A Gateway to Your First Family Trip to Manali
The school bells have been ringing timelessly for months and the desire for a vacation intensifies. As winter makes its way, students eagerly look forward to the holidays from school – The Diwali and Christmas Vacations. While not as long as the summer break, winter vacation offers the kids a breather before the hectic exam season begins. It serves a similar purpose to the adults who have to tackle the final quarter of the financial year at work. If you truly want to make the best of this break – a family trip to Manali would be the ideal way to send off the year and rejuvenate your minds, bodies and souls. Truly a cherry on top of the cake. Except this time, the frosting is replaced with snow.
A trip to Manali with family is perhaps the most picturesque holiday destination that you can pick for your upcoming winter vacation in India. In summer, the breathtaking views of the lush green valleys will captivate your heart. During the winters, the snow-capped mountains and the tundra create the perfect backdrop for cherished memories. This article will outline the best places to visit, activities to participate in, things to do, eat and experience.
The Way In
If you reside in the Delhi NCR Region, a road trip to Manali is the perfect weekend activity you can partake in. Even if you are flying in, you will land at the Kullu Airport, which is 40 km away from the heart of Manali. Either way, the drive into the city will be mesmerizing as hills teeming with greenery and snow roll past you. The thrill of navigating the serpentine roads sets the tone for an unforgettable adventure.
Your journey will take over elevated bridges arching over valleys on a narrow track. A simple peek out of the window will let you peer down into the depths. You’ll observe the River Beas cutting across the mountains in Manaali, and the glistening water which illuminates the riverbanks around it. Regardless of your mode of transport, your experience will begin on a high note before you even get anywhere close to Manali.
Exploring the local culture
The best thing about Manali is that it appeals to both types of holiday seekers – the leisurely laid-back people who just want to kick their feet up, have a hot chocolate and soak in all the beauty, and the busy bees who want to explore the local culture and visit every hotspot. Immersing yourself in the rich culture of Manali is an eye-opening experience. The first tourist spot in Manali often includes the Hadimba Temple, a visually stunning wooden structure nestled amidst the woods. This ancient temple not only serves as a spiritual site dedicated to the goddess Hadimba but is also an architectural marvel. The woodwork, the handicrafts, the details in the statue, the serene atmosphere, and the historical significance of the site, all will work together to transport you to different dimensions in time, where the worries of the modern era will not trouble your weary soul. The surrounding forest is perfect for a family picnic in Manali’s landscapes, where the children can play and the adults can relax, soaking up the tranquillity of nature.
Next, there are many places to visit in Old Manali. The area is known for its bohemian vibe, with quaint cafes, vibrant shops and markets. The Manu Temple is another cultural gem worth visiting. The temple’s pagoda-style architecture signifies the importance of this place, as it is what Manali was named after. This place was considered to be the resting quarters of the Goddess Manu. In the local dialect, the name Manali is regarded as the derivative of Manu-Alaya which means the adobe of Manu.
For the adventure seekers
There’s an abundance of activities in Manali that can keep the whole family engaged. A day trip to Solang Valley is often on the cards, where families can indulge in adventure sports in Manali like skiing, paragliding and zorbing. While beautiful during the summers, the valley turns into a winter wonderland during the colder months. The Ski Lessons are quite flexible, letting you have a unique experience if you are there for just a day. However, if you are there for longer, you can enrol in one of the advanced batches that can be completed over the course of a week. As it is highly supervised, you can choose your risk appetite based on how much of the winter sport you wish to master.
In case you plan a family trip to Manali during the summers, Solang Valley offers activities like paragliding and mountain biking. The rush of zipping through the mountains with the wind blaring in your face is perhaps the most exhilarating experience you can ever have in your life. For those seeking more relaxed adventures, a gentile hike to Jogini Falls could get you in the mood. This trek is suitable for all ages and concludes at the sight of a waterfall. You can enjoy a picnic in the refreshing cool water while listening to the soothing sounds of the cascading water. Don’t forget to bring your towels.
Relaxation
Kicking up your feet is not enough. To actively relax, families can often seek to vanquish their bodies’ aches away by visiting the Vashisht Hot Springs and the temples in Manali. The water naturally smells of sulfur, so ignore the odour, this experience can be very soothing if you are willing to give it a chance. Another cool spot over there is the social area next to Van Vihar. This is a public park that offers serene walking paths. Families can rent paddle boats and float in the middle of a small lake surrounded by towering hills.
Culinary Delights
There are many street food stalls to upscale restaurants in Manali that boast a plethora of options for the foodies. Mall Road is an obvious favourite to experience everything the city and culture has to offer. Do try out the local bread – Siddu, and Chana Madra – a better version of enjoying chole. Since many apples grow there and are known for the fruit, do try the apple pies from one of the smaller bakeries in Manali.
So what are you waiting for? The magic of a family trip to Manali is not just about exploring a new destination but also fostering togetherness that creates a mosaic full of memories. While there are many Manali tour packages for family and friends, you can also create your own itinerary that lets you discover the region at your own pace. To elevate this experience, you can also book a stay at one of StayVista’s humble homestays in Manali that cater to every age and preference.
