24- Hours In Manali
When we hear about Manali we always remember the movie Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani where 4 friends travel to Manali for trek of Hampta pass. There are many Bollywood movies which shooted in Shimala and Manali. If you want to experience the snow then October to February is the best time to visit. I had been to Manali in September there is one advantage for you if you visit Manali in September the price are dropped as compare to June-July month and its a apple season so you can enjoy eating fresh farm apple in this month.
How to reach Manali from Mumbai
There are no direct flights, train or buses between Mumbai to Manali. You can take flight from Mumbai to Delhi and then from Delhi you will get lots of govt and private buses or private taxis to Manali. You can book bus on redbus.com and also on paytm which cost you minimum 1000 to maximum 3000. You can also take flight from Mumbai to Channdigarh and from there can take bus. You can also take train from Mumbai to Delhi and then bus from Delhi to Manali which is cheapest way to reach.
I took flight from Mumbai which was 2 and half hours delay because bomb detected on airport everyone including pilot were standing outside the airport. I was suppose to reach Delhi at 5pm but I reached after 7pm and I missed my Manali bus which was at 8pm. I took next bus at 10.30pm and reached Manali next day at 12 in the afternoon.
Where To book Hotel
You will get lots of hotels on mall road which is around 1km from the bus stand. You can take walk or you will also get taxi which cost you 50 Rs. You will get best hotels on OYO which is good and reasonable which starts from rs.500.
Places to visit in Manali
If you have only 24hrs in Manali then you should visit this places.
1. Hidimba Devi Temple:
You will get share taxis for Hidimba Devi Temple from Mall road which cost you 100rs per person. I always preferred walk so that you can explore more. It just took around 30mins to reach. We walk through village and found many apple trees, old distinct homes, children playing games, street dogs, shops, it was like a small trek. Temple is surrounded by beautiful trees and it's really pleasant to view. There are local people with Rabbits, Yaks and traditaonal dress. One can click picture while holding the rabbits and sitting on Yak and wearing traditional dress. which they cost you rs 30 to 50. The temple connects you with the ancient mythological tale and the surrounding will remind you of the ancient era. So, it's worth visiting here early morning as it becomes crowded as the day passes.
Story behind Hidimba Devi Temple-
Temple was built in 1553 by Maharaja Bahadur Singh. Temple is built around the cave where Hidimba performed meditation. She supposed to have lived there with her brother Hidimb. She was from Devil clan. She was wife of Bhim and mother of Ghatochgach. She saved Arjun from Karna's ethology so Shreekrishna gave her boon that no one will forgot her she will always remember.
2. Mall Road:
Mall road is the heart of the town and perfect with street shopping. Where you will get lots of hotels, bars, cafes, live music restaurants, sweater and Kullu and Kashmir shawl rugs woollen caps shops,delicious street foods, adventure sports shops, jewellery shops, music shops, furniture and books shops and many more. The mall road is something for everyone. It also include smaller shopping zones such as Hong Kong market and Tibetian market, underground Thai market. Except emergency vehicles are nor allowed on this road.
3. Rohtang pass:
Rohtang pass is 51km from Manali. Before you start your journey you have to take permit of Rohtang pass from DC office of Manali. You have to go to cyber and printout the permit form and fill details attach Adhar Card and submit it to DC office with fees. Before leaving check whether everything is correct because simple typing mistake will be ruin your day. Our bike was of petrol and by mistake on permit they wrote as diesel as it was off season officer allowed us on check post else we have to again go from first.
You can take bus from Manali market or you can hire car or bike. You will also get shared car from any tours and travel office of Manali market which cost you reasonable.You will also gets warm cloths rented in Manali or near Rohtang pass. We hired bike from Manali near bus stand which cost 1000 per day (prices are variable from season to season) with elbow and knee pads, Helmet and other essential tools like tire tubes, pump ect. Roads are half good and half bad. Try to leave for this place as early as possible else it will take 8hrs for 4hrs
There was not much snow as we have visited in September if you want to take snow experience then you have to visit in December to February. I wanted to see natural beauty so visited in September without snow also this place looks tremendous. You will find Tibetian flags every nook and corner. You will see many bikers and cyclist travelling from Manali. It was wonderful view from the top of the Rohtang pass full of valleys snow covered mountains. Activities like snow sliding, yak and horse rides are available. We didn't use any of them.
Here is the cost of some snacks, beverages and other stuff-
Maggie- Rs. 60/-
Tea- Rs. 30/-
Channa chat- Rs. 60/-
Coffee- Rs. 60/-
Dress+shoes- Rs. 250/-
Cab for two (off season)- Rs. 1200/-
So, this is it if you also plan for 24hrs then this 3 places would be possible to visit. If you want any suggestions, queries or anything then feel free to contact me on instagram as bucklistsafar and fb as bhagyashri karve. Thank You.
