Manali is one of the best hill stations in India for honeymoon. Set on river Beas, Manali is one of the most popular tourist and honeymoon destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Manali is an awesome honeymoon destination with lots of love in the air and an amazing environment. It's a fine place for couples. Located at an height of 6260 feet, Manali is the favourite hill station of couples and travel lovers.
Well, let us give the start off by saying congratulations because you are just married and for sure, you are also going for a blissful vacation. Have you had the destination in your head? If not, then we have one destination to suggest to you, and it is Himachal Pradesh with some of the most popular honeymoon destinations like Kullu, Manali and Shimla.
Manali is one of the best Hill Stations in India you must visit once. The beautiful hill station offers mesmerizing snow covered mountains and lush green grasslands with breathtaking weather. Manali is generally jammed with tourists throughout winter season unlike Narkanda where you can have unhindered access to an endless cover of snow where you have acres of snow-clad landscape.
Manali is on everyone’s bucket list in India to enjoy a romantic vacay with their loved ones. It is a paradise for newlyweds and snow lovers. Well, you just can't forget this place! If the crowd that squeezes into Manali in winters and summers has put this place off their list, it's time to put it back, right at the top of the list.
Although this has become a usual and popular place with the tourists, this place still hasn’t lost its charm. This place has been blessed with some extraordinary scenic beauty. You can’t call yourself an adventure seeker if you haven’t gone skiing or mountain biking in the exhilarating Rohtang Pass. Manali is definitely a place you should visit.
Manali is the picturesque town of beautiful Himachal Pradesh. Manali is famous for its hot springs, temples, snow clad mountains and thick pine forests. Manali is blessed with fresh exotic natural beauty which attracts people from all over the world. It leaves people spellbound with its charming natural beauty, surrounded by beautiful deodars and pine trees.
Most of the tourist attractions in Manali are beautiful temples with great architecture, serene mountains and pleasant cold weather. It also offers many adventure activities because of its peaks and valleys. Manali is also called mini Switzerland because of its amazing natural beauty. Lets look at some wonderful places to explore in Manali. Manali is the best place to have fun with friends.
It is generally the first choice of all college-goers in Northern India. This place surrounded by mountains is very beautiful. Here you can play many games. The place looks so beautiful and on seeing it, it seems that it is for couples only. However, it is not that you can go with your family, along with your friends in groups and can wallow in the heavenliness of unmatched beauty.
It is the most visited hill station in India and located in the lap of Kullu Valley. It is situated at an altitude of 2050 meters from sea level and spread along the banks of the Vyas river. Due to its beauty, calm environment, and high snowy mountains, it becomes the perfect place to visit. When the queen of the night comes and the atmosphere around you starts to calm down, then the sound of the water of Vyas river gives you a piece of different music which takes you away from the world completely.
End your search for romantic experiences in Himachal Pradesh. Here is why! Don't miss to experience:
1. Solang Valley
One of the most vibrant and enjoyable places in Manali, there is no excuse to miss a visit to this amazing valley. Solang Valley is a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts as it offers parachuting to paragliding, horse riding to driving mini-open jeeps and winters skiing is a popular sport here. Heli-skiing is also available for all you daredevils!
If your heart beats for adventure and thrill, solang valley is place you should head for. It is also known as Snow Valley. It is 13 km away from Manali Mall Raod. After covering the distance on the vehicle and reaching there, you need to hire a Mountain Bike which will cost you around 1000 to 1500 rupees and two persons can enjoy the ride on it easily.
Here you can enjoy thrilling activities like paragliding, skiing, zorbing and skating. There are teams of pilots to guide you all through paragliding; it is full of fun and adventure. Once you reach Valley you can enjoy many activities there like trekking, parachuting, paragliding, mountaineering, and skiing, depending upon the weather conditions. From there you can have magnificent views of glaciers and snow-capped mountains.
Here you can play in the snow with your sweetheart or beloved ones, make snowballs and throw at each other. Lie in the snow, slip into it, turning round on it, and take lots of memorable photos. The beauty of snow covered mountains and green hills are mesmerizing and leave its visitors awestruck with its scenic beauty. Enjoy hot Himalayan delicacies like samosas, pakodas, delicious tea while sitting near cool Beas river which makes it heavenly experience.
