5 reasons why we love Manali in North India

The north of India has cast its spell on us again. This time we travel to the mountain region of Solang Valley and spend a few wonderful days in and around the small town of Manali.

Fresh mountain air, lonely hiking trails and charming cafes: Manali surprises us with things we miss so much from Germany. Here are five reasons why we had an awesome time in Manali.

Manali is located at an altitude of just over 2,000 m on the Beas River and is divided into an old and a new district. Both areas are separated by a smaller river stream and a forest-like park. Our hotel is conveniently located right in the middle, and so we can easily reach both parts of town - on foot.
 
Manali is in fact so small that everything can be comfortably explored afoot. At the same time, the narrow streets, especially in the old town, slow down the traffic so that walking is stress-free and possible without being honked at much. And in the new town, the main shopping street has been designed directly as a car-free pedestrian zone.

All of this may not sound like much, but anyone who knows the crazy traffic in large Indian cities definitely appreciates being able to walk around without any stress.

But it is not only the manageable road traffic that has a calming effect. In general, Manali exudes a serenity and relaxation that is simply good for you. It is the combination of ease, fresh air and the many inviting little stores that create a real "vacation feeling".

And so we admire (and buy) the many colorful cloths of the merchants, feast on cakes and cookies, play cards in the cafe and enjoy Nepalese specialties in the evening in Mall Street. And probably it is also due to one or other hemp plant that we discover in various gardens, that everyone in the place seems so chilled ;-).

When we went to Manali, Stephanie and I honestly had no particular expectations of the place. And that's exactly what made the many positive points all the more surprising and beautiful.

For example, I imagined our first visit to the old town as a 30-minute walk. But far from it: First the road leads us through the town further and further (and much longer than expected) up the hill; past cafes, stores and restaurants. Then we suddenly find ourselves in front of an old temple with white outer walls and artistically carved wooden beams, until a path leads us out of town and we arrive at "The Last Stop". This is a small bistro that offers a wonderful view of green mountainsides and a rushing mountain stream while you enjoy a coffee.

There is something to discover around every corner and bend in Manali and the surrounding areas, you just have to keep your eyes open. Which brings us to item number 4 on our list: the nature that surrounds the place.

We decide to take a hike to one of the numerous waterfalls. The choice of destination is relaxed and based on gut feeling: a look at our map app, some water packed and off we go. Our driver takes us a good 10 minutes to a neighboring village - in Bangalore, we need at least 2 hours by car to get to the countryside - then we stand on a small village square surrounded by beautiful silence.

On the way out of the village a dog from one of the many small gardens joins us. Somehow he seems to sense that we are a good opportunity to walk. We are pleased and quickly we take the four-legged local guide to our heart. In bright sunshine and pleasant 24 degrees, the path winds higher and higher. We pass a small temple crouching under a huge coniferous tree, walk over a mountain meadow with grazing cows, until the way is nothing more than a small path. We cross several small streams, splash the clear water in our faces and enjoy the pleasant coolness.

The hike goes on, steadily higher, but still surrounded by grasses, flowers and single trees. And then we see our goal, the waterfall. Hidden in the shade, framed by dark green and smooth washed stone, it rushes down to us 30 meters. What a sight. We quickly change from hiking clothes to birthday suit and stand under the waterfall. Ice-cold the water pelts down on us. We thank nature for this shower, cheering and whooping, then we make our way back, refreshed and happy. What a great day!

The described hike also illustrates point 5, which we appreciate so much about Manali and its surroundings: namely the friendly people.

When we come back to the small village from our waterfall round, a woman invites us to chai and pastries. We would not have expected that! After the trip into the mountains we really enjoy the sweet tea and the puff pastry sticks. The exchange in English is not quite easy, but with hands, feet and lots of smiles the international understanding works out pretty well.

We already met the woman at the beginning of our hike when we bought a few handmade souvenirs in her village store. All the nicer that she now invites us to her place as a gesture.

If you feel like beach and sea after this article about the mountainous north, we recommend our article about the coast near Varkala.