“Scenic view of Manali town surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pine forests – popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh”
Manali: A Scenic Retreat in Himachal Pradesh
Do you think Manali a scenic retreat? My Journey to the MountainsThe moment I decided to visit Manali, sitting in my city apartment, tired of the day to day chores, overhyped social life, and meeting deadlines at work ,my mind blew away and want a satisfactory break ,fresh air, snow-capped mountains and where time slowed down. That’s when Manali popped into my mind – a place I had heard from my friends, a destination that promised both adventure and serinity.
The Spark That Led to My Trip
Scrolling through pictures of Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and the charming lanes of Old Manali, I knew this wasn’t just another vacation. It was going to be an experience—a mix of thrill, peace, and self-discovery. The idea of sipping hot chai with a view of the mighty Himalayas or walking through ancient temples surrounded by towering deodar trees felt almost surreal.
Planning the Perfect Manali Trip
As someone who loves spontaneity but also appreciates a well-planned trip, I started my research. When was the best time to visit Manali? How could I avoid tourist crowds? What were the must-visit places in Manali?
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Best time to visit? Winter for snow, summer for adventure. I chose late April—perfect for a mix of both.
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How to reach? A road trip from Delhi seemed like an adventure itself, so I booked an overnight Volvo bus to Manali.
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Stay? I booked a cozy homestay in Old Manali giving us breathtaking views of Mountains.
The Excitement Before the Journey
My boy having real time of his life at Rohtang pass Manali
As my departure date neared, the excitement kept growing. I packed my backpack with essentials—warm layers, a camera to capture the beauty, and a notebook to document my experiences. The idea of exploring hidden waterfalls, vibrant cafés, and breathtaking landscapes felt like a dream coming true.
Little did I know, Manali would be more than just a getaway—it would be an unforgettable chapter in my travel story.
How to Reach Manali – Complete Travel Guide
Nestled in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is one of India’s most popular hill stations. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and the gushing Beas River, it attracts nature lovers, adventure seekers, and honeymooners alike. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful destination and wondering how to reach Manali, here’s a detailed guide to help you get there smoothly.
How to Reach Manali by Road
Reaching Manali by road is the most preferred and scenic option. The town is well connected by a network of national highways and offers stunning views along the way.
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From Delhi to Manali: The distance is approximately 530 km and takes around 12–14 hours by car or bus.
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From Chandigarh to Manali: Roughly 310 km, it takes about 8–10 hours by road.
Several private and government-run Volvo buses to Manali are available daily from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other nearby cities. These buses offer a comfortable and budget-friendly option for travelers.
Travel Tip:
Traveling at night in a Volvo bus is a popular choice as you can reach Manali by morning and save on a night’s accommodation.
How to Reach Manali by Train
Manali doesn’t have a railway station of its own. The nearest major railhead is:
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Joginder Nagar Railway Station – Around 145 km away
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Chandigarh Railway Station – About 310 km away
From these stations, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Manali. However, most travelers prefer reaching Chandigarh or Ambala by train and then continuing the journey by road.
How to Reach Manali by Air
The nearest airport to Manali is the Kullu-Manali Airport in Bhuntar, located about 50 km away.
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Flights to Kullu-Manali Airport are available from Delhi and Chandigarh.
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After landing, you can take a taxi or shared cab to Manali, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Note:
Due to weather conditions in the mountains, flights can often be delayed or canceled. It’s always good to keep an alternate travel plan ready.
Best Way to Reach Manali
While air travel is the fastest, reaching Manali by road is often the most enjoyable and cost-effective option. The scenic drive through winding mountain roads offers breathtaking views that make the journey as memorable as the destination.
A perfect drive to heaven -Manali Himchal Pradesh !!
Manali is Ready to Welcome You
Now that you know how to reach Manali, it’s time to pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip. Whether you’re traveling for relaxation or adventure, Manali welcomes you with open arms and scenic beauty at every turn.
Best Places to Visit in Manali – My Personal Travel Experience
Manali is more than just a hill station—it’s an emotion. I recently explored this beautiful town in Himachal Pradesh, and I can say with confidence that it’s one of the most soul-soothing destinations in India. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure junkie, or just want to relax in the mountains, Manali has something for everyone.
Here’s my list of the best places to visit in Manali, along with a few personal travel tips from my experience.