If you have little time, you can book a direct flight from New Delhi to Kullu and then take a taxi to the Solang Valley. Mainly known for its magnetic image of pulling couples, Manali is the most romantic town in Himachal Pradesh which is included in most Manali honeymoon tour package as a must-visit sightseeing place, and there are reasons to justify it! From paragliding to ice skating to rappelling to rock climbing and more, you can enjoy all here.
From intriguing adventure activities like trekking, camping, rafting to zorbing and skiing, Manali is wrapped in a snow-blanketed in winters and remains green in summers with a little snow. Set on the Beas River, it's an entryway for the adventurers who love to do skiing in the Solang Valley and trekking in the Parvati Valley.
At a distance of 13 km from old Manali is the amazing Solang Valley. The sight of glaciers and snow capped mountains is fascinating. With incredible ski runs, this valley of India is perfect for skiing and other winter sports. In the summers, adventure travel enthusiasts can practice activities like paragliding, parachuting, horse riding and zorbing.
It's additionally a takeoff point for paragliders, boating lovers, and mountaineers of the Pir Panjal mountains, and the 4,000 m high Rohtang Pass. Another attraction here is Anjani Mahadev where a natural Shivling is formed every year in winters.
How To Reach? From Delhi, Manali is approx 532 km, and one could go via private vehicle, public bus or from flight and land at the Kullu-Manali Airport in Bhuntar.
Interesting Reads: Hampta Pass Trek
2. Solang Nala
Think opening your eyes in a landscape featuring mesmerizing snow-capped mountains greeting you with glory. The experience can only be witnessed in Manali. Besides its picturesque landscapes, Manali also offers numerous water sports. River rafting is one of the thrilling adventurous water sports. River Beas stretches over a distance of almost 20 km having the right kind of stability, presents the flawless location for the thrilling sport. Other adventurous activities are river rapids, zip-lining, parasailing, and horse riding.
If you are talking about a rafting adventure, you cannot afford to get lost and discuss rafting in Himachal Pradesh. Blessed with the flow of water that flows from the Himalayan ranges, the state offers immense possibilities for rafting. From Chenab to Sutlej, from Ravi to Beas and much more, each river attracts tourists for hard adventures.
Tick the ultimate definition of adventure experience in the Kullu Valley and go for rafting with your sweetheart. Feel the blood rushing through your veins at each rapid you conquer in the Beas River. Watch the green forests on rafting in the crystal-clear river water of Kullu.
3. Vashisht Hot Water Spring
You may plan a stay at one of the ideal luxury hotels or resorts. If you want to stay close to nature don't stay in mall road, find a place like Vashisht Hot Springs. There is a hot water kund and you can also take a short hike to a beautiful waterfall. If it is a sunny day you may witness the the most beautiful rainbow. The hot water Springs of Vashisht village are a wonderful place to stop by.
The village is the place where it is said that Rishi Vashisht used to meditate and these springs are refreshing sulphur water springs which are hot in nature amidst the chilly weather of Manali. Looking at the story behind these springs, it is said that Lakshman shot agni vaan (fire arrow) into the ground and consequently the sulphur hot water spring came out.
Also, these springs are regarded as a great treatment for skin problems and body infections. If you want to take a bath in these miraculous phenomena, then there are detached baths constructed for men and women and even you can find some modern shower rooms too. If you like hostel and community vibe go to old Manali.
If you are on low budget or even if you are a purse full of money, stay at a hostel! It will be a guaranteed experience. Hostels are a bliss for travelers on budget. Even if you are not, it will be one of its kind experience. You can also book a home stay. Trend of locals giving stay to travelers is really picking up in the country, but you need to make sure its safe and well reviewed first. Better still, go see and book.
4. Old Manali
A world of its own hidden within Manali. It is one of the best places to hang out in the evening. It has a great collection of restaurants/bars providing live music as well. You are sure to find something delicious in the colorful cafes and something unique in the trippy shops! Comparatively less crowded, with fascinating and promising views of the Himalayas and overflowing with cafes, Old Manali is where you will fall in love again with Manali.
