Manali through my eyes: where adventure meets breathtaking beauty
Day 1: Reach Manali- The Beginning Point Of The Tour.
The winding roads were crossed, and the massive view of the majestic Himalayas rising against the horizon filled me with excitement as the bus made its way.
The Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh was very much about the beautiful small hill station of Manali-destiny set on snow-capped mountains and alpine forests, besides the mighty Beas River-and nothing ever could have prepared me for the breathtaking beauty it was about to witness. The first glimpse of Manali, after a long overnight journey from Delhi, made it look like stepping into a postcard-perfect place where adventure met breathtaking beauty.
I had finally reached the early morning bus terminal in Manali. The cool mountain air was violently contrasted with the smoggy warm weather from which I had managed to escape while traversing from the plains. It was as if the urban tension was slowly dissolving with every breath of the crisp air. The tall pine trees, Beas River, and the sound that it made as it rushed past roadside gave an aura of tranquil yet expectant silence.
The guesthouse I chose for the trip was a quaint, wooden den in Old Manali. This place is famous for its rustic charm and laidback vibes. I wanted to stay here for the old Himachali culture entwined with modern bohemian influence which Old Manali is so famous for. I knew I made the correct decision as soon as I checked into this guesthouse.
The guesthouse was on a narrow lane, where apples blossom predominantly, so there were fantastic views of the surrounding peaks. Old Manali – The Soul of the Town
I refreshed myself and trudged out to explore Old Manali, literally a 15-minute hike up from the newer town. The cobbled lanes with local shops, quirky cafes, and traditional Himachali homes might be working their magic to create the feel of culture here. It was something enchantly quaint how this little village had retained its authentic charm while opening its arms to welcome the world’s travelers. The first place that I visited was the Manu Temple said to have been dedicated to a sage Manu, considered by the people the inventor of the human race.
One of the places most revered in Manali is the temple, which provides a quiet refuge from the turmoil surrounding these crowded streets.
This walk to the temple is an experience in itself. It leads through lush greenery and narrow alleys scattered with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The temple stood proud, its pagoda style of architecture perfectly in every way that blends with the surrounding natural beauty. Post this visit to the temple I headed over to Café 1947, an enormously popular riverside café which overlooks the gushing Beas River.
Listening to the soothing sounds of the river and soft live music while having a sip of hot ginger lemon honey tea was just the right way to unwind after my morning walk. The café carries an air of warmth and bohemian charm to it, which makes it a favourite haunt for backpackers and artists flowing into Manali looking for that creative fuel.
Adventure Beckons – Paragliding in Solang Valley
Having spent the relatively quiet morning in Old Manali, I was very well geared up for the more adventurous delights. Adventure getaway was, after all the primary reason to go to Manali, and today’s destination was Solang Valley, a hotspot of adventure sports like paragliding, skiing, and zorbing. It was Solang Valley, fantastic nature playground, at 13 kms from Manali.
The landscape changed dramatically as our jeep climbed up the valley; where pine covered areas gradually yielded to vast grassy slopes and the air became cooler and filled with sweet, fragrant wildflowers. I saw, way in the distance, paragliders floating around the blue sky like colourful specks, and my heart started racing with excitement. Well, before I know it, here I am strapped into a harness, standing on the edge of a cliff, my instructor giving me the last set of safety instructions.
A hard push and off I went. Rushing wind, sudden lift, and that feeling of freedom as I soared over the valley-it was exhilaration at its very best.
And yet, in all this glory lay the valley itself: small houses, roads winding through it, and cattle grazing there as in a model village. Snow covered the crests of the hills in the distance, where their stillness stood like silent sentinels of this paradise.
Just for a few minutes, time seems to freeze. I float above this landscape panoramically and lose all my fears from my mind. This was pure adventure, and the thrill of paragliding in Solang Valley remains an experience which I shall forever be remembering.
End Note
Tryst with the Myths of Hadimba Temple
Now that the paragliding craze was over, it was time to go out and take in one of Manali’s most photographed landmarks: the Hadimba Temple. This is an ancient temple to Goddess Hadimba, situated in a cedar forest called Dhungri Van Vihar. What I found irresistible in the architecture of this temple-it was a four-tiered wooden creation full of intricate carvings, straight out of a fairy tale.
It was constructed in the year 1553. This temple is surely a mix of the nature and architecture. Compared to the other temples of India, which are flashy but ugly, Hadimba Temple is simple yet spiritually rich. The background of the temple consists of tall deodar trees through which building has well merged with forest. The wind rustling between trees with the distant chanting of monks created an aura of mysticism in the air.
As I stood there, looking at the temple, gazing at it, and letting the cool forest breeze freshen me up, this serenity encompassed me. I believed that time had stopped, and for a minute, I was free to be myself, allowed to appreciate the beauty of that place.
The Sunset View – Nature’s Masterpiece An adventurous activity that was scheduled late in the afternoon was a trek to a vantage spot nearby, said to offer the best view of sunset in Manali. He suggested that I take the spur trail leading up to the hill top near the village of Vashisht from where an unobstructed view of the setting sun behind the Himalayas could be glimpsed.
It was a moderate hike itself, but the scenery was so breathtaking as it felt a walk through paradise; and while the climb seeing down to the valley where the river glittered brightly in the fading light and to the summits of some of the peaks glowing golden was itself wonderful.
Just when I reached the top, it was more spectacular than anything that I had ever imagined. Slowly behind mountains, the sun began to set, casting really nice warm orange glow onto the peaks of the snow. And it seemed that all hues of pink, purple, and gold were painting the entire sky just so beautifully it seemed surreal. And in that moment, I felt consummate peace for nature itself seemed to pause to present to the world its finest artwork.
Reflection on a Perfect Day As I sat at the hilltop, sunset managed to get me thinking about my very first day in Manali-they just overflowed. By the way, Manali was already crossing all my expectations. It was a place not of prettiness, but of adventure, serenity, and connection with nature in one’s soul. From the rich cultural heritage of Old Manali to the excitement of paragliding in Solang Valley and to the spiritual calm of Hadimba Temple, Manali had already given me an experience unforgettable for just a day.
That was the good news-that this was just the beginning, with a lot more to be seen-it included treks, waterfalls, hidden villages, and even snow-capped peaks to know that the adventure had just begun. I looked back at my guesthouse, footsteps anxious to wait for Day 2 in Manali. If you want to enjoy yout travel I have discussed some tips here.
