Manali has many unique things that you seldom come across while visiting other places in India. The famous things in Manali can vary from food, travel to unique experiences.
That may, infact, range from typical Himachal cuisines to the handicraft items and the himalayan herbs.
A first time visitor can also take a small walk around the mall road to explore the city itself.
At the nearby places like Solang , adventure sports like paragliding , Hot air baloon, river rafting , trekking is famous among tourists.
And, If on are on a spree to explore the unique items of local Manali check out the articles we have listed below :
1 Woolen Clothes & Handicrafts
Woolen items including Kullu shawls & cap , salwar suits with kashmiri embroidered border and paper silk printed saris are popular shopping stuffs.
Where: ‘Kashmir Gift House‘ in Rambagh Market on the way to Hidimba temple is one popular shop which sells variety of these items at a reasonable price.
Speciality: Manali popular shopping places near mall road also includes Tibet market where Tibet art collections and handicrafts are also quite popular among tourists.
Wooden items and tribal jewelry also attracts visitors at this place.
Tip !
- The cost of salwar suits with kashmiri embroidery in manali local market starts from Rs 300 and you can trace some really good quality suits at around Rs 600.
2 Apple & Lingad Pickle
Pickles made from apples is a stuff you must collect while returning from Manali.
The green apples which is available during end of July to the beginning of August is used for preparing mouth watering pickle’s.
A type of wild asparagus called ‘Lingad’ is also a local vegetable which is quite popular.
As a travel memory you can buy pickle of lingad from grocery shops in manali mall road market. The pickle taste’s like french beans that we come across in plains.
3 Trout Fish
If you are a non-vegetarian , do not forget, to drop by hotels near the mall road of manali to taste the delicasy called ‘Trout Fish’.
It is a freshwater fish found in Beas river and its tributaries. The fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which reduces risk of heart diseases , stroke and cholesterol.
In Manali , the price of this Manali speciality ranges between Rs 300 – Rs 500 depending upon location and dish type.
On the other hand , trout fishing trips are also arranged by some adventure sports organisers in Manali under HPTDC day permits.
4 Auto Rickshaws
Unlike Shimla , auto rickshaws are allowed to operate in Manali!
Although a bit expensive , you can hire them to visit local attractions including Naggar Castle and Solang Valley.
Autos charge Rs 70-100 from private bus stand to mall road hotels.
The auto rickshaw fare from mall road to the Solang Valley costs around Rs 200 – Rs 300.
The autos do not use a meter and there is no separate night fare.
5 Maalishwaala
The masseur aka Maalishwaala , walk around mall road with their typical massage kit loaded with herbal oils. These people offer massage service to the tired visitors with a head, body or leg massage.
Where: They charge Rs 100 for a massage but you can negotiate to bring down the price. The masseurs can be traced at mall road after 5PM in the evening.
Speciality: The Manali masseurs use natural oils which is prepared locally in Himachal. Their hot oil massage is quite relaxing and rejuvenates you to explore more places with jeal.
6 Kesar/Shilajit Sellers
There are many vendors walking (some fakes & some genuines!) around popular spots in Manali trying to sell you Kesar , Shilajit and other Himalayan herbs.
Kesar is used as a herbal beauty enhancer , as well as , an ingredient in Indian cuisines like kheer,pulav,milk and other items to make it aromatic.
Where: Shilajit is found in Himalaya oozing out from the cracks of rocks in the form of a red to dark brown gummy is used to increase libido in men.
Speciality: The herb is said to improves sexual health and stamina. Additionally, it also has an anti aging and stress busting property.
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