You must not forget the awesome restaurants in the entire region. More so if you love food. Manali has a lot of cafes and plush restaurants that serve continental food and popular snacks. However, without connecting with the native cuisine, one’s trip cannot be deemed complete to this beautiful Himalayan town. If you’re in Manali, you have got to try the following items that are native to the region. Manali offers a loads of cheap street food.
As a traveler, you cannot miss out on the local fish in Manali. Himalayan trout is caught by the local villagers from the river in Beas and sold to the eateries. Trout in Manali and that too with natively grown baby potatoes tastes the best. The famous delicacies include red rice, masala omelette, sidu, babru and patande. From Parathas to Momos and Dosas, Manali has it all and its super cheap.
Siddu is one of the most widely consumed local delicacies in Manali. It can be enjoyed with or without the stuffing. Siddu is essentially a mix of wheat and yeast. It is steamed in nature and goes well on its own or with any staple vegetable. The localities eat it with ghee. There are lots of cafes and shops and you can taste siddu momo and other food items.
The upper Himalayan Siddu is available at all major and minor eateries near the Mall, Manali as well as in homestays in Old Manali.
From a distance and its first look, Babru comes across as a Poori. However, its far from it in taste and preparation. At least, the local authentic preparation. Babru is stuffed with black gram and is spicy in taste. Nothing feels better than savouring stuffed Babrus along with some Masala Tea when the cold winds blow from snow clad peaks in Manali.
Finally coming to Aktori, it is the closest you’ll have to a mini cake in Manali. Its prepared from buckwheat and is considered quite auspicious to consume. It’s more like a barfi actually. Travellers having a taste for sweet flavour should surely try out the Aktori in Manali. This mini cake is often prepared with jaggery and tastes good. Not to forget healthy.
You can get authentic bakery and specialized food from countries like Italy, Israel and Germany. Mouthwatering! Colorful Hippie clothes, magnificent dream catchers, leather goods and stone jewelry can also be found in Old Manali. Do try getting hair braids while in Old Manali.
5. Rohtang La
Rohtang Pass is an amazing pass which connects Kullu valley to Lahaul and Spiti valley. The journey is enchanting with snow covered mountains all around. Rohtang Pass is around 51 kms from Manali and it attracts people from all over the world because of its unique beauty and charm. Beautiful glaciers, lovely waterfalls, mountain peaks adorned with snow enhances its beauty.
Once you reach here you will find the time had stand still, as you watch the brilliance of nature in awe. It is also wonderful place to engage in adventure and fulfilling activities like trekking, skiing, paragliding and sledging. You can also enjoy the thrilling Yak ride and have different experience.
With jaw-dropping views, lush environment-friendly woodlands, fields carpeted with flowers, spurting blue streams, a continuous fairy tale like mist sticking around in the air, and a relentless scent of pines and freshness - Manali has been blessed with phenomenal scenic charm. One can also visit Solang Valley, Beas River and Van Vihar to enjoy the natural beauty.
While visiting Manali, you should visit Rohtang Pass, the most essential point on the Manali-Keylong Road. Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas around 51 km from Manali. It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh.
Visit Kothi, Gulaba Fall and Marhi on the way to the Rohtang pass. This is one of the highest passes in the Himalayas, located in the eastern Pir Panjal mountain range, about 51 km from Manali. This pass connects the Kullu valley with the valleys of Lahaul and Spiti and was an important part of the Himalayan trade route.
However, the excursion to the Rohtang Pass is always somewhat dependent on weather conditions, mostly snowy. Go to Rohtang Pass in Manali if you wish to portray the beauty of snow in your images. The snow-covered trees, ground and mountains will overwhelm you!
6. Jogini Falls
If you are in Manali you must explore Jogini waterfall, it is a beautiful waterfall with attractive scenic beauty. To reach this waterfall you have to take small trek from Vashisht Temple. The route is beautiful with greenery all around. You will also come across many cafes and restaurants through your trek which serves hot Maggie and other Himalayan delicacies.
