Apart from the various snow-covered peaks and beautiful apple orchard, there are a lot of tourist attractions in Manali. These tourist attractions can keep you occupied for three to four days.
Hadimba Temple
Manali boasts many places of tourist interest but the main and the center of the attraction is the Dhoongri Temple. This temple is both historically and archeologically important. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Hadimba or Hadimba Devi. The epic of Mahabharata has a description of Hadimba. It is belived that Hidamba was the wife of Bhim the strongest of five Pandava brothers.
This wooden temple is beautifully designed in a Pagoda style. The carving works done on the walls and main entrance door of the temple are very beautiful. There is a long queue for the darshan in peak tourist seasons (summer).
Manu Temple
Manu is believed to be the re-creator of the human race after the Maha Pralay or the great flood. Manu is also known as the ancient lawmaker according to the Hindu Scriptures. This is considered as the only temple of Manu Rishi in India.
Tibetan Monasteries
There are 3 newly constructed colorful monasteries in Manali. The Tibetans living around these monasteries in Manali offer a wide range of Tibetan handicrafts and carpets. Two of these monasteries are located in the main downtown of Manali and the third monastery is in Aleo. Aloe is located in Manali on the Left Bank of River Beas.
Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple
Vashist, a small village that is located on the left bank of River Beas in Manali towards Rohtang pass. The Vashist is well known for its Hot Water Springs and Temples. Nearby to the spring is the Pyramidal stone temple, which is dedicated to Vashist Muni. In the spring there are two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies respectably.
Club House
Club House in Manali is at 2 kms. walking distance from downtown. Club House is located on the Left Bank of Manalsu Nallah, which further flows down to River Beas. The Club House has indoor games facilities. Club House and its surroundings have been developed into beautiful picnic spots.
Solang Valley
Solang Valley in Manali is located at a distance of 13 km. It is a beautiful valley between Solang village and Beas Kund. Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow-capped mountains and peaks. Solang Valley is world-famous for its fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute of Manali has installed a ski lift for training purpose. During the winter the skiing festival is organized here as well as training in skiing is imparted at this place.
Nehru Kund
It is a natural spring of clean and cold water. It was named after the late Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru. He used to drink the water from this spring whenever he used to stay in Manali. It is located on the Manali-Keylong road. This spring is believed to be coming from `Bhrigu Lake.
The Mall
Like most of the hill stations, Manali has a market known as ‘The Mall’. It is basically a long street, lined with shops that sell various traditional Tibetan, Himachali and Kashmiri handicrafts. Apart from Chinese clothes and shoes, prayer wheels, amulets, masks, musical instruments, and jewelry are amongst the most popular items here.
Nearby Places & Excursions
Rohtang Pass
Rohtang pass is located on the highway heading towards Keylong at an altitude of 4,112. A widespread panorama of mountain scenery can be viewed from the Pass. The valley offers a view of steep cliffs, huge glaciers and piled moraine, and deep ravines. Almost directly opposite is the well-defined Sonepani glacier; slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geylang, jagged pyramids of rock, snow-streaked and snow-crowned.
The Beas River rises near the crest of Rohtang from a block of Mica-Schist. The pass normally opens for traffic after mid-June and officially closes in November.
To its left, 200 meters higher, is the little lake of Sarkund (Dashair) visited by a number of people, the general belief is that a bath in these waters effects a cure of all bodily ailments-real or imaginary.
Kullu
Kullu the valley of gods is just 32 km from Manali. The Kullu Valley valley is considered to be the most enchanting region in the western Himalayas. More
Jagatsukh
It is one of the biggest villages in Kullu district. The village is famous for its ancient Shiva temple, which is built-in "shikhara" style and nearby is the old and interesting Devi Sharvati temple. The original name of this was Nast it remained the ancient capital of Kullu for about 10 generations.
Arjun Gufa
On the left bank of the Beas, near the village of Perini is the Arjuna cave. It is said that Arjuna wanted the (Pashupata Ashtra) weapon from the king of the Gods Indra and he chose this place to meditate and please Indra to acquire the weapon. The place offers a charming panoramic view of the hills and the mountains around.
