Day 5 – Saying goodbye to Manali
Date: 23-Apr-14
Our final day in Manali had arrived, and neither of us was ready to leave. After spending several wonderful days amidst the mountains, cool weather, and warm hospitality, saying goodbye to Manali felt surprisingly difficult. Since our package did not include any sightseeing plans for the day and our return bus was scheduled for the evening, we decided to spend our remaining hours relaxing and enjoying the surroundings at a leisurely pace.
We packed our bags in the morning, settled the additional expenses at the hotel, and planned to explore the area around the cottage before checking out. When Giri Singh presented our food bill, it came to around ₹800, which was exactly what we had expected. After clearing the bill, we stepped out to explore a small area located behind the cottage.
Among the apple orchards
There were no major attractions nearby, but the views more than made up for it. The area behind the cottage was filled with apple trees, and that was when we finally understood the inspiration behind the name Apple Bud Cottages. Unfortunately, it was not apple season, so the trees were covered with blossoms instead of fruit. Even so, the sight of the flowering orchards against the backdrop of the mountains was beautiful.
We also came across an old abandoned house that seemed frozen in time. Although the structure was weathered and no longer inhabited, it had a rustic charm that made it an excellent backdrop for photographs. We spent nearly an hour wandering around the area, taking pictures, and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Since access beyond a certain point was restricted and we were also mindful of time, we eventually made our way back to the cottage around noon.
One last visit to Mall Road
Our bus was scheduled to depart at 4:30 PM, and the cottage owner kindly allowed us to leave our luggage at the reception until 3:30 PM. After keeping our bags, we headed to Mall Road for one final outing.
For the past few days, we had been enjoying local cuisine, but this afternoon we were craving a familiar South Indian meal. We found our way to Andhra Bhojanalaya and enjoyed a satisfying lunch. After days of travelling, the simple comfort of familiar food felt wonderful. It was only around 1:30 PM, leaving us with a few more hours before our departure. Rather than rushing anywhere, we decided to spend the afternoon simply enjoying the atmosphere of Mall road. We wandered through the Tibetan shops, browsed handicrafts and souvenirs, and indulged in some window shopping. Eventually, we found a quiet spot near the Tibetan Monastery and sat there for a long time, talking and reflecting on our trip. Children played nearby, visitors moved in and out of the monastery, and despite the steady flow of people, the place retained a calm and peaceful charm. It was the perfect setting for our final few hours in Manali.
At around 3:30 PM, we took an auto back to Apple Bud Cottages. Before leaving, we said goodbye to Giri Singh and the rest of the staff who had made our stay so memorable. Their warmth, hospitality, and genuine kindness had played a significant role in making our honeymoon special. After collecting our luggage, we headed to the bus stop.
Farewell to the mountains
The Swagatham Tourist Volvo bus was already waiting there, as it was the starting point of the journey. We settled into our seats, and at around 5:00 PM, the bus began its journey towards Delhi. \As the bus wound its way through the valleys, we passed many of the places we had visited over the previous three days.
Yet the scenery felt just as captivating as it had on the day we arrived. The snow-capped peaks, winding mountain roads, pine forests, and the ever-present Beas River accompanied us for much of the journey. We spent most of the time gazing out of the window, talking about our experiences, the people we had met, and the memories we were taking back with us. The journey was beautiful, but it was also bittersweet.
Leaving Manali was harder than we had expected. Over the past few days, we had fallen in love with its landscapes, its peaceful atmosphere, and the warmth of its people. It felt less like leaving a tourist destination and more like saying goodbye to a place that had welcomed us wholeheartedly.
Looking ahead to Agra
Our next destination was Agra, a city we had long wanted to visit. We were excited to experience its rich history, culture, and iconic landmarks. Although we were sad to leave Manali behind, another adventure awaited us.
As the mountains slowly disappeared behind us, we carried forward countless memories from our time in Himachal Pradesh and looked ahead to the next chapter of our journey. Sometimes, the most memorable part of a trip is not just the places you visit, but the way those places make you feel. Manali had given us moments we would cherish forever, and saying goodbye was undoubtedly the hardest part.
- Route Travelled: Apple Bud Cottage > Mall Road > Bus Stop > Return Journey to Delhi.
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