You can also visit Jogini Mata temple here which is near waterfall. Water here is ice cool and gives rejuvenating experience. Calmness and silence of this place is mesmerizing where you hear nothing accept the thunders of falls and chirping of different beautiful birds which brings you very close to nature, it is also a lovely place to take memorable pictures with heavenly natural locations.
Jogini falls, is a complete silence zone, the powerful and pounding sound of the waterfall casts a spell on the soul that tempts you to stay back and forget the world you came from. The waterfall is really exciting, it has the power to soothe the soul and moreover Jogini falls has its own ray of rainbows! Other unimaginable spots here are Kalath Hot Water Springs, Jogini Falls, Solang Valley and Vashist Hot Water Springs.
The most prominent places to visit in Manali include the Manu Temple, Hidimba Devi temple, Gulaba camp, Malana valley, and Rahala waterfalls. Visit Manu temple, Hadimba Devi Temple and old Manali on the first day. You can plan a trek to Jogini waterfalls on the second day or alternatively you can plan a trip to Solang valley and Rohtang pass.
7. Hadimba Devi Temple
Constructed as a four storey Pagoda, Hadimba Temple is home to the footprints of the Goddess Hadimba. The temple is a wonderful architectural work and the stone figurines are the evidences of the creative artists which will spellbind you. It is surrounded by lush greenery and you can soak in the tranquil ambience seeking the blessings of the Goddess Hadimba.
The pagoda-style Hadimba Devi temple is a great example of the unique and traditional architecture of Himachal Pradesh. What a wondrous sight to behold! You get to immerse in absolute peace and serenity away from the hustle-bustle of the main market. Get your photos clicked with either rabbits or yaks near the Hadimba Temple. It’s a highly venerated place for locals and is a tribute to Devi Hadimba.
This ancient temple is also known as Dhungri Temple, which is located in the dense cedar forest called Dhungri Van Vihar. It takes around 5 minutes to reach there from the mall road and the distance is almost 2-3 km. Hadimba devi temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to Hidimba devi, wife of Bhima, a popular figure in Indian epic Mahabharata.
It is surrounded by thick cedar forest. This beautiful cave temple is perfect place to spend some time in peace and seek blessings of divine Goddess. The scenic natural beauty which surrounds it is really wonderful which makes it must visit place. You can also visit temple of Ghatotkach (son of Hidimba and bheem) which is at walking distance from here. You can enjoy Yak rides here or click some unforgettable pictures in Himalayan costumes.
The place is so calm and beautiful you can sit for hours and feel the nature there. When the sunlight spreads through the middle of big cedar trees, then that scene is quite enticing. There are also huge and big stones on which you can sit and take photos with the family. You can also rent their traditional dresses and get your photo clicked.
8. Gulaba
If you want to be away from the teeming landscape of Rohtang Pass, Gulaba is a wonderful alternative to choose. Lots of adventure activities are availed here and it is just 6 km from Rohtang pass, which makes it easier to visit this pristine village of Manali. You can spend time in the plush meadows, or try the sports, the warmth of this place is the thing that will enchant you plus the breath-taking mountain views will convince to elongate your stay here.
Gulaba is a small picturesque village of Himachal Pradesh. It is a beautiful place enwrapped in the folds of mountains and fog. It is an awesome picnic spot with spectacular meadows and sceneries. Large yaks leisurely chewing the grass makes it a spectacular sight.
This place is named after Raja Gulab Singh. He rested here when he was invading Tibet. This is a beautiful place to have fun with snow and click memorable pictures in attractive location. Here you can watch nature’s brilliance which makes it an unforgettable experience.
9. Pandoh dam
Beautiful Beas river flowing through Manali is real treat for nature lovers. Beas river originated in Himalayas passes through dense forests and hills to the Sutlej river in the Indian state of Punjab. You can indulge in many interesting activities like river rafting or boating with friends with snow peaks in backdrop.
Blue and crystal clear water of Beas is enchanting and adds to its scenic beauty. It is an ideal place to click some memorable pictures.
