Things To Do Manali

Himachal Pradesh India

1 out of 42 Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh

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Places To Visit In Manali

Hidimba Temple

Located amidst the snow-covered hills of Manali, the Hadimba Temple is a unique shrine dedicated to Hidimba Devi, who was the wife of Bhima and mother of Ghatothkach. Surrounded by gorgeous cedar forests, this beautiful shrine is built on a rock which is believed to be in the image of goddess Hidimba herself. Locally known as Dhungari Temple, the construction style of the Hidimba Devi temple is entirely different from that of any of the other temples, with its wooden doorways, walls, and cone-shaped roof. This temple is a fitting dedication to its presiding deity Hadimba. Read More

Hampta Pass, situated in the Manali region of the Himachal Pradesh, serves as one of the most convenient and enjoyable treks. Laden with pristine form of nature, the trail comprises of dense pine forests, pristine glacial valleys, vast meadows and panoramic landscape. A perfect trek for beginners, the place is easy to access and the adventurous experience of crossing the pass is simply exhilarating. Unlike most of the trek, this one begins from Manali town and not from a remote village. Chandratal, a crystal clear lake perched at high altitude is the highlight of the trip and a rare sight to behold. A trip of about 4-5 days, Hampta Pass trek in the lap of Himalayas is one of the exciting trips that will leave you in complete awe. Read More

Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa is a Buddhist monastery located in Manali and one of the most famous monasteries situated in north India. Its religious significance is highly important for devotees, but tourists are also drawn for its architectural beauty and tranquillity in the environment. The most prominent feature of Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is the enormous statue or idol of Sakyamuni in a sitting or meditative posture. Right from the entrance, the divine and tranquil vibe of the monastery can be felt. The icon, statues and the colourful paintings on the walls add to the beauty of the monastery. A few minutes of meditation is highly advisable to get a glimpse into the peaceful lives of the Buddhist monks. Located very close to the Mall road in Manali, the contrast in the hustle and bustle of the Mall road and the serenity of Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is often spoken about. Anyone who wants to calm their minds is welcome into the monastery. In fact, the management has even taken efforts and put signs to direct tourists in the right direction around the Stupas without being confused or clueless about it. It is one of the best attractions in Manali to observe Buddhist Monks go about their prayer services and daily activities. Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is a perfect place to get a glimpse into the spiritual importance of Buddhism and must be visited while exploring Manali. Read More

Jagatsukh is a picturesque village, and the capital of former state of Kullu, located about 7 kilometres away from the town of Manali. It is famous for its enchanting natural landscape and the ancient Jagatsukh Temples which are religiously important shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Sandhya Devi. Usually, Jagatsukh can be explored in a day. However, if one wishes to stay here, there are several hotels, resorts and homestay options available to choose from. Famous for the annual Chacholi Jatra Festival, Jagatsukh is nestled amidst snow-capped mountain peaks and dense natural vegetation. Trekkers often halt or begin several trekking expeditions from Jhere. The serenity of the location is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. The fresh and unpolluted air enlivens every person visiting the village. The picturesque Jagatsukh village is covered with snow during winters and is carpeted with greenery during summers. So, whether it is a picnic or a trek, a visit to Jagatsukh is a must while exploring Manali. Read More

Jana Waterfall is a 30 feet high watefall located near Manali in a quaint village called Jana. One has to trek to the waterfall through dense deodar and pine trees amidst snow-capped mountains. The climb is easier compared to many others in the region and can be completed by beginner level hikers too. There's a wooden bridge laid perpendicular to the direction of Jana Falls which trekkers use to walk across. There is also seating arrangement near the waterfall. Read More

Jogini Waterfall is located in the beautiful Valley of Manali, about 3 kilometres away from the bustling town and around 2 kilometres away from the famous Vashisht Temple. What makes it a popular tourist spot is the trek from Vashisht Temple, through pine trees and orchards, to the mesmerising Jogini Waterfalls cascading from a height of 160 feet. The trekkers are enchanted as they cross several smaller streams with a dazzling view of River Beas and the snow-dusted peaks of Rohtang. It takes about 3 hours to climb to the Jogini Waterfall, so make sure to carry a camera to capture the mind stirring beauty of the location. If you want to take a pit stop, there are restaurants on the route serving local snacks with a piping hot cup of Chai. The captivating waterfall is considered as one of the most romantic attractions in Manali, thronged by couples. However, the region is also famous for adventure and recreational activities and is a favourite picnic spot among tourists. Read More

