Manali is MORE than just a hill station, it’s a place that resides within your heart. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, sacred temples, gushing rivers, and warm cafés. It is truly a place to escape the hustle bustle life of the city. The three days I spent there were filled with nature, spirituality, adventures and tranquillity.
How I Crossed to Manali
I travelled from Delhi to Manali by means of an overnight travel service offered by VOVLO Buses which took around 10 hours. It was a slow gradual change from roads to winding mountain pass and by the time I awoke there the next morning I was met with mountains shrouded in mist, pine trees and snow-capped peaks.
COST of Bus Travel: ₹800- ₹1,500; Best bus for this: Over Night Bus (you save on hotel accommodation).
DAY 1 Beas River, Riverside Maggi & Mall Road
Day one in Manali was all about Nature. I like to think of it as the day that I connected with Nature.
Hiking Along Beas River
The Beas River flows slowly through the area of Manali, delivering the essential life giving water that are supplied by the glaciers from the Himalayas. Walking alongside the Beas River is so peaceful if you get a chance, it is refreshing. On one side you have the snow-covered mountains and on the other side you have this clear river that sparkles in the sun. The sound of gentle flowing water and the cool breeze from the river bank are calming.
While along the trail of the Beas River, I had an opportunity to enjoy a small hike and walk along stone paths and wooden bridges. Walking along the side of a river has always been very enjoyable.
Experiences of Riverside Maggi
While sitting by the riverside, I had the pleasure of enjoying a hot bowl of Maggi and a cup of chai. Sitting near the flowing waters of the river while enjoying my hot noodles was one of the most memorable moments during my time in Manali.
Cost: ₹100-₹150
Evenings on Mall Road
In the evening, I walked down Mall Road, which is lined with shops, music, and the aroma of delicious street foods. I purchased some of the local woolens as well as souvenirs for my family and enjoyed momos, noodles, and hot chocolate during my time on Mall Road.
For food and shopping, expect to spend between ₹300-₹600.
SPIRITUAL VIBES AND OLD MANALI – DAY 2
Vashisht Temple
On the second day of my visit to Manali, we went to Vashisht Temple, known for its hot water springs. The hot springs provided healing warmth from the cold weather. Vashisht Temple has a very calm atmosphere with prayers being offered in a mountain background of silence.
Hadimba Devi Temple
After visiting Vashisht Temple, I visited Hadimba Devi Temple, which is surrounded by a high pine tree forest. The wooden structure of the temple combined with the surrounding forest gives it a very spiritual and mysterious feel.
Old Manali & Rocky’s Cafe
That evening, I went to Old Manali, which has a very relaxed and artistic atmosphere. I spent my evening in Rocky’s Cafe, eating pizza, drinking coffee, and having desserts, all while listening to the background music.
Cost of Food & Drink at Rocky’s Cafe: ₹400-₹600
DAY 3 – Snow, Anjani Mahadev & Jogni Waterfall
This day had the highest level of spirituality as well as the most beautiful scenery.
Solang Valley
The day began with snow covering Solang Valley. The white tipped mountain tops, a cold breeze blowing through the air, and a clear sky gave an aura of magic. Playing in the snow provided me an avenue for experiencing its beauty.
Clothing rental cost: ₹100 – ₹300
Anjani Mahadev Temple – A Spiritual Temple located in the Snow
Anjani Mahadev Temple is more than just a place of worship for many. This is where Anjani, Mother of Lord Hanuman was said to have been born. Therefore, a strong place of worship for followers of Lord Shiva and Hanuman.
The temple features a natural Shiva Lingam, which forms from ice every winter. As water drips down, then freezes into a natural Ice Lingam, representing Lords Shiva’s presence through nature. The local belief is that through the formation of this Lingam, the nature has paid tribute to Shiva.
There is a peaceful trip to this temple, snow-covered paths, pine trees, and complete silence. Standing there in the cold surrounded by mountains, you feel a profound connection to God and nature in ways that are not available at a city temple, where you have to pray to God through the mountains.
Spiritual Experience of Nature’s Gifts – Jogni Waterfalls
Having previously visited the Anjani Mahadev area, I made my way to Jogni Falls in Manali, a really pretty waterfall, and full of spiritual elements.
There are a number of ways to get to Jogni Falls; by travelling through quaint little villages, colourful fields of green crops, and through wooded trails to Jogni Falls (the way there is a very pleasant one). And as you get closer to the falls, you begin to hear the noise of the water rushing to the bottom of the fallsMany people have been attracted to Jogni Falls because they think that Jogni Mata (a goddess) is the source of the water for this fall. There are many who come to this fall, feeling that they will leave here feeling calm, at peace, and experiencing positive energy.
The way the water falls from the top of the falls, showers down on everything below creates a mist in the air and when the sun shines on it, rainbows can form. The air is very clean and cold. When you sit next to the waterfall and watch the water flow down, it is as though the waterfall is … cleansing your spirit of stress.
Conclusion
Finally after Packing my luggage, while taking in the surroundings of the snow capped mountains that ringed Manali, it dawned on me that this journey served a greater purpose than being merely a holiday for me, emphasising unattainable joy found through simple things like Fresh Cold Mountain Air flowing off Rolling Hills with a winding road down the valley that rides alongside laughable adventures with other travelers, among many others. I did not expect to discover so much beauty and charm in Manali’s stunning landscapes and rich and exhilarating culture. There is something of an amazing experience in absolutely every facet of Manali for anyone to appreciate. To sum it up, the experience found there would truly provide a lasting impression on me long after leaving the mountain town. Until then, I have been left with fond memories that will be with me forever.
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