Pandoh dam is built on Beas river and it is very popular among tourists for its lovely location covered by high mountains. People stop here to view it's scenic beauty and enjoy hot Maggie with freshening lemon sodas. The dam is very big surrounded by lush greenery. It's a perfect place to spend some time in peace and experience the beauty of nature.
Sound of clear blue water flowing through is very soothing to hear and fills the hearts with bliss and calmness.
10. Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art
If you are interested in knowing and studying about Himachal Pradesh culture and heritage, you should visit Museum of Himachal culture and folkart of Manali. Here you can see the beautiful artifacts, models of temples and traditional homes, musical instruments and other wonderful handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh.
It's a best place to know and learn about the rich heritage and culture of mesmerizing Himachal Pradesh. It's a thrilling experience to recall and witness the articles and models of Himachal Pradesh which adds to it’s beauty and take us to its past and glorious present.
11. Himvalley Cultural and Amusement Park
It is the only amusement park in Manali with various fun rides and cultural programmes in impressive decoration. It’s a best place to enjoy with kids, there are different rides and activities like car rides, bike rides and also shooting which your kids will immensely enjoy. The cool and stunning natural beauty of Manali makes it more pleasant. Renting a bike will cost you around 1000-1200 rupees for a day.
You can enjoy many cultural programmes here like bhangra dance, local dance and also magic shows. Kids will enjoy themselves immensely. There are also boating facilities available here. You can also enjoy tasty and delicious food in food court.
You can also buy beautiful things and artistic handicrafts in Himachal emporioum like shawls and Pashimanas, decorative items, toys for kids etc. If you want to get glimpses of Tibetan culture, you can head towards Tibetan market and buy amazing things like Tibetan souvenirs, handmade carpets, Tibetan artifacts and many other interesting things with reasonable prices and gift to your loved ones. It's really a shoppers paradise.
12. Manu Temple
The temple is an old temple and is located in old Manali at a distance of 3 km from the mall road. The temple is famous for its beauty and calmness and it is said that it is the place where sage Manu meditated after stepping on the earth. To get there you have to keep your heart strong because narrow roads and vicious turns make your journey a thrilling experience.
For the ones who like adventurous activities, it is going to be a perfect blend of jaw-dropping exploration and comfort. As soon as you reach the temple, you get a different peace that tells you there is more to life than money and fame.
13. Mall Road
Say hello to bliss and peace! Walk on the quiet roads with only the sound of the restless rivers. In the backdrop of iconic mountains, do take a walk around Manali town and explore. Mall road in Manali comes alive in the evening hours. You may even get to watch some special performances on the Guitar by wanderers and international tourists!
Mall Road is the main market in Manali and it is also called the main street in Manali. It is the busiest street where there are hustle and bustle throughout the day and night. It has several hotels, restaurants, and bars, and local shops. You can also enjoy lip-smacking food there.
When the cool breeze blows in the evening, you can have astounding Chai Ki Chuski, sit comfortably and see the majestic views of the mountains with your beloved ones. At night because of lightenings, this centre of attraction looks so great that it makes the heart glow.
14. Van Vihar
If you are a nature lover then you must visit Van Vihar and also know as Van Vihar National Park. It is located on Mall Road. Van Vihar in Manali is ideal for endless walks! This Van has very big and beautiful Deodar trees which have covered the entire place with its shadow. The park provides concrete as well as wooden benches to sit on so that you can enjoy the beauty of nature and the singing sounds of the birds make the atmosphere even happier.
It is also a picnic spot for families and a place where you can spend memorable moments with your loved ones. The park has a small pond so you can indulge in boat rides. It has an entrance fee which is around 50 rupees per head for one hour.
15. Marhi
Marhi is lesser-known tourist destination situated 35 km from Manali and is famed for the water adventures. This pristine snow heaven is the adventure spot for winters when Rohtang Pass is closed for snowfall and most of the travelers are directed to Marhi to enjoy water activities. There are restaurants to savor the delicacies and you can be a part of numerous adventure sports organized amidst the picturesque backdrop of this town.
