After a bit of a bumpy ride and dusty air, the ride becomes smooth, and the haze is blown away by the enchanting view of deodar-clad mountains and the roaring Beas River. A trip to Manali, a mystical hill station in India, on the banks of the River Beas, would definitely charm you. To help you plan better, here’s our definitive guide to the best things to do in Manali, India!
Heads up: some links here are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy something, I may earn a teeny-weeny commission (think chai money, not a private jet) at no extra cost to you. It’s a small way to keep this blog running, the words flowing, and the pages free for you to enjoy. I only recommend things I truly love, use, or secretly wish I invented, because trust matters, and so do good recs. Thanks for supporting the little cozy corner of the internet I call my virtual home.
What’s in the Name?
There is an interesting story behind the name Manali. It is believed that Sage Manu, the first man created by God, landed on this spot after the devastating flood and recreated human life. Thus, the name Manali means ‘the abode of Manu’. Manali is a sacred city linked to epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
Manali has many facets and is beloved by people of all kinds. Those yearning for pilgrimage, adventure seekers, spirituality, or just relaxing in the lap of breathtaking views.
Manali Valley has abundant hot springs. The sulfurous, hot water from underground is considered to have health benefits and to cure many diseases.
Manali, a city in the Kullu valley, is enchanting with green meadows and deodars.
Read more: India Itineraries for spending one to four weeks
Things to do in Manali
Manali is a very popular destination, especially during the summer. Depending on your interests, there are so many best things to do in Manali during your trip to Manali.
1. Visit Hadimba Temple: One of the Most Famous Things to Do in Manali
This is the most popular attraction in the valley. This ancient temple, dating back around 500 years, is dedicated to Hadimba Devi. A trip to Manali would not be complete without a visit to this temple.
During the era of the Mahabharat, Hadimba was a demoness who lived in the forests of Manali with her brother, Hadimba. She had vowed to marry a fearless, brave person who would defeat her powerful brother.
During the Pandavas’ exile, Bhima, the strongest Pandava, defeated Hadimba and ultimately married her. They had a son named Ghatotkacha. Hadimba later meditated in a cave and attained the status of a goddess.
The beautiful wooden temple is built around the cave. Inside the small temple is a cave under which are the footprints of the goddess worshiped. We visited the temple during Dussehra and were lucky to see the deity of Hadimba Devi, ready for the Kullu Dussehra.
Surrounded by cedar trees, this temple has a conical, 4-story wooden roof. The entrance door is made of wood with exquisite carvings.
Do visit the Ghatotkacha Temple a few meters away. There is an idol under the peepal tree that is worshipped.
Note: There is limited parking outside the temple. There are 2 private parking areas ahead in the market, but they charge INR 100 each. Also, tread cautiously as the road leading to the temple is pretty steep and narrow.
2. Marvel at Vashisht Temple & Take a Dip in Hot Water Spring
This 4000-year-old temple is dedicated to Sage Vashisht, who was the guru of Lord Ram and Lakshman.
Adorned with beautifully carved wood structures, the temple is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Manali.
There is a hot-water spring in the temple called Vashisht Kund. The legend says that Lord Lakshman did not want his guru to bathe in cold water in winter, so he shot a fire arrow into the ground from where the hot waters erupted.
It is considered that dipping in the holy water will refresh you from your tiredness and cure diseases. Taking a dip in the holy waters of the thermal hot spring is one of the holiest activities in Manali.
Note: There are separate bathing areas for men and women.
There is a stone temple of Lord Ram in the complex as well.
3. Take in the Natural Beauty of Solang Valley: One of the Best Things to See in Manali
About 13 km north of Manali is the picturesque Solang Valley. This place is popular year-round among adventure junkies and nature lovers.
Solang Valley offers some of the most adventurous activities to do in Manali.
Summer is the time to soar high with paragliding. Kids and adults can also indulge in Zorbing.
Zorbing? What’s that? Basically, you are enclosed in a giant inflated ball that rolls down the slope. It reminded me of how, as kids, we would roll down the grassy slopes and have a ball.
There are ATVs to ride as well. But mostly you would be the pillion with the driver zipping you around.
With the influx of tourists, commercialization and people running behind you for various activities are common.
For people like us who want to enjoy the breathtaking views of the valley, there is the Solang Valley Ropeway.
Ticket for the Ropeway: INR 650 per person, while kids under 5 are free.
You could even save money by hiking to the top and indulging in breathtaking views.
Solang Valley is a winter skiing paradise.
4. Walk the Mall Road: One of the Most Famous Places to Visit in Manali
Just like any hill station in India, Manali has the famous Mall Road, the focal point of the city. Buzzing with tourists, there are ample shopping options and eating joints.
Head over to explore Tibetan cuisine, the famous chaat, or the 6-in-1 ice cream. Mind the crowds around you.
5. Visit Manu Temple
There is a temple dedicated to sage Manu, after whom Manali is named. This is believed to be the place where Sage Manu meditated.
This is the only temple in the world dedicated to Sage Manu.
6. Take on Rafting & Para Gliding
Manali is a magnet that pulls all adventure lovers from around the world. The rapids of the Beas River are ideal for rafting, making Manali one of the best spots for river rafting in India.
The valley is a perfect place for paragliding and soaring, offering magnificent views.
Note: There are many shacks around the city that promote rafting and paragliding. But we would only recommend going with the provider who is registered and licensed to do so, and who has all the safety equipment.
