Located on the banks of the Beas River in the majestic Himalayas, the picturesque hill station of Manali in Himachal Pradesh is a popular destination for backpackers and honeymooners due to its pleasing climate, stunning natural splendour and rich cultural traditions.
Recently, actors Ishaan Khatter, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Pooja Hegde took in the town's scenic beauty and cultural offerings, making the most of the good air quality, snow-capped mountains and lush greenery. Now that the monsoon season has arrived, book a holiday getaway to Manali with our guide to the top places to visit.
Hidden amid a dense cedar forest, the Hidimba Temple pays homage to the eponymous Hindu goddess of nature. This four-storey 16th-century structure stands out among other tourist spots in Manali for its unique architecture.
Also known as the Dhungari Temple, the pagoda-shaped shrine has wooden doors and a 24-metre-tall wooden tower or shikhar. The carvings on the exterior walls depict figures of mother goddesses and animals, as well as scenes from the life of the Hindu deity Krishna, making this structure visually stunning and of great religious significance. Legend has it that Hidimba, the wife of Pandu’s son Bhima, meditated at the spot where the temple has been built. Devotees can worship the small three-inch brass depiction of the goddess on a large rock face inside the temple.
Located not far from the Hidimba Temple is the Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art, a treasure trove of the region’s rich cultural heritage and history. The museum showcases a wide range of antiquities such as religious artefacts, household items, weaponry, musical instruments and scale models.
This small museum has a rich collection of traditional Himachali attire, including intricate hand-woven textiles and embroidery. These garments reflect the diverse cultural influences and craftsmanship of the region.
A display of black-and-white photographs captures the history of Manali and its surrounding areas, giving visitors a glimpse into the people's lives. Folk art, paintings and scale models of the temples of Himachal Pradesh provide a unique look at the architecture of the region.
Manali has a significant Tibetan population whose influence can be seen in the local culture and architecture. Thus, the Tibetan monasteries make up an essential part of the town's cultural experience.
The most famous monasteries in Manali are the Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa and Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa. From large statues of Buddha to murals and colourful Tibetan prayer flags, a visit to the monasteries provides a welcome reprieve from the bustle of the town.
The Tibetan monastery area is also the perfect place to pick up artefacts such as thangkas (scroll paintings) and rugs.
The Manali Club House is a versatile and energetic place to visit. Built in a colonial style, it is a popular tourist destination for adventure activities and indoor games.
Managed by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), the Club House provides an array of activities for all interests, from a skating rink and a shopping arcade to restaurants and adventure sports. The proximity to Manalsu Nallah (a branch of the Beas River) ensures some stunning views and picturesque picnic spots.
The Vashisht temple offers a unique combination of spirituality and therapeutic benefits. This 4,000-year-old pyramid-shaped wooden temple is dedicated to Rishi Vashisht, who is believed to have meditated here.
The place is also known for its natural hot spring, which is said to possess medicinal properties. Taking a dip in the water is a great way to relax your mind and body. There are separate bath areas for men and women and a Turkish bath with a shower facility.
The temple’s location near the Bear River provides a serene and scenic environment. For those wishing to stay nearby, there are various homestays and guest houses in the area, offering a more immersive local experience.
Nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Shaminallah village on the outskirts of Manali, the Maa Sharvari temple is dedicated to the incarnation of the Hindu deity Durga and is the Kuldevi of the Kullu kings.
The temple’s architecture is characteristically Himachali, with intricate wooden carvings and a pagoda-like structure. The idol is beautifully adorned and taken to Raghunathji Temple during the Dussehra festival in Kullu each year.
The best time to visit the Maa Sharvari Temple is during the Hindu festival of Dussehra, when festivities are at their peak.
Situated on the Leh National Highway, Nehru Kund is a scenic spring named after independent India's first prime minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who used to drink water from the natural spring during his stay in Manali.
The spring is a source of cold water that is believed to have come from Bhrigu Lake, which is situated at a height of 4,300 m and is a popular trekking destination.
Unlike other tourist spots in Manali, Nehru Kund is relatively tranquil and offers a peaceful retreat for visitors, who are enthralled by its beauty.
Summers are the perfect time to visit Manali due to the pleasant weather. The winter is ideal for adventure seekers who enjoy skiing and snowfall.
Manali is well-connected by road to Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Haridwar, Shimla and Dharamshala. Kullu–Manali Airport is the closest airport (59 km away) while Joginder Nagar railway station (JDNX) is the nearest railhead (144 km away).
This story was originally published in December 2023. It has since been updated.
