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Plan your way through the hippie streets of Kullu-Manali
It’s the holiday season for the schools. The mercury is topping its charts and the free-sprinted want to break the shackles and escape their mundane existence.
Kullu Manali is one of the commonest but wise choices they make during such seasonal occasions. You can too, for the same reasons! This lovely town located in the northern part of Kullu Valley is some 210 kms away from Shimla in India.
At an altitude of 6730 feet with river Beas rushing through the town flanked by lovely pine trees, the Himalayas in the background and serenity that is impossible to perceive in big cities, Kullu Manali makes a pretty picture for any type of tourists – adventurers, family, hippies or honeymooners.
What would Hippies ask for – a spot with scenic environs, no judging eyes, plenty of food, like minded individuals and some access to substances that help them reach surreal heights.
Manali has all this and so it does not lag far behind another hippie spot in India – Goa. The hippies come here in droves during the months of March to September escaping the heavy monsoons of Goa. This influx coincides with the tourist season here. Consequently the crowd volume is highest between May to June which you should avoid understandably.
Old Manali is where most tourists head to. It has a village/town like feel while New Manali is more commercial and ugly like other cities of India.
A tour of the hippie streets of Kullu Manali can cover the following
1. Vashisht
Vashisht is a village in Kullu very close to Manali. It is a famous spot for hot springs possessing high sulphur content. The locals claim that these springs have curative powers. Tourists also visit the local Vashisht, Lord Ram and Lord Shiva temples for spiritual connection.
Few head to practice Yoga at the Shri Hari yoga ashram in the village to derive some peace and rejuvenation.
2. Jogni falls
A lovely piece of nature in Vashisht village, Jogni is just 30 min away from Old Manali, 4 kms from Vashist temple and 7.5 kms from Manali bus stand.
You can view the falls from the bottom as well as the top. You will have an eyeful of this beautiful cascade, sacred to the locals, at both the places.
3. Rohtang pass
It is located on Leh highway and is open from June to October. Skiing and sledging are popular pastimes here. Come here to have glimpses of amazing glaciers and other mountain peaks on higher climes.
The road to Rohtang pass is the highest one in India and most dangerous too. However there are many rented Royal Enfields passing this road, braving all odds and winning their small battles. If a bike is not preferable you can always take private taxis on a shared basis.
Do not miss a yak ride after the adventurous bike ride.
4. Solang valley
Solang valley is for adventure buffs. Parachuting, zorbing, horse riding and paragliding are some of the activities you can indulge in here without a care in the world. Solang Valley is also a great place to have amazing views of the snow-capped Himalayas.
5. Old Manali
Here is a favorite spot for other tourists and hippies alike. Old Manali is few kilometers uphill from New Manali at 6589 feet above sea level. Full of apple orchards, eucalyptus, gentle winds and a sweet flowing Kullu river, old Manali welcomes all with open arms.
Hidimba Devi temple is a commonly visited place here. Animal skulls at the entrance carved wooden door and a 24 metre shikaram greet your visit. The main deity in brass is only 3 inches tall.
Old Manali has quaint cafes with affordable food as compared to the commercialized new Manali. It is also a place to buy inexpensive products that cost a bomb elsewhere. Go hire a scooter and ride around to discover more amazing things of the town on your own.
6. Himalayan National Park
Nature buffs would find this place more attractive than others Manali attractions. There are about 400 species of Himalayan flora and about 800 species of fauna inside. Trekking and camping within the park limits could keep you busy and your camera busier.
7. Trekking
Manali is a starting point for many treks into the Himalayas
- Beas Kund, the birthplace of river Beas, is a base camp for treks to Hanuman Tibba peaks, Shitidhar, Ladakhi and Friendship peaks.
- Treks to Vashisht, Beas and Kullu valley begin from here.
8. Tibetan culture
Manali is also a place to see Tibetian culture from close quarters. Visit two monasteries, Himalayan Nyingampa Gompa and Thekchhokling Gompa and see some exhibits of handicrafts, carpets and paintings amidst sounds of hymn chants and aroma of incense. Rotate some prayer wheels and send your prayers to the almighty above.
9. Food
Regular tourists recommend trying continental foods in many cafes of Old Manali. Momos and Thukpa are favorites too. However, most cafes and restaurants sell Italian or Israeli food. Here are a few popular cafes and their hot sellers…
- Born Free cafe – pasta, hummus pita bread and Smoothies
- Cafe 1947 – yummy pizza corner
- Drifters cafe is open till 11 pm at night. Best for waffles and pancakes and egg Benedict
- Lazy dog great desserts and inexpensive. Local bands such as The Local Train and Rudra performing here are popular
- Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted for coffee and cookies with an amazing chocolate filling
10. Shopping in town
You can shop for local tea, honey, wine, shawls, yak wool blankets, hats, coin purses, ponchos, rabbit fur in Old Manali. Gems such as moonstone earrings, ruby, Turquoise, rose quartz necklace and other crystals are in high demand here.
11. Lodging
You can shop for local tea, honey, wine, shawls, yak wool blankets, hats, coin purses, ponchos, rabbit fur in Old Manali. Gems such as moonstone earrings, ruby, Turquoise, rose quartz necklace and other crystals are in high demand here.
Check out home stays and Guest houses in Old Manali for competitive prices. The lodgings are decent. Moreover, the calmness around will surely make your stay worthwhile. Of course there are other luxury and budget hotels around town providing great service to tourists.
How to reach here
By Air
Bhuntar airport in Kullu is 50 kms away from Manali. The flights come in from all major cities of India.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is Joigindernagar railway station. From here you can reach Manali by taxis or bus.
By Road
National roads connect Manali to major cities of India such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Ambala and Dehradun.