Explore Chandigarh to Manali: Our Journey
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Manali is a beautiful place in the Himalayas. We chose to visit there because it's not far from Chandigarh, making it easy for us to travel. Manali's beauty comes from its mountains covered in snow, green valleys, and the Beas River flowing peacefully. The weather is nice all year round, which is perfect for enjoying activities like trekking, paragliding, and skiing in winter. There are many things to do in Manali, like visiting temples, shopping on Mall Road, and trying local food. The local people are friendly, and the hotels range from cozy guesthouses to luxury resorts with amazing views. Whether you are looking for peace and quiet or exciting adventures, Manali has something for everyone. So me and my friends decided to make a 3 days trip to Manali from Chandigarh.
Day 1: Departure from Chandigarh and Arrival in Manali
Morning:
Our adventure started early in the morning when we left Chandigarh, a city known for its well-planned design and beautiful gardens. The drive from Chandigarh to Manali is about 280 kilometers and offers stunning views and peaceful landscapes. We began our day with a tasty breakfast at the Indian Coffee House in Sector 17. The restaurant s delicious South Indian dishes, like dosas and coffee, gave us the energy we needed for our journey. As we drove out of Chandigarh, we enjoyed the fresh morning air and quiet streets. The city s green parks and neat layout looked even more beautiful in the early light. Soon, we were on the highway, leaving the city behind and heading towards the mountains. We chose self drive car rental Chandigarh to Manali for our trip because we did not want to waste our time finding taxis and buses everywhere. With car rental from Chandigarh to Manali our trip became very comfortable and enjoyable. The journey provided beautiful views at every turn. Rolling hills covered in lush greenery, rivers flowing beside the road, and distant mountains rising into the sky made the drive unforgettable. We took our time, stopping at several scenic spots to take photos and enjoy the natural beauty.
Route Attractions:
As we drove through the curvy roads, we stopped at Timber Trail in Parwanoo. This hill station in the Shivalik range has a cable car ride that shows amazing views of the hills and valleys. It was a fun start to our trip.
Next, we stopped in Solan, called the "Mushroom City of India." We went to the Shoolini Mata Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Shoolini. The temple is very peaceful, and the view from the hilltop is beautiful. The calm and quiet place made us feel relaxed.
The Timber Trail and Solan were just the start of our trip, but they showed us the beauty and culture of the area. The cable car ride at Timber Trail gave us great views and a feel of adventure. In Solan, the Shoolini Mata Temple visit showed us local traditions and gave us a peaceful break.
Afternoon:
For lunch, we stopped at Chail Palace Hotel in Chail. The hotel is in a beautiful, green area and has a nice restaurant. The menu has many North Indian and Himachali dishes. We chose to try the traditional Himachali thali. This is a special meal with many small dishes on one big plate. Each dish has a different taste and is made with local ingredients. The thali was very tasty and let us enjoy real Himachali flavors. The green surroundings made our lunch even more enjoyable.
Evening:
As we drove further, the scenery changed gradually from gentle hills to the grand mountains of Himachal Pradesh. By late evening, we finally arrived at Manali. We checked into the Solang Valley Resort, a hotel located by the River Beas where we had booked our stay in advance. The hotel staff welcomed us warmly, and our room offered breathtaking views that were perfect for relaxing after a long day of travel.
For dinner, we chose to eat at Gazebo, the resort's own restaurant. The restaurant's atmosphere, with the soothing sound of the nearby river, added to its charm. We enjoyed their specialty, Himachali Dham, a traditional meal consisting of rice, madra (a curry made with chickpeas), and various lentils.
Day 2: Exploring Manali
Morning:
In the morning, we woke up early to the sound of birds chirping and saw the sun rising over the mountains. After a good night's sleep, we had a delicious breakfast at the resort. There were many different types of Indian and continental foods to choose from.
Our first stop of the day was the Hadimba Devi Temple. It is a very old temple made of wood, surrounded by a thick forest of cedar trees. This temple is dedicated to Hadimba Devi, who was Bhima's wife in the Mahabharata story. The temple is famous for its special design and peaceful surroundings.
After that, we went to the Manu Temple. This temple is dedicated to the sage Manu, who is said to have created the world according to Hindu beliefs. The temple is quiet and peaceful, and from there, we could see a beautiful view of the valley below. It was really amazing to see.
Afternoon:
We decided to have lunch at The Johnson s Cafe, a well-known restaurant loved for its European dishes and lively atmosphere. One of their specialties, the trout fish, a local favorite, turned out to be incredibly tasty.
After our meal, we went to see the Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art, close to the Hadimba Temple. Inside, the museum displays many objects that show the culture of Himachal Pradesh. You can see old-fashioned clothes, musical instruments, and things used in homes long ago.
Evening:
In the evening, we walked along Mall Road, which is the main street where people gather in Manali. There were many shops selling handmade things, warm clothes, and local snacks. We bought some souvenirs and enjoyed hot momos and street food.
For dinner, we went to Il Forno, an Italian restaurant in a nice stone house. They made pizzas in a wood oven and pasta right there. It was the great way to finish our wonderful day.
