Top 9 Places to Visit in Manali You Must Visit

Manali is the land of all that is precious and beautiful in India. This quaint hill station was one of the favourites of the erstwhile British rulers in India, who used it and Shimla to retire to in the hot summer months. 

Today, it is a tourist magnet for people from all over the world, young and old alike. You have people on the internet searching for places to visit in Manali and booking holidays from across the nation and even the world.

Manali sightseeing places encompass breathtaking landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and meandering rivers. There are many Manali tourist places to explore.

Here are our top 9 recommendations for places to visit in Manali with your loved ones:

• Kullu – Tourist place close to Manali
• Vashisht Spring – Spiritual place to visit near Manali
• Manikaran – Religious place to visit near Manali
• Solang Valley – Unique place to visit in Manali
• Van Vihar - Manali nature sightseeing
• Manali Sanctuary – Wildlife sightseeing in Manali
• Chandrakhani Pass – Adventurous place to visit in Manali
• Jogini Waterfall – Famous tourist place near Manali
• Old Manali – Historical places to visit in Manali
  
  

• Kullu – Tourist place close to Manali

One can hardly visit Manali and not take a detour to Kullu, just outside the former. In fact, many tour operators offer Kullu-Manali packages, so you can opt for these if you are interested. 

Kullu is a smaller hill station than Manali, but just as pretty and quite charming as well. The town's picturesque landscapes, surrounded by verdant hills and dotted with apple orchards, make it a serene retreat for those seeking tranquillity. You can also expect some great shopping bazaars, street stall eateries, town squares, old temples and shrines, and some adventure activities, too.

Kullu is renowned for its vibrant local culture, and visitors often find themselves captivated by the warmth of its people. Check out updated Manali travel guides to know what to see there. 

Also Read: How to Reach Manali, And What to Do There: We Tell You

• Vashisht Spring – Spiritual place to visit near Manali

One of the top 'Manali visiting places' that should not be missed by those who are spiritually inclined. They must certainly include the famous Vashisht Temple as one of the places to visit in Manali. The temple houses the famous Vashist Baths – these are said to cleanse you of all sin, just like the famous Lourdes Springs in France. 

However, there is merit to this theory, because the baths contain hot sulphur springs which have exceptional medicinal properties. If you or a family member suffers from skin or hair ailments, you must certainly take a dip in the springs to see if you can get a cure. 

The Manali Tourism Board has made separate bathing and changing areas for men and women. If nothing else, you will love exploring the temple precinct, which is entirely made of sandstone.

• Manikaran – Religious place to visit near Manali

Another great inclusion in your list of places to visit in Manali is the small and picturesque town of Manikaran. There’s not much to do here, but the photo opportunities to update your social media feeds are tremendous. 

Every turn here looks like a painting, every frame a postcard. Located between the famous Beas and Parvati rivers, it is green all year round and does not experience much snowfall even in the height of winter. 

Do visit the famous Manikaran Sahib gurudwara here, and partake of some delicious langar as well.

• Solang Valley – Unique place to visit in Manali

There are many places of interest outside Manali as well, and Solang Valley is one of them. It is the best place to visit in the summer season, when the entire valley is in full bloom and packed with different colours of flowers and leaves. 

The Valley is often naturally scented owing to the many varieties of flowering trees and plants here, and you can take a ropeway ride over it to see its spectacular beauty from a vantage point. 

Another advantage of visiting the valley is that you can enjoy snowboarding in the winter and early summer months, and also go paragliding (but be sure to hire a reputed operator only). In the summer, the valley hosts many zorbing, cable car rides and even ATV rides for tourists.

• Van Vihar - Manali nature sightseeing

The natural beauty of Manali will prod you to explore it further, but if you want a chance to mingle with other tourists and residents, then you must head to Van Vihar, a locally managed park located in the heart of Mall Road. 

The park has a jogging and walking track, landscaped green areas for walking barefoot or sitting on, and a small artificial pond with boating opportunities. 

This is one of the best places to visit in Manali if there are young children in the group and they want to play off their nervous energy instead of just sightseeing.

Also Read: Our Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Manali This Year

• Manali Sanctuary – Wildlife sightseeing in Manali

While in Manali, don’t forget to admire the animal kingdom. One of the best places to visit in Manali for fauna lovers is Manali Sanctuary, which houses some rare birds and animals. 

