Your Guide to Must-visit Places in Manali

A Timeless Sacred Tale

Hadimba Devi Temple

According to local legend, Goddess Hadimba—often associated with the demon (rakshasa) Hidimba—was the sister of the demon king Hidimb and a powerful figure of the mountains. As narrated in the Mahabharata, when Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, arrived in the region, Hadimba saw him and fell in love. To protect Bhima, she warned him about her brother Hidimb, who intended to kill him. Bhima then fought and defeated Hidimb. Afterwards, Bhima and Hadimba were married, and she later gave birth to their son, Ghatotkacha. In time, Hadimba chose a spiritual path and came to be worshipped as a देवी (goddess), revered for her strength and benevolence.

Nature’s Moonlit Marvel

Chandra Taal

Chandra Taal, also known as “Moon Lake,” is a breathtaking crescent-shaped lake situated at 4,300 metres in the Spiti region of Lahaul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh. Nestled among snow-capped peaks and a glacial amphitheatre, it is a favourite destination for campers, trekkers, and bikers. The lake can be reached via a motorable road from Batal, with picturesque trekking trails encircling it. Nearby highlights include Kunzum Pass and Suraj Tal.

Timeless Views, Endless Charm

Naggar Castle

Perched on the left bank of the Beas River at about 1,800 metres, Naggar is a historic town in the Kullu Valley that rose to prominence in the 15th century as the capital of the Kullu kingdom. It is home to the iconic Naggar Castle, built during this period and now a popular heritage attraction. A short drive of around 12 km from Naggar brings you to Jana, a charming village tucked into the hills. The route winds through pine forests, apple orchards, and open farmlands, making the journey as memorable as the destination.

Glide, Slide, Soar

Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery

Tucked away in Manali, this serene monastery is where calm quietly takes over. A striking gold-plated statue of Lord Buddha sits at its heart, while the soft scent of Tibetan incense and gentle chants create a deeply soothing atmosphere. As evening sets in, the space glows under warm lights, turning almost magical and perfect for a lingering moment. Step outside and you will find colourful Tibetan stalls lined with carpets, souvenirs, and handicrafts that add a cultural touch to your visit.

A Rare Shrine of Origin

Manu Temple, Old Manali

Believed to be the abode of Sage Manu, this temple in Old Manali is dedicated to the ancient law-giver and progenitor of humankind. According to Hindu mythology, Manu survived a great flood—guided by Lord Vishnu’s Matsya avatar—and later meditated in this region, giving the town its name, derived from “Manu-Alaya” (the abode of Manu). Located about 3 km from Old Manali market, it is considered one of the very few temples in India dedicated to Sage Manu, making it a place of rare spiritual significance.

Adventure Above the Clouds

Friendship Peak

Located at an altitude of around 5,289 metres, Friendship Peak lies near Beas Kund in Manali, within the Pir Panjal range. It offers stunning views of surrounding peaks such as Hanuman Tibba and Shitidhar, along with sweeping vistas of the Himalayan ranges. A favourite among trekkers and aspiring mountaineers, the trail to the peak is moderately challenging, with the final ascent often requiring basic mountaineering skills, making it an ideal introduction to high-altitude climbing.

Flow of Legends & History

Beas River

The Beas River rises in the Himalayas and travels around 470 km through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab before merging with the Sutlej River. Named after the sage Vyasa and mentioned in the Vedas, it is historically notable as the easternmost point reached by Alexander the Great in 326 B.C.