20

Places to Visit in Manali In May

Nestled amidst the snow-laden hillocks of Manali, the Hidimba Devi Temple, also known as the Dhungri temple, is an ancient place of worship revered by the Hindus. The cave temple is dedicated to the Hindu demon-goddess Hidimbi. Hidimbi was the wife of Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers who are at the forefront of the epic Mahabharata. Conceived in 1553 CE by Maharaja Bahadur Singh, the Temple is built around an ancient cave inside which Hidimbi Devi is believed to have meditated.

For those immersing themselves in a Manali Tour Packages, a visit to the Hidimba Devi Temple is a spiritual and cultural highlight not to be missed. Surrounded by Dhungri Van Vihar, a lush cedar forest at the foot of the Himalayas, the structure is built on a massive rock piece jutting out of the ground.

At around 8,400 feet in Himachal Pradesh, Solang Valley is a breathtaking destination known for its snowy peaks, lush meadows, and thrilling adventures. Located about 14 km from Manali, near Rohtang Pass and the Atal Tunnel, it’s also called Solang Nullah, named after the nearby village, with "Nullah" meaning stream. The valley’s misty forests, grassy-icy fields, and cloud-covered roads make it a favourite among nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Solang is one of India’s top spots for paragliding, offering unforgettable views as you glide through the sky. Other popular activities include zorbing, ziplining, quad biking, and camping, turning this serene place into an adventure hub.

Apart from adrenaline rushes, Solang is rich in flora, including Ban Oak, Mohru Oak, Himalayan Pine, and medicinal plants like Artemisia and Gentiana. Apple orchards and wildflowers dot the valley, adding to its charm.

Solang Valley is a winter wonderland for adventure-loving people and has a diversified surrounding that deserves a spot in your Itinerary.

Rohtang Pass is quite famous among Ladakh travelers but the unpredictable avalanche and severe climatic conditions make it scary some times. Nonetheless, it had made adventure seekers’ tour of Ladakh mind-blowing. A high mountain pass at an elevation of 3978 meters above the sea level, Rohtang is just 51 km from Manali. It is a part of the proud Pir Panjal Range of the mighty Himalayas and it is one of the Kullu famous places.

Jogini Waterfalls is situated in the picturesque village of Bahang, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, and is a testament to the best of nature. These falls descend from a height of around 150 feet and come with a mesmerising sight of the green surroundings of the Himalayas. Accessible via a moderate trek of about 3 kilometres from Vashisht Temple, Jogini Waterfalls falls from a cliff and joins the Beas river. 

The Vashist Hot Water Springs Temple in Manali is a sanctuary of tranquility and spirituality. This ancient temple complex attracts visitors seeking solace and blessings. Vashist is located near the Beas River and a short distance from the Rohtang Pass. Although a quaint village, this place is full of tourists. The highlight attractions here are the hot water springs and two temples. One temple is dedicated to Vashist Muni. There is also a Lord Ram temple here.

Of things to do in Manali, you can have a dip in the hot water springs. Devotees believe that this water possesses healing powers. These natural hot sulphur springs are divided into two tanks. One tank is for men and the other for ladies. Interestingly, shower fitted baths have also been erected close by.

Located only two kilometres from Manali, this wildlife sanctuary is a naturalistic paradise that spreads over 3,000 hectares. The terrain here is characterized by lush green forests and snow capped mountains. On a trip to this sanctuary, you are always inundated with the sights and sounds of colourful birds and exotic flora and fauna.

While deodar, fir, chestnut, walnut and robinia are the most commonly found vegetation in this sanctuary, you can also easily spot snow leopards, brown bears, musk deer and ibex herds in the picturesque vicinity of the sanctuary.

Addition to this, Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for the birdwatchers and the shutterbugs. Amongst the many rare and exotic species, a plenitude of tree creepers, kokla and kingfisher are the most commonly found species.

