Van Vihar National Park Manali (Entry Fee, Timings, Best Time to visit, Images & Location)

The Van Vihar National Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Manali that is widely known for its lush greenery and natural habitat. Situated on the famous Mall Road in front of the Tibetan Market, the Van Vihar National Park, encompassed by sky-touching deodar trees, has become a go-to place for people to enjoy a fun-filled day out with their family and is also an ideal destination for nature admirers to have an intimate communication with life itself.

You can enjoy a walk here, get one step closer to nature, and spot a rare species of birds and animals. There is also a man-made lake where you can enjoy boating to make the most of your time. In fact, this lake is considered as the star attraction of the park, and one of the many reasons why tourists plan a trip to this location.

Things to do at Van Vihar National Park, Manali

While there are many exciting things to do and see all around the day, there are a few activities you just cannot ignore if you’re looking to enjoy your visit to this park to the fullest. These are:

1. Enjoy a Picnic with your Loved Ones: An ideal destination for a half-day excursion for people of all ages, the Van Vihar National Park serves as a perfect picnic spot for locals as well as tourists seeking some serene time in tranquility. The picturesque view of the sunset with a beautiful backdrop featuring the majestic mountains makes it one of the stunning destinations for nature lovers also.

2. Go Boating: Don’t miss the boating whenever you’re here in the park, be it for an hour or a complete day. Experiencing boating on a crystal-clear lake gives you immense joy and happiness as you get to see the little fishes coming up time and time again. The boats available there can accommodate up to 2 to 4 people and are manually operated by oars. You can also choose to hire paddle boats in case you’re interested in paddling the boat along with the flow of water.

3. Do Photography: Indulge yourself in photography to cherish your visit to this park for a lifetime. Heaven for shutterbugs, the Van Vihar National Park offers numerous opportunities for photographers to click some beautiful photographs of nature surrounded by lush greenery from all around the area. Here you can also get yourself clicked in as many pictures as you want with a nice background.

4. Relax for a While: Visit the park to relax and unwind after a long, hectic day at work. It is a great spot for tourists to spend some ME time in serenity surrounded by dense trees. Here you can observe the lush greenery, admire the pristine lake, and see many beautiful birds flying from here to there. Other than that, the park also invites people to stroll or jog along the specially made track.

In addition to all these things, the Van Vihar National Park also boasts a variety of swings for the entertainment of children. It has a lot of space where your kids can play games, mingle with others of their own age, and have the best time of their life.

Entry Fee and Timings of the Van Vihar National Park, Manali

The park has a minimal entry fee, allowing everyone to take in the beauty of this park. You are charged INR 5 per person to get entry to Van Vihar National Park. There is an additional fare for those who sign up for boating. A 15-minute ride on the paddle boat costs you INR 30 per person. You can also rent the boat for a longer period of time at an extra fare.

The opening and closing times of the park vary depending on the season. The park opens at 8 AM and closes at 7 PM in summer, while it closes at 5 PM in winter (because of the snowfall and freezing temperature). It won’t take you longer than an hour or two to explore the park completely. In fact, one hour is often enough for tourists to explore every corner of the park and enjoy boating too.

Travel Tips for Visiting the Van Vihar National Park, Manali

• Avoid smoking inside the premises of the park.
• Refrain from throwing trash on the ground. There are bins placed in the park.
• Pure cotton is the best fabric to wear on your Manali trip. You must also bring woolen sweaters and other warm clothes depending on the season you’re visiting.
• You may or may not find any food outlet inside the park, so it is best to bring your own food. Or, you can eat at the local eateries or restaurants located outside the park.
• Do not visit Van Vihar National Park during the monsoon. The area receives extreme rainfall, which might block the roads leading up to this park. The park also gets muddy, making it difficult for you to explore it.

Best Time to Visit the Van Vihar National Park, Manali

The Van Vihar National Park looks beautiful in all seasons. However, it is better to avoid it during monsoons due to the heavy rainfall this region receives. That simply means that you can plan a trip here in summer or winter.

In summer, the weather remains pleasant and cool, allowing tourists to roam around the park in their utmost comfort. With an average temperature sometimes even dropping to 10 degrees Celsius, this season is considered as a perfect time for all who are wishing to get rid of the scorching heat their city is battling with. An added advantage of visiting this park at this time is – you can enjoy the boating here without having to bring sweaters and other heavy winter-wear accessories.

One can also explore this park in the winter season as well. During this period i.e., from October to February, the park gets covered in a blanket of a white sheet, which makes it look even more enthralling. Please note that the water in the lake freezes around this time due to the snowfall in December, so you cannot go boating. So, if you’d like to experience this activity, avoid visiting the park in winter.

How to Reach the Van Vihar National Park, Manali?

As a popular hill station in India, Manali can be easily accessed by avid travelers via all modes of transportation. But, since it maintains great road connectivity to the neighboring towns, it is better to access it by road.

The HSRTC department runs frequent bus services to and from Manali throughout the day for your convenience. All these state-owned buses take you to the famous sightseeing spots of the town including the Van Vihar National Park, helping you cover the must-visit tourist attractions at your own comfort. Depending on your budget, you can also look for a private or a luxury bus to experience a hassle-free road journey to Manali. Alternatively, book a cab of your choice from the list of top car rental companies in Manali to commute to your desired location leisurely. What else?

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Location Map for Van Vihar National Park Manali