Kullu and Manali: Adventure Activities & Places to Visit in Manali, India

“Manali”, the mention of the word is enough to conjure up images of picturesque snow-clad locales, orchards ornamented with luscious apples, water bodies flowing tantalizingly, and honeymooning couples with stars in their eyes. Kullu-Manali, in spite of the passage of time and the increase in footfalls, continues to retain their irresistible allure. Kullu and Manali beckon visitors in all seasons as it assumes a white silvery avatar in winter and blooms in multiple colours during the summers.

Kullu and Manali – Evergreen Destinations in India

The picturesque valleys of Kullu and Manali today are of course much more than a romantic getaway. Though there is no dearth of Manali Honeymoon packages from across India, the valleys of Kullu and Manali today offer much more; Manali and Kullu have emerged as family destinations. There is something for everyone in the family, from the eager teenager thirsting for adventure to the senior citizen in search of serene solitude, Kullu and Manali have so much to offer.

So what is it that makes Kullu Manali a favourite twin town getaway for the young and old alike? What is it that makes a Kullu Manali trip an unforgettable experience? What are the top Manali attractions? What are the best things to do in Manali? We hope to answer all these questions in this post and hope our readers find the information useful while planning their Kullu and Manali tour.

Introduction To Kullu and Manali India

The enchanting town of Manali lies near the end of the Kullu valley. Though Kullu and Manali are different places with Kullu or Kulu being the capital of the Kullu district and Manali a resort town in the midst of the Himalayan ranges, Kullu Manali is a popular way to describe Manali and its vicinity.  Kullu and Manali are about 39 kilometres apart. The river Beas flows enchantingly through both the places.

The region is covered by a verdant cover of beautiful Pine and Deodhar trees and the surrounding Himalayan ranges add to their dreamlike aura.

Manali is located at a distance of about 538 kilometres from the national capital of Delhi. Buses from Delhi serve as a convenient way option to reach the resort town. The distance from Shimla to Manali is about 247 kilometres and makes for an excellent road trip. The Chandigarh to Manali distance is about 305 kilometres.

Legend has it that Manali which is also sometimes referred to as, ‘Valley of Gods”, was the place where sage Manu stepped out of the Ark after the great deluge and started the process of recreation of the world. The name Manali is said to have been derived from the name Manu. The beautiful land of Manali which saw the blossoming of the first apple trees in the country slowly developed into a popular hill resort after the British started settling here.

In more recent times Manali has emerged as a gateway to adventure not only in its own right but also as being the base for heading to places like Leh and Spiti.

Places To Visit In Manali

Manali sightseeing will keep the intrepid traveller interested and engaged with its wide range of experiences. Manali is arguably the best place to visit in summer in India. Here is a list of places to visit in and around Manali without which no Kullu Manali tour would be complete.

Hadimba Temple

A 16th-century temple, primarily a wooden structure, is set in the midst of tall Deodhar trees and presents a breathtaking picture. The trees themselves are said to be more than 400 years old. The temple is unique in the fact that it is dedicated to Hidimba, a demoness whom Bhima marries in the Mahabharata. The son born out of their wedlock was Ghatotkach.

Vashisht Temple

A road that leads upwards from the town of Manali with spectacular views of the valley on one side and lined with shops selling everything from snacks to winter wear and souvenirs, leads to the ancient temple of Vashisht. The village of Vashisht is named after the saint who was the guru of Ram and Lakshman. There is an old temple which also houses hot water springs.

Manu Temple

As the name suggests the Manu temple is dedicated to the primordial man after whom Manali gets its name. The temple of Manu, which is about 3 kilometres from the market in Old Manali is said to stand at the spot where Vaivasata Manu meditated after he stepped out of the ark following the great deluge.

Adventure & Outdoors In Manali

Manali beckons lovers of the outdoors and adventure sports with its hiking trails, skiing slopes, water bodies, and much more. It is a gateway to the most spectacular adventure and outdoor experiences in India.

Solang Valley

The Solang valley in winter is a great place for skiing and indulging in snow and winter sports. Summers is when you had there for adventures like paragliding and paramotoring among others. The Solang Valley is an important destination in most Kullu Manali tour packages.

