Manali (HP, India) : Our travel Diary.
We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open. We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.
In this blog I'll share my experience (I mean our experience :) #JCN) about our kind of journey to Manali. This city suits the needs of every kind of travel mindset. Solo travelers for some solitude or a group of friends seeking an adventure, a couple for some peace and quiet, a family looking for some bonding time.
Manali and its History
Manali means "Manu-Alaya" meaning "the abode of Manu” the HinduHindu sage Manu. Legend has it that sage Manu stepped off his ark in Manali to recreate human life after the great flood. Manali is also often referred to as the "Valley of the Gods". The Old Manali village has an ancient temple dedicated to sage Manu.
Manali is a small hill station which is in the laps of Himachal Pradesh North India. The unique thing about the Manali hill station is the weather there. Because of its stays colder in summers as well and on another end, cities remain faces heavy humid. Here people can speak Hindi, English and their mother tongue Himachali as well, Manali is the nearest place from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh.
When British occupied Manali they planted apple trees along with pears and plums. Now these fruit trees have become the natural vegetation of Manali. The tourism industry made headway in Manali when trouble started in Kashmir Valley in the 1980’s. It is the most sought-after hill station after Kashmir.
Weather in Manali
Average annual temperature: 4 °C - 26 °C
Summer temperature: 10 °C - 26 °C
Winter temperature: 15 °C - 12 °C
What to Pack
During Summer & Spring months: Summer Clothes + Essentials & for evenings light jacket or windcheaters
During winters: heavy woolens, warmers, trekking boots, sunscreen, a poncho, comfortable walking shoes & camera to freeze the memories.
When to Go
Whether to escape from blistering heat or enjoy the white winters, here's a monthly breakup of Manali's climatic conditions so that you can plan accordingly:
September to February – The monsoons draw to an end in September and winter starts setting in from October. The temperature in winter months can go down to -1 °C, so make sure you carry enough woollens to keep yourself warm.
December end to January – a time to enjoy snowfall and the spectacular scenic white views of the surrounding mountains, making it a favorite with the honeymooners. This is the ideal time for adventure enthusiasts who want to go skiing.
March to June – Summer steps in from March but the weather is still pleasant. The temperatures during these summer months usually vary between 10°C to 25°C, so you might still need light woollens during the night. This is the perfect time to indulge in outdoor activities such as paragliding, rafting, trekking and mountain adventures in the Solang Valley. This is also the time when the region’s flora is in full bloom lending it the most pristine natural beauty.
July to August – Monsoons in Manali can be tricky as the region experiences heavy rainfall, which can also sometimes lead to landslides. But considering a lot of tourists don’t prefer to travel during this time, the prices of hotels tend to drop.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, located approximately 50 kilometres away from Manali. Domestic flights connect Bhuntar with Delhi and Chandigarh. Once at the airport, you can take a pre-paid taxi to Manali. However, owing to weather conditions, flights are not the most reliable option for getting to or out of Manali.
By Bus: Manali is very well-connected to important tourist destinations like Leh, Shimla, Kullu, Dharamshala and New Delhi by means of a network of state-run as well as private buses. The bus journey from Delhi to Manali is 550 kilometers, and it is advisable to book your tickets in the air-conditioned Volvo coaches, as the buses are more comfortable than ordinary ones, keeping in mind the long distance of the journey.
By Road/ Self Drive: The drive up to Manali is simply breath-taking! You can catch scenic glimpses of the adjoining mountains and valleys from almost every turn that the twisty uphill road throws you. Though a lot of tourists prefer a self-drive up to Manali, it is advisable to hire a taxi in case you are not comfortable with driving in mountainous regions.
Drawing swarms of wandering wayfarers from all around the country (and the world), Manali, which is now a prominent tourist town came up as a business route to Ladakh and further beyond. So be it family, friends, that special someone, or all alone, Manali has something for everyone.
Must See
Solang Valley – Solang Valley is quiet and is best approached by road. The drive up to Solang is extremely picturesque. Once you are there, try out some Chinese food from the local roadside shacks, and enjoy the views.
Old Manali – Swaying eucalyptus, lovely roads, sweet little eateries, small kitschy market places, and cafes that serve your favourite continental food at unbelievably low prices, the serenity of Old Manali is only disturbed by twittering birds and the sound of the gushing waters of the Kullu River.
Rohtang Pass – a beautiful and popular spot in Manali with more than 25 lakh visitors every year. In winter, the mountains at the Rohtang Pass are completely covered in snow and it is impossible to get there. Hence, the pass remains closed during winters (from October) and generally opens again in May.
Naggar Castle - Located in Naggar Town, amidst breathtaking forested hills, the Naggar Castle is a magnificent historical edifice. Once the residence of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, this castle is an amalgamation of European and Himalayan architecture. Fireplaces, fitting staircases, and magnificent stone and wood works grace the castle's interiors.
Manu Temple – this religious edifice is visited by countless devotees every year. Legends have it that Manu saved the holy Vedas and the seven sages from the great flood and subsequently made Manali his home. A visit to this revered temple will definitely leave you mentally and spiritually rejuvenated.
Jogini Water Falls – Jogini Falls is a waterfall with a stream running down to join the river Beas in the Kullu Valley below. It is sacred to the village goddess Jogini & is therefore a place of female power, known as a Shakti Peeth. One can enjoy an energizing dip under these cascading falls while admiring the towering snow clad mountains all around. Below the falls there is a small shrine and below that is a Main Shrine (small temple). Villagers go to Jogini Devi to make offerings & to ask for her intercession. As it is such a peaceful, even soporific, sacred place, villagers also go there occasionally to sleep. Special occasions are marked by the cooking of food & the performance of rituals.
Things to Do
Trekking – Manali is an absolute delight for adventurers looking to take on the jagged hills. A great base camp for treks, Manali’s Mountaineering Institute offers several types of high-altitude hiking and rock-climbing opportunities. Yoga-Trekking is another unique concept which combines spiritual wellness with physical well-being and has become a rage among both adventure and spirituality seekers.
Skiing – A thrill for adventure lovers while touring Manali, as they can indulge in some high adrenaline skiing sessions in the snow-clad mountains that surround the hill station. Want something even more thrilling? Go for heli-skiing or yak-skiing to make your experience unforgettable.
River-Rafting – The River Beas comes across as a perfect avenue for adventurers to indulge in some exhilarating rafting action amidst grade II and III rapids. Get your adrenaline pumping with water adventure activities such as canoeing, kayaking and of course, white water rafting.
Zorbing – Zorbing, a one-of-its-kind adventure sport wherein a person is slid into a huge transparent plastic zorb ball which is then rolled down a mountain slope. It is surely not to be missed while in Manali.
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