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Manali Travel Guide

1. Overview 2. How to reach 3. Top rated things to do and see 4. Top rated hotels 5. Top rated restaurants 6. Quick facts about Manali

Guide and overview on Manali

When the scorching heat of the plains in summer make people think of an escape 8 out of 10 times I see people heading to Manali or to Shimla. A favourite among honeymooners and those looking for cooler climes Manali is an ideal getaway in Himachal Pradesh. But it is not only in the peak summer that people go to Manali, I have seen a lot of my friends making a beeline to Manali with personal cars or rented ones in the months of December and January too. Manali has scenic beauty and an irresistible appeal that draw people to this small town located 274 kilometers north of Shimla. Its close proximity to the snow-line in the lap of the Kullu valley makes it a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. Manali stands at an altitude of 2,050 meters above sea level. The Beas River that flows through the town accentuates its scenic beauty. Manali is an easy and beautiful summer retreat away from the scorching heat of the northern plains. Also called Valley of the Gods, Manali literally means the abode of Manu, a mythological character who believed to have survived when the whole world had submerged under the flood. It is he who recreated the human life at Manali. This has made Manali a pilgrimage spot for Hindus. It also has a number of Buddhist monasteries as well. Manali is just not a two dimensional tourist destination; it has other facets as well. Apart from the beautiful views of the snow covered peaks, Manali also offers good options for adventure tourism. One can try skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, trekking and mountain biking in and around Manali. It also has amazing snowfields and some flourishing apple orchards. Manali is a refreshing getaway and first choice for those who want to see and touch snow for the first time... Read more...

How to reach Manali

Bus : Manali is 570 from Delhi, from Shimla the distance is 280 km. From Delhi, there is a regular HPTDC Luxury and Volvo Coach to Manali from Janpath. There is one that leaves Janpath at 7 pm and reaches Manali at 10 am. Driving route to Manali from Delhi - Start at Delhi and hit the Outer Ring Road and take GT Karnal Road - Then take NH1 and proceed to Ambala - At Ambala, change to NH22 towards Chandigarh - At Chandigarh take NH21 that will take you to Manali - On the way you'll cross Bilaspur, Mandi, Kullu before reaching Manali. Train : The nearest railhead is Chandigarh at 310 kilometers and Jogindarnagar at 180 kilometers, which has a narrow gauge track. Flight : The nearest airport is Bhuntar in Kullu about one and a half hours drive from Manali. Not all airlines fly to Bhuntar, only a few do. Please find out before you decide to fly to Manali. Read more...

Top rated things to do and see in Manali Rohtang Pass

Rank #1 Catagory : Tours Nearby About the Attraction : Rohtang Pass, 51 km from Manali and at an altitude of 3978 meters is perhaps the most popular day excursion from Manali. Rohtang Pass offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills apart from the huge glaciers. The pass is open from June to October each year.

Arjun Gufa
Rank #2 Catagory : Nature and Adventure About the Attraction : Just 5 kilometers away from Manali, the cave stands near Prini village, on the banks of the Beas. According to a popular belief Arjuna practiced penance and mediated here to gain the Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.

Adventure Sports
Rank #3 Catagory : Nature and Adventure About the Attraction : Adventure Sports is another exciting thing to do in Manali. There are places where you can try paragliding, trekking, skiing, mountaineering, rock climbing, angling, ice skating and jeep safari.

Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa

Rank #4 Catagory : History and Culture About the Attraction : Another beautiful place to visit is the Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa, which was built by Tibetan refugees in the 1960s. The monastery is embellished in bright coloured frescoes and has a mid-sized Buddhist statute. It also has a list of Tibetan martyrs killed in the Tibetan occupation of 1987-89.The monastery is located at the bottom of the Mall dominating the Tibetan area.

Temple Of Manu
Rank #5 Catagory : History and Culture About the Attraction : Dedicated to Maharishi Rishi Manu, the creator of the human race when the world had submerged and from where Manali drives its name, the Temple of Manu is about 3 kilometers from the main bazaar at Old Manali. Mythology on the recreation of humans says that Maharishi Manu stepped off his ark in Manali to recreate human life after a great flood had deluged the world.

