Lush green valleys, majestic peaks, verdant landscapes, sprawling meadows, gushing streams, and fascinating views define Manali. Also called the Honeymoon Destination of India, Manali is a hilly region in Himachal Pradesh. The striking natural beauty of this hill station, when combined with serene ambiance, laid-back atmosphere, and unparalleled tranquility, attract thousands of avid travelers in all seasons.
From cascading waterfalls to mesmerizing valleys, lakes, gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and lip-smacking cuisines, Manali is blessed with everything one can expect from an ideal tourist destination. In addition to all this, this little hamlet is also famous for shopping opportunities as well, which makes it a must-visit destination for solo travelers, couples, and families with children.
Anyone looking to take a break from the chaotic city life will find it an excellent holiday spot to spend some time in tranquility and return home refreshed. Whether you’re planning to give a kick-start to your new journey together after your wedding or looking for some adventure, this hill station is sure to delight your mind. Below we have mentioned a list of the places to explore on your 3-day visit to Manali. Let’s take a look:
Manali Places to Visit in 3 days
Day 1 Manali Places to Visit
- Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple
- Hadimba Devi Temple
- Manu Temple
Day 2 Manali Places to Visit
- Jogini Waterfalls
- The Great Himalayan National Park
- Nehru Kund
- Naggar Castle
Day 3 Manali Places to Visit
- Solang Valley
- Bhrigu Lake
- Rohtang Pass
1. Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple
Counted amongst the top places to visit on your Manali tour, the Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is a famous Buddhist monastery in North India that attracts people from all walks of life owing to its architectural beauty and tranquility in the environment. It is an idyllic destination for people interested in learning about the daily lifestyle of the Buddhist monks and can also be explored by all those who are looking to de-stress their minds and calm their most frazzled nerves.
The highlight of the Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is the 4.5 feet tall statue of the idol of Sakyamuni that can be seen in a meditative posture. Other features such as the colorful paintings adorning the walls and the traditional designs on the wooden doors enhance the overall beauty of this 2-story complex. There is also a dedicated section within the monastery that is completely dedicated to the principles and life teachings of Gautam Buddha.
2. Hadimba Devi Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Hidimba, the Hadimba Devi Temple is a years-old temple that boasts magnificent Pagoda-style architecture with a conical-shaped roof that makes it look unique and different from the other temples all over the world. It’s a four-story structure that is surrounded by a lush green cedar forest from all sides and has snow-covered peaks to look over for nature admirers, sightseeing explorers, and wanderers.
Built in the 15th century by Maharaja Bahadur Singh, the Hadimba Devi Temple or Dhungari Temple draws devotees in large numbers every year during the Navratri festival. At this time, the locals worship the presiding deity with full faith and devotion within the premises. Try to visit it early in the morning to avoid the long queues. Dussehra is another festival that is celebrated with great zest and enthusiasm here, so if you happen to be in Manali in October, you can surely be a part of this event.
3. Manu Temple
The holy and divine site located in the fascinating valley of Manali, Manu Temple is a Hindu temple that invites people to attain peace of mind and be spiritually enlightened on their Manali tour. It’s a religious shrine that is widely renowned for its high religious significance value and has a kind of atmosphere that makes you feel positive from the inside out.
Named after King Manu – the Indian Sage, the Manu Temple features an excellent location with eye-catching architecture that is no less than a treat to watch. Step inside this temple and see how its aura takes you to another world where you’ll feel disconnected from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. Relax and unwind in the serenity of nature as you soak in the lush greenery of this place. What else? The Manu Temple is only 3 km away from Manali’s main market.
4. Jogini Waterfalls
Surrender yourself to the cascading waterfall falling from a height of about 160 feet at Jogini Waterfalls. Perched 2 km away from the famous Vashisht Temple, the Jogini Waterfalls is a popular tourist attraction that allows you to get lost in its magnificent displays of nature and fall in love with its untouched beauty over and over again.
Try your hand at a cheerful trekking trail to reach the top of the waterfall and observe a fantastic view of River Beas and the peaks of Rohtang Pass. It’s a 3-hour-long trek that goes through pine and orchard trees. Hence, we advise everyone to keep themselves hydrated throughout the time. On your way, you might find a few restaurants that offer local snacks to fulfill the appetite of trekkers, so if you feel hungry, you can definitely have something.
5. The Great Himalayan National Park
Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, the Great Himalayan National Park is a reserve forest that provides shelter to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It’s a hidden gem in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh state that offers a delightful holiday experience to all who love being around the animals all the time and is indeed a go-to place for a perfect half-day excursion.
Established in the year 1984, the Great Himalayan National Park is one of the biggest national parks that has been gaining the attention of locals and tourists due to its scenic surroundings that allows you to witness the verdant landscapes from a height of 6000 feet above sea level.
The sprawling greenery lets you relax and rejuvenate away from the unwanted noises and pollution of the town and the dense forests encompassing the area give adventure seekers a chance to trek. One can also enjoy camping to have an intimate conversation with nature itself. Other leisure and recreational activities such as rock climbing, river crossing, and abseiling are also available within the park for your utmost enjoyment.
6. Nehru Kund
Another tourist attraction to include in your itinerary list is Nehru Kund. Perched on the Manali-Leh highway, the Nehru Kund is a natural spring that offers a perfect getaway retreat to people wanting to enjoy a blissful escapade from the sunny heat during the summer season.
