From a time during the late 90s, since my first visit more than two decades ago, Manali has become much more popular amongst tourists from all states of India and different parts of the world. This distant and bucolic destination surrounded by mountains, now has more than 1000 hotels, guesthouses and even dorms for backpackers in and around its small town region.
During season period, which is October to February, it is usually crowded everywhere during daytime and rarely completely quiet, at least in the main city. We hope you enjoy reading this travelogue from our trip during the first week of February earlier this year.
In the last five years, this was going to be my third trip to Manali. This time, I was probably as excited as I was when I visited the land of the Himalayas with my parents for the first time – a nine year old child, excessively excited about experiencing snow and playing with it for the first time.
Snehsha and I had visited Manali together for the first time a year and a half ago with my childhood friends, to celebrate that new year’s eve with them but sadly, I couldn’t take her to a few scenic spots I had explored during my previous visits and couldn’t make her try a few praiseworthy delicacies as well.
After our flight from Mumbai, we arrived at Chandigarh airport and found our driver sent by Club Mahindra. The first thing we did after arrival was find a deserving desi dhaba on our route to Himachal Pradesh, before leaving behind the border of Punjab.
For those who haven’t been to Manali before, especially friends and readers from Mumbai – let me assure you that the best way to get there is a direct flight to Kullu airport but that’s ridiculously expensive and annoyingly rare to find, only one flight per day or two days during season period and you’ll probably find none during off-season.
The second best way to get to Manali is to take any flight to Chandigarh and then enjoy a long road-trip of 360 to 380 kilometers via Mandi and Kullu. Don’t forget to grab a heavy meal at any local dhaba on the highway, before you reach the border of Himachal Pradesh
I was told that the resort offers excellent hospitality, great food, opportunities for adventure sports and an all in all a memorable family holiday experience – topped with perhaps one of the most stunning views in Manali. I couldn’t disagree and perhaps after scrolling through the next few pictures, you wouldn’t either
Know more:https://youtu.be/kwPE_SW3CR8
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