16 Best Places To Visit In Manali For An Unforgettable Trip

Posted on Friday, November 3rd, 2023 by Renu Dahiya Leave a Comment

When you think of Manali, imagine a place filled with endless joy and adventure. This charming mountain town is an absolute must-visit for those in search of a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable journey. With its breathtaking natural beauty, heart-pounding adventures, rich heritage, and the warmest of welcomes, Manali will surely steal your heart and gift you with lasting memories.

The hill town in Himachal Pradesh is undoubtedly one of the most visited tourist destinations in India – so, let’s travel it the right way!

Here’s the list of the best tourist attractions and places to visit in Manali – 

1. Hadimba Temple

The Hadimba Temple is a renowned gem of this mountain paradise. This beautiful temple is believed to be a tribute to Hadimba, the wife of Bhima, Pandu’s valiant son. What sets it apart is its remarkable location, hidden within the Dhungri Forest, where it finds solace among the towering pine trees. The Temple stands as a unique architectural marvel among all the wonders of Manali. Its pagoda-shaped structure is an architectural masterpiece, and it’s not just its design that makes it famous, its spiritual significance is equally revered. Inside, you’ll discover the awe-inspiring brass idol of Hadimba, a sight to behold.

• Location: Hadimba Temple Rd, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
• Opening hours: 8 am – 6 pm; throughout the year
• Nearby tourist attractions: Manu Temple, Solang Nala
• Nearest airport: Kullu Manali Airport
• How to reach: Bus, cabs, taxi, auto

2. Museum Of Himachal Culture And Folk Art

Just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Hadimba Temple, you’ll discover the Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art, a doorway to the past that’s an essential part of your Manali adventure. Here, time itself reveals its secrets through an amazing collection of hidden treasures – from sacred antiques to everyday objects, from ancient weaponry to musical instruments, and scale models. This small heritage museum also showcases uniquely crafted building models that are of great value when it comes to sightseeing in Manali. As you wander through its halls, you’ll find yourself transported through time, experiencing the rich and colourful history of Himachal Pradesh. Get your Himachal tour packages booked today and explore more about this beautiful place.

• Location: Utopia Complex, Hadimba Temple Rd, near Hadimba Temple, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
• Opening Hours: 8 am – 8 pm; throughout the year
• Entry ticket: INR 10 per person per day
• Nearby Attractions: Siyali Mahadev Temple, Ghatotkach Tree Temple
• Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport
• How to Reach: Bus, cabs, taxi, auto

3. Tibetan Monasteries

In the heart of Manali, a beautiful wonder awaits – the Tibetan monasteries. It’s a secret you won’t want to miss, a jewel in the crown of your Manali journey. Whether you’re on a whirlwind 2-day Kullu Manali tour visit or a leisurely exploration, these monasteries, the Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa and Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, promise to touch your soul and leave a memorable mark. They stand as not just landmarks, but as living symbols of peace and spirituality. Step inside, and you’ll be amazed by the artistry on display – amazing Tibetan art and craft items that speak volumes of tradition and skill. You won’t resist the urge to take home a piece of this serenity.

• Opening Hours: The main entrance to the shrine is open only from 7 AM to 7 PM
• Nearby Attractions: Lion King Rock, Buddhist Shrine
• Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport
• How to Reach: Bus, cabs, taxi, auto

4. Manu Temple

Just a short 3 km journey from the bustling Mall Road, Manu Temple is a true haven among the town’s beloved tourist spots. This sacred sanctuary, devoted to Lord Manu, welcomes all with open arms, enveloping them in a sense of beauty and peace. It’s not just a destination, it’s an experience, one that has attracted both pilgrims and curious travellers from around the world.

• Location: Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
• Opening Hours: 5 AM – 9 PM; Open year-round
• Nearby Attractions: Hadimba Devi Temple, Rehala Falls
• Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport
• How to Reach: Bus, cabs, taxi, auto

5. Jogini Falls

A picturesque waterfall, Jogini Falls is just a short yet adventurous trek away from the city’s crowd. This nature masterpiece is a thrilling journey that reveals the panoramic beauty of the Beas River and the snow-draped peaks of Rohtang. Located in this serene setting, Jogini is also a sacred pilgrimage site, surrounded by ancient shrines. It is undoubtedly the best place in Manali you shouldn’t miss at any cost. 