Kothi is a quaint village located about 15 kilometres away from Manali on the foothills of Rohtang Pass. A perfect camping destination, it draws tourists for adventure and recreational activities from all across the world. The magnificent view of the natural landscape surrounding the Kothi village enchants everyone exploring the location. Most trekkers on their way to Rohtang Pass often camp here. One can get a beautiful view of the snow-capped mountain peaks, River Beas and the glaciers. The breathtaking sight is worth witnessing and capturing in photographs. Kothi Village lies at an altitude of about 2600 metres above sea level. Other than campers and trekkers, it is also frequently visited by artists who seek inspiration and peace of mind. The scenic beauty of the location has also been featured in several poems written by famous poets, by writers who cannot get enough of the beautiful village and has also been featured in Bollywood movies. Kothi is also a perfect location for painters as the natural landscape has a number of majestic frames to offer. The region receives snowfall during winters but is not as crowded as the Solang Valley. Thus, it is a perfect escape from the overcrowded areas of Manali that tourists can explore. Read More

The Club House in Manali is an amusement and adventure retreat set up on the banks of the Manalsu Nalla, a branch of the breathtaking Beas River. It is one place in the Manali Valley that has something for the entire family - whether it is indoor games/sports, entertainment or recreational activities. There is also a restaurant where scrumptious local and international cuisine is served along with an auditorium, library and a video game centre. The Manali Club House is run and managed by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). It is a perfect escape for kids and adults both with many indoor games like the billiards room, the skating rinks etc. The adventurists can indulge in river crossing and zip lining here. Other than recreational activities, tourists can also shop in the Government Shops at the Club House where one can find beautiful handicraft at decent rates. Read More

A visit to Manali is no doubt incomplete without a holiday at the Manali Sanctuary, which is an astounding and impressive wildlife sanctuary located in Himachal Pradesh. The wildlife sanctuary is at a walking distance from the main town and city centre of Manali and is the ideal spot to explore the rich flora and fauna that the place harbours. Other than opportunities of sighting a variety of these reptiles, birds, animals and mammals; Manali Sanctuary also has ample options that will entice the adventurous and fun loving soul. These include the fabulous trekking routes and camping facilities. The Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is no doubt a paradise on Earth for all animal and nature lovers who flock here in large numbers to experience what this heaven feels like. The Manali Sanctuary commences from just behind the town and extends all the way up in the mountains behind the hill station. It was officially declared as a sanctuary in the year 1954 on 26 February, under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animals Protection Act of 1933. Spread over an area of just 31.80 square kilometres, the sanctuary, nevertheless, has everything that you would expect from a typical shelter. It is home to all kinds of species of flora and fauna: rare, endangered as well as common; such as the Himalayan Black Bear, Kashmir flying Squirrel, Himalayan Palm Civet, Himalayan Yellow-throated Marten, Barking Deer, Flying Fox, etc. What the Manali Wildlife Sanctuary provides in addition to the usual biological diversity and adventure sports is its breathtaking scenic beauty. Visitors get to explore snow-capped mountains, alpine trees and the picturesque beauty of the surroundings, all at the same time. The place is the ideal tourist spot for honeymooners and couples who want to enjoy themselves in blissful solitude and capture their memories in the form of beautiful pictures forever. Read More

