Best Places to Visit Near Manali
Pro Tips for Perfect Car Hire Every Time
Manali is a beautiful town full of natural beauty everywhere you look. It has calm scenery, snowy mountain tops, and green valleys, perfect for people who love nature and adventure. There are rivers that wind around, thick forests, and waterfalls that flow down, making it a really amazing place to be. One of the most enchanting aspects of Manali is its pleasant weather throughout the year. Whether it is the vibrant hues of spring, the cool breezes of summer, the colorful foliage of autumn, or the pristine snowfall of winter, each season paints a unique canvas of beauty. The snow-capped mountains surrounding Manali add to its charm. Exploring outside Manali reveals many wonderful places waiting to be found. Nearby sights include old temples in the hills and charming villages with deep traditions. Every spot has its own tale to tell, blending culture, history, and beautiful scenery. People who love exciting adventures go to Manali because they can do thrilling things like trekking, paragliding, river rafting, and skiing there. The rough land and beautiful natural surroundings make it a great place for fun adventures, giving people who love excitement a really memorable time. If you want to feel calm and relaxed, Manali is the place to go. You can take peaceful walks by the river or enjoy quiet moments surrounded by beautiful nature. It is not just a regular destination; it is a place that stays in your heart forever. With its stunning views and lots of things to do nearby, everyone can find something they love about Manali. Whether you enjoy nature, culture, or exciting activities, Manali has it all and welcomes you to come and experience its beauty. It is best to explore Manali and nearby places with self drive car. Self drive car rental Manali will give you the freedom and comfort of your whole trip. You need not to rely on crowded public transport and taxis. You can plan your trip as you want and can explore the wonders near Manali.
Must Visit Destinations near Manali
Rohtang and Solang Valley: When you visit Manali for a vacation, two must-see places are Rohtang and Solang Valley. Solang Valley is about 14 kilometers northwest of the main town of Manali and is very popular with tourists. You should visit this place with self drive car rental Manali. Solang Valley offers lots of exciting activities for people who love adventure. You can do things like parachuting, paragliding, horse riding, and driving mini-open jeeps. People of all ages can enjoy these activities. In winter, Solang Valley is covered in snow, and skiing is a very popular sport here. There are training institutes and instructors to help both beginners and experienced skiers. When the snow melts, people enjoy zorbing on the slopes. Zorbing is a fun activity where you roll down a slope inside a big, transparent ball. It is a thrilling experience. Solang Valley is one of the most lively and enjoyable places in Manali, and you should not miss visiting it while you are here.
Gulaba: It is a beautiful little village located about 20 kilometres from Manali on the route to Rohtang Pass having a beautiful natural landscape that attracts tourists in large numbers. One can explore the region trekking, and setting up a camp to soak in its natural beauty. Most of the tourists explore Gulaba are on their way to the Bhrigu Lake and set camps on the Gulaba Meadows to rest. The beauty of the location is unmatched, and the picturesque scenery makes the stay or the journey a memorable one. The captivating site of Gulaba is featured in some scenes from the famous Bollywood movie - Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani making it a favourite amongst picnickers and nature lovers. Gulaba is a perfect attraction for those who want to experience tranquillity and escape their hectic lifestyles.
Kullu: Nestled by the Beas River, Kullu is a group of lovely valleys in Himachal Pradesh, often called the 'Valley of Gods.' This place is must visit with self drive car hire Manali. It is famous for its deodar trees, snow-covered mountains, and apple orchards. Kullu is usually paired with its nearby town, Manali, making it a popular destination for tourists, especially honeymooners. Kullu is a hub for adventure sports like paragliding, river rafting, hiking, and trekking. Some well-known treks, such as the Bijli Mahadev temple trek and the Parvati valley trek, start from Kullu. The town is easy to reach with Bhuntar airport nearby and good bus connections. The town is also known for its beautiful temples, which add to its peaceful atmosphere. Popular temples include Bijli Mahadev, Raghunath, Hanogi Mata, Jagannath Devi, and Gauri Shankar. Kullu is particularly famous for the Kullu Dussehra festival, which attracts many tourists in October. Surrounded by scenic views of snow-capped mountains and apple orchards, Kullu is located between the Pir Panjal, Lower Himalayan, and Great Himalayan Ranges. The best time to visit Kullu is from summer to winter.
Bhuntar: It is a small town in Kullu district, often used as a starting point for visiting places like Kullu, Manali, Kasol, and Manikaran. The Kullu airport is also located here. Bhuntar itself is not very big or fancy, but it is great if you like quiet places away from crowds. It is surrounded by greenery and has some beautiful temples with historical importance. Besides a few temples, a national park, and a camping area, Bhuntar has a peaceful vibe. It might not be a top tourist spot, but if you want a quiet retreat, it is worth considering. You should visit this place with self drive car hire Manali.