• Location: Vashist, Himachal Pradesh 175103
• Opening hours: Always open
• Nearby Attractions: Nehru Kund, Rehala Falls
• Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport
• How to Reach: Bus, cabs, taxi, auto

6. The Manali Gompa

The Manali Gompa, also known as Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, is a place where Tibetan architecture and spiritual beauty merge in a breathtaking union. Crafted with love by Tibetan refugees in the 1960s, this monastery is a serene sanctuary that invites you to bask in its profound spirituality. With pagoda-style roofs and a palette of vibrant colours, it’s as if the building itself is a work of art. The beautiful paintings on the walls tell the tales of significant Buddhist events, a vivid window into a history illuminated with a kaleidoscope of hues.

• Location: Manali Gompa (Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa), Manali Center, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
• Opening Hours: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM; Open on all days except Sunday
• Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport
• How to Reach: Bus, cabs, taxi, auto

7. Nehru Kund

Located along the scenic Leh National Highway, Nehru Kund is a must-visit spot near Manali. Named after India’s first Prime Minister, it’s a natural spring of cool, clear water believed to flow from the Bhrigu Lake, which sits high at 4,300 metres above sea level. This place is indeed the best for sightseers in Manali. It is a memory, a tribute, and an adventure waiting to be explored. 

• Location: Bashisht, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175103
• Opening Hours: Always open
• Nearby Attractions: Jogini Falls, Manu Temple
• Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport
• How to Reach: Bus, cabs, taxi, auto

8. Arjun Gufa (Arjun Cave)

In the shadows of Prini Village, you’ll discover Arjun Gufa, a place steeped in legend. It’s here that the Pandava Arjuna is said to have meditated, seeking the Pashupati Astra from Lord Indra. This mythological history has woven a sense of wonder around the cave and the nearby temple, making it an interesting destination close to Manali’s heart.

• Location: Naggar Castle Rd, Naggar, Himachal Pradesh 175130
• Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
• Nearby Attractions: Prini Village
• Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport
• How to Reach: Bus, cabs, taxi, auto

9. Mall Road

How can anyone visit Manali and not experience the charm of Mall Road? It’s an essential stop, a hub of activity that defines this picturesque hill station. Whether you’re enjoying ice cream on a wintry evening or indulging in a plate of sizzling momos, Mall Road caters to your cravings. It’s a place where every bite is a taste of delight, and every step is an adventure. Find amazing wooden handicrafts and cosy woollens here. This place is the pulse of Manali, where the town comes alive, and where every step is an opportunity to create lasting memories. 

• Nearby Attractions: The Ridge, Christ Church
• Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport
• Location: Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
• Opening Hours: 8 AM to 9 PM
• How to Reach: Bus, cabs, taxi, auto

10.  Van Vihar 

Van Vihar, a love letter to nature, is a place where you can wander, paddle, and simply enjoy the beauty that envelops you. It’s an experience that touches your heart, leaving behind an indelible memory of nature’s finest poetry in Manali. In Van Vihar, Manali’s beautiful deodar trees will embrace you. This untouched beauty is a haven for nature enthusiasts, lovingly tended to by the city’s municipal corporation. It’s a living canvas that captures the heart of every visitor.

11.  Manali Sanctuary

The Manali Sanctuary is a true natural gem and one of the best places to visit to witness true beauty and for peace. Just a leisurely stroll from the town centre, it’s a sanctuary that reveals the secrets of the mountains. And what’s even more exciting – you can explore it all on foot. Just imagine a place where you can wander among the rich flora and fauna of the mountains. That’s exactly what this sanctuary offers – it’s a natural haven. It’s an adventure that’s waiting to be embraced.

• Location: Circuit House Marg, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
• Opening hours: 9 AM to 6 PM
• Nearby Attractions: Hadimba Himachal Park
• Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport
• How to Reach: Bus, cabs, taxi, auto

12.  Rohtang Pass

One of the most amazing and must-visit places in Manali is none other than the Rohtang Pass. This pass is a true gem in the country’s landscape, and it transforms into a winter wonderland, blanketed in snow during the chilly months. Located at a jaw-dropping height of 13,000 feet, it’s bound to send shivers of amazement down your spine.  Enjoy the world of white, where the snow-capped landscape stretches as far as your eyes can see. This is where trekkers and snow enthusiasts unite. This place promises goosebumps and memories to last a lifetime.

