Local Sight Seen Around Manali
Hidimba Devi Temple
Manali has many attractions but the chief centre of interest, historically and archeologically, is undoubtedly the Hidimba Devi Temple .This is the ancient temple of Hidimba, the most powerful deity of the valley. Built in 1550 AD the temple is a sanctuary built over a huge rock surrounded by cedar forests and boasts a pagoda shaped roof and intricately carved wooden door. The grounds provide a pleasant shady area to picnic. It is a pleasant experience to stroll in the deodar forest adjoining Hidimba Devi temple complex.
Club House
Situated at the edge of the Beas River, the Club House offers beautiful views of the deodar forest and is a short resting stop to take a picnic break and take part in some indoor and outdoor activities. You can enjoy adventure activity on the riverside like River Crossing and ‘Burma Bridge’. One can touch the cold waters with the feet while on the ‘River Crossing’ ride. Elders can enjoy the shopping and good fast food along with a stroll in the compound .There is boating within a small pond and Go Carting which maybe interesting for kids.
The Mall Road , Manali
Its the lifeline of Manali as the whole city revolves around this attraction. Tourists can enjoy a quiet stroll across the Mall and pick up the enchanting bric-a-bracs that are sold in the various shops lined across the street. Some of the most popular buys here includes fresh fruits , shawls, kullu caps, gift items and many other woolen items. Manali Mall is full of shops but don’t forget to bargain !! Various restaurants and eating joints are also available to keep the tourists entertained.
Vashisht Bath
Only 3km from Manali and at an altitude of 6200 ft is the tiny picturesque village of Vashisht popular for its hot sulphur water spring and temple of Vashisht and Lord Ram.The gushing waters of the hot brooks are excellent ailments for skin diseases. Large number of people visits these springs to have a dip. The authorities have arranged separate bathing provisions for men and women.
Manu Rishi temple
Manali means ‘home of Manu’ and legend has it that Manu stepped off a boat in Manali to recreate human life after floods devastated the whole world. A must see attraction that still exists today is the Manu Rishi temple situated in the old Manali village , believed to the only temple of Manu in India.
Rohtang Pass ( 52 Kms from Manali )
Its one of the most exciting place during your manali trip and a real heaven on earth with snow all around. To see the sun light falling on snow covered mountains from a distance i.e., from the city and while standing on the top of the same mountains is an altogether different experience. Both good in their own way!. At an altitude of 4,112 metres, the pass offers panoramic views of precipitous cliffs, huge glaciers, piled moraine and deep ravines.
Solang Valley(13kms from Manali )
Travel 13km from Manali to discover a lovely picnic place at Solang Valley with meadows surrounded by silver oaks, spurs and fabulous views of glaciers and mountains. The location offers adventure activities with a ski slope ( during winters ) , zorbing , paragliding , mountain biking and horse riding. There is a beautiful hike to Anjani Mahadev waterfall from Solang valley where it would be quieter and more scenic .You can Take a heavenly ride in the Gondola lift to Mt. Phatru at an elevation of 10,400 feet. and enchanting its breathtaking views is definitely a once in a life time experience. There is a Cafe at the top as well as the main meadow apart from multiple streetfood vendors.
Manikaran (85 km from Manali )
It is famous for its Hot Springs which is believed to be good for rheumatism, gout, muscular pain etc. The water is so hot that the Dals, Rice etc. can be boiled in it. It is well known Pilgrimage place on account of Ancient Hindu Temple of Lord Ram and a Gurudwara. On the way to Manikaran is a small place called “ Kasol ” which is lush green valley providing excellent atmosphere for picnic & photography.
Naggar Castle & Art Gallery ( 22 Kms from manali )
A unique medieval structure, Naggar Castle is a very popular tourist spot located close to Manali in Naggar. Built around 1460 AD, by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, the castle has a unique architectural blend of western and Himalayan style. The castle is scenically located near the Beas River and offers panoramic views of the surroundings.
Nearby the castle is Reorich gallery that displays the paintings of the famous Russian painter, Nicholas Reorich. The museum displays a private collection of paintings of the Russian painter Nikolai Reorich, who lived here and died in the year 1947. The ground floor of the gallery is dedicated to the paintings of Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti by the painter. Please note that this gallery remains closed on Monday .
Jana Falls
It is a natural waterfall that is close to the village of Jana. It is approximately one hour drive from Naggar. So one can combine it with the sightseeing tour of Naggar. The road to falls is covered with patches of tall deodhar trees all over . The waterfall is small yet very beautiful. If you want to have a better view of the waterfall, you can trek for up the hill for ten minuts and get a much clear view of it. At the base of waterfall there is a family which has a small dhaba like place which serves excellent authentic himachali food like Makki ki Roti, Lingri (Green Vegetable), Rajma, Kadhi, Red Rice, Chutni and a local dish called ‘SIDDHU’. The normal tea they serve here also tastes very nice. You can sit in the water here and can enjoy the food . Overall its a very nice place, away from the hustle bustle. All you can hear at Jana Falls is the sound of flowing water and the birds chirping.
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Manali has been a very popular place for adventure sports lovers from all over the Globe. There is never a dull day in Manali as the natural terrain and access to various remote locations from Manali makes it an ideal place to start off with various adventure activities. Out of many such activities in Manali we have sorted out a few which are extremely successful and thousands of tourist visit Manali to enjoy them.
White water rafting
No experience is necessary but it helps to be reasonably fit to take part in an exciting white water rafting trip which travels down a 14km stretch of river between Pirdi and Jhidi. There is an unmatched thrill of shooting down the rapids.The full day activity costs just Rs 350 per person when booking through our hotel. One change, towel and bath slippers are required.
River Crossing
Its done in club house and on the way to Solang Valley . A fly over fitted over the river would help you to cross it, or you can cross it physically by entering into the water. This is done all round the year .
Paragliding
Descend from the heights of Solang Valley on a guided paraglide for an unforgettable ride of your life passing over magnificent mountains with a rush of cold air on your face. It costs Rs 350 to 500 per person for the five-minute flight.
Trekking
There are walking trails for all levels in Manali Valley. There is a pleasant one day trek for beginners to Lamadugh. This 6km journey is easy going and offers photo opportunities so don’t forget your camera. The one day tour is Rs 500 per person including lunch and transport. More experienced walkers can join one of the many full day treks.
Skiing
Skiing in Manali can be organised at Solang Valley from January to March & at Gulaba, Marhi or Rohtang in other months depending upon snow condition . Skiing is one adventure sport that has gained immense popularity all over the world and in the past decade and have become quiet attention grabbing sport because of the Himalayas.
Zorbing
Zorbing is one adventurous sport that can be enjoyed while visiting Solang Valley. Zorbs are made of transparent plastic and the adventure requires no skill . In this adventure, the person is slid inside the zorb and then it is then rolled down the slope. A maximum of two people (whose combined weight is not more than 120 kg) can zorb together. The zorbers are instructed to hold on to the harness places inside the zorb and after ensuring all the safety, these zorbs are made to roll down on 100 meters ride on a gradient.