With its beautiful valleys, mesmerizing vistas, snow-capped peaks, lush-green oak, deodar, and pine woods, and so much more, Manali is a magical hill station located in Himachal Pradesh at the northern tip of the Kullu valley. Even though it’s well-known as one of the most popular honeymoon spots, anyone can always enjoy its beauty. If you are planning a short trip to this romantic place, here are the 8 best places to visit in Manali in 2 days.
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Here Are The 8 Best Places to Visit in Manali:
1. Kullu Manali
A journey to Kullu Manali is the perfect remedy for weary spirits and minds. Kullu is appropriately referred to as the “land of the gods”—it has a significant history in Hinduism that you can look up!
It also has a beautiful landscape with forests, valleys, streams, rivers, and orchards, stretching gently along the Beas River’s banks. And the best part about all this is that traveling in Kullu Manali is not just about scenery. You will have so much fun with the adventure and the spirituality. Just be open to new experiences all the time!
Things to do in Kullu Manali: river rafting, trekking, exploring apple orchards, attending the Kullu Dussehra festival.
Best time to visit: March to June, October to February.
Distance from Manali: 40 km
2. Solang Valley
Rohtang and Solang Valley are two must-see locations that you cannot miss out on when vacationing in Manali. There is not much effort needed since it is situated just a 20-minute distance to the northwest of Manali’s main town. It is among the most visited tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh. The valley generally receives a large influx of visitors each year, and many of them travel in winter because they want to see the snow and beauty here.
Things to do in Solang Valley: skiing, paragliding, zorbing, cable car rides.
Best time to visit: December to February (for snow sports), May to June (for adventure activities).
Distance from Manali: 14 km
3. Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass is a favorite among all people, especially the community of film directors, and you know why! Because of its amazing natural beauty. This location has been used for filming numerous hit movies, including some of the absolute Bollywood classics like “Jab We Met” and “Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani.”
One unusual thing about the name of Rohtang Pass is that several CBRE employees lost their lives while attempting to navigate this dangerous section. So, be careful when you visit, and make sure to follow the government guidelines and weather warnings.
Things to do in Rohtang: Snow sports, Photography, Trekking, Mountain biking
The best season to visit: is May to October (accessible season)
Distance from Manali: 51 km
4. Hidimba Devi Temple
The Hidimba Temple is a special shrine honoring Hidimba Devi, the mother of Ghatothkach and the wife of Bhima. This beautiful shrine is one of the very few differently-designed temples with wooden doors and a cone-shaped roof. The temple stands on a rock that is thought to represent the goddess Hidimba herself. Also, an important detail, is that the locals refer to it as Dhungari Temple, so keep that in mind!
Did you know? An iconic scene from the Ranbir-Deepika movie Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani was filmed on location in Manali. But that’s not all, check out these— 5 Amazing Bollywood Films-Inspired Travel Destinations
Things to do: Explore the temple architecture, stroll in the surrounding cedar forest, and enjoy scenic photography.
The best season to visit Hidimba Temple: March to November
Distance from Manali: 2 km
5. Old Manali
Old Manali has a leisurely pace of life. It is a tiny town that is near New Manali’s bustling markets. You can get here from Manali by taking a quick stroll, but auto-rickshaws also travel between the two locations.
The old town exudes a unique charm that is neither wholly Indian nor foreign. Old Manali has carved out its own universe. The Manalsu River protects the settlement, which is as peaceful as in a fairy tale yet still exposed to the conveniences of modern life.
Things to do in Old Manali: Cafe hopping, Shopping for souvenirs, Exploring traditional architecture.
Best season to visit: March to June, September to October.
Distance from Manali: 2 km
6. Manu Temple
According to legend, the Manu Temple is the sole one devoted to King Manu, and he became known as Sage Manu in India. The temple is a pagoda-style building whose fascinating architecture provides a window into both history and spirituality. The only road that leads to Manu Temple is narrow, so some people might find it challenging to get there, but it’s a pleasant trek anyway.
Things to do: Spiritual exploration, Walking tours of Old Manali, and Cultural experiences.
The best time to visit: From March to October
Distance from Manali: 3 km
7. Vashisht Hot Springs
The village of Vashisht is home to the Vashisht Hot Springs, which are organic sulfur springs that are said to have therapeutic benefits. People believe that they treat a variety of skin conditions, and because of that, people visit the Vashisht baths to take a plunge and get rid of illnesses and skin ailments. There are also historic temples in the area honoring Lord Rama and the guru Vashisht.
Things to do: Bathing in the hot springs, Visiting Vashisht Temple, and Shopping for local handicrafts.
The best time to visit: All year round.
Distance from Manali: 6 km
8. Manikaran Sahib
Manikaran Sahib is well-known for a lot of things, but especially its natural hot springs, which draw both visitors and devotees because of their supposed therapeutic qualities. The Sikhs attach great significance to the gurudwara, which is also called Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara. They believe that Guru Nanak Dev Ji stopped here on his journey.
Travelers looking for spiritual guidance and blessings are also drawn to the Hindu temples honoring Shiva and Parvati. The location—surrounded by tall mountains and tucked away in the Parvati Valley’s lush foliage—adds to the place’s tranquil atmosphere.
Things to do: Visit Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib, Take a dip in the hot springs, and explore Parvati Valley.
The best time to visit: April to June
Distance from Manali: 79 km
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Manali:
What Is The Best Time To Visit Manali?
The best time to visit Manali is from March to June when the weather is pleasant and temperatures range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. If you’re into winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, or riding snow scooters, then October to February is ideal. Just keep an eye on government guidelines during the winter months, as heavy snow can sometimes block roads or cause other issues. P.S. February is the best month to visit Manali for a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
What Are The Best Things To Do In Manali?
Conclusion –
In conclusion, if you are planning a vacation anytime soon, make sure you consider the romantic location of Manali. From temples and hot springs to beautiful valleys and old towns, there is so much that you can explore. Make sure you do not miss these eight marvelous places to visit in Manali. Save this list for later and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Also, Check – Prashar Lake: Door to paradise at the foothills of Himachal Pradesh
