Old Manali: Himalayan Hippie Village That Proves “Old Is Gold”

I agree New Manali is cool and exciting but have you ever experienced old Manali? It has a different vibe and the feeling of authenticity is mixed in the air! This part of Manali provides a reliable escape from your mundane modern life. It would be fair to say that two different worlds exist on the two sides of the bridge.

There are a hell lot of things that separate the new Manali from the old Manali. The colorful streets and lush green views of old Manali along with aesthetic cafes and hotels will surely make you come back to this place again and again.

Delhi To Manali

If you want to take a trip from Delhi to Manali, then Volvo buses will provide a comfortable trip at an affordable price. Volvo Bus has better facilities in comparison to other sleeper buses. The facilities provided by a Volvo Bus include: 

  • charging point
  • GPS bus tracker
  • M-ticket
  • reading light
  • blanket and pillow
  • water bottles
  • CCTV
  • movies for entertainment purposes
  • emergency contact number

Delhi To Manali Distance

It will take 13 hours and 52 minutes to reach Manali from Delhi. The starting price of booking a Volvo Bus from Delhi to Manali is about rupees 530 and can go up to rupees 1899. 

Things You Need To Try In Old Manali

Here are some of the places and things that you need to try if you happen to visit old Manali. 

Appreciate Scenic Beauty

When people say that you need to take a trip to Manali to clear your mind, they aren’t lying. Old Manali is popular for heart-warming beauty and peace that is somewhere missing in our gut-wrenching everyday life. So, it is so crucial to be somewhere relaxing such as old Manali once in a while.

I bet you will appreciate your life more once you come back from this heart-warming session. This is one of the greatest places in India that serves as a major tourist attraction. 

Old Manali is comparatively less crowded and clearer than new Manali and also includes some of the best places to visit. Some of them are: 

Naggar Castle

If you want to visualize one of the most stunning views and sceneries, then you should definitely check out Naggar Castle. The castle was built in 1460 A.D by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu and now it is being operated by HPTDC as a heritage hotel. Apart from serving spectacular views, this medieval castle is built with authentic western Himalayan architecture.

This castle also has a popular art gallery that showcases the beautiful paintings of Russian artist, Nicholas Roerich. The facilities provided by this heritage hotel include Restaurant, Drive-in, Intercom, Cable TV, 24 hours power backup facilities, Taxi on demand, Doctor on call, Public Washroom, and more.

Jogini Falls

Jogini Falls is one of the most romantic places in Manali to visit with your partner. This gorgeous waterfall is located near Vashisht village in old Manali, Himachal Pradesh. The Fall is created by a stream which is emerged from the Beas River. The flow of water is at an extreme level during monsoons, hence it is advisable not to carry out any adventure activities during this time.

You can experience this waterfall by trekking from Vashisht Temple. Jogini Falls is one of the popular places to visit in Manali. There is a temple known as Jogini Mata temple at the base of the waterfall. 

The trek to Jogini Falls is one of the most heartfelt trips you can ever have as the route passes through apple orchards, tall pine trees, and small water streams. You can get a bunch of restaurants and guest houses in case you need to relax. 

Vashisht Village

Vashisht village is a small village that is also one of the most popular tourist places in Manali. The popular sulfurous hot water spring and Vashisht Temple are the major tourist attractions in this place. The pious water from the spring is believed to have medicinal properties and it is known to cure several skin diseases and infections.

You can also go to Turkish-style bath houses which provide hot water in the spring to take bath. This heart-warming village also features a beautiful temple dedicated to local saint, Vashisht and also Lord Rama. If you want to experience a refreshing atmosphere, then please head over to this village located in old Manali. 

Old Manali Cafes

Old Manali wins at its aesthetic cafes which not only offer great food but it also features solid ambiance and spectacular views. Some of the popular cafes include: 

Drifter’s Cafe

Drifter’s Cafe is known for its delicious breakfast options along with other exotic cuisines. The hospitable staff will welcome you with great warmth. You need to try Egg Benedict, Waffles, and Pancakes if you ever visit this cafe. This cafe is located at Manu Temple Road in Old Manali.

Cafe 1947

The stunning ambiance makes this cafe at old Manali epic. Cafe 1947 serves great pizzas and burgers, so you definitely need to give it a try. You can find this cafe at Old Manali, near Nehru Kund, VPO Bahang.

The Lazy Dog

The food and dessert are an absolute treat to the eyes as well as the tastebuds. Along with the delicious food at an affordable price, you also get to experience the live performances of local bands like The Local Train. The Lazy Dog is located on Manu Temple Road in Old Manali. 

Born Free Cafe

Born Free Cafe is a simple cafe located in old Manali. This place is known for its finger-licking pasta, Chicken and Hummus Pita Bread, and Smoothies. This popular cafe is located at Manu Temple Road in VPO, Old Manali. 

Hair Braiding With Colorful Threads And Beads

If you love experimenting with your hair, then you need to try hair braiding in old Manali for just rupees 100. These cool braids look so funky and beautiful and they remain intact for a very long time. 

Street Shopping

Old Manali features a series of trendy shops that offer all kinds of stuff. From woolen garments to handicrafts, you can get everything at an affordable rate. This place is heaven for all the shopaholics out there who can’t go even a day without shopping.

If you are looking for gifts for your loved ones, then this place is just the perfect destination for you as it offers a lot of quirky and cool stuff. Old Manali is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world because of the authenticity and ethnicity of this place has.