Manali Magic! Day 1 – By Sanjeev Nanda

A 40-km drive from Kullu, north of Himachal Pradesh, India is Manali. It nestles on the edge of a valley through which the National Highway runs leading you to Leh, another stunning destination to visit in India.

The journey had just begun. It was during the month of January and the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with the sting of the freezing cold of Manali. The first thing I did once I set foot was to try the local specialty, flavored hot tea and delectable snacks to go with it were refreshing!

The landscape of Manali is breathtaking! The first thing I noticed was the series of undulating landscape, valleys, and mountain ranges that surrounds this hill station. The drive was worth every moment of my time and I would recommend a road trip versus taking a rail. You will instantly notice its well-defined snow-capped peaks, the stunning Beas River, clear as crystal, meandering through the crevice.

Along the River, you will notice thick deodar and pine trees abound with greenery, pockets of small fields and fruit orchards that truly pull you closer to nature. Manali is a trekker’s delight, the routes through Lahaul-Spiti, Bara Bhangal in Kangra, and Zanskar ranges, are worth exploring. Whether it is the ancient Temples, picturesque sightseeing spots, and adventure undertakings, Manali has loads to keep you well occupied.

Manali is indeed the land of snow, mist, tranquility and serene beauty. The wonderful sight of the snow-capped mountains adding a stunning backdrop to the quaint town is a mesmerizing sight. Clouds making their way through the cliffs and gorges, and the cascading River Beas gushing forth to announce its arrival is captivating and a photographer’s delight!

I stayed at a guest house with no fixed itinerary in my pocket. All I had was my backpack and a mind filled with the list of adventures to look forth to. Early morning I ventured to view the stunning Snow Point site near Kothi, a place extensively used by Bollywood to scene their songs. It was a sight to behold. The white-laden landscape was captivating and all I could think was to catch hold of a ski suit, related gadgets and ski around.

After a wonderful skiing session over the slopes of Manali, I proceeded to the Manali Club House to relish some of the best Indian recipes. The food instantly captured the essence of India. It brought in loads of warmth and a feel of rejuvenation. I got back to the guest house with a sense of accomplishment that my first day in Manali was indeed a pleasurable one.

Manali Magic! Introduction – By Sanjeev Nanda

My trip to Manali has been one of the most enthralling of all trips and I have had the pleasure to enjoy it to the hilt. If you haven’t decided on a trip to Manali as yet, then this write-up may just help you firmly decide. It offers a glimpse of what you can look forward to when you do eventually plan your vacation.

It was only a couple of weeks in Manali and my memory still retains the striking aura and appearance of this quaint hill station. As if you’d just visited a lost world and came out of it only craving to go back for more. It was an interesting visit that captured the nuances of my vision and if I ever get the chance, I would definitely plan a re-visit.

Manali is a picturesque hill station surrounded by majestic snow-laden mountains and dense pine forestlands. The meandering Beas River is the iconic symbol of Manali and is renowned for its aesthetic beauty. Manali nestles at an altitude of 6260 feet and is a premier hill station of Himachal Pradesh, North India, cocooned within the Valley of Kullu.

The splendor of Manali this lies in the seemingly refreshing Beas River fringed with conifer gradients and crop orchards that stretches way up to the snow-clad knolls of the majestic Himalayas. It is sandwiched between Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal Peaks, known for their captivating beauty and imposing heights.

It was a curious find that Manali is famed as one of the most visited Pilgrim destinations in India and hence, is often referred to as the land of numerous Shrines of Gods and Goddesses, capturing distinctive significance in the ethnic tradition and culture of India. It is indeed a gorgeous hill resort that beckons tired souls to its abode rendering a vibrant display of attractions to scout through and I felt blessed to be here.

Manali is also renowned as the Queen of Valleys owing to the numerous stunning valleys is nestles within the lower Himalayan ranges. The skyscraping mountainous ranges, undulating landscapes, and vast expanse of unending greenery and terrain is bounded by obscure rock ravines and gorges.

Manali has been one of the most distinguished holiday spots for me. The thick forests and the soft gush of cool gentle breeze can rejuvenate a tired city dweller. Its vast expanse of meadows, tiny quaint settlements, vibrant orchards, the natives and their warm hospitality can melt even a heart of stone.

I was completely bowled over by the mere appearance and serene ambiance that Manali offers. Its natural vista gives way for interesting outdoor activities, which I thoroughly enjoyed. From mountaineering to trekking and skiing, I experienced it all. There were numerous short off-the-beaten trails through the dense forestlands that were indeed worth exploring with the local guides, and it was one of the best treks I have had a chance to experience in a very long time.