Day 2 – Exploring the Charm of Manali
Date: 20-Apr-14
The day began with a spectacular sight unlike anything we had ever experienced before.
First glimpse of the mighty Himalayas
Sometime during the early morning hours, our bus had crossed into the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh, and we were about to witness our first glimpse of the mighty Himalayas. At around 6:00 AM, the bus stopped for a tea break. As soon as we stepped outside, we were greeted by a breathtaking scene. The weather was pleasantly chilly, and standing before us was the majestic Himalayan mountain range. It was one of those travel moments that instantly becomes unforgettable.
We stood there admiring the mountains and imagining the wonderful days that lay ahead. Everything felt completely different from Bangalore, the landscape, the climate, and the atmosphere. The excitement of finally being in the Himalayas made the moment even more special. After taking a few photographs and enjoying a hot cup of tea, we boarded the bus once again. Sleep was no longer an option.
A breathtaking journey through the mountains
The route ahead was simply mesmerizing. The narrow mountain roads wound their way through towering hills, with massive mountains rising on both sides. Deep valleys stretched alongside the roads, and rivers flowed gracefully through the landscape below.
Neither of us had ever witnessed scenery like this before. Every turn revealed a new view more beautiful than the last. We spent most of the journey gazing out of the window and capturing photographs of the stunning surroundings. Every moment seemed picture-perfect. At the same time, the roads reminded us of the challenging mountain routes we had often seen on television. Looking down into the deep valleys below was both thrilling and intimidating. The roads appeared narrow and unforgiving, making us appreciate the skill required to navigate them safely. Watching our driver confidently manoeuvre the bus through every curve and steep stretch gave us immense respect for his driving skills.
The journey itself had become an unforgettable part of our Manali experience.
A warm welcome at Manali
The driver arranged by Apple Bud Cottages had called Thilak earlier and requested us to inform him when we reached Kullu. As soon as we arrived in Kullu, we gave him a call. By the time our bus reached Manali at around 9:00 AM, he was already waiting to receive us. From the very first conversation, he made us feel comfortable. He spoke warmly and informed us that he would be accompanying us over the next three days as both our driver and local guide.
We reached Apple Bud Cottages at around 9:15 AM. The hospitality began the moment we arrived. The staff welcomed us warmly and escorted us to our room. We were immediately impressed. The room was spacious, comfortable, and offered a spectacular view of snow-capped mountains from the balcony. The temperature was around 7°C, making it the coldest weather we had ever experienced.
Everything felt perfect, the hotel, the surroundings, the weather, and the people.
After freshening up, we headed upstairs for breakfast. The views from the dining area were even more beautiful than those from our room. While enjoying breakfast, we met Giri Singh, who was serving the guests at the hotel. His warm and humble nature immediately stood out. He spoke to us kindly and made us feel completely at home. Throughout our stay, we found the people of Himachal Pradesh to be calm, courteous, and respectful. There was a refreshing simplicity about them that we both admired.
Since our sightseeing schedule was planned only for the afternoon, we had a few hours to ourselves. After breakfast, we relaxed in our room and caught up on some much-needed rest. Our driver had asked what time we would like to begin sightseeing, and we had requested him to come at 2:00 PM. After a leisurely morning and lunch, we were ready to explore Manali.
Exploring Manali town
At exactly 2:00 PM, our driver was waiting at the hotel, and our first day of sightseeing began. As we drove through Manali, he shared interesting information about the town, its culture, and the places we would be visiting.
Our first stop was the Tibetan Monastery near Mall Road. The monastery was beautifully maintained and offered a peaceful atmosphere despite being located in one of the busiest parts of town. Since it was situated in the main market area, there were plenty of visitors around. After exploring the monastery, we spent some time wandering through the market. The shops were filled with colourful shawls, woollen caps, handmade garments, and traditional handicrafts. We even saw local women knitting woollen items inside their shops, adding an authentic charm to the market experience.
The serene Hidimba Temple
Our next destination was the famous Hidimba Devi Temple. Surrounded by towering pine trees, the temple stood amidst a peaceful forest setting that felt almost magical. The location itself was as captivating as the temple. A long queue had formed outside the temple, so we decided not to enter the shrine. Instead, we spent our time exploring the forest and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Nearby, we visited a museum showcasing traditional artefacts and cultural items used by the people of Himachal Pradesh. It provided an interesting glimpse into the region’s heritage and way of life. After spending some time there, our driver took us to the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Centre.
Boating and an evening in Manali
By then, we were feeling hungry and stopped for some snacks. The tourism centre offered a variety of recreational activities. After exploring the area, we decided to go boating. We spent about fifteen minutes on the water, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and taking photographs before continuing our sightseeing.
It was already 6:00 PM, and we still had one final destination left for the day. Although our driver seemed a little tired by then, he remained committed to showing us everything included in the itinerary.
The beautiful Vashishta Temple
Our final stop was the famous Vashisht Temple. The drive itself was memorable. Throughout the journey, the snow-covered Himalayan peaks remained visible in the distance, creating a stunning backdrop.
Another thing that fascinated us about Manali was the driving culture. Despite the narrow roads and heavy traffic, drivers rarely used their horns. Vehicles moved surprisingly smoothly, and most people seemed to follow traffic rules with remarkable discipline. It was a refreshing contrast to what we were accustomed to back home.
The area around Vashishta Temple was extremely crowded. Anticipating traffic congestion, our driver parked the vehicle some distance away and suggested that we walk to the temple. His prediction was absolutely correct. The narrow roads around the temple were packed with vehicles and visitors. The temple itself was beautiful and rich in character. Equally impressive were the panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains visible from the area. We spent some time exploring, taking photographs, and admiring the scenery before returning to the car.
Our driver dropped us back at the hotel around 7:00 PM.
A cosy evening in the mountains
The temperature dropped rapidly after sunset. According to the weather forecast, it was expected to fall to around 3°C during the night. For us, this was an entirely new experience. We spent some time watching television in our room and enjoying the warmth indoors. The cold outside was so intense that we did not feel like going upstairs for dinner. Instead, we requested Giri Singh to serve dinner in our room. As always, he happily agreed. After enjoying a warm meal, we settled into bed and drifted off to sleep.
Travel snapshot
Our first full day in Manali exceeded every expectation. We had witnessed the grandeur of the Himalayas for the first time, travelled through some of the most beautiful mountain roads we had ever seen, explored the town’s famous attractions, and experienced the warmth and hospitality of the local people. The snow-covered peaks, crisp mountain air, pleasant weather, and peaceful atmosphere made the entire day feel magical.
It was a perfect introduction to Manali and a wonderful beginning to our honeymoon in the Himalayas.
- Places covered: Manali Bus stop > Apple Bud Cottages (ABC) > Tibetan Monastery > Mall road market > Hidimba Temple > Himachal Pradesh tourism market > Vashishta Temple
See also:
Its awsome place to stay for longer days, cool !!!
Yes very true ..
Manali is simply mesmerizing place.Loved that you penned it well.
Thank you..