Old Manali is a beautiful town nestled in the lower ranges of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. The place is famous among travelers of all kinds, whether it is pilgrims, a solo adventure enthusiast, or a family trip, for its unique culture and heritage. Old Manali is popular for its links to the original traditions of Himachal Pradesh. From ancient temples like the Vashisht Temple that narrate common folklore to the sparkling waterfalls like the Jogini Falls that attract more people to it, Old Manali is never short of wonders. Tourists can expect the most unique spots to explore and unravel. Hence, to learn more about Old Manali and the best places to visit here, go through this guide to explore Old Manali.
6 Best Places to Visit in Old Manali
Old Manali is a mesmerizing town with many heritage sites and popular places. People come here from Summer to Winter to explore various places. Here are the top 6 such places to visit in Old Manali:
Naggar Castle
The Naggar Castle is one of the oldest places to visit in Old Manali. It was originally built by Raha Sidh Singh of Kullu in 1460 AD. Now, it is converted into a hotel run by the government of Himachal Pradesh. So, tourists can visit the place, look around the ancient corners, and even stay here.
The castle has various paintings for decor, including those of Russian painter Nicholas Roerich, which tourists can take a look at. Moreover, located on the hillside, this medieval castle is built from stone and wood, giving it an ancient touch. Hence, this is one of the most mentioned places in the guide to exploring old Manali.
- Location: Naggar Rd, Patlikuhal, Naggar, Himachal Pradesh 175129
- Distance From Old Manali: 22.3 km
- Travel Time From Old Manali: 50 min
- Entry Fees: 30 INR
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
Jogini Waterfalls
Considered one of the most spectacular displays of Old Manali, the Jogini Falls is visited by tourists throughout the year. The waterfall is located near a secluded cliff and has an altitude of about 150 feet. The water of the fall joins that of the Bear River, and people can go rafting here.
In addition, many people picnic around the place, enjoying the natural ambiance, while many others choose to climb up the rock formations. People can also go trekking and wildlife spotting nearby, for the environment is conducive to such activities. Swimming is also a preferred activity here, according to the guide to Old Manali.
- Location: Bashisht, Himachal Pradesh 175103
- Distance From Old Manali: 5.4 km
- Travel Time From Old Manali: 19 minutes
- Entry Fees: Free
- Best Time to Visit: March to May
Van Vihar National Park
Van Vihar National Park remains one of the most beautiful places to visit in Manali. The national park houses many different species of rare and vulnerable animals and birds. Tourists can take a trip around the park to see wildlife and trek around a bit as well.
After that, tourists can picnic around and have a great time taking pictures of the national park. Besides, the park also has a big lake to go boating over. With most safety equipment and a standard guideline, people are let on the boats to experience boating in the waters. Hence, the Van Vihar National Park is mostly recommended by every guide to explore Old Manali.
- Location: Chichoga Rd, Aleo, Manali
- Distance From Old Manali: 2.4 km
- Travel Time From Old Manali: 11 minutes
- Entry Fees: 5 INR
- Best Time to Visit: July to September
Recommended Read: Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Manali
Vashisht Temple
The Vashisht Temple is located only a few kilometers from Old Manali, around River Beas. Beside the river, there are many hot springs believed to possess great healing powers, and the Vashisht Temple is located near one of these hot springs. This temple is dedicated to the revered sage Vashisht, from the Hindu epic of Ramayana.
People visit the temple for its spiritual significance as well as for its nearby picturesque places for tourism. People can take a rejuvenating bath in the nearby hot springs, enjoy small treks nearby, complete their pilgrimage here, and then go to the local markets nearby for a cool journey. Hence, the temple is one of the best Manali visiting places.
- Location: Near Manali, Vashist, Old Manali
- Distance From Old Manali: 4.4 km
- Travel Time From Old Manali: 16 minutes
- Entry Fees: Free
- Best Time to Visit: May to June
Old Manali Market
Old Manali Market is one of the most vibrant spaces in Old Manali, known for its bustling crowd and colorful items sold here. Many tourists visit this place to taste authentic Manali items, ranging from Kullu shawls and other handicraft items to rare Kesar and dry fruits.