Jagatsukh
Rank #6 Catagory : Tours Nearby About the Attraction : Jagatsukh, 6 km away is popular for its Shikara style Shiva temple. It was once the ancient capital of Kullu. Jagatsukh is one of the biggest villages in Kullu district with old guesthouses and orchards. It is also known for its annual Chachohli Jatra Festival.

Vashisth
Rank #7 Catagory : Tours Nearby About the Attraction : You can also explore a number of close tourist attractions, which include Vashisth, a village 3 km away known for its old temples and hot water springs. It also has traditional timber houses.

Shopping
Rank #8 Catagory : Shopping About the Attraction : Manali is renowned for its Himalayan handicrafts and wool products. Good buys like musical instruments, prayer wheels, rosaries amulets, masks, and thangkas are a favourite with the tourists. The Tibetan Market here has a wide collection of beautifully woven shawls including the famous Pashmina shawl. You can check out the Kullu-Kashmir Shawl Emporium, a cooperative run by local women for shawls. The Mall as the main market is called is a cluster of shops, hotels, restaurants and travel agents. The main shopping areas here are Thai Market, Hong Kong Market, Dragon Shopping Complex, Tibetan Market, Lama Underground, Shopping Complex, Shangrila Shopping Complex, New NAC Market and Snow Lion Underground Market.

Hadimba Temple
Rank #9 Catagory : History and Culture About the Attraction : The temple is also known as the Dhoongri Temple and is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, wife of Bhima (one of the five Pandavas of Mahabharatha). Built around a natural cave, the temple enshrines the footprints of the goddess, which was the patron goddess of the Kullu royal family. Hidimba Temple has a four tiered Pagoda shaped roof and a doorway carved with legendary figures and symbols. The temple was built in 1553 is located in the middle of a forest called Dhungiri Van Vihar.

Tibetan Monasteries
Rank #10 Catagory : History and Culture About the Attraction : Manali has a sizeable population of Tibetan people and over a period of time, many Tibetan monasteries have been set up here. The Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa is situated near the Mall in Manali. It is a good place to check Tibetan handicrafts that are woven and sold in the monastery. The another popular monastery in Manali is the Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa, which is situated near the market. Check out more things to do in Manali

Top hotels in Manali Sarthak Resorts

User Rating : 10/10 Address : VPO Khakhnal, Left Bank, Naggar Road Contact : 8326695000 Price Range : Less than Rs. 1500 Highly Rated for: Food Amenities : Doctor on call,Restaurant,Room Service.

About the Hotel : Sarthak Resorts Manali is located at Khakhnal 9 km short of Manali on Manali Nagar Highway. The resort has a quiet ambience and is away from the maddening crowd.

Snowcrest Manor
User Rating : 10/10 Address : Beyond Log Huts Contact : 7926445508 Price Range : Rs. 1500 to 4000 Highly Rated for: Service Amenities : Air Conditioner,Bar,Cable TV,Credit Card Accepted,Disco Theque,Doctor on call,Health Club,Indoor Games,Internet,Laundary Service,Outdoor Games,Parking Facility,Restaurant,Room Service,Safari Arrangements,STD / ISD,Travel Desk,Vehicles on Rent. About the Hotel : Snowcrest Manor is located at a distance of 52 km from airport, 320 km from Chandigarh railway station, 2 km from bus stand. It is a 4 Star property.

Woodrock Hotel
User Rating : 10/10 Address : Circuit House Road, Manali, India Contact : 1412550616 Price Range : More than Rs. 4000 Highly Rated for: Cleanliness Amenities : Air Conditioner,Bar,Cable TV,Child Care,Doctor on call,Health Club,Laundary Service,Money Exchange,Outdoor Games,Parking Facility,Restaurant,Room Service,Spa / Massage,STD / ISD,Travel Desk,Vehicles on Rent. About the Hotel : Woodrock Hotel is located at a walking distance from the Mall road in Manali, just 40 km from Kullu and 260 km from Shimla.

Hotel Iceland
User Rating : 9/10 Address : Sollang Valley, Village Solang, PO Palchan 175103, Contact : Price Range : Less than Rs. 1500 Highly Rated for: Service Amenities : Parking Facility,Restaurant,Room Service.