Shimla: Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a favorite hill station for Indian families and honeymooners. Located at an altitude of 2200 meters, it used to be the summer capital of British India. The town still has its old-world charm, with beautiful colonial buildings, a pedestrian-friendly Mall Road, and the Ridge, which is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Shimla is well-connected to many cities and is only 4 hours away from Chandigarh. Although the city has an airport, there are not many daily flights. The railway station connects Shimla to the plains and is famous for the Kalka-Shimla train route, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tourists often visit nearby towns like Kufri, which is usually covered in snow, and Chail, known for its large palace and the world's highest cricket ground. Popular attractions in Shimla include the Jakhu Temple and various scenic viewpoints. The weather in Shimla is pleasant for most of the year, attracting many tourists during the summer. Winters are cold, with occasional snowfall from mid-December to the end of February.
Kasol: It is a small village in Himachal Pradesh, located along the Parvati River. Known as the 'Amsterdam of India', it is becoming a popular spot for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. The village is 23 km from Bhuntar and near the town of Manikaran, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains, pine trees, and a peaceful river. Kasol is famous for its trekking routes, including Kheerganga, Yanker Pass, Sar Pass, and Pin Parbati Pass. To experience local culture, visit the nearby village of Malana. This small, isolated village, sometimes called 'Little Greece', is full of scenic beauty. Many Israelis live in Kasol, which is reflected in the availability of Israeli food and Hebrew signs. There are many street-side cafes serving delicious food, where you can enjoy your meal surrounded by green forests and beautiful mountains. Do not miss the flea market, which offers various items like trinkets, souvenirs, pendants, and semi-precious stones to take home.
Naggar: Naggar, near Manali, is surrounded by beautiful hills and the clear Beas River. It has a historic site called Naggar Castle, which was once the home of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu. The castle combines traditional Himalayan and European architecture and features impressive fireplaces, well-crafted staircases, and detailed wood and stonework. Today, it is a heritage hotel and a must-visit in Manali. Naggar also has a popular folk art museum and a hot water spring that tourists should see.
Manikaran Sahib: Located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Manikaran Sahib is an important religious site for both Sikhs and Hindus. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Himalayas, this pilgrimage destination is known for its hot springs, gurudwara, and ancient temples. People visit Manikaran Sahib primarily for its spiritual significance, offering a chance to experience the divine atmosphere and receive blessings. Manikaran Sahib is well-known for its natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties, attracting both devotees and tourists. The gurudwara, called Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara, is especially important to Sikhs as Guru Nanak Dev Ji is believed to have visited this place.
Top tips for renting a car near Manali
1. Manali has many tourists, so book your rental car early to get the vehicle you want at the best price, especially during busy times.
2. Choose a car that fits the terrain and the size of your group.
3. Carefully read the rental agreement, including details about insurance and extra charges.
4. Ask about hidden fees like fuel costs or late return penalties.
5. Inspect the car for existing damage before you drive it, and make sure everything works.
6. Take photos or videos of the car s condition before and after your rental to prevent disputes about damage.
7. Learn the route and driving conditions around Manali.
8. Carry essential documents like your driver's license, ID, and rental agreement.
9. Obey traffic rules and drive safely, especially on mountain roads.
10. Keep emergency contacts for the rental company and local authorities handy.
11. Check weather forecasts and road conditions, especially during monsoon or winter.
12. Return the car on time to avoid late fees and keep a good relationship with the rental company.
FAQs
What is Rohtang Pass?
Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass located about 51 km from Manali. It is famous for its scenic beauty and adventure activities like skiing and snowboarding.
How far is Solang Valley from Manali?
Solang Valley is about 14 km from Manali. It is a popular destination for paragliding, zorbing, and skiing.
Is Naggar Castle worth visiting? What is the best way to get there?
Yes, Naggar Castle is a historical site located 21 km from Manali. It offers amazing views and has a museum and art gallery. Self drive car rental Manali is the best and easiest way to get there.
Where is the Great Himalayan National Park?
The Great Himalayan National Park is located about 60 km from Manali. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse wildlife and trekking trails.
How do I reach Kullu from Manali?
Kullu is about 40 km from Manali and can be reached by self drive car rental Manali in approximately 1.5 hours. Self drive car is the best way to explore all the nearby wonders.
What is Old Manali?
Old Manali is a quieter part of Manali, known for its traditional houses, cafes, and scenic views. It is just 3 km from the main town.
What is Hadimba Temple?
Hadimba Temple is a wooden temple dedicated to Hadimba Devi, located in Manali. It is known for its unique architecture and tranquil surroundings.
How far is Kasol from Manali?
Kasol is about 75 km from Manali and is famous for its scenic beauty and vibrant culture.
What is the best time to visit Rohtang Pass?
The best time to visit Rohtang Pass is from May to October when the pass is open and accessible.
Can I do river rafting near Manali?
Yes, river rafting is popular in Kullu, about 40 km from Manali, on the Beas River.
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