10

Best Places to Visit in Manikaran

This place to visit in Manikaran is a natural geological marvel, full of hot boiling water that is rich in Uranium and radioactive substances. The water within is considered auspicious and said to have healing properties for the human body that can cure skin and other disorders. There are folklores attached to the spring that hail their origin from Hindu and Sikh religions.

Usually, water of the spring is hot enough to boil rice and other food and it has to be cooled with the water of the river Parvati for bathing purposes.There are indoor and outdoor bathing pools for both men and women on the lower level while the upper level has an open pool. It is advisable to carry a pair of clothes if one needs to take a bath here.

Timings- 7am to 10pm

Entry fee- There is no entry fees for the visitors.

Location-  the spring is located near Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib.

Distance from Kullu bus stand- 45Kms

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The remote town of  Malana is perched 20km north of Jari on a hillside. This town has been the most isolated town in the region and still, the town folks strangely prefer to avoid the outside world. The residents of this town consider themselves as the descendants of the army of “Alexander The Great”.

Following a different lifestyle, a language of their own and a fully functional parliamentary system with a court, a prime minister and a president, they take pride in calling themselves the world’s oldest democracy. Anybody from outside the village is not allowed to touch the temples, the people and their belongings. It is advisable to take a guide while visiting Malana.

Time to Visit- May-August

Location- in the Manali valley near Chanderkhani Pass, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand- 47 Kms

How to reach-  Trek or Cab from Bhuntar

Parvati valley begins at Bhuntar which also serves as the Gateway to this enchanting beauty. There are many tourist places to visit in Manikaran while visiting Parvati valley. From Manikaran, it further stretches on to the great Himalayan range going up to at an altitude of 5000m. Parvati Valley is ripe with myths and folklore of God Shiva visiting the valley and getting so impressed that he decided to stay back. Lately, it has been talked about for the cultivation of marijuana for which hippies and backpackers flock here from around the world.

There are some challenging wilderness trekking opportunities in the area for adrenaline junkies which takes them through forests, hot springs, lakes, and rivers. At higher altitudes, the landscape of the valley changes from lush green to arid snow covered with alpine pastures. Some of the popular trekking routes are Chandrakaani, Pin Parvati Paas and Khir Ganga.

Time to Visit- Most parts of the valley are only accessible from June to September and become inaccessible after the snowfall.

Location- Bhuntar, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand- 37 Kms

How to reach- Trek from Bhuntar

This five-story gurudwara was built in 1940  on the bank of the river  Parvati in Manikaran.  The historical place has its mention in the twelfth Guru Khalsa. It is said to be visited by Guru Nanak Ji himself with his disciples in 1574 AD. For Sikhs, this the indeed the most sacred place to visit in Manikaran.  Thousands of them gravitate to this gurudwara to seek benediction and pay homage. On the lower level of the prayer hall, the langar serves free delicious food to the needy and disciples every day.

The food can be savored by anyone visiting the gurudwara. Not only this, Gurudwara also provides free stays to devotees. Gurupurab and Baisakhi are the major festivals that are celebrated here with a great passion and countless devotees throng to this place on these sacred occasions.

Timings- 05:00 am – 12:00 pm, 04:00 pm – 09:00 pm Everyday

Entry fee- There is no entry fees for the visitors.

Location-  Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand- 45Kms

It is a very important place to visit in Manikaran, being the most prominent pith in the Hindu religion. The holy waters of Vishnukund at Kulant Pith are well known for a life changing dip. Besides the religious significance, Kulant Pith is also a tourist place in Manikaran.

It is a dazzling spot with peaceful ambience surrounded by mountain on one side and river on the other. The place is very rich in geothermal energy which attracts researchers and scientists from across the country.

Timings- 6am-8Pm

Location-  Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand- 40 Kms

Entry fee- There are no entry fees for the visitors.

A highly revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located in the midst of the Himalayan foothills. It is said that the demi-gods come down from heavens to worship Lord Shiva in this temple. The Shivalinga worshipped here is entirely carved out of the black stone. After the huge earthquake of 1905, this temple has become one of the popular places to visit in Manikaran.

During the earthquake, this remarkable temple did not fall but got tilted on one side and it stands the same way till date. This temple is a huge crowd puller and can be visited during any time of the year. Mondays and the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri are the important days when a large number of devotees visit the temple.

Timings- 6 AM to 8 PM.

Entry fee- There are no entry fees for the visitors.

Location- Near Gurudwara, Manikaran.

Distance from Kullu bus stand- 45 Kms

The captivating town of Manikaran is engulfed by lush green valleys, mesmerizing Paravati river, and snowcapped mountains. The Harinder mountain is a popular tourist place in Manikaran that overlooks the banks of the river Parvati, this mountain provides a very good view of the town below.

It is quite serene and a perfect place to relax. It also gives a variety of photo opportunities from its top to the shutterbugs.

Best time to visit- May- November

Location- Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand- 40 Kms

This temple holds both religious and historic significance in the places to visit in Manikaran and Kullu. The architecture of 17th century pyramidical shaped temple is typical to Himachal Pradesh. It has 3 large halls and 40 rooms to accommodate devotees.

The main temple altar enshrines the idols of  Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. It was built by the king of Kullu, Raja Jagat Singh who himself brought these idols from Ayodhya to Kullu. The best time to visit the temple is during the festival of Dussehra and Ram Navami to enjoy the celebrations.

Timings- 6 AM to 8 PM.

Entry fee- There are no entry fees for the visitors.

Location- Ram Mandir Marg, Manikaran.

Distance from Kullu bus stand- 40 Kms

If someone is seeking a place for trance and weed parties, Chalal is the most accessible place to visit in Manikaran. The 30-minute trek trail from Kasol to Chalal is surrounded by mountains, rivers and a large variety of flora and fauna. There is a multitude of Israeli cafes on the way one will encounter.

The primary occupation of the locals in the region is the cultivation of weed and almost every resident can roll a joint as good as a pro.  There are quite a few options to stay in Chalal that have a good view of the valley to offer.

Best Time to Visit- May-August

Location- 4 Kms from Kasol, 39 Kms from Kullu Bus stand

How to reach-  Trek from Kasol