Words by Madhumalika Bharani // illustrations by Nea Valdivia
When I think of Manali, I’ve always envisioned picturesque snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and serene rivers. Manali is a town known for adventure sports – skiing, paragliding, and river rafting – which makes it a perfect place for thrill-seekers. But Manali also offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh, India, with its ancient temples and traditional handicrafts.
Situated in the northern part of India, Himachal Pradesh is one of thirteen mountain states of India. In the past, it was primarily inhabited by tribes such as Koli, Kirata, Hali, Mundas, Kols, and more. The foothills of Himachal Pradesh were also famously inhabited by the people of the Indus Valley civilization. The state had a constant inflow of local powers and principalities, frequently facing invasions. Himachal Pradesh is a multilingual state with people speaking languages like Kangri, Kulvi, and Kinnauri. It is also internationally renowned for its handicrafts, including carpets, kullu shawls, and woodwork. Local music, dance, and festivals like Kullu Dussehra play a vital role in building and representing their culture. Himachal Pradesh’s cuisine has Punjabi and Tibetan influences. Some popular dishes include Siddu and Kullu trout, with non-vegetarian food being more prominent due to the limited availability of fresh vegetables in the hilly terrain.
For me, however, Manali is even more than all that. Way more. Manali is my dream.
My family hails from the state of Tamil Nadu, India, but I’ve primarily settled down in Hyderabad. I’ve adored the magic of the world for as long as I can remember. I’ve always wanted to travel, go backpacking, and see every corner. But it became an achievable dream when I saw Manali in a Bollywood movie about ten years ago. The movie Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani—a story of dreams, career aspirations, love, and friendship, centered around Bunny, a free-spirited dreamer chasing success in journalism—had a profound impact on me. It not only inspired me to pursue a career in journalism and writing, but also sparked a deep desire to visit Manali, which became one of the film’s most lasting influences on me.
For anyone familiar with Manali, it’s the ideal holiday destination—whether you’re soaking in the scenery or diving into adrenaline-pumping adventure sports. But for me, it meant something more. It wasn’t just about the place; it was about the idea of it. Manali represented one of my first steps toward discovering the wider world. It was an irresistible mix of adventure and familiarity.
Manali was the first trip I truly experienced—every moment, every detail. I like to think of it as a practice run for all my future global travels. It was the perfect launchpad: a landscape brimming with culture, art, community, and history, wrapped in that rare mix of unpredictability and the comfort of home.
Thanks to that movie, for a long time, every dream and career aspiration I had began with a picture of Manali in my head. It might sound a little silly, but Manali stirred in me a powerful desire to explore the world—not just to see it, but to feel it deeply.
It had been my dream for ten years. Everyone close to me knows—Madhu means Manali. So when my family and I finally set off on our trip in December 2023, that long-held dream came true.
Don’t get me wrong—enjoying Manali in December isn’t exactly easy. The cold was a shock to the system, especially for someone like me who grew up in the southern part of India, where even winter can feel like summer. But I chose to embrace the adventure. Waking up to snow-capped mountains with the sun rising over them made every chilly moment—every extra layer—worth it.
The landscape, blanketed in white, was simply breathtaking. The crisp mountain air filled me with an exhilarating sense of wonder. As we wandered through the charming town, taking in its beauty, I couldn’t help but feel deeply grateful. After all those years of dreaming, I was finally experiencing Manali—really living it.
To get to Manali from Delhi, we had to book a bus. We were traveling with five other families, including the one we were staying with, so the journey was already filled with chatter, snacks, and a shared sense of excitement. At 5 p.m. on the day of our trip, we boarded the bus. After looping around Delhi to pick everyone up, we finally hit the highway toward Manali.
The journey took around 12 hours, with a few stops along the way. Around midnight, we pulled into a dhaba—a roadside eatery popular with truckers—for a hearty late-night dinner. It was cold, but the hot food and steaming chai kept us going.
We reached Manali around 7 a.m., greeted by snow-tipped mountains and a crisp chill in the air. Despite being travel-weary and still adjusting to the cold, we jumped straight into exploring, eager to soak in the scenery. After a day spent wandering and marveling at the beauty around us, we finally checked into our hotel, ready for a proper rest and excited for what lay ahead.
I’ve stayed in my fair share of hotels, but this one easily ranks among the best (though I’ll admit, I might be a little biased—haha). It was an utterly charming place, mostly decorated in warm shades of red that made it feel cozy and inviting.
I shared the room with my sister, and it had a diagonally placed king-sized bed piled high with soft comforters, pillows, and cushions. A small heater hummed quietly in one corner, keeping us warm, and the room also had a compact wardrobe, a neat little bathroom with the shower tucked into a corner, and a coffee table just the right size for late-night snacks or an early morning cup of chai.
The lighting was perfect—soft, warm, and aesthetic, creating a relaxed atmosphere. One of my favorite features was the full-length mirror fixed to the inside of our door, perfect for outfit checks or just goofing around with my sister. There were no ceiling fans or air conditioning, but with the cold outside, all we needed were our comforters.
And then, the view—oh, the view. Our window opened up to a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains. Waking up to that every morning felt surreal. I often had to pinch myself to believe I was really there.