Also check: Must to do things in Manali

The region of Kullu Manali has a large Tibetan population and their monasteries are the testimony to their spiritual beliefs and traditions. These monasteries also houses ancient artefacts, scriptures and murals related to the history and development of Tibetan people in Manali.

Some of the well-known monasteries in this picturesque hill station includes Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa and Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa, and a visit to them is amongst the best things to do in Manali. The former is run by the locals based on donations and it also has a Tibetan handicraft centre, from where the visitors can get souvenirs and other traditional gifts. The latter has a modern architecture and is situated amongst a sprawling sunflower garden.

One of the most frequent places to visit in Manali, the Van Vihar National Park attracts visitors mainly because of its ideal location, which is bang on the Mall road in Manali. The park is a welcome respite from the crowds and the pollution with its tall and shady groves of Deodar, birch and pine. There are a number of wooden and concrete benches within the park, which provide rest, relaxation and recreation to its visitors.

Take off your shoes and take a leisurely walk across the garden paths of this wonderful haven of nature. You could also have fun cruising around in a boat that sails in the small pond within the vicinity of this park. Set amidst beautiful and verdant environs, the park is a perfect respite for anyone who chooses to visit it and makes up for a great place for a spontaneous picnic or simply a long walk!

Often acknowledged as the heart of Manali, the Mall Road in Manali is the most attractive tourist destination for the Himachal travelers. Renowned for its street shopping adventure and bustled with heaps of activities, the Mall Road of Manali has got a lot of things to keep you busy for the day. Lined with multiple restaurants, cafes, and dhabas, this place is ideal for those who have got a flavor of bargaining skills deeply rooted in them.

Start your journey through the Mall Road by paying homage at the Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple. It has got the right blend of both architectural flavor and vibrant tones to capture with your DSLRs’. The Sakyamuni idol is the main shrine here.

Next, this famous commercial center has got a lot of emporiums and shops lined up for you to buy some exquisite souvenirs. The Tibetan Style Handicrafts found here are simply astounding.

You can find the sweet-smelling Tibetan-styled incense sticks and intriguing singing bowls at some of the shops here. There are some shops at the Mall Road selling Kullu and Kinnauri shawls in a wide array of flamboyant patterns and colors.

Some other local souvenirs to dig at the Mall Road are prayer wheels, Kullu Caps, Thangkas, Dorjes, Bamboo souvenirs, Buddhist paintings, keychains, nameplates, and turquoise and silver jewelry, etc.

Shawls, Tibetan jewelry, tweed jackets, and handicrafts are somethings you should never miss on while strolling here. Apart from these, the Mall Road in Manali features Thai Market, Dragon Shopping Complex, Hong Kong Market, New NAC Market, Shangri La Shopping Complex, and Snow Lion Underground Market.

Cascading from a height of 8,500ft, the Rahalla or Rehala Falls as they are called as one of the most stunning natural places to visit in Manali. They are located at a distance of 16km from the town on the way to the Rohtang Pass and are must stop over on your way to visit this haven of snow. The falls are formed by glaciers as they melt on their way down from the mountains. It is one of the best places to enjoy photography or just sit peacefully by and admire the natural beauty. 

The more adventurous can go trekking up the mountains behind the waterfall cascades. The waterfalls are set amidst dense thickets of Deodar, birch and pine trees, making it one of the stunning places for photography. The sight of the place and the gentle rhythm of the falls gives instant peace and harmony to anybody who chooses to visit it.

Timing: The waterfalls are best visited in the months of March and November

Entry Fee: None

Photography Allowed: Yes

Located in the Old Manali region, you can reach this temple through the road that passes through the Manali Community Center. Dedicated to the Indian sage Manu, this temple is the only temple on this planet that is dedicated to this sage. Thus it makes to be one of the most sacred pilgrimages for the devotees of this saint.

Built with wood and stone, the temple offers exotic views of the Beas River and magnificent hills. In front of the temple, a huge cascade enhances the aesthetics of this resplendent temple. A visit to this sacred temple in an important part of the Manali tour packages.