or cottage Little Itly, Bhrama Guest House ,Dragon Guest House are the best options available . But in both cases you need to show your skill because the owner tell you always high rates so if you try you can decrease the rates depend on the number of crowd.
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| little itly view |
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| In between the way of Zostel hostel view |
Where to eat:
Casa Bella Vista – Amidst the lush panoramas of Manali is a cosy café named Casa Bella Vista that serves lip-smacking Spanish and Italian dishes. Gorge on their freshly baked, hand tossed thin-crust wood oven pizza with a pint of chilled beer or your favourite mocktail.
Café 1947 – This vintage and traditional Italian café hails to be the first music café in Manali and is located on the banks of the River Manalsu. Relish your meal, read a book, play your favourite tunes or even start up an impromptu gig, Café 1947 will surely be a part of some of your best moments in Manali.
Dylan’s Toasted Roaster – Originally known as Double Vision, the café had a wall dedicated to Bob Dylan’s portrait. Bob Dylan’s fans and music lovers loved it so much that they coined a new name for the café and hence it was called the Dylan’s Toasted and Roasted. Handmade Cookies is must try thing here .
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| Dylan’s Toasted Roaster |
Khyber – A multi-cuisine restaurant, Khyber serves delectable Chinese, Continental, Indian and Mughlai cuisines. Drinks are reasonably priced, and the booths are a good place to huddle.
The Lazy Dog Lounge -Live music and a western influenced menu draw visitors to the area to this hip, casual venue.
Johnson's Bar & Restaurant– Johnson's Bar & Restaurant is a charming Italian joint in Manali. The restaurant boasts of a talented Italian chef, good food and a well-stocked bar that serves a good selection of wines, liquors, exotic cocktails and shooters.
Near By Must See Places:
Solang Valley – Solang Valley is quiet and is best approached by road. The drive up to Solang is extremely picturesque. Once you are there, try out some Chinese food from the local roadside shacks, and enjoy the views.
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| Solang valley |
Rohtang Pass – A beautiful and popular spot in Manali with more than 25 lakh visitors every year. In winter, the mountains at the Rohtang Pass are completely covered in snow and it is impossible to get there. Hence, the pass remains closed during winters (from October) and generally opens again in May.
Naggar Castle - Located in Naggar Town, amidst breathtaking forested hills, the Naggar Castle is a magnificent historical edifice. Once the residence of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, this castle is an amalgamation of European and Himalayan architecture. Fireplaces, fitting staircases, and magnificent stone and wood works grace the castle's interiors.
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| view from nagar castle |
Hadimba Devi Temple -You should go to Hadimba temple even if you avoid temples , just for the beautiful WALK to it. Also dress in the typical manali outfits available outside the temple and click . Not cliche' but classic !
Vashist :
Just a few km away is another small village that has the famous hot mineral springs. We paid 100 rs to get there. FYI they charge less going down because it’s so steep the guy didn’t even start the engine! It was more money to go back up. It is walkable if you really want to. To be honest I was a little let down by them (unless of course I ended up in the wrong place). It was separated male and female and the female one was hidden down this hole or sorts right near the entrance. Although natural water coming in, it was built into a brick square of a tub. Men always get the best deal in India. From here you can find groups to do more hiking.
Jogini WaterFall - This is a 2km easy trek from Vashisht temple. It took us 90 mins to reach the waterfall, meandering through local villages, apple orchards. You’ll get a very nice view with the mountains on one side and valley on the other. The trek path is easy, my 55 year old mother joined us and completed the trek as well. On the way you’ll note a small waterfall, do not stop and continue your journey. You’ll note plenty of signboards requesting not to litter. On the way we stopped at a local tea joint called ‘Chai Cafe’ and had ‘Mountain Tea’. This tea is infused with a local herb and is supposed to cure flu, stomach ailments. Have this with a dash of honey and you’ll feel refreshed. Once you leave the local village, the calm serene environment will thrill you. The village roads are very dirty filled with cow dung.
Manu Temple –You this religious edifice is visited by countless devotee every year.Legends have it that Manu saved the holy Vedas and the seven sages from the great flood and subsquently made manali his home . A visit to this revered temple will definitely leave you mentaly and spiritually rejuvented .
What to do in old Manali:
Whitewater Rafting.
Rafting is a great option while in Manali! Groups are put together by many different companies and almost every hotel. The water is quite cold but manageable. It’s a relaxing rafting ride and safety isn’t an issue, unless you’re not sober. Personally, I don’t like rafting unless it’s grade 4 or 5’s, because I’ve been a little spoiled. Unless it’s quite cheap, I won’t usually go on low graded rapids.
Paraglide.
if you are adventure lover than this is best thing you can do it here its cost around 2000 -3000 rs depending on the season.
Trek or Hike.
You can go north into Spiti Valley with several companies. If you come off-season you’re less likely to find a guide. During season, find some travel buddies to help keep the price down. Manali is a great hub for adventure. Some treks are daily and others take 3 to 4 days to complete. If this interests you, you need to pack boots!
Heal & Learn.
Manali is a great place to take relaxing laid-back classes in mediation, reiki, or yoga (at Shri Hari Yoga Ashram). You can get massages and reflexology. Expect an Ayurveda massage to cost about 500 or more in the tourist areas. You can take classes here to learn massage and all the rest as well. Someone will offer to read your palm, use acupressure and magnetism on you, heal your chakras and use color healing on you- why not give it a go!? Maybe they’re one of these true Indigo children… and what they teach you could change your life! Traveling with Chloe really opened my eyes, which is hard to do to a western trained nurse.
Climb a Mountain.
Amazing time to do it. The prices aren’t like hiking base camps of those “go-to” mountains, so you’ll get a really good deal here.
Drive.
“Surely the gods live here; this is no place for man” -Rudyard Kipling, while exploring LehThis is where people start to take the Rohtang pass to Leh. Supposedly one of the most dangerous roads by bus, bike and car seems to be the safest option. You’re guaranteed spectacular glacier views. Keep in mind this pass closes by at latest November. It’s become known as the “valley of the gods”.
Fishing.
People always eat trout at least once while at this river. It’s full of them! So why not get a license for 100 rupees a day and go fishing.
Lounging in a Natural Hot Tub.
There are hot springs in Vashist temple that are worth a visit whether you like soaking in them or not. I explain more in my guide to Manali, but it really does feel nice to be in hot water while the cold air is around you. It was very local while I was there with not too many tourists, but I can’t see it being that way during season time.
Spend a night Camping at Manali
Camping at Bhakarthatch, Manali (Photo Courtesy: Flickr)
A tent pitched in the middle of a valley surrounding trees, shining in the lantern light in sensual darkness, is the most stunning sight. Imagine being inside that tent, sipping a hot black tea, marveling at the glittering stars and looking down towards a shining water stream at night. This is a die-for experience no Manali traveller must miss. Camping can be done at Bhakarthatch, Beas Kund, Shoja, Raison, Jibhi and Solang Valley.
Travel Tip: Sign up with a camping tour that pitches its tents in villages like Prini or Panchan or book a luxury camp to complete the experience.
