Index:
Where to Stay
For the Solo/Budget Traveler:
Old Manali is the perfect place for bachelors in Manali. It is the best place for a quick stay or a lengthy workation! With great meals, clean dorms and good network connectivity, this Zostel has it all. Female-only dorms are also available.
For the Fun Traveler (Hotel):
A very aesthetic wooden-themed hotel with the view of Deodar forests in the back. With options of bathtub and fireplace in the room and a marvelous restaurant, what more will a family need?
Do checkout Manali Heights if this place is priced up.
For the Luxurious Traveler :
This hotel looks like one straight out of a movie! Beautiful looking rooms, helpful staff and the scrumptious breakfast here will surely make your stay here a delight. Check out Renest Country Resort if this place doesn't suit you.
The AirBnB Alternative :
Cedar Manor is a English-styled cottage which is well-maintained with good-looking rooms, a functional kitchen and the best of all: a fireplace.
This place has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Perfect for a family or a group of 4.
Where to Eat
This place has the typical Old Manali vibe. The outdoor seating option with live music here will definitely liven up your night. Also, please note that this is a lounge and so this place serves alcohol.
Tip: The fish and coffee is a must-try here.
There is a natural human urge to crave Chinese food as soon you arrive in the mountains. And for that, we have found the most amazing place to have it at.
This place also has Italian and North Indian cuisine.
Cozy is the word that defines this place. Enjoy a great cup of coffee here along with a delicious breakfast. Do not miss their chocolate chip cookies, or you might just miss the highlight of your trip.
This place is located conveniently near Old Manali and offers a very good vibe and service, although at a slightly higher price.
But, the ambience and views provided by this café will certainly make you feel worth it.
5. Fat Plate
If you're up for a drive, you will surely love this place. This European place has both indoor and outdoor seating options and has a very beautiful European ambience to it. This place is known for its jams and pickles, so do not miss them!
What to do
Solang Valley is the highlight of Manali. And if you are lucky, and it snows, this place becomes a white wonderland! There is plenty to do here, from food stalls serving you Maggi in the cold to adventurous activities like paragliding for you to try. There is also a ropeway present, that takes you to a higher altitude.
Tip: If snow is not present here, you can drive to Sissu valley, which experiences more snow.
2. Old Manali
Old Manali has the vibe you will find yourself searching in Manali. It is surrounded with apple orchards, cafés that serve great European food, amazing breakfast places and a lot of backpacker lodgings. The market over there is also worth a visit.
3. Beas River
The Beas River view point is a place you would love to sit at and talk for hours. The breeze of the Beas along with the fresh air it brings will certainly charm your day. There are food stalls also nearby, and having a bowl of Maggi and a hot cup of tea near the river is a sure must-do!
This is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, the wife of Bhim. The temple is surrounded by a cedar forest called Dhungiri Van Vihar, which is in itself a wonderful place to visit. The temple has intricate carvings and impeccable wooden work, which makes it a must-visit.
5. Mall Road
Like any Mall Road of any hill station, this road is not to be missed. Filled with eateries and shops, you can find cheap souvenirs for all your family and friends back home. Tip: Be careful, in peak seasons, there is a lot of rush over here.
Miscellaneous Tips
The Best Season to visit Manali is March to June and November to February. Avoid Monsoons, if possible, as it might not enable you to visit your desired places. To enjoy snow, visiting as close as to the end of December is recommended.
If you are visiting Manali in winters, be careful to carry warm clothes such as warmers, jackets, gloves, woolens and woolen socks. Also, a woolen cap is also needed.
Manali is well-connected by Bus from Delhi or Chandigarh, and cab services are also available in these cities. Flights are usually unreliable owing to weather conditions.