With the March heat setting in it’s time to take a quick weekend break to somewhere cooler, quieter, and nicer. But where would you go? That painstaking task of finding that right spot for just two days and on a cash. Worry not, for here’s a solution for a quick weekend getaway. Think Manali the Goa of the north, the party place of Himachal or the artist’s haven, this quaint town of Himachal Pradesh has earned a few names to its credit.
If you don’t want to stay in the city for a weekend and you don’t feel like indulging for a short vacation, then nothing beats Manali. This multicultural and multi-coloured settlement at 6726 FT. above the sea is cool and chilly until the summer months.
Manali is a popular backpacking and honeymoon destination in India’s northern state of Himachal Pradesh. Set on the banks of the Beas River, it is gateway to adventure activities in Solang, Gulaba, and Kothi. But there is much more to the town and its popular tourist’s spots than adventure.
Reaching Here
If you are in and around Delhi metro or Chandigarh, Manali is almost a hop, skip and jump. There are plenty of options to travel from Delhi to Manali. It takes about 12 hours to cover the Delhi to Manali distance and about 7.5 hours from Chandigarh to Manali by car. For a two-day trip, it’s wiser to start driving at night so you reach Manali by early morning and get the entire day for your activities.
Where to Stay
When time is short, you need to plan well. Staying around the town can make your commuting easy. Though there are plenty of lodging options on the outer side of Manali, opting for a hotel/ resort/ homestay around old Manali can make it easier to head to your sightseeing and other adventures.
Street Shopping
It’s not just another day. The monastery at Manali is abuzz with activity. Huge crowds have gathered to listen to the sermon of the head monk. I try and sneak through a few pictures, but even the minimal shutter sound made heads turn and embarrassment gripped me. So I decided to take a walk in the lanes of Old Manali. Vintage cafes, roadside food stalls, shops selling Junk jewellery, shawls and Knit wear, Old Manali is delightful. Nestled between tall deodhar and pine trees, with the River Beas flowing alongside, this photo walk will not disappoint you.
A trip to this cross-cultural hill town would be incomplete without taking home some souvenirs. Street side shops, flea markets, and ethnic bazaars are aplenty. From traditional Kullu clothes, leather goods to tribal jewellery, Tibetan trinkets, and other knick-knacks, Manali makes for a shopping spree! Nature, adventure, exploring, shopping, and dining, Manali will give you the perfect dose of refreshment and in a jiffy.
Accommodation in Manali
There are a lots of hotel options available in Manali with a wide range of budget. Hence, all type of accommodation options exists in Manali ranging from high end five figure per night luxurious rooms to economic to cheap budget rooms as well in Old Manali. Hence, it will be no trouble for you to find a hotel in Manali which is suitable to your budget even after reaching the place.