Near the northern end of the Kulu valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh lies an extremely beautiful hill station called “Manali”. Since this hill station is located in the Kulu valley it is often referred to as “Kullu-Manali”. The true beauty of Manali lies in its foggy and snowy hills, scenic valley views, the flowing Beas River, dense pine trees etc. It is due to its aesthetic beauty that this hill station has earned a sobriquet “Queen of Valleys”. This hill station due to its landscapes is famous for adventure sports such as snowboarding, skiing, trekking, water rafting, skating etc. Adding more beauty to Manali is the presence of beautiful apple orchards along with lots of greenery. So if you either are a genuine nature lover or an adrenaline pumping adventure junkie then “Manali” is just the place for you.
Read More: 5 UNKNOWN HILL STATIONS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH
How to reach Manali?
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Manali Map
By train:
The closest railway station to Manali is in Joginder Nagar located in the Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh. The railway station in Joginder Nagar is well connected to major cities in the country. Chandigarh and Ambala stations are the other options. Taxis and bus services to Manali are available from these stations.
By road:
Regular bus services are available from Delhi to Manali. The approximate duration of travel is 14 hours. Taxi services are also available to Manali but, while hiring a taxi one must ensure that the driver is experienced enough and is familiar with driving up the hilly region for 14 hours. The starting points to this hill station which would prove to be convenient are Kullu and Shimla.
a. How to reach Manali from Kullu : The shortest route to reach Manali from Kullu is via NH3 as depicted in the map above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.
b. How to reach Manali from Shimla : There fastest route from Shimla to Manali is via NH3 and NH205and the route map is depicted above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.
By flight:
The closest airport to Manali is in Kulu. A few airlines also operate from Chandigarh and Delhi to Kullu airport. Although it has been observed that the travel expenses are high and the flight schedules to Manali have not been regularized.
Climate and the best time to visit Manali
Apart from the “freezing” winters the climate throughout the year in Manali is typically pleasant. With the temperature during the summer months beginning from March and ending in June ranging from 10 degrees to 25 degrees. Manali also experiences heavy rainfall during monsoons (July to mid-September) and it is during this season that landslides commonly occur. While December to February are winter months which are severe and the temperature drops below 0 degrees. The ideal time to visit and enjoy this beautiful hill station between May and September.
Places To Visit Around Manali
Rohtang Pass:
A tourist attraction in Manali which remains a mystery for the travellers.Rohtang pass, which is a lofty hilly pathway, remains pretty cold with snow beds even on the hottest summer days. It is a popular attraction as the pathway offers the breathtaking views of the valleys. The pathway is closed during winter.
Old Manali:
A short stroll of about 3 kilometers takes you to a beautiful place called“Old Manali”, a serene and comforting atmosphere. It is famous for its orchards and colonial style guesthouses. The serene scenery coupled with the rhythmic sounds of Beas river brings real joy to one’s soul.
Hot water springs:
A natural mystery in Manali is hot water springs. There are two hot water springs, Kalath hot water spring and Vashishthot water spring. Kalathspring is a hot sulphurous water which is blown from below the surface. While, Vashisht is actually a part of the Beas river, transformed into natural hot water spring.
The Castle Naggar:
The most popular tourist attraction depicts the astounding architectural brilliance of the 15th century. The unique structure is the blend of Himalayan and Western architectural styles. Besides, the location is quite pleasant as the magnificent architectural artefact is located very near to the Beas River.
Himalayan National Park:
The ideal place for the wildlife enthusiasts, as the national park, is located amidst the natural houses of several endangered and exotic species of animals.
Accommodation – Hotels, Resorts and Home Stays in and around Manali :
Click on the link here to check out the places to stay near Manali, Himachal Pradesh on Google Maps.
Also Read: WHAT MAKES KUFRI SUCH A MESMERIZING INDIAN HILL STATION?