Overview
Eden of nature buffs, honeymooners, solitude seekers and adventure junkies.
Best time to visit (High & peak months) :
The year round except for monsoons
Experiences :
Himalayas, adventure, temple and spiritualism
City calling code :
01902
Recommended no. of days for a tourist :
2 days
Best buys :
Kullu caps and shawls, apples, jams, jellies and pickles
Essentials to be carried along :
Light woolens for summers and heavy for winters (November-March). Extra pairs of shoes if you are planning to go for hikes or adventure sports. The organizers provide most other gear.
All about the city :
Set in a picturesque landscape of ravines, ridges, peaks, glaciers and twisting trails, the hill town of Manali is an oversubscribed tourist destination of Himachal Pradesh. The town owes its name to a Hindu sage Manu, the Indian Noah, who saved all the species on earth after a devastating deluge. A fish that had been looked after by Manu admonished him of this impending peril. Manu accordingly carried a pair of all the species in his ark and first landed at this place, which is now known as Manali after him.
Although the tourist traffic to this Eden of nature buffs, honeymooners, solitude seekers and adventure junkies has witnessed a sharp increase in the recent years, but still it has somehow managed to remain unspoiled. Adventure savants will revel in discovering the variety of adventure sports that can be enjoyed here. Whether you choose to go skiing, rafting or trekking, Manali will get your pulse thumping and take your breath clean away.
There is no dearth of accommodation at this place. The entire stretch of 40 km between Kullu and Manali is strewn with luxury resorts. Manali is well equipped to satiate your palate as well. You can get authentic bakery items and specialized food from Italy, Israel and Germany. Tibetan delicacies especially thukpa and momos, are worth trying. For a change try some of the most friendly and colorful service at tiny nondescript roadside stalls called 'dhabas'.