In fact, it is the only place in all of Himachal Pradesh where you can see the Mona, the State bird, in all its glory. Apart from several migratory and domestic bird species, there are many other animals like the snow leopard, musk deer, and Indian bears. 

Keep your camera at the ready, but maintain total silence so that you don’t startle the animals and birds.

• Chandrakhani Pass – Adventurous place to visit in Manali

Let’s get you back to the sightseeing track – after all, that’s what you are in Manali for! One of the most astounding places to visit in Manali is the Chandrakhani Pass, located between the fiery Parvati River and valley. 

This is an ancient trekking trail that is not for the faint-hearted: even seasoned trekkers have been known to be a little nervous about it. We would suggest taking this trail with an experienced guide and while wearing sturdy boots with a rubber sole grip. 

If you would rather not trek, especially if there are young children and/or senior citizens with you, then you can just have your resorts in Manali pack a picnic lunch and pick a good spot to feast your eyes and explore the area. The Pass is capped by snow for at least 8 months in the year.

Also Read: Our Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Manali This Year

• Jogini Waterfall – Famous tourist place near Manali

Another excellent place to visit in Manali, and one of its most famous attractions, is the Jogini Waterfall. It is located about two kilometres outside Manali town, and you can even reach it on foot from the Vashist Temple. 

Trust us when we say that it is one of the most splendid waterfalls you may have seen anywhere in the world – the waters are snow white and gush down in a noisy froth about 160 feet above you. 

You can take an easy trail to the top of the Jogini Falls, looking at small streams and narrow alleys on your way. You can even see a part of the Rohtang string of hills from here.

• Old Manali – Historical places to visit in Manali

Now that you are holidaying in Manali and have an idea of which spots to see, we would be remiss if we didn’t recommend its most wonderful quarter. Old Manali is one of the most important places to visit in Manali, because it is a portion of the region that is among its earliest settlements. 

Even today, it has houses built in traditional style, with a few hundred residents living there. The area has a tranquillity that must be experienced in person to be believed. However, the passage of time and the constant stream of tourists has modernised the place somewhat – you can see some new cafes here, as well as informal shopping stores selling local trinkets. 

Some of the restaurants in Manali and also the ones located here serve the most sumptuous Tibetan, Chinese and North Indian preparations, so don’t forget to dig in.

How to get to Manali

While you are planning your itinerary for Manali sightseeing and tourist places, it is best to plan your travel too.

By Air

The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), located approximately 50 kilometers away. This airport is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi and Chandigarh. From Bhuntar Airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Manali.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, but it has limited connectivity. The most convenient major railway station is Chandigarh Railway Station, which is well-connected to various parts of India. From Chandigarh, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Manali. However, the train journey will only take you up to a certain point, and the rest of the distance has to be covered by road.

By Road

Manali is well-connected by road, and buses are available from major cities in Himachal Pradesh and nearby states. The road journey to Manali is scenic, especially if you are travelling from cities like Delhi or Chandigarh. 

Many people also prefer to drive to Manali in their private vehicles. This way they can visit the famous places in Manali as and when they want.

The most common route from Delhi is via NH44 (previously NH3) through towns like Ambala, Chandigarh, and Mandi.

Where to Stay In Manali

Immerse yourself in the serene hills of Manali at Club Mahindra Snow Peaks Resort. A perfect getaway to experience mountain living with your loved ones, away from the hustle of the city.

• Discover Manali's Charm

Explore Manali's rich heritage through guided town tours, temple visits, and village excursions. Engage in outdoor adventures like hikes and bike rides as Club Mahindra Snow Peaks, Manali, transitions seamlessly from day to night.

• Rejuvenation Amidst Nature

Enjoy modern comforts in rustic rooms, each offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Rejuvenate at Svaastha Spa after days of exploration, relish buffet delights, and indulge in personalized service.

• Comfort in Every Corner

After your day of Manali sightseeing, you can unwind in plush beds, catch up on TV time, and refresh with a hot shower before your Manali adventures begin.

• Culinary and Wellness Delights

Savour regional specialities like Himachali Thali at the resort's restaurant. Experience holistic well-being at Svaastha Spa, enhancing your retreat at Club Mahindra Snow Peaks Manali.