The Manali Winter Carnival is Himachal Pradesh's way of welcoming the new year. It started in 1977 and had become an annual feature since then. Held in January, the Winter Carnival in Manali opens an opportunity to witness the beauty of slushy snow and enjoy the events and celebrations that it puts forth. Initially, it only comprised of the Skiing competition, but now it has come to include band performances, food festivals, street plays, folk dances, adventure sports and much more. Manali Winter Carnival - Venue Manali Winter Carnival is celebrated in the Manali town of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Adding to the beauty of the hill station, which already makes the venue a major tourist destination in India, Manali Winter Carnival attracts even foreign tourists to the venue. Events & Celebrations at the Manali Carnival Several sports events and cultural programme constitute the celebration of the Manali Winter Carnival. The festival is organised according to a schedule prepared for each programme to be held henceforth. The many events that the Manali Winter Carnival is comprised of is as follows The Manali Carnival Parade The ParadeSource The inauguration of the Manali Winter Carnival takes place with a Carnival parade. The parade includes participating boys and girls dressed up in traditional attires. It is an event which, apart from marking the beginning of the Carnival, engrosses the visitors, leaving them craving for more. The parade takes place at the Mall Road at Manali. The Carnival Parade is a celebration in itself because the participating teams compete with one another, and are adjudged. It marks a beautiful beginning of the Winter Carnival, incorporating both the traditional outlook and competitive spirit. Voice of Winter There is a live concert cum competition of voices. Singers participate in this contest, which is organised as a part of Manali Winter Carnival. The contestants mesmerise the audience while competing for the title of Voice of Winter. Winter Queen Competition Among the many competitions held during the Manali Winter Carnival, the Winter Queen Competition is an event which attracts many contestants as well as spectators. It is a beauty contest, which judges the contestants on their overall personality. Only unmarried women are allowed to participate, and the winner is deemed the most beautiful as well talented of the Manali Winter Carnival. Bollywood Dance The Bollywood Dance contest hauls forth, with its charm, contestants from all over India. The participants perform various dance forms prevalent in Bollywood, making the show a major spectacle. Street Plays Horan Dance in ManaliSource Street Plays are to be found in almost all communities dwelling in the lap of the Himalayas. Be it Ladakh or Himachal Pradesh; the people have been maintaining the tradition of street plays with traditional attires and masks. This cultural symbol is incorporated in the Manali Winter Carnival in the form of a competition, as well as an entertaining event for the visitors. Diverse Classical Dances A dance event which is formed with the idea of representation of diverse cultures, the event brings forth and presents numerous dance forms from across the country. The message of the event is to build unity in diversity, which resides in the core of Indian national ideology. Manali Got Talent Tug of war in Manali Winter CarnivalSource It is a talent show where people can showcase a piece from whichever field they are talented in. The Manali Got Talent is designed on the lines of various Got Talent shows being held around the globe. It has no specific theme, and people from all over India participate and try to prove themselves. Fashion Show An ideal fashion show is also a part of the carnival, where each participating team is given seven to ten minutes to prove themselves. The minimum number of participants in a team is eight, with no maximum number. However, each group is allowed only one entry. Folk Dance Competition Folk Dance in Manali Winter CarnivalSource A competition of folk dance forms the major part of the Carnival. Folk dancers participate in teams and compete with one another, providing a wonderful event to behold for the visitors. It presents the traditional music and dance forms of the region to the audience, doing an excellent service of giving a new life to the traditional art-forms.Thus, Manali Winter Carnival brings to you an event full of creativity and joy. Anyone can participate in the events that take place as its parts, the participation details for which is available on the official website of Manali Winter Carnival. History of Manali Winter Carnival Roadside Market at Manali Winter CarnivalSource The annual festival of Manali Winter Carnival was the brainchild of Shri Harnam Singh and came into being in the year 1977. The former Chief Minister of the state of Himachal Pradesh, Dr Y. S. Parmar inaugurated the festival, the primary focus of the celebration in the initial years was on Skiing. Skiing, being a snow sport and native to the place, naturally appealed to the people of the state. The sport, with each passing year, began gathering much popularity, and people from farther distances started to pour in for the Manali Winter Carnival.Although the prime focus was on skiing, cultural events representing the people of Kullu and Manali came to be organised. The Manu Rang Shala were the organisers of the cultural programmes which included folk music, dance, and food. The annual festivities of cultural events of Manali Winter Carnival came to an end in the year 1984. Although the cultural events stopped, skiing and other competitions which formed the major part earlier too, continued to take place. Huge Gathering at the Manali Winter CarnivalSource In 1985, Manu Kala Kendra acquired the organising responsibility of organising the Carnival. Trios Mumbai also came into the scene, and the two groups joined hands to host the celebrations on the earlier lines. The cultural festivals were resurrected with a new life in the year 2008, and once again they came to be organised with enthusiasm, along with Skiing and other competitions. Today, it has the honour of being a national festival.The Manali Winter Carnival is a festival not to be missed for someone planning to visit Manali around the time. It caters a representation of the rich Himachali culture. Apart from sports, the Carnival offers food festivals, folk dances, musical concerts, street plays, and much more. How to Reach Manali The nearest railway station is the Joginder Nagar Railway Station, which is about 160 kilometres away from Manali. However, the nearest airport is the Kullu-Manali Airport, located in Bhuntar, which is at an approximate distance of 50 kilometres from Manali town.The Manali Winter Carnival is as exciting an event for the people who visit it to see and enjoy as it is for the performers and participants. The Carnival fills the land with life, making people lose themselves in the numerous events and activities that constitute the celebration. Performers from across the country competing with one another bring varieties of performances to the audience, doing justice to the tag of National Festival that it has achieved. The Manali Winter Carnival is one of its kind festivals, and people of varying fields of interests appear for it with similar expectations, never to be returned unsatisfied. Read More