On our second day, we headed out to explore Manali’s famous Mall Road—the bustling heart of the town. Mall Road is more than just a shopping street; it’s a living slice of Manali’s history and charm. Once a quiet hill village, Manali began to transform during the British colonial era, when this area became a scenic commercial escape for British officers and travelers. Over time, as Indian and international tourists discovered its beauty, Mall Road evolved into a vibrant hub, lined with cozy cafes, bustling shops, and welcoming guesthouses. Today, it stands as a perfect reflection of Manali’s journey from sleepy mountain town to beloved tourist destination.
I picked up a few small trinkets to remind me of the town—little keepsakes full of character—as well as some gifts for friends and a few pieces of clothing. But my favorite part of the day? The momos.
A beloved local delicacy, momos are soft, pillowy Tibetan dumplings—either steamed or fried—stuffed with vegetables or meat. They’re typically served with a fiery, tangy sauce that adds a delicious kick. Though they’re popular throughout the Himalayas, they’ve earned a special place in Indian street food culture, and I had been looking forward to trying the real deal in Manali.
After walking for a while, we were all thoroughly exhausted when I spotted a local vendor expertly shaping and steaming fresh batches of momos. Just the sight—and smell—made my mouth water. Our group swarmed around his little stall, and in what felt like a blink, we had devoured twelve plates in just fifteen minutes. I personally polished off three of those plates myself. The flavors, the spices, the heat of the sauce cutting through the cold mountain air—it was unlike anything I’d ever tasted. Absolute heaven.
Day three was a world of white. We drove up into the higher mountains to experience snow—my very first time seeing it, and I was absolutely thrilled. The air buzzed with excitement as we set off, and after about thirty minutes on the road, we stopped to rent snowsuits. All geared up and ready, we continued on what turned into a long, winding drive lasting about an hour and a half. (I managed to squeeze in two thirty-minute naps and almost made it through my entire playlist.)
Our destination: the legendary Rohtang Pass. To get there, we passed through the Atal Tunnel—India’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet, stretching over 9 kilometers. Rohtang Pass itself is steeped in history, once serving as an ancient trade route linking the Kullu Valley to the Lahaul-Spiti region.
When we finally arrived, it was like stepping into a snow globe. Towering mountains wrapped in soft, endless snow rose up around us in every direction. It was a white dream—majestic, peaceful, and wildly fun. We spent two joyful hours playing in the snow, building snowmen, making snow angels, and staging full-blown snowball fights.
After such an exhilarating day, day four was all about rest. We stayed close to the hotel, lounging around a cozy bonfire, playing foosball and cards in the game room, watching movies, and soaking in the peaceful beauty of the stream that ran just across from the hotel. It was the perfect contrast to the adventure of the day before—a moment to pause, breathe, and take it all in.
On Day Five, we explored the rich culture of Himachal. Our first stop was one of Manali’s most iconic landmarks—the Hidimba Devi Temple. The temple is dedicated to Hidimba, who is believed to be the wife of the mighty Bhima from the Mahabharata. It’s said that if you pray to her with sincerity, your wishes will come true.
The temple is nestled in a serene, forested area, and we took a peaceful hike through the trees to get there. The architecture was stunning—wooden, intricate, and unlike any temple I’d seen before. Surrounded by towering deodars and the quiet rustling of leaves, the whole experience felt magical. We not only soaked in the spiritual energy of the temple but also took time to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounded it.
Day Six was all about adventure. We decided to try ziplining—soaring over a massive river at a height even greater than where we’d been staying. The view, the rush, the wind in our faces—it was exhilarating. And what better way to end an adrenaline-filled afternoon than with something comforting?
We grabbed steaming plates of hot and spicy Maggi noodles—a beloved favorite across India, especially in hill stations like Manali. There’s something about the combination of cold mountain air and a warm bowl of Maggi that hits differently. I swear, it was the best Maggi I’ve ever had. Unforgettable.
Day Seven marked the final day of our trip—and it just so happened to be New Year’s Eve. We decided to take it easy, soak in the last of the mountain air, and celebrate the evening in style. The plan was simple: dress up, relax, and welcome the new year with joy (and just a little bit of partying).
The hotel had thoughtfully organized a New Year’s bash for all its guests, and the festivities kicked off at 5 p.m. We spent the first half of the day lounging in our warm, cozy beds, resting and recharging after a week full of adventures.
The party turned out to be the perfect farewell to our trip. It brought together travelers from all over, and it was lovely hearing their stories, perspectives, and shared excitement for the year ahead. We danced, sang, laughed, feasted, and partied our way into the countdown—surrounded by music, twinkling lights, and the chill of the mountains outside.
Manali was everything I had ever imagined and more. The scenic beauty, the food, the culture—it was all worth the wait, worth every dream I had of it. My trip to Manali exceeded all my expectations. It was the perfect way to close out the year and usher in a new one, creating memories I will cherish for a lifetime.
Being there, surrounded by such wonder, made me believe in the endless possibilities ahead. One day, I’ll stand in awe at the Louvre in France, be swept away by the Mamma Mia experience in Greece, walk along the Great Wall of China, marvel at the Sydney Opera House, and dive into the lively chaos of the La Tomatina festival in Spain. One day, I’m going to do it all. One day, I will see it all.
