Manali is a picturesque and romantic hill station gloriously ensconced in the Beas River Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Blessed with a rich culture and nature's unmatched beauty, this hilly tourist town is known for its gurgling streams, lush meadows, and fragrant forests.
The breath-taking views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges and opportunities for adventure sports act as the icing on the cake, bringing in holidaying couples and tourists all year round.
The history of Manali
Legend has it that is was in Manali that sage Manu first walked the earth and set up his abode after the great flood. Hence, Manali gets its name from 'Manu-Alaya' or the home of Manu. To get a glimpse of Manali's fascinating history, you can visit the temple of Manu that still exists in olden Manali.
Often referred to as the 'Valley of the Gods', Manali was once a village that slowly developed into a small but flourishing town. In fact, Manali steadily emerged as a popular destination for travellers, adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. And today, this serene hill station brings in tourists from all over the world.
Interestingly, Manali is considered the point where the ancient trade route begins, stretching onto the famous Rohtang Pass and extending to Kashmir.
Did you know? Manali's apples are well-known, and the British started the plantation of apple trees in this region.
Manali is home to several small hotels, a few resort spas, home stays and cafes that add to the experience. Manali serves as a perfect holiday destination if you're seeking a location that's beautiful, historically significant and relaxing.
Manali's climate and the best time to visit
Summers, winters and monsoons in Manali each have their charm.
March to June is primarily the summer months when the weather is most pleasant. The temperatures fall between ten degree Celsius to twenty-five degree Celsius.
As July approaches and all through August/September, Manali witnesses heavy rainfall and the temperature ranges between seven to ten degree Celsius.
October to February marks the winter season, which can be exceedingly cold when temperatures drop to as low as minus five degrees.
So which season is ideal for planning your visit to Manali?
The summer season in Manali is an ideal time for a visit, especially if you’d like to experience this beautiful hill station in all its glory.
Since the weather is pleasant and enjoyable, you can easily explore Manali's tourist spots and engage in other fun activities like shopping, sightseeing and adventure sports, which may otherwise be difficult during peak winters and rains.
Things to do in Manali
- Experience Tranquility Amidst Nature: A nature lover’s haven, Manali’s beautiful valleys, Passes, snow-capped mountains and stunning landscapes will help you relax and unwind.
- Shop to your Heart's Content: Manali's famous mall road and its local markets are a shopper’s delight. Here you can shop for a variety of souvenirs, Himachal handlooms, woollen clothes and handicraft items to take back home, and fondly remember your Manali holiday.
- Indulge your Taste Buds: Dotted with modern cafes and restaurants, Manali will satiate your desire for delicious local cuisines.
- Enjoy Adrenalin Raising Adventure Sports: One of the biggest attractions in Manali is the opportunity it offers for adventure sports. Here you can indulge in activities like trekking, paragliding, river rafting, mountain biking and skiing, etc.
- Connect Spiritually: In Manali, you will find many well-known and revered ancient temples and religious sites that attract pilgrims throughout the year.
Manali is a lovely hill station and a popular holiday destination of India that beckons you for a visit, so start planning your trip now.
