Manali, where mountains breathe.
Since I used to hear the echo of the word “Manali’, I wanted to feel it once. I decided to board the bus from Kasol around 3 PM. Exploring the bus journey through the valley and river, I reached Manali. After arriving in Manali, the first thought that came into my mind was the “Cold place with a commercial vibe’. Manali is situated in the Kullu Valley and it is called the ‘Valley of Gods”.
There is an opinion that Manali got its name from the word came from Sanskrit phrase “Manu-Alaya’ which means “The abode of Manu’. It is said that Manu landed his ark on a hillside in Manali after the flood and set up his home there. It was 8 PM evening but enthusiasm in the crowd at Mall Road was super high.
People were simply ignoring the hustle and cold situation, they were busy with get-togethers, photo clicks, and conversational engagement. I too decided to do the same. I started grabbing information about localities, stays, food options, and visiting places from random people.
Honestly, the process was very smooth and people helped me with all the information without any favor. I felt amazing and the first impression really held a place in my heart. I stayed at a hotel near Mall road. After spending the first shivering night in Manali, I started exploring the near around places. I took a scooty on rent to explore the mountains and valley and headed towards Solang Valley.
Here the view and fun activities options were amazing. Paragliding, jumping, and many more activities were on. I got to see a lot of wooden houses in Solang valley and this vibe was just pushing me to say “Wow’. I kept on riding for a certain distance through adventurous hilly and curvy inclined road.
I reached to Atal tunnel where the ride was just an adventure booster as it passed through tunnel and the distance of the tunnel was about 10 KM.
The snow-capped roads, rivers, and hills were eye-catching here. I could not stop myself to stand here and feel the relief in the air. It was life’s first experience of staying at a place covered by snow and mountains in 360 degrees. The sound of air was just terrifying but still I was fully lost in the mountain. I didn’t leave a single moment to feel and catch on my phone. I felt I was experiencing something beyond “things to do’ in Manali.
Further, I headed towards the Spiti Valley and Lahaul. These places give you a feel like an isolated and forgotten land yet alive with old stories and adventurous beauty. You will feel that places touch the sky here. Wherever you turn your eyes, you will get to see the barren mountains, blue sky, and winding road. It feels like you are in a magical place. The stark landscape is dotted with monasteries that seem to defy gravity, clinging to cliffs as if woven into the fabric of the earth. Here, the silence is profound, broken only by the occasional prayer-hunting call of Tibetan trumpets.
In Spiti, I got to see the ancient Key Monastery. Its whitewashed walls tell tales of devotion that span centuries. Inside, monks clad in maroon robes chant rhythmic prayers, inviting visitors to feel the calm within these sacred walls. Moving further, I got to know about 2 villages named “ Komic and Dhankar’ as they are 2 of the world’s highest villages. People are so warm and respectful here.
Experiencing it all, I noticed that Lahaul and Spiti started getting dark. I got to experience the stars’ view in the valley as it felt like thousands of stars had blanketed the sky. Those moments and memories will hold a place in my heart throughout my life. It was beyond awesome. Since I had to come back to Manali, I rode back here experiencing the extreme cold moments of my life.
What are the things to explore in Manali, mall road?
Next day, I decided to stay in Manali itself and I explored local market thoroughly. I found a lot of options for purchasing clothes, wooden handicrafts, and souvenirs. I bought a wooden pencil and woolen clothes. I moved further to find food options. I saw many food options and I decided to visit a momos shop. Here the momos were totally different from Delhi and other parts of India in terms of taste, shape, and cooking style. There were some cafes and restaurants as well. The night vibe was so eye-catching hence I kept roaming here and there and spent 2-3 hours outside. When the time was 10 PM, I decided to get back to my stay.
The next morning, I learned that there are famous temples, like Hadimba Devi Temple, which is dedicated to Hadimba, the wife of Bhima in the Mahabharata. Vashisht Temple, the next one, is 4000 years old and was built in the honour of Vashishtha, the teacher of Lord Ram and his brothers. In Vashishtha village, there are natural hot springs that have healing properties. The water is rich in sulfur, which helps to cure skin and joint pains. While walking around, I got to see so many wooden houses. I felt if I were a resident of Manali.
Can we buy land in Manali?
Being a non Himachali residents or NRI, you get eligible to buy a non- agricultural land from the Himachal Pradesh Housing Authority. Apart from this, you can buy or rent a built up property within the boundaries of Cant board. You can also purchase plot or properties in urban areas of Manali.
Difference between Kullu and Manali
Kullu and Manali, though both are in Himachal Pradesh, but offer unique experiences. Where Kullu is a peaceful, scenic town along the Beas River, known for its natural landscapes, traditional culture, and famous festivals like Kullu Dussehra. Manali, located in north at a higher altitude, is bustling and more commercialized. Surrounded by dense pine forests and mountains, it’s a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts as it offers activities like skiing, paragliding, and snow sports in the Solang Valley.
While Kullu attracts those looking for a peaceful retreat and cultural immersion, Manali appeals to adventure-seekers and travelers looking for a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere. Both towns together offer a balanced natural touch.
Why to visit Manali?
If you are someone who loves experiencing majestic snow mountains, spending time in the valley, or participating in the adventure. Manali must be on your travel bucket list because there are many places for all such things but Manali is the biggest competitor in this. Even, you could find many things like trekking to Hampta Pass trek from this place only. So Manali is really a better option for your commercial and cold spot choice.
When to visit Manali?
Manali is a place where tourists do not come as per time preference because you will always find something special no matter if it is winter, summer, or monsoon. From March to June (Summertime) weather is pleasant and the temperature is around 10 degrees to 25 degrees so you will be able to explore clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and green landscapes. During Monsoon (July to September) one can experience a lush green environment but landslide and other risks are high at this time. Further, Winter (October to February) is known as a peak time for visiting here. You can experience a lot of snow environment.
How to reach Manali?
Can we go Manali by Bus?
The most common way to get to Manali is by Bus transportation method that can be easily accessible from major parts of Himachal and nearby states like Punjab, Delhi, and Uttarakhand. If you are already in Himachal Pradesh at any other place, you will be able to travel to Manali via inter-district and Himachal road transport service. Personal Vehicle is also one of the convenient options preferred by many tourists because it makes you hassle-free of changing bus from one spot to another.
Can we go Manali by train?
Since it is located at high altitude located in a mountainous region hence, there is no direct train route to get here. However, you can take a train to nearby stations and then complete the journey by road. The closest major railway station is Chandigarh (about 310 km away), while Kalka (about 285 km away) is also nearby.
Then you can board a bus to reach here. Alternatively, you can take a toy train to Joginder Nagar, the nearest narrow-gauge railway station about 165 km from Manali. Though the journey is scenic, it’s slower and less direct, requiring a road journey afterward. For most travelers, reaching Chandigarh or Kalka by train and continuing by road is the most efficient route to reach Manali.
Over all, Manali has not just shown me the breathtaking landscape but it has created so many memories in my mind. I was new to this place but I found the best out of what I was looking for on a trip. Such places in India are not that common so if you are someone who has never been here and curious to know about the place? You should visit here as soon as you can and if you have already visited here. Let me know in the comments and suggest me about any hidden gems of Manali. I might explore that on my next visit.