A Journey to Serenity: Experience Manali through my Eyes
Hello friends, I welcome you to my Blog. Today, I am taking
you to Manali.
I recently visited Manali, and it was an unforgettable
experience! I took a bus from **Majnu ka Tila** in Delhi, which is a popular
spot for buses heading to Himachal Pradesh. The journey took around 12 hours,
and we arrived at the **Private Bus Stand** in Manali early in the morning.
From there, we hopped into an auto-rickshaw and headed straight to our stay at
**The Hosteller**. The scenic beauty on the way was just mesmerizing, and it
gave us a glimpse of the adventure that lay ahead!
On the first day, we decided to relax and give our bodies
some time to acclimate to the new environment. We didn’t plan anything hectic
for the first day. We strolled around **Mall Road**, visited the local market,
and spent some time in a cozy local café. You can also do some shopping here,
as there are plenty of options.
**Old Manali** has numerous cafés that are perfect for
spending a laid-back evening. One place worth visiting on Mall Road is the
**Durga Mata Temple**. Although small, it is an ancient and sacred place
dedicated to **Devi Durga**. People who come here often experience peace and
spiritual solace. Let’s take a moment to talk about the **Durga Mata Temple**
and some important aspects of its surroundings.
**Day 2: Solang Valley**
Solang Valley is famous for adventure sports. Here, you can
try paragliding, zorbing, and quad biking. In winter, this place becomes
perfect for skiing and snowboarding.
"The road from Solang Valley to Atal Tunnel is about 25
kilometers. Along the way, we pass through dense forests, mountains, and
stunning sceneries. The road is a bit winding and steep, but at every turn,
there’s a new beauty to behold."
Approaching Atal Tunnel**
"As we get closer to Atal Tunnel, we start gaining altitude.
We’re now at an elevation of about 10,000 feet, and the weather here is a bit
colder, surrounded by snow."
"And here it is, the entrance to the Atal Tunnel! This
tunnel, which is the world's longest highway tunnel, stretches for 9.02
kilometers and connects Manali to the Lahaul-Spiti valley through Rohtang Pass.
It's one of India's engineering marvels."
"We’ve reached the other end of the tunnel, and we’re
welcomed by the breathtaking view of the **Lahaul Valley**. Surrounded by
snow-covered mountains and rivers, this valley exudes a unique beauty and
grandeur."
"The journey
from Solang Valley to Atal Tunnel was unforgettable. Moving through nature and
witnessing this engineering marvel made the trip an incredible
experience."
**Day 3: Sethan Valley**
"Today, we are heading to Sethan Valley, a
serene place located a short distance from Manali. Known for its tranquility
and breathtaking views, it’s a perfect escape."
Starting from Manali**
"We begin our journey from Manali. Leaving behind the
bustling Mall Road, we drive toward Sethan Valley. The 12-kilometer journey
takes only a few hours."
"Along the way, we get mesmerizing views of lush green
forests and snow-capped mountains. The drive is both scenic and adventurous,
offering glimpses of nature's beauty at every turn."
**: Reaching Sethan Valley**
"And here we are
at Sethan Valley. The weather here is slightly colder, with chilly winds
blowing. This place is a haven for adventure seekers and peace lovers
alike."
** Activities in Sethan Valley**
"Sethan Valley offers a range of activities you can
enjoy:
- **Snowboarding:** In winter, this valley is popular for
snowboarding, with perfect slopes for both beginners and experienced riders.
- **Skiing:** The snow-covered slopes here are ideal for
skiing.
- **Trekking:** In summer, you can trek along the trails
that take you through lush landscapes and offer stunning views.
- **Camping:** It’s also a great spot for camping. You can
set up a tent and enjoy the magical starry nights."
** Local Culture**
"In Sethan Valley, you can also experience
the local Himachali culture and traditions. The people here are friendly and
take pride in sharing their lifestyle with visitors."
** Relaxation**
"One of the biggest benefits of coming here is the
peace and tranquility. It’s the perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in
nature."
"The journey to Sethan Valley was truly unforgettable.
The natural beauty and peaceful environment took us away from all our stress
and tensions."
(*Fun fact: The trek to Hamta Pass also begins from here,
starting at Zero Point.*)
**Day 3: Jana Waterfall**
"Today, we’re
visiting **Jana Waterfall**, located a short distance from Manali. This
waterfall is known for its pristine beauty and peaceful surroundings."
** Starting from Manali**
"We start our
journey from Manali. Jana Waterfall is about 35 kilometers away, and the drive
itself is quite scenic. Along the way, we pass through lush green forests,
apple orchards, and charming villages."
** Scenic Drive**
"As we drive
towards Jana Waterfall, the views are stunning at every turn. We also get a
glimpse of the local Himachali culture and lifestyle along the way."
** Reaching Jana Village**
"After a few hours of travel, we reach **Jana
Village**, a small village known for its simplicity and natural beauty. The
trek to Jana Waterfall starts from here."
**Trekking to Jana Waterfall**
"We begin the trek, passing through dense forests and
flowing streams. The trek is a bit challenging, but every step brings us closer
to nature’s beauty, wiping away any fatigue."
** Arriving at Jana Waterfall**
"And here we are, at **Jana Waterfall**! The
waterfall is majestic, and the sound of the water is incredibly soothing. The
atmosphere here is peaceful and rejuvenating."
**Enjoying at the Waterfall**
"We spend some
time near the waterfall, enjoying the cool, clear water. Some people are even
having a picnic nearby. It’s a perfect spot to relax and unwind."
** Local Cuisine at the Dhaba**
"Near the
waterfall, there’s a small **dhaba** (local eatery) serving Himachali cuisine.
We indulge in **siddu**, **rajma chawal**, and some local chutney. The food is
simple but absolutely delicious."
"The experience at Jana Waterfall was memorable. It’s a
perfect spot for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. If you ever visit
Manali, don’t miss the trip to Jana Waterfall."
"Visiting the
cafés here isn’t just a treat for your taste buds, but also lets you soak in
the unique vibes and scenic beauty of Manali."
1. Rocky’s Cafe - Situated in Old Manali near Manu Temple, this cafe offers a great ambiance and a beautiful hill view. We tried Rocky’s special breakfast, which included a 2-egg omelette paratha, fried veggies, chicken slices, curd, and hummus. The mountain view was stunning and the food was delicious.
2. Sagar Thakur Dhaba - If you’re looking to experience authentic
Himachali food, this is the place to go. It’s located about 30km from Old
Manali, and the journey there takes you through the beautiful landscape of Jana
forest and near the Kana waterfall. This dhaba is known for cooking everything
with wood and has attracted many celebrities who have come to taste their thali.
3. Kalzang dhaba- Situated in Sethan Valley at a height of 2700 meters and
around 20 km from Manali, this dhaba is known for its delicious siddu served by
an old granny. The coffee is also quite good, and the view is breathtaking,
making it a highly recommended spot.
4. Cafe 1947 - Away from the hustle of the mall road, this cafe is located
right along the river and offers outdoor seating. We tried the bruschetta, hot
coffee, and French fries during our visit.
5. Suya Cafe - Located in Old Manali and run by a friendly couple, this
cafe offers delicious momos, parathas, and thalis. The area’s old wooden huts
and architecture give a nostalgic feeling of days gone Follow for more
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