7. Relax by the River Beas
River Beas never leaves your company while in Manali. With the stream gushing at places and serene at some, you can choose to sit by the banks and enjoy the cold waters.
So grab a corn cob or a plate of hot Maggi and enjoy it by the rocky banks.
Beware: The river’s current is very fast, and it is very deep, so please exercise caution.
8. Trek in the Wilderness
Another way to enjoy and explore untouched beauty is by hiking. There are many popular hiking routes from Manali that take from 1 day to 6 days.
Trek to Beas Kund, Hampta Pass, or Bhrigu Lake gives a chance to unravel the natural beauty.
If you are looking for a short trek, head to the Jogini Waterfalls trek to see amazing waterfalls, or to the Bijli Mahadev trek.
9. Take a Day Trip to Rohtang Pass
The beautiful and shimmering views of snow-capped mountains become a reality when you reach Rohtang Pass. It’s a feeling hard to describe. You can see the child in everyone jumping out at the sight of the snow.
Rohtang Pass, located at an elevation of 13,050 ft, is around 50 km from Manali. Although the distance is just 50 km, the narrow mountain road and traffic snarls take up time.
Mind the treacherous roads. Adventure junkies love riding the bike all the way to Rohtang Pass and beyond. We did see a pack of bikers from other countries, satisfying their adventure pangs.
And allow buffer for travel time, as roads are narrow at many spots, allowing only a single vehicle to pass. During the peak tourist season, people have been stuck for long hours. To avoid traffic, try leaving early morning.
It’s not advisable to drive to Rohtang Pass during the summer peak time.
To visit the pass, a permit is required that can be obtained online. There is a separate permit for petrol and diesel vehicles. The purpose of the permit is to restrict the number of vehicles entering the pass. The permit is checked at the Gulaba checkpoint.
10. Make a Wish at Manikaran
Around 80 km from Manali, in the lush green Parvati Valley, lies the small town of Manikaran, famous for its hot-water springs.
PS: While in Parvati Valley, take on the wilderness of the valley on a Kheerganga Trek!
Manikaran is a sacred place for both Hindus and Sikhs, with a temple and gurudwara built next to each other.
As you enter, you see steam rising from the water. There are separate bathing areas for men and women. There is a hot cave in the basement of the gurudwara, heated by the hot springs below. Be careful, the floors are quite hot in some places.
While visiting the gurudwara, don’t forget to eat the Langar Prasada (a religious offering), the free meal served in the community kitchens of gurudwaras.
A very special thing about this meal is that it is not cooked on fire but in the hot spring waters. Yes, the rice and the dal are entirely cooked in the hot water.
Right next to the Gurudwara is the Shiva Temple. There is a way from the basement of the Gurudwara towards the temple. When you visit the Shiva temple, you can buy a pouch of rice or beans to be cooked in the water. Leave it for 15-30 mins, and voilà , it’s ready to eat.
Note: Free multi-level parking is available at the Gurudwara.
How to Reach Manali
By Air
The nearest airport is Bhunter Airport in Kullu, about 10 km away. It is connected by direct flights from Delhi and Chandigarh. The other cities are accessible by connecting flights.
By Rail
Manali does not have direct rail connectivity. The nearest station is Jogindernagar, about 160 km away. From Jogindernagar, either a cab or a bus can be the option to reach Manali.
By Road
Most people travel to Manali by road. State-run Volvos (by HPTDC and HRTC) are a convenient way to reach. They have high-frequency flights from Delhi and Chandigarh. During the summer, it is better to book tickets well in advance to avoid last-minute glitches.
Click here to book Volvo tickets online at HPTDC.
Another option is to drive or take a cab to Manali.
Note: Vehicles registered outside Himachal Pradesh entering Manali must pay a Green tax of INR 100 to INR 500, valid for 7 days.
Best Places to Stay in Manali
Snow Valley Resorts
It’s a great place to stay in Manali. They even have duplex rooms that are convenient for families.
The best part is ample activities for kids, including a park and a game room with a billiards table, table football, chess, carom, and other board games. The buffet spread at breakfast and dinner is great, and the food is delicious.
Read the reviews on TripAdvisor
Check availability on Booking.com
Johnson Lodge & Spa
This hotel is great for its proximity to Mall Road and other attractions. It also has a great restaurant.
Read the reviews on TripAdvisor
Check availability on Booking.com
Renest River Country Resort
This resort is located off the main city overlooking the Beas River. For those seeking serenity and great views, this is the place to be.
Read the reviews on TripAdvisor
Check availability on Booking.com
Sun Park Resort
Strategically located in Aleo, the resort is kid-friendly and is rated highly for its proximity to local attractions and sights.
Read the reviews on TripAdvisor
Check availability on Agoda.com
Hope this guide to the best things to do in Manali helps you plan a perfect trip. Did we miss one of your favorite Manali attractions? Let us know in the comments section below & we’ll add it to the list.
Save the Guide to the Best Things to do in Manali to Pinterest
Very informative blog about Manali. I will use this when I go on my trip! Thank you
I am glad you liked it and would be of your help. Enjoy your trip.
Amazing clicks Neha. The narration is really flowing, made me relive the journey. I’m looking forward to your next travel log.
Thank you!
Thanks a lot for reading and appreciating the post. Glad you could connect and relive your trip. Please do keep reading and let us know what else would you like to read about.