A Visit to Manali is Incomplete Without Visiting The Manu Temple – Lets Know Why

Manu temple, one of the best places to visit in Manali, is located in the Old Manali region of Himachal Pradesh, India.  The temple is on the banks of the Beas River and is surrounded by majestic mountains and lush green forests.​ The Manali to Manu Temple distance is 3 kms. Among many other popular tourist attractions, Manu temple Manali is visited by many tourists and devotees. If you are excited about planning a trip to Manali and paying a visit to this religious site, book a trip with Himachal Pradesh tour packages for a customised package.

Manu Temple history

Manu Temple is a significant place of worship in India dedicated to King Vaivasta Manu. According to the temple’s legend, Sage Manu saved Lord Vishnu from a small carp fish and was warned about an impending flood that would destroy the planet. The sage built a large boat and took his family members, along with nine species of animals, seeds, and birds. After the flood, he landed and meditated at the site of the present-day Manu Temple.

Who built Manu Temple in Manali?

The temple was built 400 years ago by King Raja Manu after a dream visit from sage Manu. In the 19th century, the Raja of Kullu renovated it, adding a new shrine and pagoda-style roof. The temple is designed in the traditional pagoda style, with intricate wooden carvings.

Suggested Read: 10 Top Travel Tips For Manali : Ultimate Travel Guide for 2024

Manu Temple Manali timings 

Manu Temple visiting timings are 6 AM to 5 PM daily. No entry fee is required.

Best time to visit Manu Temple

If you’re planning a visit to the Manu Temple in Manali, the best time to go is from April to June.

• Manu Temple in Summer: During this period, the climate is cool and comfortable, making it easy to explore the surrounding tourist attractions. 
• Manu Temple in Monsoon: From July to September, Manali experiences monsoons with an average rainfall of 220 metres. It is not advisable to travel to the temple during this time due to the narrow path that can be prone to unexpected calamities. 
• Manu Temple in Winter: The winter season at the Manu Temple extends from October to March. This is the time when the region receives moderate to a heavy amount of snowfall, leading to extremely cold weather. The temperature during winter can range between -1 to 12 degrees Celsius.

Places to visit near Manu Temple

There are some beautiful places to visit in Manali in one day near Manu Temple Manali. Let’s check them out here:

1. Vashisht Baths

Vashisht Baths is a historical site with hot sulphur springs that can be found in Vashisht Village. These springs are believed to have therapeutic properties and are a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

2. Rahala Waterfalls

Rahala Waterfalls is a natural wonder located in the Kullu district. It stands at an altitude of 2,501 metres on the way to Rohtang Pass from Manali.

3. Siyali Mahadev Temple

Siyali Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an exquisite example of wooden architecture with intricate carvings. It is surrounded by a dense cedar forest and snow-capped mountains, providing a serene atmosphere.

4. Gulaba

Gulaba is a serene place surrounded by snow-covered mountains and green meadows at an altitude of 4,000 metres. Named after Raja Gulab Singh of Kashmir, it’s a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Gulaba is also considered to be one of the popular offbeat places in Manali.

5. Jogini Waterfall

Jogini Waterfall is located near the Vashisht Village and fed by snow melting from the Himalayas. The cascading waterfall creates a serene and picturesque environment.

6. Hidimba Temple

Hidimba Temple is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, wife of Bhima, from the Indian epic Mahabharata. It is located at the foot of the Himalayas and surrounded by a cedar forest known as Dhungiri Van Vihar.

7. Solang Valley

Solang Valley is a picturesque spot surrounded by snow-clad mountains and lush greenery, situated at an altitude of about 2,560 metres above sea level. It’s a haven for adventure activities in Manali with skiing, zorbing, paragliding, horse riding, and mountain biking available throughout the year.

8. Mall Road

Manali Mall Road is flanked by shops, eateries, and hotels. It offers ample opportunities shopping in Manali for local handicrafts and Tibetan souvenirs. With the Beas River nearby and Deodar trees all around, the scenic beauty of the place is mesmerising.

Accommodation near Manu Temple

Since Manu Temple is located at a prime position in Manali, there is no dearth of good hotels, homestays in Manali, or Airbnbs near the Manu temple. Some of the popular ones are:

• The Tranquil Inn:  A 4-star property located at a distance of 3.6 km away from the Hadimba Devi Temple and 7.5 km away from the beautiful Jogini Falls.
• Hotel DreamLand – Riverside: This property is located 1 km from the Manu Temple, 2.3. Km from Manali Bus Stand and 3 minutes away from the Zana Falls.
• Johnson Lodge & Spa: The beautiful homestay with mountain views is located at a distance of 0.3 km from the Manu temple in Manali.
• Banon Resorts Manali: This is a beautiful resort with well-equipped amenities. Located at a distance of 0.4 km from the Manu temple Banon Resorts provides a comfortable and relaxing stay. 

There are also many restaurants and popular food cafes in Manali near Manu Temple serving local food and multi cuisine which is surely going to be a treat for your taste buds. Must explore them!

How to reach Manu Temple

The distance of the temple from Kullu Manali is 53.5 kms. From the airport the site can be reached by a private car/cab. 

Since the temple is located in Old Manali, which is very near to Manali’s main market, visitors can take an auto-rickshaw or trek to the spot.