Do you shun the idea of visiting Manali because it’s a very mainstream place to go to? Neither does it bag a prominent position on your travel bucket list? Have you received very dull reviews about the place from your friends and close ones?
Everything is gonna change in the next two minutes for you if the answer to all the above questions is YES.
Yes, it’s a paradise for Honeymoon couples and a picturesque destination for families. But that’s just one side of Manali. Stroll in the streets of Old Manali, explore some crazy cafes, go on a shopping spree or you may trek, hike or ride a bike. Manali has so much in-store for everyone. That’s the beauty of this place.
I am sharing a list of things that I love to do in Manali. It’s not gonna be something generic or usual (things to do) listicle but something more personal and emotional. Let’s get started:
1. Nature Walk at Nature Park
This is what I love to do the most. There are 3 Nature Parks in Manali that are part of Manali Wildlife Sanctuary. My favourite is the one in Old Manali on Circuit Road. The one at the Mall Road is more like an amusement park, with a small lake for boating and various other rides for kids. But the other two are Nature parks.
I go there every evening when I am in Manali, sit on a boulder and listen to the music of flowing water. It’s a serene place with the river Beas flowing by the side and deodar trees all around.
2. Bike Ride in the Mountains
You’ll find so many rental shops in Manali. I always rent a scooty or a bike and head to Solang Valley or Rohtang Pass. The road is smooth and broad. You’ll get such amazing spots on your way that you’ll feel like getting off and click some pictures.
3. Live Music at Cafe 1947
Although there are many cafes and restaurants in Manali, I make sure I have one dinner at Cafe 1947(preferably on weekends). This riverside cafe has 2 properties, one in Old Manali and the new one in Nehru Kund.
I went there first in 2017 when they only had one cafe in Old Manali and now it’s a ritual. It was the Live Music Night on a Saturday Evening. My friend and I had a blast. Located on the banks of Beas river, Cafe 1947 must be on your list for sure.
4. Shop & Splurge in the Old Manali Street Market
When travelling to Manali, I always keep the shopping budget separately because I know, I am gonna splurge like a crazy. From the locally-crafted jackets, pyjamas to bags and dreamcatchers, you’ll have so much to fill your shopping bags with.
This market that I am talking about is different from the mall road one. The stuff that you get here is unique and locally produced and won’t find anywhere else in Himachal. #HighlyRecommended
5. Trek To Jogini Falls
Manali is the base camp for many treks, from crazy expeditions to small overnight camping treks. If you are a trekking person or even if you’re not, you’ll love the small but mad trail to the Jogini Falls. It’s some 1-1.5 km ahead of Rishi Vashishtha Temple. It’s an incredible place and you’ll see 4-5 rainbows simultaneously in the air and water.
I just love this place and I can go there as many times and will not get fed up of it ever.
6. My Date with The Beas
One of the gems of Manali is the river Beas. I can sit with my feet immersed in water, a cup of chai in my hand and a plate of Maggi in my lap. There are so many shacks in old Manali that have stairs which will lead you down to the river. They serve you there on the riverside only. Imagine your mornings like this. Beautiful, No?
7. Momos and Ice Cream at The Mall Road
Manali aaye aur Mall Road nahi gaye, aisa kaise ho sakta hai? I won’t say it’s overrated or too mainstream. It has its charm, the Mall Road glitters in the evening with variety of people hanging out there. It’s a fun place to chill out, though. What I do when I go there? I hog on momos and ice-cream. Very close to the Bus Station on the road, you’ll find a lady selling momos. Do try hers and ice cream, you’ll find at every 10 meters.
8. Manali Mornings are The Best
Wake up early and smell the Manali Morning. Aaah! It’s just aah-mazing. No matter how late you were to bed, or how badly hungover you are, try to be a good boy/girl for one freaking morning. Sit by the side of the river, or walk around the streets or just relax in your hotel/homestay’s lawn. I make sure I do it. I am anyway a morning person and mountain mornings are the best. You’ll hear birds chirping, river rattling and see the sun changing colours.
I call Manali my spirit place. It’s very special to me for so many reasons and it’ll always be. Every point that I mentioned above is not just to adorn your itinerary. I have shared a part of me with you guys through this write-up. This was Manali, my Manali from my vantage point.
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