Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines and freshness - Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty.
Clean roads, swaying eucalyptus trees, endearing little eateries, small kitschy local market places, and cafes which serve delicious local food at unbelievable prices, Old Manali is a serene, tranquil place, whose lingering silence is broken only by the twittering of the birds and the sound of the roaring waters of the Kullu river.
From museums to temples, from quaint little hippie villages to bustling upscale streets, river adventures to trekking trails, Manali has ever a reason to be the tourist magnet it is, all year round.
Solang Valley is the of the most visited places in Manali, with the drive up to Solang being as picturesque as the valley itself. Not only does Solang Valley offer some breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, but its slopes are also a very popular skiing destination, especially during the winters. In summers, the place turns into a paragliding haven. If you?re an adventure enthusiast, Solang Valley has adrenaline-pumping activities such as zorbing and horse-riding available.
With more than 25 lakh visitors every year, Rohtang Pass easily stands out as one of the most popular scenic spots to visit in Manali. The distance between manali and Rohtang Pass is only 51 KM. Connecting the Lahaul and Kullu valleys, the Rohtang Pass is famous among nature lovers, photographers and adventure seekers alike. Mountain biking or skiing whilst surrounded by the awe-inspiring glaciers and snow-capped peaks on all sides is an exhilarating experience.
Manali is also home to a tiny slice of history, in the form of the Naggar castle. Located among the breathtaking forests in Naggar town, the Naggar Castle is a stunning historical edifice. Once used as the residence of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, the castle is a fine blend of traditional Himalayan and European architecture. With majestic fireplaces, beautifully built staircases, and meticulous wood and stone works, the Naggar Castle is a must-visit when you're in Manali.
How To Reach Manali
he nearest railway station from Manali is in Joginder Nagar which is 50 km away. However, this is a narrow gauge railway station and hence is not connected to all the major cities in the country. The broad gauge railway stations nearest to Manali are in Chandigarh (310 km) and Ambala (300 km). The nearest airport is in Bhuntar, which is also 50 km away. Buses and taxis are easily available from these places and other parts of North India to Manali. Manali can also be reached from Leh by the Leh-Manali route, though it is open for only 4 or 5 months in a year during summers when the snow is removed by the Border Road Organization of India. Still, this road is very picturesque and is one of the most beautiful ways to reach Manali.
What is the best time to visit Manali?
Manali is a destination that has a certain charm throughout the year. The summers in Manali are from March to June and are extremely pleasant with the temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees. The winters are chilly with minimum temperature falling to sub-zero levels. This is the ideal time for tourists to enjoy snowfall in Manali. However, if you are planning to visit Rohtang Pass, you should not plan your trip from January to April as the roads to the pass are closed.
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