Top 7 Destinations to Visit While You Are in Shimla And Manali

Shimla and Manali are two of the most popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, India, that offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo trip, Shimla and Manali have something for everyone.

Must Visit 7 Destination in Shimla and Manali

Here are the top 7 destinations in Shimla and Manali that you must visit while you are here.

1. The Ridge of Shimla

The Ridge of Shimla is one of the most famous places to visit in Shimla. It is a large open space that offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains and the city. The Ridge is also the venue for many cultural events and festivals, such as the Summer Festival, Christmas, and New Year. You can also visit some of the landmarks on the Ridge, such as the Christ Church, the Scandal Point, and the Mahatma Gandhi Statue.

2. Kufri

Kufri is a small hill station near Shimla that is known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities. You can enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and horse riding in Kufri. You can also visit some of the attractions in Kufri, such as the Himalayan Nature Park, the Indira Tourist Park, and the Kufri Fun World.

3. Hidimba Devi Temple

Hidimba Devi Temple is one of the most visited places in Manali. It is an ancient temple dedicated to Hidimba Devi, the wife of Bhima from the epic Mahabharata. The temple is located in a cedar forest and has a unique architecture with a four-tiered pagoda roof and intricate carvings. The temple also hosts an annual fair in May to celebrate the birthday of Hidimba Devi.

4. Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass that connects Manali with Lahaul and Spiti valleys. It is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Manali, as it offers breathtaking views of the glaciers, peaks, and valleys. Rohtang Pass is also a paradise for adventure lovers, as it offers activities like skiing, snow scootering, paragliding, and biking.

5. Solang Valley

Solang Valley is another popular destination for adventure enthusiasts in Manali. It is a valley that lies between Solang village and Beas Kund. It offers a variety of activities like zorbing, ziplining, quad biking, rappelling, and paragliding. Solang Valley also has a ropeway that takes you to the top of the valley for a stunning view of the surroundings.

6. Manali Sanctuary

Manali Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary that covers an area of 31.8 sq km near Manali town. It is home to many species of animals and birds, such as Himalayan black bear, musk deer, monal, snow leopard, and koklass pheasant. You can explore the sanctuary by taking a nature walk or a jeep safari.

7. Jogini Waterfalls

Jogini Waterfalls is a beautiful waterfall that cascades from a height of about 150 feet near Vashisht village in Manali. It is a sacred place for the locals, as it is believed to be the abode of Jogini Mata, a form of Goddess Durga. You can reach the waterfall by taking a short trek from Vashisht temple through apple orchards and pine forests.

These are some of the destinations that you must visit while you are in Shimla and Manali to make your trip memorable and exciting.

Things to Do in Manali

Apart from visiting these destinations, there are many other things that you can do in Manali to enjoy your holiday. Here are some of them:

– Try the local Tibetan cuisine in Manali, such as momos, thukpa, tingmo, and thentuk.

– Shop for souvenirs like woolen shawls, caps, rugs, handicrafts, and dry fruits at the Mall Road and Old Manali market.

– Enjoy a hot water bath at the Vashisht hot springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties.

– Visit the Manu Temple, which is dedicated to Manu, the first man in Hindu mythology, and is located in Old Manali.

– Experience the nightlife of Manali at some of the pubs and cafes, such as Johnson’s Cafe, Drifter’s Inn, and Cafe 1947.

Manali Kaza Route to Spiti Valley

If you are looking for a shorter and more exciting option to reach Spiti Valley from Manali, you can take the Manali Kaza route. This route is about 200 km long and takes you through some of the most challenging and scenic roads in India. You will cross places like Rohtang Pass, Gramphu, Batal, Kunzum Pass, and Losar on this route. You will also witness the changing landscape from green to barren as you enter the cold desert of Spiti Valley.

The Manali Kaza route is open from June to October, depending on the weather conditions. You will need a permit to cross Rohtang Pass, which you can get online or from the SDM office in Manali. You will also need a sturdy vehicle, preferably a 4×4, to tackle the rough terrain and high altitude. You should also carry enough fuel, food, water, and warm clothes for this journey.

The Manali Kaza route is not for the faint-hearted, but it is definitely worth it for the thrill and the beauty that it offers. You will get to see some of the most amazing places in Spiti Valley, such as Kaza, Tabo, Dhankar, Pin Valley, Kibber, and Key Monastery on this route. You will also get to experience the culture and hospitality of the Spiti people, who live in one of the most remote and harsh regions of India.

Experience the magic of Shimla and Manali with Himalayan Traveling, the best travel agency in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Our expert tour and travel operators offer the finest packages, including the best Kullu Manali tour packages for couples and family. So what are you waiting for?

Book your tickets now and get ready for an amazing holiday in Shimla and Manali with Himalayan traveling!