Every meal requires a little bit of dessert, every summer needs a lot of popsicles, and just like that, everyone deserves a breather from the routine. Preferably a sweet getaway to a pleasantly cool (not so pleasant during the winters) destination. Do you know what place we’re hinting at? You probably do. When it comes to hill stations, Manali takes the cake.
Located 270 km from Shimla, the place is surrounded by innumerable hill slopes and pine forests. Manali feels like a little corner of its own that people use to escape from the daily hullabaloo. We know that a quick trip over the weekend sounds rushed and no fun. But this 2-day Manali itinerary is made with the intention of making sure that you return home relaxed and rejuvenated.
Places To Visit On Day 1
1. Hidimba Devi Temple
Wife of Bhima from the Pandavas and the mother of Ghatotkach, Hidimba is worshipped highly in Himachal Pradesh. Despite being a lesser-mentioned character of the Mahabharata, raising Ghatotkach all by herself is definitely praiseworthy. That’s exactly why Maharaja Bahadur built this shrine in 1553 BC.
The setting of the temple looks very mystical, staying true to the stories. After you’ve parked your vehicle, there’s a 200 m walk. By the end of it, you’ll be surrounded by tall cedar trees and right there, right in the middle, you’ll see the Hidimba Devi temple. Upon first glance, it might look like an abandoned temple, but it’s an architectural marvel. On the inside, you’ll see skeletons and bones of sacrificed animals like buffalo, goats, and antelopes. Another peculiar thing you’d find is that there is no idol of Hidimba Devi. Instead, you’ll find a stone that has her large footprints on it.
At the courtyard of this temple, you’ll find locals selling local products like yak cheese and wild gooseberries. You know what else you’d find? Tranquility. Lots of it. Being in the middle of a dense forest and away from the noise, you’ll feel instantly at peace here.
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
2. Manu Temple
Get a step closer to nature when you visit the Manu Temple in Manali. The journey itself is a wild ride as you’ll have to pass a narrow road. But once you’re there, it’s a sight for sore eyes. Built in the valley of the Beas River, the Manu temple resembles a pagoda structure. And matching the theme of the architecture, it’s definitely tranquil.
It’s dedicated to Sage Manu and is said to be the only temple of his that exists. In 1992, the temple was constructed from bricks and stones to have marble floors and vaulted ceilings. The spiritual and religious atmosphere will immediately put you at ease. But, beware! They’re very strict about their code of conduct, and you want to be properly dressed when you visit.
Timings: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
3. Van Vihar Park
This park is considered a hidden gem in Manali, and it’s the perfect picnic spot! Tall deodar trees border the park, and nature breathes life into it. Whether you’re traveling with kids or a pet, there’s something for everyone.
You can start with a nice stroll; their pathways are very well-designed. Depending on your mood, you can choose a long or short trail. It’s pet-friendly too! So, this park is equivalent to heaven for your pet. Bird watchers will have similar sentiments for the place. Having so much nature, there are a lot of birds that’ll catch your eye.
After a walk, you can set the picnic carpet and have lunch together underneath the shade of a tree. It’ll be a pleasant experience because the park is very well-maintained and clean. You can rest up for a while after food or head for the boating. You’ll never not be entertained at Van Vihar park, we assure you that much.
Timings: 8:00 am to 7 pm during the summers
8:00 am to 5 pm during winter
Entry Fee: INR 50
4. Jogini Waterfalls
Are you up for a little trek? This one’s going to need a little bit of it. There are two waterfalls, each at some distance from the other. The smaller waterfall is a two-hour trek from Vashisht Temple. The other one is a five-hour trek. Though time-consuming, the journey along the way matters a lot. You’ll be watching Manali in all its glory as you look at the snow-capped mountains and the Beas River. Plus, the path is relatively easier to walk on.
Once you’re there at the falls, you can either go right into the plunge pool or try out the rock climbing. It’s a small one, but worth it!
