How to spend a day in Manali?

Wood Fired Pizza At Casa Bella Vista

 

Eat a wood fired Pizza at Casa Bella Vista

Casa Bella Vista is an authentic Italian cuisine restaurant located on a tranquil hill. The facade of the restaurant is made of wood, glass and stone and there are tall coniferous trees in the background that lend a shade to it. I would recommend having lunch at the place and order from among their plethora of pizza varieties (you can choose your own toppings too!). The specialty of the place is, that you get to watch them cook in their wood fired hearth in the open sitting area. The smoke from their oven, mixed with the smell of Fresh baked bread will tantalize your senses even before you begin eating. You’ll immediately fall in love with the little Italian experience.

 

 

Live in Old Manali

If you are staying in Manali for a few days, look for a place to stay in Old Manali. You don’t want to miss the opportunity of enjoying the myriad of Bakeries, eateries, pubs, cafes, hippie apparel shops etc. by the streets during your visit. Buy yourself colourful clothes to fit right into the vibrant vibe of the place! Listen to some live music streaming through the restaurants by the streets in the evening. Pick up some fresh bread from a German Bakery while you’re traversing the slopes of the streets. And if your room has a balcony, like mine did at Dragon Inn (Read my TripAdvisor review, here), sit there and breathe in some fresh air at night over a glass of coffee or tea.

 

Maggi by the river!

 

Sit by the river and chill your beverages or Eat Maggi

The river water in Manali is icy cold for most part of the year as it melts down from snow clad mountain-tops. If you try dipping your feet in the waters, they may chill you too much for your comfort. However, you could plant your beverages in the river water, while you sit and wait for it to cool. Also, hog on some hot piping maggi from the nearby vendors. The scrumptious combination of Maggi and river chilled beverage is to die for! I am unabashedly a wine lover, so I chilled a bottle of grape wine and sipped it along with my Maggi.

 

Rent a cycle

If you are among those who think driving is too passé on mountain roads, especially because of how clogged the roads of Manali are these days (owing to traffic) go green this summer and rent a cycle! There are a ton of places you can rent a cycle from, like I rented mine from Himalayan Backcountry Adventures. Do inspect your cycle for any adjustments you may need prior to renting and ask for a helmet to stay safe. Once you’re done with the formalities, go  explore the great wilderness, the country side roads, apple orchards, Beas River, Vashist temple etc. For all you know, you may find hidden corners of the place that no body knows of.

I’m sure you’ll love the experience as much as I do. In the photo below I’m on Vashist Road.

View from Vashist Road

 

Take a dip in the Hot Springs of Vashist

After an exhausting day of riding a cycle around, treat your aching muscles to some steaming hot water from the Hot Springs of Vashist temple. The temple is divided into two parts, separate for men and women. The water in the temple is rich is sulphur which is amazing for the skin because of it’s medicinal properties. A lot of people come here for religious purposes of course. But the water is calming and good for both the muscles and general health too. If you’re adventurous enough, try skinny-dipping!

Here’s what it looks like at Night. The swing spot has to be my favourite. 

 

Eat dinner at Lazy Dog

Lazy dog is a river side restaurant in Old Manali. It offers a great view of Beas river, especially if you’re willing to brave the cold in the evening and sit outside for a meal. If there’s a live fire in a hearth to warm you, it’s a definite win-win. The sound of gushing water along with soulful delicious food, is to die for. It’s calming, soporific and meditative to sit and eat here. You can definitely guess that I love this place too much. From among the food, do try their Arrabiata Penne pasta cooked in wine sauce!

 

Eat fresh cooked trout

Trout fish is among the famous food items of Manali. The fish was introduced in the Himalayan waters by the British and is still available in abundance. So, if you love to fish or eat fish or are predominantly non-vegetarian, try the famous fish at any restaurant. I got some baked for myself from Pumpernickel Bakery (Old Manali) during my visit and ate at my hotel balcony. Now that’s how you should ideally enjoy fish in a hilly town.

Trout Fish, Manali

Nature Park, Manali

 

Take a stroll in the Nature Park

Nature Park, Manali is a forest reserve area that encloses large groves of tall Ceder and Deodar trees. The best season for a walk in the park is from May to October. Go to the park for a walk or a jog! You’ll be spellbound by how tall the trees are and will be transported to another world because of the mysticism of the place. Believe me, the place looks like it is right out of the sets of Narnia. The park can be easily identified from a distance. However, you’ll be able to find it on your way to Old Manali from New Manali.

 

Eat Breakfast at World Peace Cafe

World Peach Cafe is a restaurant in Vashist on the way to Vashist temple. The view from this place is mesmerizing because of the vantage point it offers. Also, the food here is to die for. I tried some shrimp momos, which was a first for me. They also had great Aloo Paratha, Pan Cakes and Pasta! Visit this place for the view, the light wind that blows and the aroma of coffee it brings with it. See below for a sneak peak of the view! Though upon your visit, you shall like the place a 100 times better than the picture itself.

View From World Peace Cafe

 

Pick fresh fruits and devour them

Needless to say, Himachal is the fruit capital of Apricots, Plum, Peaches, Strawberries, Cherries and Apples. Whenever you get the opportunity, pick up some fresh fruits and gorge on them! These fruits sell at a lot of stalls and mom & pop shops in Manali. I spotted this stall on Vashist Road while cycling. And this made up for a perfect hunger-pang snack. Wow, that was hard to say out loud.

Fresh Cherries

Fresh Fruits on Sale

 

Let me know in comments below what did you think about these activities. Also, let me know how many did you check off your list! To add more suggestions, feel free to mention it in the comments for other travellers!

 

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