Noted Indian author Ruskin Bond is a famous mountain-man. Having spent his entire life in the Himalayan ranges of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, his views about the life in mountains are just as authentic as they can be. In the excerpt from one of his stories quoted above, it can be seen quite clearly what stature Manali and her beauty holds in the North of India.
It is much rightly so, as well. A part of the famous Kullu District in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is the best known place from tourism point of view. Its geographical location has much to do about its beauty, than any other factor. Nestled between the valley of rapidly flowing and torturous Beas River and the astronomical landmasses of the Himalayas, Manali is truly an exercise carried out by nature in tranquillity, serenity and elegance. Average height of the town from sea-level is known to be around 2,000 metres, making it rank at the top among hill stations in India.
The population of Manali is rather underwhelming, especially when you look at populations of other towns and cities in India. But it has much to do with the life of hardship that one has to lead in the mountains. Averaging about 10,000, much of the population in Manali earns its living by farming or associated activities.
To get to know more about this enchanting place called as the abode of gods in scriptures, you will have to make your move and solidify your plans. As a part of our small contribution to your plans, we are delighted to present this handy guide to hotels in Manali “ exclusively for our readers!
Look no further. This is where you will get to know all that you need to know about cheap hotels and affordable lodging options in Manali.
As noted earlier, Manali is not really a densely populated place. But still, annual tourism drawn in by its beauty is quite sizeable (around 30,000 tourists per year). To accommodate these tourist masses, Manali has developed quite a few snug and adorable hotel properties that can double up as residences for the locals.
Hotel Himalayan Delight ranks at the top of this list of cheap hotels found in and around Manali. Easily accessible from the bus station, it is a quality lodging option that comes complete with all the basic amenities.
Mountain View Inn was found to be another viable option upon intense scrutiny. It is located just opposite Hotel Himalayan Delight, and offers much the same deal. For long stays, special deals can be struck by directly negotiating with the hotel management.
There is a legit case for tourists to shun the affordable Manali hotels and go all-out for luxury resorts, firstly because prices here are much lower and secondly, these luxury resorts in Manali are just too good to be turned out.
Take 'the Himalayan', for example. It is a former British Raj era stately home (a castle, really) turned into a five star property. Staying here is as close to leading a royal life as you will possibly get.
La Ri Sa Resort is another fine example of mountainous hospitality. It might come across in a total contrast to the elegance of the Himalayan, but it is just as charming in its modern ways, if not more!
Not too many hotels in Manali can be counted under the head of an independent or a boutique hotel.
A major reason for this is the constraint put up by lack of physical space. Being a hill town, Manali cannot afford to devote too much of space to small-sized boutique properties that cannot house more than one family at a time.
In summers, one can still manage to book an odd studio apartment or a summer villa on a monthly rental basis “ but the chances of this happening are still quite slim.
There are quite a few famous sights one can hope to see while staying in Manali. Hadimba Temple surely ranks highly among those all. It is a temple devoted to the witch wife of Bheem “ the strongest of all Pandavas.
In and around Manali, tourists will notice the presence of over half a dozen Buddhist Monasteries (Viharas/Ashrams). They are utterly beautiful and enchanting, and a whole day spent at any one of those can be a day well put to use.
There are over one dozen hiking trails present to the north and North West of the town. These are, however, meant to be taken on only by expert hiker. Hence, amateurs would be best advised to avoid falling prey to the temptation of adventures.
Famous Jim Corbett National Park is a short drive away from Manali. An overnight stay can be arranged at the park, if you make your plans solid well in advance. Manali hotels usually arrange all these things for their guests at nominal costs.
The best and the most viable way to get around Manali is to take your own car there. Many tourists drive straight from Delhi (an overnight drive) and then make their halts in Manali.
If you don't travel in your own vehicle, you will invariably have to resort to hiring private taxis available. There are over 10 rental companies in operation, and most of them offer identical deals. For two persons, average daily rental cost of about $30 is the norm of the day.
Motorcyclists can rent sports bikes for getting around, as well.