Naggar
Naggar is located on the left bank of river Beas. A beautiful view of the valley from here is worth witnessing. It is also known for its castle and the Nicholas Roerich`s Museum. The paintings of late Nicholas Roerich are kept on a display at the Roerich Museum. Naggar Castle was built in the sixteenth century and is a huge building. Naggar also has a number of temples; Gaurishankra temple, Vishnu temple, and Krishna temple.
Beas Kund
At Rohtang Pass, the source of Beas River is known as Beas Kund. The tiny round igloo-like stone hut actually shelters the Kund. Water flows at the source of the river like a spring, so clear and icy cold that it almost numbs the fingers. All around is the rocky terrain with very little vegetation. A few mules graze around while all and sundry try to brave the wind on a clear sunny day.
It is said that great Rishi Vyas meditated here, the place is still hollowed by a celestial light. It is because of this the river got the present name of Beas.
Kothi
A quiet but picturesque spot is situated at the foothill of Rohtang pass. It offers a magnificent view of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. The Beas River flows through a very deep and narrow gorge at this point. Kothi used to be a camping site when Rohtang pass had to be climbed on foot. The site of the bridge provides an interesting historical episode in the early records of Kullu.
Marhi
10 km before Rohtang is the barren-landscape of Marhi which hums with activity during summer and autumn months because almost everyone stops here for refreshments.
It offers extensive views of the valley and the mountains. It lies on the Manali-Leh road. It is one of the most picturesque places in the Manali region. Marhi is a mountain plateau surrounded by lush green grazing land patterned with innumerable wildflowers. The place remains a stopover for transit visitors and tourists during the summer and autumn seasons. It is also a transit place for the people to wait for the ferocious weather to improve at Rohtang Pass to cross over to Lahaul and Spiti valley, during the winter months.
Rahla Falls
It lies on the way to the Rohtang pass. Here the river Beas hurtles down from a height of about 50 meters. If one goes to Marhi on foot from Kothi from the old road, the sight of the falls is fascinating. It is a good picnic spot as well.
Manali Sanctuary
A bridle path from the Manali log huts goes past the Dhoongri Temple and wanders into the dense deodar, kail, horse chestnut, walnut and maple forest which is a part of this sanctuary. Camping overnight in tents at Lambadug or Galiani Thatch is possible.
Lush green alpine pastures and glaciers lie beyond Galiani Thatch. Musk deer, monal and brown bear are often spotted. For those who venture still further into the glacier zone in summer, there are herds of ibex.
Katrain
This place lies on the way to Manali. It is famous due to the apple orchards, a fruit research station and trout hatchery. It is also known for the beekeeping and Govt. trout farm at Patilkulh. Accommodation is available in Hotels of HPTDC.
Kiomoi Must-Dos while you are in Manali
Ballooning: Having a view of the whole valley from a height is worth witnessing. The hot air balloons are chained with a rope at the ground and are left free in the sky.
Jeep Safaris: Exploring the untouched nature, far from the hustle-bustle of the city.
Mountain biking: A freewheeling down the slope is definitely a thrilling experience for not only the avid bikers.
Mountaineering & Climbing: The allure of Himalayas is enticing for the mountaineers, as they are the greatest range of mountains on earth.
Paragliding: It is all about flying free in the sky. Manali is a preferred location of the paragliders.
Rafting: Manali is one of Asia`s finest sites for rafting. You don`t need to be an ace swimmer to experience the thrill of rafting.
Walking: You can opt for long walks to various temples, monasteries, waterfalls and beautiful hills.
Trekking: Trekking on the steep mountains of the Himalayas is a dream of the trekkers worldwide. Don`t miss the chance.
Zorbing: Rolling down the hill in a ball is a thrill to hear itself. How exciting it would be to try it out.
Photography: A click in the traditional colorful dress of Manali with a white rabbit or yak cost just rupees 50.
Making Snowman: Snow point is closest to Manali with ample snow, here you can build a snowman or pound your friends with snowballs.
Horse riding: Follow Shepard`s trail, here you may not find anyone other than your soul and some sheep.
Shopping: Shop here for a wide range of woolens, world-famous Himachali jams, chutneys, pickles, handlooms, and the famous Pashmina shawls and carpets.
Take a Bath: A bath in the spiritual and the medicinal Vashisht Spring is considered highly beneficial.
Camping: Camping is a much sought after activity at Manali.