1. Solang Valley – Adventure Meets Beauty
Solang Valley was hands down one of the most thrilling parts of my trip. Just 13 km from Manali, this spot is famous for activities like paragliding, skiing, and snowboarding. I tried paragliding for the first time here—it was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time!
After having our breakfast, we arrived at the valley—and I was instantly mesmerized by its breathtaking beauty. Even though it was April and the start of summer, I couldn’t help but wonder how magical this place must look during the winter months. We spent a peaceful 2–3 hours there, simply soaking in the natural beauty and letting the calmness of the surroundings wash over us. It was truly relaxing.
Note: If you are with kids, carry snacks, water bottles with you.
2. Rohtang Pass – Snowy Heaven
“Person skiing on snowy slopes at Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh – winter adventure in the Himalayas”
Visiting Rohtang Pass felt like stepping into a winter wonderland. At over 13,000 feet above sea level, the snow-covered mountains and crisp cold air make it unforgettable. Make sure you carry warm clothes—even in summer!
Pro Tip: You’ll need a permit to visit Rohtang Pass, and it’s closed during winter months due to heavy snowfall.
3. Hadimba Temple – Peaceful and Serene
Nestled among tall deodar trees, Hadimba Temple is peaceful and deeply spiritual. Built in 1553, its architecture is unique and photogenic. I spent about an hour just sitting in the silence—something I didn’t know I needed. So take the blessings of Mata rani and
4. Old Manali – Boho Vibes & Cafes
“Having the best coffee conversation with the best view at cafe”‘
If you want to experience the chill side of Manali, head to Old Manali. I absolutely loved the vibe here—quaint cafes, live music, and relaxed tourists. Don’t miss out on Cafe 1947 for riverside coffee or Drifter’s Inn for great food and a cozy atmosphere.
5. Manu Temple – A Quiet Spiritual Retreat
Manu temple, surrounded by lush green tree, a peaceful spiritual site in Himachal Pradesh.”
This temple is believed to be where Sage Manu meditated. It’s a peaceful spot, surrounded by stunning views. I found it less crowded, which made it even more special for quiet reflection.
6. Jogini Waterfalls – Nature’s Hidden Gem
Jogini Waterfall near Manali cascading down rocky cliffs, surrounded by pine forests and serene trekking trails in Himachal Pradesh.”
A short trek from Vashisht village took me to this beautiful waterfall. Jogini Falls was the hidden gem of my Manali trip. The trail is serene and surrounded by pine forests, and the view at the end is totally worth it.
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7. Vashisht Hot Springs – Natural Healing
Vashisht Hot Springs near Manali with natural steam rising from stone pools, located beside the ancient Vashisht Temple in a peaceful Himalayan village.”
After days of exploring in the cold, the natural hot springs at Vashisht Temple were a blessing. Soaking in the warm water was not just relaxing—it felt like therapy. The village itself is charming and laid-back.
Where to Stay in Manali
During my recent trip to Manali, we decided to skip the usual hotel stays and opted for something more spacious and homely—a 4BHK private villa. And honestly, it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made on this trip!
A Perfect Family Stay in Manali
Luxurious Stay in Manali
The villa was nestled in a peaceful area, just a short drive from the main town. It was not only kids-friendly but also incredibly cozy and clean. With 4 spacious bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a beautiful open space downstairs, it gave us the comfort of home with the luxury of a vacation.
You can book your villa from this link given below:
What I loved most was the freedom to cook meals in the kitchen whenever we wanted—especially helpful when you’re traveling with kids. There was plenty of room for the little ones to run around safely, both inside and outside the property.
What Made This Stay Special
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Kids-Friendly Setup: Baby-safe corners, ample play space, and even a few toys and books.
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Well-Maintained Kitchen: Equipped with all essential utensils, a fridge, microwave, and even a gas stove.
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Great Staff Support: The caretakers were polite, helpful, and always available when we needed anything.
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Scenic Views & Open Area: The downstairs garden area was perfect for morning tea with a mountain view and evening chill time with the family.
“The End of the Road, but Not the Story”
Manali stole my heart with its mix of adventure, culture, and serenity. Whether you’re planning a solo trip, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, these places are absolute must-visits.
If you’re wondering what are the best places to visit in Manali, start with these—and you’ll fall in love with the mountains just like I did.
Sachin
Very useful information,
Thank you 😊