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
5. Mall Road
End Day one of your Manali trip with bags full of souvenirs as you take a stroll along the mall road. Manali’s Mall Road is full of restaurants to explore and things to buy. You’ll find authentic goods of Himachal Pradesh and specialities of Manali. Being the main street of Manali, you’ll see the Himachali culture come to life. It’s the best way to talk with the locals and get to know more about their lives.
Once you feel tired, go sit in one of the restaurants and eat until you have no space. It’s time to rest up and restore energy for our second day in Manali. You did great today!
Timings: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Places To Visit On Day 2
- Solang Valley
- Gulaba
- Old Manali
- Visit A Wellness Center
1. Solang Valley
Ah, that was a productive Day 1. It’s time to carpe diem and make the best of Day 2. Solang Valley is one of those places that you absolutely have to visit! It’s beautiful during the winters with a nice coat of snow layering the valley. And once the snow is out, so will be the activities like skiing! Apart from the snow activities, you can even do something you usually never do and go parachuting or paragliding. There should be a first for everything, right?
Another popular activity amongst the tourists is zorbing! Having slopey hills, you’ll find Jacks and Jills tumbling down the hill in big, transparent balls, having the time of their lives.
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Adventure Sports Prices: Starting from INR 500
2. Gulaba
We’re pretty sure you’ve heard about Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. Guess where it was shot? Yep, one of the scenes was shot at Gulaba. From December to February, this place is as close as it gets to experiencing Rohtang Pass when it’s closed. It’s right in the middle of the road that connects Manali and Rohtang Pass. They’ve several trekking trails and camps if that is something that piques your interest.
To get there, you can take a taxi or a private vehicle. There’s even a state transport bus that runs regularly, so transportation won’t be much of a hassle. In case you were too chicken to try paragliding at Solang Valley, but it tempted you to conquer your fear, Gulaba has it too! If nothing, you can reach the place and just unwind under the blue sky.
Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
3. Old Manali
There’s nothing like visiting the roots of the place and finding out about its originality. Manali attracts tourists heavily, and it’s witnessed a lot of development because of that. But Old Manali still stays true to its history. A treat for the backpackers, this place is untouched land teeming with nature and story.
You’ll find snow-capped mountains surrounding the entire village. But, while it retains its original state, this quaint town has amazing scenic cafes to relish scrumptious food. And you’d be surprised at how lively nights get. They have karaoke nights and even live bands!
Timings: Open 24 hours
4. Visit A Wellness Center
Before you return to your tiring daily grind, prep yourself for it. Now, it’s spa day! You’ll find a number of wellness centers scattered all around Manali. And they’re all waiting to release the tension from your muscles and prepare you to face the world again. Reflect on your time so far, and you’ll be all energetic by the time you’re done.
4 Best Spas To Visit In Manali
- Spa Magnolia
- Pure Ganga Yoga
- Alaknanda Spa
- Lama Spa
Summing Up
This 2-day Manali itinerary will tick all the boxes and will definitely fulfil the purpose of your holiday. Not just that, you’ll be well acquainted with Manali with your gallery filled with picturesque sceneries and memories to take back home.
FAQs
Can Manali Be Visited In 2 Days?
Manali is a large place to be able to explore in 2 days. However, if you have a time crunch, 2 days are sufficient to visit some of the most famous tourist attractions.
Which Month Is Not Good To Visit Manali?
The months between July and September are not advisable for traveling as Manali experiences heavy rainfall, which often leads to landslides.
Which Month Is Manali Crowded?
The months of December and January are the most crowded as visitors come here to celebrate the New Year in the snow. In summer, May and June are packed with tourists as people come here to escape the city heat and relax in the pleasant weather.
How Much Does A Manali Trip Cost For 2 People?
Taking accommodations and everything into consideration, the approximate cost for two for 3 days/2 nights is approximately INR 18,000.
How Much Is The Rohtang Pass Per Person?
For a single person to get to Rohtang Pass, it takes INR 550. If you decide to take part in adventure activities, it will cost extra.