Day 3: Adventures and Departure
Morning:
On our last day in Manali, we started by heading to Solang Valley, just a quick drive from where we were staying. Solang Valley is famous for its exciting things to do, especially for those who love adventure. We decided to try paragliding, which was both thrilling and gave us an amazing view of the valley from up high. It was an experience we'll always remember, feeling like we were flying over the beautiful mountains.
Afternoon:
We went back to our resort to have a quick lunch, choosing their continental menu this time. The grilled chicken and fresh salads were just what we needed for a light and satisfying meal.
After lunch, we headed to Vashisht Village with self drive car rental. It is well-known for its hot springs and the Vashisht Temple. The natural hot springs are believed to have healing powers, and soaking in the warm water felt incredibly refreshing. The temple, honoring the sage Vashisht, is stunning with its detailed wood carvings, making it a sight to visit.
Evening:
As the sun started to go down, we returned to Manali and visited the Tibetan Monastery. It was so peaceful there, with colorful prayer flags waving gently in the breeze. Inside, the monastery was full of beautiful paintings and statues that were really interesting to look at.
Before we went back home, we had dinner at The Lazy Dog, a cafe right by the river. It was a really chill place with great food and live music. We tried their burgers and shakes, which were super yummy and filled us up nicely. The sound of the river flowing nearby made it all even better.
Departure:
Sadly, we said goodbye to Manali and started our trip back to Chandigarh. During the drive, we talked fondly about our adventures from the last three days. We decided to stop at a roadside dhaba for dinner, where we have delicious North Indian dishes that were both tasty and comforting. The atmosphere was relaxed, and it gave us a chance to reflect on our trip before heading home.
Self drive car rental Chandigarh to Manali makes our trip more enjoyable. It gives us freedom to stop at scenic spots along the way, like beautiful viewpoints or charming villages. We can set our own pace and explore places that might not be easily reachable by public transport. Having a car also means you can carry your belongings comfortably and do not have to worry about schedules. It is convenient for families or groups traveling together, offering flexibility and a sense of adventure as you discover the stunning landscapes of Himachal Pradesh at your own convenience.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Manali from Chandigarh?
The best time to visit Manali from Chandigarh is from March to June and then from September to October. During these times, the weather is nice for exploring outdoors. March to June is good to escape the heat of Chandigarh, and September to October is great for clear skies and green landscapes after the rains. It's best to avoid July and August because of heavy rain that can cause landslides and make travel difficult.
How far is Manali from Chandigarh by road?
Manali is approximately 270 kilometers away from Chandigarh by road.
Are there any trekking options near Manali?
Yes, there are several trekking options near Manali that offer beautiful landscapes and adventurous experiences. Some popular treks include:
- Beas Kund Trek
- Hampta Pass Trek
- Solang Valley Trek
- Bhrigu Lake Trek
- Chandrakhani Pass Trek
Can I rent a car for self drive from Chandigarh to Manali?
Yes, you can easily rent a car for self drive from Chandigarh to Manali. It is simple and affordable. Just follow the easy steps to book online, ensuring you get the best prices. This allows you the freedom to explore at your own pace and convenience, enjoying the scenic drive through the mountains from Chandigarh to Manali.
What are the famous markets in Manali for shopping?
In Manali, the famous markets for shopping include Mall Road, known for its variety of goods from handicrafts to winter wear; Old Manali Market, offering unique souvenirs and local crafts; and Tibetan Market, renowned for Tibetan and Himalayan handicrafts like carpets, shawls, and Buddhist artifacts.
What is the weather like in Manali during summer?
In summer, Manali has nice weather. It is not too hot, with temperatures between 10 C to 25 C (50 F to 77 F). It is a good time to visit for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. Evenings can be cool, so it is good to bring a light sweater. Overall, summer in Manali is pleasant and great for enjoying the beautiful mountains.
Is it necessary to book accommodation in advance in Manali?
Yes, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance in Manali, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and winter. This ensures availability and helps you secure a place that meets your preferences and budget, whether it is a hotel, resort, or homestay.
Is Manali a good place for honeymooners?
Yes, Manali is an excellent destination for honeymooners. It offers stunning landscapes, romantic weather, and a variety of activities like river rafting, paragliding, and exploring scenic spots like Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley. There are also cozy resorts and hotels that cater specifically to honeymoon couples.
What are the adventure activities available in Solang Valley?
In Solang Valley, visitors can enjoy a range of thrilling adventure activities such as paragliding, zorbing (rolling downhill inside a giant transparent ball), skiing during winter, and quad biking.
What is the cost of self drive car from Chandigarh to Manali?
The cost of renting a car varies on various factors. It depends on things like what kind of car you want, how long you need it for, and when you are planning to go. Contact us at 7528904589 to get more details on your specific needs.
How is the traffic on the route from Chandigarh to Manali?
The traffic on the route from Chandigarh to Manali can vary depending on the season and time of day. During peak tourist seasons like summer and winter holidays, the traffic can be heavy, especially near major towns like Mandi and Kullu but the highways are well maintained so you will not face any problems.
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