It has been named after Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, who used to drink water from this place during his staycation in Manali. The cold and pristine water of the Nehru Kund is supposed to have originated from Bhrigu Lake. Not only does it look clear but it also tastes great.
Nehru Kund is also famous for its calm Himalayas and breathtaking scenery that encourage tourists to spend some ME time in tranquility. It is also a great spot for shutterbugs as it offers perfect lighting to capture some great shots for their Instagram feed.
7. Naggar Castle
The next destination that has been gaining everyone’s attention on their 3-day visit to Manali is Naggar Castle. Located in Naggar town, the Naggar Castle is an over 400 years old historical edifice that is widely renowned for its old-world charm of the bygone era. Earlier, it was used as a summer residence for Raja Sidh Singh which is now converted into a heritage hotel that is run by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Department.
Enjoy a peaceful stay in the room of your choice at this castle and see its beauty from a different point of view altogether. All the rooms are quite spacious and fitted with modern amenities you need to have a great time with your friends and families. Here you can also enjoy an excellent gastronomy experience as it has an exclusive menu for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian people. Try to occupy the balcony seat for the best views of the Beas Valley.
8. Solang Valley
If you wish to be in the lap of nature and carry out some adrenaline-fuelled activities to test the daredevil inside you, then there is no place better than the Solang Valley in Manali.
Heaven for thrill seekers, the Solang Valley offers plenty of outdoor sports to cater to everyone’s interests. Depending on your overall strength and stamina, you can choose from Paragliding, Horse Riding, Skiing, Camping, Snowmobiling, Zorbing, Quad Biking, and Cable Car Ropeway to set your heart racing. You can also indulge yourself in photography to cherish your visit for a lifetime.
The pure-white landscapes of the Solang Valley are hard to miss and its picturesque glaciers, when combined with a magical setting and picture-perfect backdrop, will make you go gaga every time you head to this location on your 3-day visit to Manali. Unlike other sightseeing places, the Solang Valley is an all-season destination and can be explored by tourists at any time.
9. Bhrigu Lake
Do not miss visiting the Bhrigu Lake when you’re on a sightseeing tour of exploring the must-visit tourist attractions in Manali. Lying at a distance of 40 km away from the center of the hill station, the Bhrigu Lake is a high-altitude lake that makes you feel you have entered into a different world the moment you reach the top of this location.
Surrounded by alpine meadows, evergreen tree forests, and Himalayan peaks, the Bhrigu Lake or the Pool of Gods offers a heart-throbbing experience to all who are in constant search of a place that gives them a break from the maddening crowd of the region for an hour or so. It’s a picturesque water body that never freezes even in the winter season. Yes, that’s the best thing about this lake which makes it stand out from other common lakes in Himachal Pradesh.
10. Rohtang Pass
Dedicate a few hours from your busy schedule to Rohtang Pass and we promise that the dedicated hours will be the most memorable hours of your life. It’s one of the highest passes in the Himalayas that allows you to discover the untouched beauty and unseen wonders of this location in your comfort.
Famous for its magical environment and spellbinding views, the Rohtang Pass is nature’s perfect spectacle that is frequently visited by daredevils from different corners of the world in large numbers.
From a diverse range of thrilling activities, you can give a try to trekking, Skiing, Paragliding, Mountain Biking, or Snow Scooter Driving. And if you wish to do nothing, you can simply walk hand-in-hand with your partner to soak in its vibes. Please note that the Rohtang Pass is open for its visitors for a period of nearly 6 months, so make sure to check the timings before you plan anything.
11. Shopping
Heaven for shopaholics, Manali is a town one can never get enough of no matter how much you shop here. It’s a place where you can purchase some outstanding stuff at reasonable prices to bring back home for your near and dear ones.
Out of all the shopping markets, the most loved shopping street is Mall Road. Also referred to as the heart of Manali, the Mall Road is a place where you can get everything right from wooden handicrafts to woolen items, Buddhist paintings, key chains, nameplates, Dorjes., etc under one roof.
Head to Old Manali Market to buy trendy woolen clothes. The Tibetan Market is a one-stop destination for a diverse range of Tibetan products and the Manu Market is famous for crockery, utensils, footwear, artificial jewelry, handloom products, and many more. You can also pay heed to Bhuttico to shop for jackets, scarves, pashmina shawls, and other accessories that can complement your overall look.
Once you’re done with all these places, you can add a few more attractions to your list if you’re planning to extend your getaway to a week or so. Some of the tourist points of interest that deserve your attention are Manali Sanctuary, Old Manali, Jana Waterfall, Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art, Rahala Falls, Arjun Gufa, Chandrakhani Pass, Tibetan Monasteries, and Van Vihar National Park. You can also consider visiting Hampta Pass Trek, Chandratal Baralacha Lake, Keylong, Kothi, Gulaba Village, Jagatsukh Village, and Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery and Museum to have the best time of your life on this trip.
Choose Manali Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, as your travel company to enjoy your Manali tour exactly the way you’ve always envisioned. At Holidays DNA, we present our diverse clientele with a variety of all-inclusive Manali tour packages that can be altered to suit their varied holiday needs. Depending on your duration and budget, our team also helps you customize the itinerary of your choice. What else?
For your ease, we have also curated a list of top car rental companies in Manali from where you can book a cab to commute within the hill station leisurely. Please fill out the Contact Us form to know more about our travel packages in detail. We will get in touch with you soon with our specially designed Manali tour package for you.