The Old Manali Market is also tourist-friendly since it is almost always full of travelers of all kinds. People can expect to buy exotic items sold here as souvenirs. Counted as one of the best places in Old Manali, this marketplace is never short of light and life. In fact, all the items sold here are offered at affordable rates, too.
- Location: Kullu – Naggar – Manali Rd, Dhungri Village, Old Manali
- Distance From Old Manali: 2 km
- Travel Time From Old Manali: 5 – 10 minutes
- Entry Fees: Free
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
Explore More: 10 Best Cafes in Manali Where You Can Chill
Hidimba Temple
The Hidimba Temple, also locally called the Dhungari Temple, is one of the most spiritually and religiously revered spaces in Old Manali. This temple was built way back in 16-century and stands tall today for travellers to explore this historical marvel. This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Hidimba, who was the wife of Prince Bhima, a character from Mahabharata.
In addition to that, this 24-meter tall temple that Maharaja Bahadur Singh built has a shikara or a tower-like structure with several square panels. This temple architecture, most commonly found in hilly regions, has given this temple a special place among tourists, historians, and researchers. Hence it is a top-rated place in every guide to explore Old Manali.
- Location: Regency Road, Siyal Rd, Siyal, Manali
- Distance From Old Manali: 500 meter
- Travel Time From Old Manali: 4 minutes
- Entry Fees: Free
- Best Time to Visit: April to June
Best Time to Visit Old Manali
Old Manali welcomes tourists throughout the year. However, each season has its own perks and benefits for travelers. The winter months between January and February provide a great experience with snowfall and snow-based activities like skiing, snowboarding, and much more.
Similarly, the Summer months between April and June are favorable to tourists who want to visit the temples here, like the Hidimba Temple, and partake in the annual carnivals of Himachal Pradesh. Since most other festivals are also celebrated during this time, Old Manali is also flooded in the Summer months.
How to Reach Old Manali?
Old Manali is well connected to most places and has great transportation facilities as well. Hence, here are the different ways to reach Old Manali:
Reach Old Manali by Air
The closest airport to Old Manali is Bhuntar Airport, which is about 50 km away and connects all the major cities. From here, people can take a bus or book a taxi to Old Manali, India.
Reach Old Manali by Rail
The nearest railway station to Old Manali is called the Joginder Nagar Railway Station, which is around 160 km away. This railhead connects many major places like Delhi and Chandigarh to Old Manali. From here, people can take public transport to Old Manali.
Reach Old Manali by Road
Old Manali has great roads and is connected to the major places around it. Tourists can take a bus, a taxi, or even an auto-rickshaw to reach Old Manali. In fact, you can also drive on NH-3 to reach Old Manali.
Old Manali is a fascinating place with heritage sites, narrow streets lined with markets, ancient temples, and, of course, waterfalls. It has garnered popularity for being an authentic place showcasing the original traditions of the people of Himachal Pradesh.
Hop on a bus and explore the streets of Old Manali with your friends and family on a trip to Himachal Pradesh with JustWravel now!
FAQs
Does it snow in Old Manali?
Yes, absolutely! Many places, including Old Manali, receive snowfall during winter months. During these months, tourists are allowed to go for activities like snowboarding, skiing, and much more.
What is Old Manali famous for?
While Manali has become more of a tourist hub, Old Manali has preserved the heritage of Himachal Pradesh. The place has many attractive places like Jogini Waterfalls and the Hidimba Temple, among others that are popular.
Which is better, Old Manali or Manali?
Both Old Manali and Manali offer great experiences to tourists. While Manali is a modern tourist hub with more facilities and places to visit, Old Manali gives people a taste of authentic Himachal culture.
In which month Old Manali is the best?
Old Manali is best visited during both the Summer and Winter months. For experiencing festivals and celebrations, April to June is best while for snowy activities, January and February are better.
What is the old name of Manali?
Although Manali is the prevalent name of the region, the place was also called Manu-alaya, or the ‘abode of Manu,’ in the early days to mention its believed origin.
Travel Beyond: Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages