Kullu Manali is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh for travelers of all kinds. Blessed as they are with the snowcapped peaks and enchanting rivers and lush valleys, it is no wonder that natural sights count as the best places to visit in Kullu Manali. Many call it a gateway to the adventure extremes of Ladakh, but only to find their knowledge going vague about the region’s gut-wrenching opportunities. Be it trekking, paragliding, skiing, and rafting; the region has a plethora of spots that are enough to suffice for the adventurer in you. With its snowcapped mountains, undulating lush valleys and meandering rivers as well as pleasant weather throughout the year; Kullu Manali is also a hot favorite among the family travelers and honeymooners in India.

01. The midway Himalayan stoppage: Rohtang pass

Falling on the path to Leh / Keylong from Manali, Rohtang is a major tourist place to visit near Kullu Manali. With the spectacular view of glaciers, mountain peaks and downward flowing streams, the pass turns into an easy climb for just the sightseeing inclined families and couples. Besides sightseeing, skiing and sledge rides are also popular adventure sports to enjoy at Rohtang Pass.
It has a height of around 4000 m and with all sort of rough Himalayan topography, the pass is also a base for trekkers making their march to the high above altitudes of Lahaul and Spiti. For it’s a motorable pass, adventure junkies and free riders can be seen heading to Ladakh as well on a motorbike; an ultimate high for the bikers. Rohtang Pass stays open round the year but the best time is considered to visit Rohtang pass is between the summer months of June and October.

02. Solang Valley- Paragliding, Skiing, Zorbing, choose your pick

Closest to the hill station of Manali is a spot that has lately been famed as one of the most popular paragliding destinations in India. Before you glide your imaginations high above the whole valley, let us have a quick intro about the enticing basics of this place. Solang valley located on the banks of river Beas has its peaceful sojourn amidst lush greenery and mountains with milky white tops. Being a part of Himachal Pradesh, it is prone to adventure sports; but filled with an abundance of it, separates it from the rest. When winters take their toll; covering the entire Solang valley in tons of snow, skiing becomes the prime activity here. And when it gets all cleared in the months of summers you can enjoy paragliding, parachuting, and zorbing as your excuses to wind up here every holiday. Fair to call it an apt summer and winter destination in Himachal Pradesh.

03. All-time snowy ‘Gulaba’

A substitute of Rohtang Pass for the winter season; closed due to heavy snowfall, Gulaba is primarily a skiing destination in Himachal Pradesh. Interesting fact about Gulaba is it has reserves of snow available throughout the year. Now, whenever you are in Manali; irrespective of the season the town is in, you can simply drive to Gulaba to kill your leisure time. If you wish to enjoy ski near about Manali! Gulaba has ample slopes ready for you. Peace lovers can find their place in the upper slopes, which stays aloof from the crowd.

04. Picturesque trek to Bhrigu Lake in Kullu

This one for the real trekkers and hikers! Bhrigu Lake in Himachal Pradesh is situated in the wildering easts of the Rohtang pass that stays like a circular blue patch amidst the picturesque surroundings of alpine that turns into one of the favorite hangouts for tourists. However, the lake surrenders its real charm in front of the travelers in autumn. Can be a bit tiring for amateurs as the trek goes through mountains, gorges, forests, and streams. However, one can completely be sure about the tempting nature of these Himalayan wonders, the path of which leads to a rewarding destination.
The lake is named after famous Indian sage named as Bhrigu, who is believed to have meditated here for around 100 years. Following this belief, the place has achieved a sacred spot in the Hindu religion.

05. Hidimba Devi temple

One of the major religious sites in Manali; Hidimba Devi temple is built across the lines of ancient cave temple architecture; more precisely a Pagoda style. This one of a kind cave temple in the valley is dedicated and named after the wife of Bhima (One of the Pandavas), Hidimba. Hindu mythology describes this place as the meditative spot of the wife during her last days.
We mentioned the one of a kind status of the temple. Well, the fact that separates it from the rest is it does not have any form of idol placed inside, but footprints of her engraved in the temple are considered sacred.

06. Ragunath Temple in Kullu

Savoring the divine status of ‘Dev Bhoomi’, Himalayan lands in the north of India has the region of Kullu to show their dominance in this segment. This nicely cuddled up valley in Himachal Pradesh has a lot of temples; mostly Hindu, that are the stepping stones towards the state’s rich culture. Start with Raghunath temple; the abode of the chief deity of Kullu, Raghunathji. The temple is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kullu Manali and has its mythological history talking about Lord Rama making use of the temple idol during his time.

Best time to visit Raghunath temple in Kullu is the Dusshera festival, the time in which the locals from the entire valley flock into the celebration. This happens during the time of autumn.

07. Bijli Mahadev Temple

Another prominent temple in Himachal Pradesh, the Bijli Mahadev temple in Kullu valley has a story that turns promising after every two years of the Hindu calendar. It has this legend that Lord Shiva once absorbed all the electric current from the atmosphere in order to save mankind. Following this, the present world of Kullu believes that a replica of this event happens every two years; wherein the atmosphere turns into the fiercest with its continuous show of thunder and lightning. Another intriguing fact about it is the breaking of the sacred Shiva lingam kept inside the temple every year the lightning occurs.

Like its legend, Bijli Mahadev temple holds a fascinating topography also. The temple resides high in the altitudes of Himachal Pradesh with the spectacular views of the Parvati and Kullu valley in sight.

08. Holy waters at Manikaran Gurudwara

Talking about Manikaran, it is a nice getaway to the spiritual zones of Himachal. Adjoined to Kasol, this region is believed to be a highly sacred region for the Hindus and Sikhs. One can find a number of temples of Hindu Gods Rama, Vishnu, Shiva, and Krishna built in the vicinity of Manikaran. The region accounts for many theories and legends for its religious arc. One of the other things that will catch you in a surprise is the hot water spring. These are actually hot sulphur springs that also sport a religious angle. Owing to which thousands take a dip into the holy waters.

If religion is not in your mind, then also the water from the sulphur springs will benefit you; curative properties for skin diseases. In whatsoever fashion you might consider it, a dip into these hot pools feels highly relaxing after trekking to the region. If your trekking appetite asks you to push more than feel free to start one more episode by walking to Pulga, Chandrakhani Pass and Khirganga.

Well-planned kullu manali tour packages from delhi provide you an opportunity to check out and experience all this along with much more.

Author's Bio: 

Twinkle Garg is a travel enthusiast who loves to visit the most popular as well as offbeat places in the world. She loves to share her travel experiences with fellow travelers. For planning memorable holidays in India or any world destination, you follow her write-ups.