Last Updated on by Indian Holiday
“Balam pichkari, jo tune mujhe maari…”
No, we are not talking about Holi but about the song locale. Remember this song from the Bollywood movie Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani? This part of the movie was shot in Manali.
Read Also: Best Places to Visit in Kullu Manali
Blessed by scenic landscapes and overlooked by the mighty Himalayas, Manali is a dream spot for vacation enthusiasts. With River Beas flowing wildly, this Himachali town is the go-to place for families, couples, and even solo travelers. Its hill-scapes are not just about a delicious visual treat but also myriad adventure activities, shopping opportunities, and other places to visit. Abuzz with tourist activities throughout the year, Manali is also known as ‘Goa of the north’.
Here are the Top Tourist Places to See in Manali in April
1- Beas River
Beas River meanders through evergreen pine woods as well as the forests of birch and deodar, and lower Himalayas. The river is untamed and adds music to the valley of Manali with its rhythmic flow. For every adventure enthusiast, there are several things to do near the Beas River in Manali. Apart from that, people in Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra locales drink its water. Also, it generates electricity through hydro-electric power plants.
Its importance can be understood with the fact that the river is mentioned in the annals of history as old as 326 B.C. when Alexander invaded India.
With so much to offer, the river area has the best of sightseeing opportunities. For keen tourists, there are several places to visit near River Beas. Additionally, it has fascinated sages and poets as well as filmmakers. The famous Bollywood flick – Krrish was shot here.
Location: 5 km from the Manali bus stop
Visiting Time: Sunrise – Sunset
Entry fee: Free
Famous Tourist Attractions
- Hidimba Devi Temple
- Rohtang Pass
- Solan Valley
- Bhrigu Lake
- Pandoh Dam
- Bijli Mahadev
- Great Himalayan National Park
- Manu Temple
- Manali Club House
- Museum of Himalayan Culture, Folk and Art
Things to do
- Rafting
- Trekking
- Cycling
- Skiing at Rohtang Pass
How to Reach: By bus, taxi, cab
Tips
- Always visit the river in the group to get immediate help, in case of any mishap.
- Get a local guide.
- Wear comfortable shoes to walk uphill and downhill to and from the banks of the River Beas.
- Here you may have to tread the mud path carefully.
- Get yourself examined by a doctor before taking up adventure sports.
- Tightly fasten your belongings to yourself.
[ Explore Manali Tour Packages ]
2- Mall Road
Heart of the town – Mall Road is a happening avenue of Manali and a visit to this hill station is deemed incomplete without heading to Mall Road. Offering plenty of options for shopping, there is no dearth of places to visit in Manali near Mall Road. A host of emporiums and shops are dotted generously at this bustling commercial zone of Manali. It also comprises shopping zones such as Thai Market, Lama Underground, New NAC Market, Hong Kong Market, Shangri La Shopping Complex, Snow Lion Underground Market, and Dragon Shopping Complex.
You can buy stuff such as woolens, rugs, books, jewelry, and wooden furniture here. Don’t miss out to buy Kullu and Kashmiri shawls as souvenirs from here. After a delightful shopping spree, you can refuel yourself with momos or dig into savory bites at any of the restaurants.
Location: Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Visiting Time: 8 am to 9 pm
Entry fee: Free
Famous Tourist Attractions
Things to do
- Shopping
- Savoring food
- Leisure strolling
How to Reach: By bus, cabs, taxi, auto
Tip
- Carry cash as the street shops don’t accept cards.
3- Old Manali
Being separated by Beas River from New Manali, Old Manali oozes laid-back vibes. No wonder, it is a favorite of tourists, particularly solo travelers. It is considered a good base for backpackers, thanks to its serenity as well as boho-chic cafes, restaurants, and shops. Additionally, it has affordable accommodation options in form of hostels, guest houses, cheap hotels, and lodges. Far from the crowd of hill stations, Old Manali looks like a different place from New Manali. No wonder, it is cleaner and more beautiful than New Manali. A trip to this rustic and lively slice of Manali is sure to impart you an outstanding experience, beckoning you for more trips.
Location: Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Visiting Time: Throughout the year
Entry fee: Free
Famous Tourist Attractions
- Hadimba Devi Temple
- Manu temple
- Solang Nala
- Van Vihar
Things to do
How to Reach: Simply walk to Old Manali from the Manali city center in Manali, nearly 2 km away. Cross a bridge over the Manalsu River and you will find yourself in the old-fashioned yet lovely Old Manali.
Tips
- If you can walk for hours, then take a walk in nearby Vashistha or Princi villages.
- Savor not only Indian but also international flavors here. Do try the lasagna, shakshuka, fresh river trout, and Yak cheese sandwich.
- You can go for nearby treks to Spiti Valley, Pin Valley, Lahaul Valley, etc. as this is a good base for trekking.
- Do partake in the party vibe of Old Manali.
4- Rohtang Pass
A trip to Manali is incomplete without a visit to Rohtang Pass – one of the highest Himalayan passes. Its picture-perfect views captivate you, most especially when the snow overtakes the scene in winters. Almost 50 km from the main town, Rohtang is perched at an overwhelming height of 3978 meters above sea level. It has also featured in the Bollywood movie – Jab We Met. As you ascend to the elevated roads towards this pass, the dramatic change in the scenery will surely give you goosebumps. From the parking halt, you can either trek up the pass or ride a horse to reach there. There are some lovely places to visit near Rohtang Pass for added fun. Get ready for some ethereal views and an experience to cherish as you hit this pass.
Location: Manali-Keylong Road, Manali, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Visiting Time: May-June, second week of September to the second week of October. It is closed on Tuesdays.
Entry fee: There is no entry fee to visit the Pass. However, for cars or buses, INR 500 is charged. Bikers need not pay the permit fee. But all the vehicles must have a valid permit to visit it and pay a congestion charge for crossing Gulaba Bridge (Bikes – INR 50, Cars and buses – INR 100).
*Prices are subject to change
Note: The permits can be obtained online from the official website of Rohtang Permit and offline from the SDM Office in Manali.
Famous Tourist Attractions
Things to do
How to Reach: By bus, cab
Tips
- Do carry necessary medications to alleviate altitude sickness because of the low oxygen level.
- Pack yourself in warm clothes and carry some snacks and tea/coffee in a thermos. Also, hire snow woolens and snow boots from shops en route. However, do compare the rates as set by the government. Reach the pass in daylight and return in time to avoid biting the cold and dangers of the winding roads as the sunsets.
Nidhi Lyall
A storyteller, a writer at heart and by profession; I am fond of weaving words to create a bond between the brand and audience. Being an avid reader, a dedicated blogger, and a keen traveler; I bring you not just words but emotions and experiences.
