Weekend Getaways: Manali, India

Tripoto
8th Jan 2014
Photo of Weekend Getaways: Manali, India 1/4 by Anvi
Sublime climate & picturesque surroundings
Photo of Weekend Getaways: Manali, India 2/4 by Anvi
Perfect blend of British India!
Photo of Weekend Getaways: Manali, India 3/4 by Anvi
Exotic hills and falls at Manali
Photo of Weekend Getaways: Manali, India 4/4 by Anvi
Lush green picturesque landscapes

In the last 5 years Manali has outgrown hippie culture. I have seen an increase in the number of upmarket Indian travelers. Trending among Manali's upmarket domestic visitors are cottage rentals. The Himalayan Hotel boasts enough turrets, spiral staircases and coats of arms to furnish the most ardent Harry Potter fan's Hogwarts fantasies.

Surrounded by towering mountains, covered with gorgeous coloured flowers and carpeted with rich greenery, Kullu Manali captures visitors’ hearts in the very first glance. Popularly known as ‘Land of Gods’, this place has numerous temples and is considered as a sacred pilgrimage center.

Endowed with fabulous climate and scenic beauty, Kullu Manali is one of the top honeymoon destinations of India. There are a number of places to visit in and around this enchanting valley.

The Himalayan is built in high Victorian Gothic style. Manali's newest luxury hotel has eight plush rooms as well as eight cottages, conference facilities, a spa and a heated outdoor pool.
Photo of The Himalayan, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India by Anvi
Rent a Cottage: Vijayendra Singh of Nalagarh rents three fully equipped three-bedroom cottages from 5000 in Upper Manali. All have open fireplaces and wood paneling. Ahilya Akoi has a well-positioned three-bedroom cottage with mountain views above Old Manali, which comes with the use of two staff members.
Photo of Vijayendra Singh , Manali by Anvi
Enjoy authentic French cooking at the new outpost of Goa's favorite French restaurant, set in an orchard above the Beas River.
Photo of La Plage , Manali by Anvi
An international menu featuring all-local ingredients, served in a garden restaurant with fantastic valley views.
Photo of Fat Plate , Manali by Anvi
Manali's only wood fired oven churns out excellent vegetarian pizzas.
Photo of Casa Bella Vista, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India by Anvi
Johnson Hotel & Cafe , is one of Manali institution's restaurant with a great speciality trout menu.
Photo of Johnson Hotel & Cafe , Kullu by Anvi
Proper coffee and superb homemade cookies make this laid-back Old Manali cafe the stuff of backpacker legend.
Photo of Dylan's coffe House , Manali by Anvi
This ancient shrine was also featured in Mani Ratnam's film, Roja.
Photo of Hadimba Temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India by Anvi
Six kilometres up the River Beas from Manali, the hot springs in this town are thought to possess medicinal properties.
Photo of Vashist, Himachal Pradesh, India by Anvi
Photo of Vashist, Himachal Pradesh, India by Anvi
Take a yoga class with Swami Yognanda who teaches in this peaceful spot from April-October.
Photo of Shri Hari Yogashram by Anvi
This impressive wooden castle was built in 1460 and offers spectacular valley views.
Photo of Naggar Castle Road, Naggar, Himachal Pradesh, India by Anvi
Visit the former home of Russian painter and philosopher Nicholas Roerich who displays his collection often.
Photo of Uruswati Museum Of folkare, To Museum, Sector 78, Gurgaon, Haryana, India by Anvi