• Nearby Attractions: Bhrigu Lake, Hadimba Devi Temple
• Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport
• Location: Highway to Keylong/Leh, Manali, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175131
• Opening hours: Open for 6-7 months only (May to November)
• How to Reach: Bus, cabs, taxi, auto

13.  Siyali Mahadev Temple

Siyali Mahadev Temple, one of the oldest temples in Manali, stands as a timeless tribute to Lord Shiva. This sacred haven has drawn the reverence of both locals and pilgrims from the far corners of the north. Just like many of Solan’s architectural marvels, this temple boasts a unique beauty that transcends mere worship. During Manali’s festive seasons, it becomes a spiritual epicentre, attracting Shiva devotees in multitudes.

• Location: Hadimba Temple Rd, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
• Opening hours: Early morning
• Nearby Attractions: Hadimba Devi Temple
• Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport
• How to Reach: Bus, cabs, taxi, auto

14.  Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple

Himalaya Nyingmapa Gompa is a revered Buddhist monastery that transcends its location to become one of the most celebrated monasteries in northern India. Its essence lies in the iconic figure of Sakyamuni, a colossal representation of beauty, seated in meditative grace right at the heart of the sanctum. Before you approach the resplendent statue, you’ll be greeted by a mesmerising array of vivid paintings that bring Buddhism to life right at the entrance. 

• Location: Pangan Gompa Rd, Pangan, Himachal Pradesh 175143
• Opening Hours: Always open
• Nearby Attractions: International Roerich Memorial Trust (IRMT)
• Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport
• How to Reach: Bus, cabs, taxi, auto

15.  Jagatsukh

The picturesque village of Jagatsukh beckons with its beautiful temples and natural beauty. Here, on the banks of the Beas River, you will discover a hidden gem that’s both peaceful and vibrant, making it one of the most enchanting places to explore in Manali. This place Jagatsukh has become a favoured destination for honeymooners too, offering a canvas of snow-capped mountains, meadows, and bountiful orchards. It’s a picture-perfect setting for love to bloom.

• Nearby Attractions: Rani Sui Lake
• Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport
• Location: Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
• Opening Hours: Always open
• How to Reach: Bus, cabs, taxi, auto

16.  Gulaba

Gulaba is an alternate destination to visit from November to April when Rohtang Pass is inaccessible due to heavy snow. It’s an amazing place in the midst of nature’s wintry splendour, offering a more serene and personalised snow adventure compared to the bustling valleys of Rohtang and Solang. Gulaba becomes a sanctuary for those seeking the purest essence of snow activities, making it a must-visit destination in Manali.

• Nearby Attractions: Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass
• Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport
• Location: Leh Manali Hwy, Himachal Pradesh 175103
• Opening Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM
• How to Reach: Bus, cabs, taxi, auto

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best time to visit Manali?

A: The best time to visit Manali largely depends on your preferences. If you’re keen on relishing beautiful weather and green landscapes, plan your trip between April and June. On the other hand, the best time to visit Manali for snowfall is from October to January. 

Q: What is the ideal duration for a trip to Manali?

A: A 3 to 4-day trip to Manali allows you to explore the major attractions comfortably and engage in various activities.

Q: Is Rohtang Pass open throughout the year for tourists?

A: No, Rohtang Pass is generally accessible from May to November. It remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.

Q: Are there any serene and less-crowded places in Manali for a peaceful vacation?

A: Yes, consider visiting places like Gulaba, Jagatsukh, and Van Vihar for a quieter and more peaceful Manali experience.

With a long list of these famous places to visit in Manali, you have several options to explore on your trip to this beautiful town. Whether you’re with friends, family, your special someone, or even on a solo adventure, Manali has something special for everyone.

So, why wait? Plan a trip to Manali today with Shipra Travels. It’s time to get ready for a fantastic adventure in the mountains, and they’re calling you to come and have fun!

We’re committed to offering you comprehensive and affordable domestic holiday packages to the best destinations in India. Whether you’re in search of luxurious accommodations, exciting sightseeing opportunities, or thrilling adventure activities, we at Shipra Travels – a leading travel agency in Chandigarh will provide you with the best options.

But our adventures don’t stop at our borders. If you’re yearning to discover foreign lands, our international tour packages are just a call away. Get in touch with us at +91 800 023 5865, and we’ll ensure that your dream of exploring your favorite place becomes a reality.