Manali has always been a favorite among the Indian traveler. Along with Dharamshala and Shimla, Manali forms a triumvirate of the 3 most frequented vacation destinations in Himachal Pradesh. What makes Manali so special among travelers across the board is that there’s something appealing for everyone. For the backpacker and the adventurers, the quaint cafes of Old Manali, pocket sized guesthouses and the hot water springs of Vashisht. Manali is also a gateway to some amazing treks and is a welcome pit stop on the arduous journey to Leh.For the quintessential Indian traveler groups, family, friends and couples, Greater Manali presents an idyllic setting to vacation in. For the spiritual traveler, Manali boasts of more than a few yoga retreats and is also home to some truly beautiful Buddhist monasteries and temples. If you’re planning a trip to this picturesque hill station, which we highly recommend, make sure that you read this Manali travel guide so that you know the best way to enjoy your holiday here! History And Culture Of Manali Manali gets its name from a Hindu sage Manu, and the name Manali is derived from ‘Manu-aalaya’, which literally translates into the home of Manu. The town, like the rest of Kullu district, is also closely linked with Lord Ram.Legend has it Raja Jagat Singh, the erstwhile ruler of Manali, was cursed with leprosy. He was advised to bring an idol of Lord Raghunathji from Ayodhya. Once he did it, he was miraculously cured of his disease. A grateful Raja Jagat Singh installed the idol on the throne, essentially making Lord Raghunathji the ruler of Manali, and his successors followed suit. A local temple that is frequented is the Hidimbi temple. Hidimbi was the wife of Bhima. Though she is believed to be of the Rakshasa (demon) clan, she is worshipped as a deity and huge crowds throng to the temple during Dussehra and Navratri to worship and pay their offering. Manali also has a strong Buddhist influence and is home to a few monasteries. The Himalayan Nyinmapa Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in the new town of Manali is one of the most frequently visited due to its proximity to the markets of Manali. Tibetan and European influencers can also be found in the cafes and the German bakeries that can be spotted across all of Old Manali. How To Get To Manali By Air - The closest airport to Manali is the Kullu-Manali airport in Bhuntar, Kullu district which is a little under two hours away from Manali. The flight connectivity between Bhuntar and , and is extremely erratic and expensive. Flying into Chandigarh or Delhi is the safer option. Manali is about 16 hours away from Delhi and about 10 hours from Chandigarh By Rail - Manali, like the rest of Himachal, is not well connected by trains. The best bet again is to take a train until Delhi or Chandigarh and then take a bus or hire a taxi to make the rest of the journey. By Road - This is the primary mode of reaching Manali. Road connectivity from both Delhi and Chandigarh is great. While the distances are long and the roads full of hairpin turns, the quality of roads is really good and the journeys are smoother and not as taxing. And don’t get us started on the views on the way there!Best Time To Travel To Manali What makes Manali so special among travelers is the fact that it is accessible throughout the year. While most of the country prepares itself for the insufferable Indian summer, the weather gods shine upon Manali, making it a perfect time to visit this mountain town, to prepare for a hike, a yoga retreat or just to catch a break. Manali does not judge and welcomes all. A word of caution, however: Manali can get overcrowded during Christmas and New Year’s Eve coupled with extremely cold weather and overpriced accommodation. A late December trip to Manali is best avoided. Getting Around Manali Manali is a really small town. So we recommend that you explore the hill station on foot, at your own leisure. However, there are taxis and bus services to go check out places on the outskirts. Within Manali, walking and auto rickshaws remain your best bet at transit.Breaking Stereotypes About Manali Manali is extremely touristic - Well it is true that New Manali and the Mall Road area is touristic and crowded and not very retreat in the mountain like. Old Manali however retains some of the old world charm and is more peaceful since it is relatively untouched. If Manali is on your list, spend as much time in Old Manali as possible.Go Check Out Hidimba Devi Temple - Built in the 16th century, Hidimba Devi Temple is a cave temple dedicated to the deity Hidimbi, the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata. The temple is surrounded by a beautiful cedar forest and the temple holds a special place among the locals of Manali. Try visiting the temple, especially during Navratri or the Hidimba Devi fair that takes place in May. Hampta Pass - An avid trekker’s favorite, the Hampta Pass crossover trek has so much to offer. For the uninitiated, the trek is moderately easy and can be covered over 5 days. The changes in the scenery that take place with every day of this trek, from forests to fjords to beautiful meadows make Hampta Pass a truly riveting experience. Jogini Falls – The sparkling waters of the Jogini Falls is a sight to be seen when visiting Manali, preferably with your partner. The waterfall is located in the historical village of Vashisht, which is said to be founded by Guru Vashisht, Lord Rama’s teacher himself. A simple hour-long hike would take you through apple orchards and forests before you reach the base of the Jogini Falls - you’ll hear the waters beckoning to you before you see it, and the sight is one to behold! Cre: unstumbled.com