Surrounded by the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal mountain ranges, Manali is an Indian resort town geared toward the adventurous, romantic and spiritual. As a visitor to Northern India's Himachal Pradesh region, spend a week or longer in this quaint town as you enjoy the thrilling sites and activities in the nearby Himalayan Mountains. With cool conditions nearly year-round, Manali is a distinctive place to find excitement and yourself between spring and fall.
Primarily, Manali is a perfect base camp for adventures in the surrounding valleys and slopes. Simply take a bus or car to these area highlights, such as:
- Parvati Valley
- Rohtang Pass
- Solang Valley
Depending on the destination, zorbing, horseback riding, paragliding, trekking and many other activities are available. Also, the Beas River runs from north to south within the Manali region. Because of its strong flow, enjoy rafting or even dipping your toes in this picturesque water feature.
Also known as India's honeymoon capital, Manali offers other attractions for visitors who want a calmer atmosphere. Venture to Old Manali where you can find cafes, tiny shops and even fruit trees, for example. Cheaper lodging, such as hostels, are also located here. When you need a break from the excitement on the slopes, Old Manali gives you a relaxing location with Wi-Fi connectivity as a perk.
As a centralized town, Manali gives you a chance to see smaller villages nearby, such as:
- Tosh
- Sissu
- Spiti
- Kasol
Meander through these small communities as you immerse yourself in the culture unique to this region. Don't miss the temple just north of Manali, too. The Hadimba Devi Temple is a Hindu site originating from the 1500s.
Luckily, Manali is conveniently located a little over an hour north of the Kullu-Manali Airport. After landing, hire a taxi or take a bus to Manali. Typically, public transportation runs to and from the airport daily with varying hours throughout the week.