About the Hotel : -

Kanishka
User Rating : 9/10 Address : Contact : 1412741444 Price Range : Rs. 1500 to 4000 Highly Rated for: Cleanliness Amenities : Air Conditioner,Bar,Cable TV,Child Care,Indoor Games,Internet,Outdoor Games,Parking Facility,Restaurant,Room Service,Shopping Arcade,STD / ISD,Travel Desk,Vehicles on Rent. About the Hotel : -

Strawberry Garden Cottages

User Rating : 9/10 Address : Vill.Bhattar,P.O.Haripur ,Dist.Kullu Contact : Price Range : Rs. 1500 to 4000 Highly Rated for: Cleanliness Amenities : Cable TV,Outdoor Games,Parking Facility,Restaurant,Room Service.

About the Hotel : Strawberry Garden Cottages is located 17 kms before Manali and is a 10- minute drive from Pathlikuhal between Kullu and Manali towns.

De Vivendi Resort
User Rating : 9/10 Address : Naggar Road, Prini Contact : 08182 - 223051 Price Range : Less than Rs. 1500 Highly Rated for: Value Amenities : Room Service.

About the Hotel : De Vivendi Resort is located 42 km from airport, 320 km Chandigarh railway station, 2.5 km from bus stand. It is a budget property.

Green Swiss Cottage

User Rating : 9/10 Address : Simsa, Distt. Kullu Contact : 8025249283 Price Range : Less than Rs. 1500 Highly Rated for: Value Amenities : Cable TV,Doctor on call,Indoor Games,Internet,Laundary Service,Parking Facility,Restaurant,Room Service,STD / ISD,Travel Desk,Vehicles on Rent. About the Hotel : Green Swiss Cottage is a budget property in Manali, located at a distance of 50 km from Kullu airport, 2.5 km bus stand.

Hotel Silmog Garden

User Rating : 9/10 Address : Model Town Manali Contact : 04232 444395 Price Range : Less than Rs. 1500 Highly Rated for: Rooms Amenities : Cable TV,Child Care,Credit Card Accepted,Doctor on call,Internet,Laundary Service,Money Exchange,Parking Facility,Restaurant,Room Service,Safari Arrangements,STD / ISD,Travel Desk,Vehicles on Rent. About the Hotel : Hotel Silmog Garden is located at a distance of 50 km form Kullu airport, 1 km from bus stand. It is a budget property.

The Manali Inn

User Rating : 9/10 Address : Rangree Contact : 1902254187 Price Range : Rs. 1500 to 4000 Highly Rated for: Food Amenities : Air Conditioner,Bar,Cable TV,Credit Card Accepted,Disco Theque,Doctor on call,Health Club,Laundary Service,Outdoor Games,Parking Facility,Parlour,Restaurant,Room Service,Shopping Arcade,Spa / Massage,STD / ISD,Travel Desk,Vehicles on Rent. About the Hotel : Manali Inn is located at a distance of 47 km from Bhuntar airport and 240 km from the nearest railway station. It is a 3 Star property.

Check out more hotels in Manali

Top non vegetarian restaurants in Manali Alchemy-House-Bar-And-Restaurant

User Rating : -/10 Address : Jagatsukh, km 5, Manali-Naggar Road, Avg Cost of 2 people : 500 Type : Non-vegetarian restaurants,Business restaurants,Cafes,Italian,Mediterranean. Check out more Restaurants in Manali

Quick Facts about Manali

Altitude Temperature Best Time To Go Monsoon Summer Winter Clothes Nearest Airport Railway Station Bus Station Hospital & Doctor SightSeeing Light woolens in summer and heavy woolens in winter Bhuntar (50 km) Chandigarh (315 km) Manali Lady Willingdon Hospitals, Civil Hospital, Beas Hospital Hadimba Temple, Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries, Rohtang Pass, Rahala Falls, Vashisth Sulphur Springs and Baths 1950 meters 28 (Max) & 12 (Min) Degrees Celsius 14 (Max) & -4 (Min) Degrees Celsius April October July - September April - June

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