Rohtang Pass

If you are looking for more demanding adventure then head to Rohtang Pass whose name itself translates as “Field of corpses”, owing to its high altitude and dangerous weather conditions. The Rohtang Pass was part of an ancient trade route and is situated about 51 kilometres from Manali in the Pir Panjal Range of the  Himalayan mountains. It is located at a dizzying height of about 13,050 feet.

For those who brave the hazards, Rohtang Pass rewards with some of the most sublime views that one can imagine.

Gulaba

The Rohtang Pass closes due to snowfall in the winter months. An alternative for those looking for fresh and soft snow away from the crowded Solang Valley is Gulaba. A lovely and pristine place where one can relax and rejuvenate in the midst of snow.

Hampta Pass

For those who love to lose themselves in nature, the trek to Hampta Pass from Manali is an experience to cherish. The trek takes you from the green meadows of the Kullu valley to the dramatically changing barren landscapes of the Lahaul valley. A trek that takes you places which you would not even have imagined existed.

Bhrigu Lake

The trek to Bhrigu Lake takes one through enchanting Alpine meadows that are reminiscent of Switzerland. Some of the unique landscapes of India brush you as you move forward in your quest for the ethereal lake where the sage Bhrigu is said to have meditated. Legend has it that the lake never completely freezes because of the aura of his power.

The lake wrapped partially in mist and surrounded by greenery and colourful wildflowers is a visual treat that the eyes will never forget.

Quick Facts About Manali

• There is no best time to visit Kullu Manali, it depends on what you want to see and do, though the summers are when most people head there to escape the heat of the plains
• Manali weather is quite cold in the winters and pleasant in summers, Kullu Manali temperature in summer ranges from 10 degrees to 26 degrees while in the winter months it ranges from -15 degrees to about 12 degrees
• Manali is accessible by road from Delhi, Shimla, and Chandigarh and the nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar located about 50 kilometres away. However, there is just a single commercial flight operating and services are not so regular here
• There are plenty of accommodation options ranging from backpacker hostels to resorts and budget Kullu Manali hotels
• In terms of food, there are many eateries and Dhabas that serve local food as well as European-style and cafes

Manali is indeed a multi-faceted destination with much to offer to travellers of varied interests. Today, Manali is no longer just an India honeymoon destination.

How To Reach Kullu and Manali

• Manali is located in the  northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh
• Manali is located about 536 kilometres from Delhi
• Manali is about 246 kilometres from the Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh
• The nearest airport to Manali is at Bhuntar which is at a distance of  about 50 kilometres

If you are planning an escape to the cool environs of Manali, you can book a cheap flight through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here.  if you are thinking of a road trip to Manali from Shimla, or Chandigarh or Delhi do check out the rental car and bus options.

Booking Your Hotel in Manali

Manali offers a range of accommodation options ranging from luxury resorts, hotels, homestays, and hostels. If you are looking for hotel booking in Manali can do so through any of the options below.

You can book the best hotels in Manali right here. You can book your hotel in Manali through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline 

Tours And Activities In Manali And Himachal Pradesh

When visiting Manali you can also avail of Manali package tours that cover other must-see places of Himachal Pradesh. You can plan your trip and book online places to visit in Manali.

If you are literally feeling the summer heat, just thinking about Kullu and Manali comes like a draft of cool Himalayan air. These destinations continue to attract visitors looking to escape the heat of the plains. Though a popular honeymoon destination, Kullu and Manali offer a range of experiences to make them truly family destinations. With the mercury levels soaring in the plains, thoughts of chilly winds blowing from the Himalayan peaks that surround Manali seem so tempting.

So where do you plan to escape to from the sweltering summers? Is Manali the place you are headed? Do let us know your thoughts through our comments section.

Do You Love Traveling?

Do you want to know how to travel the world? We have put together a very useful travel resources page with best travel tips. Go check it out now.

Thanks for visiting our site Voyager – imvoyager.com and taking the time to read this post!

If you wish to collaborate/work with us then reach us at [email protected]

We’d love if you’d comment by sharing your thoughts on this post and share this post on social media and with your friends.

[shareaholic app=”share_buttons” id=”27413782″]

Follow our journey on our social media channels:
Facebook   Twitter   Instagram  Pinterest  YouTube

60+ Million Users Trust TripAdvisor With Their Travel Plans. Shouldn’t You?