Manali Information Guide: Discover Helpful & Interesting Facts!

Manali Information Guide infographic

From the honeymoon couples to the individuals who strive for adrenaline thrilling adventures in India, one name is just common – Manali!

The small hamlet in the district of Kullu in Himachal in India is extremely famous for snow adventures, natural beauty and delicious cuisines.

Delhi/Shimla to Manali: Time Duration

Manali is easily approachable by road from Delhi (544 km) or Shimla (270 km). From Delhi, it takes around 12 hours to reach Manali.

Similarly, it takes 8 hours to reach Manali from Shimla.

Not to forget, the journey time to uphill also depends upon road hurdles (landslides, bad roads etc) and weather (foggy, rainy etc).

Transport Availability for Manali

Manali Bus Stand near Mall Road
Manali Bus Stand near Mall Road

Road Route: With no nearby railheads, roads are the best means to visit in Manali. Many Government and Privately operated buses (luxury & general) available for Manali from Delhi and Shimla.

In general perception, HPTDC and HRTC operated buses are considered best for the comfortable journey.

Although, private operators also operate awesome luxurious buses on this route. Normally, these buses offer a pack of mineral water and blankets for the journey.

A View of Kullu Airport
A View of Kullu Airport (Source: Total Heliski Flickr )

Air-way: The air route is the fastest and easiest way to reach Manali. The nearest airport is the Kullu Airport (code – KUU) or the ‘Bhuntar airport’. From the airport of Kullu, Manali is only a 55 km road journey.

Kullu airport is directly connected via flights to Chandigarh, Delhi and Shimla. Kingfisher and Air India are the two major flight operators. In summers, the airport operates 4 flights daily. Although, in winter only Air India operates 1 flight.

However, do remember that bad weather causes flights cancellations quite often. Taxis are available for Manali town outside the airport. Normally Rs 2000-Rs 25000 is charged for one way journey.

Manali Helicopter Service
Manali Helicopter Services from Chandigarh & Shimla

Helicopter Service: A chopper service for Manali is also available from Chandigarh airport. The Pawan Hans Limited operates these flights.

The travel duration between Kullu and Chandigarh is reduced to 1 hour and 40 minutes. Likewise, helicopter service for Manali (Kullu airport) from Shimla takes 50 minutes.

The Heli Taxi can be booked from here: https://booking.pawanhans.co.in/

Manali Attractions & Adventures

View of Van Vihar Nature Park
View of Van Vihar Nature Park

Local Attractions: The hill town is famous for local attractions like Hidimba Temple, Monastry, Vashist Temple & Van Vihar Nature Park.

At Vashist Temple tourists can take a dip into the hot water spring. Again, the Van Vihar Nature Park is a place to gaze the nature and see the beautiful Beas river.

The local attractions can be a whole day thing.

Nearby Excursions: If you like to see snow or enjoy the adventures, you need to go to Solang Valley (paragliding etc.) and Rohtang for snow view.

You need a whole day to cover both Rohtang and Solang attractions. Also, Naggar Castle is another most popular attraction for tourists who visit Manali.

Shopping & Food

Manali Handicrafts

Tourist activity in Manali is not complete without hanging around the shopping markets. The famous things can be collected from the markets near the mall road.

There are several eateries offering Trout fish – another famous offering of this place. Organically fresh Cherries and Apricots can be enjoyed or gathered for back home.

Finally, in this Manali Information Guide article we have tried our best to included useful pieces of information. However, if you feel, we have missed some aspects, do let us know!