16. Nehru Kund
Nehru Kund is an innate spring and is believed to possess healing qualities. The water comes out bubbling from the rocks and the source of the spring is said to be the Bhrigu Lake. The bubbling sound is musical blending the scenic panoramas of mountains with this idyllic chilly spring, certainly a must-visit location located merely 6 km from Manali.
17. Himalayan Nyinmapa Tibetan Buddhist Monastery
It is also one of the famous sightseeing places in Manali. It is situated near Mall Road in Manali. This Monastries has been set up because of the large number of Tibetan Population settled in Kullu and Manali. Around this building, there are several small shops selling handicrafts and carpets made by Tibetan people. Inside the building, you see paintings that describe events from Lord Buddha's life. This place gives you a different feeling of peace.
Best time to visit Manali
Manali is an ideal destination for summer vacations. Popular for its delightful views, greenery and snowy mountains, Manali is amazing among the best hill stations in India in May and June. Weather is amazing during summer and moreover you can avoid hot weather and high temperature of India during your trip.
The best time to visit Manali is from September to December and from February to April. People who love the high mountainous vistas and snowfall never miss a chance to buy Manali tour packages, especially during the winter season when it becomes super icy. If you are planning to visit Manali in winters, especially during January or February the peak winter months, this is your WOW moment.
Igloo stay in Manali with Bonfire, barbeque, meals, is camping out in winters at it best! This is the next hype thing about Manali, so do try it out! If you are a true mountain lover, then every season is equally beautiful to explore mountains. But there's something magical in Winter.
For others, in writer mountains are only cover up with White snow, nothing much to do, nothing much to explore. But for a mountain lover, it is one of the most beautiful season. Now come to the point. Manali is also known as the “Snowy Queen” of India. To see this hill station in all it's glory, there's no better time than Winter when the entire landscape is carpeted by a blanket of snow.
There are few key points to visit Manali in Winter. Since it's a off season, so most of the local hotels offer huge discount. So ready to bargain. Most shops of Mall road offers discounts on their clothes. So if you are shopping lover, it's the best season. It's the best time to enjoy snow sports (though the artificial snow sports are available throuout the year).
You can enjoy Snow skating. Children can enjoy snow ball fight, they can make a cute snowman. When you are driving through the Kullu-Manali highway, you can enjoy the picturesque view of the road and surrounding, you can stop virtually anywhere and click photo. But you have to drive carefully with sleet on the road. In the evening you can go to Mall road.
If you want to avoid the crowd, then you can go to some less crowded place and enjoy a cup of coffee under the sky covered with stars in front of a camp fire. During this months, the snow there would be 2 or 3 feet. Don't forget to carry heavy woollens for winter. You can enjoy several sports like paragliding, trekking, skiing, snow biking etc. Horse and yark rides are also available.
Traditional dresses are available for photoshoot. But sometime, due to heavy snowfall, the Rohtang pass gets closed and vehicles go up to the Snow Point.
Manali nature park is famous for its rich vegetation and dense forests. It is adorned with Deodar, horse chestnut, tall cedar and maple trees which looks wonderful. It's very rich in flora and fauna. Set on banks of river Beas, it charms its visitors with its calm and serene natural. Beauty.
You can also spot interesting Himalayan birds and small animals here. It is a best place to enjoy greenery and spend some peaceful time in the lap of nature. Tall deodar and cedar trees add to its charm and gives blissful experience.
SET-OFF LIST
Easy connectivity from the NCR Region via bus, private vehicle. Well if you are on a low budget, the cheapest way to get there is via Volvo or Himachal roadways. All the buses depart from ISBT Kashmere Gate.
Budget months are March to June and November to February for snowfall. With the scenic vistas of rolling mountains and greasy meadows, each a different shade of green, a homestay in these scenic surroundings is a sure shot way to reboot your soul. The residents of villages in Manali are also famous for wood carvings and bee-keeping. These peaceful villages are the real resting resorts for poets, writers and the lovers of quiet environs.
So, if the wanderlust for romance in you has now woken up after reading this article, then waste no time and get your bookings done with reputable honeymoon operator! Share this article to give some major travel goals to all your travelholic friends! See, Click, Eat, Shop and get mesmerized with the beauty at each turn.
