Old Manali

Old Manali, perched picturesquely across the rushing waters of the Manalsu Nullah just 2.5 km northwest of the commercial Mall Road in Manali in Himachal Pradesh, stands as the authentic, tranquil, and bohemian cultural soul of the Kullu Valley.

Originally established as "Manu Alaya" (the Abode of Manu) where the ancient Vedic lawgiver Sage Manu stepped ashore to recreate human civilization after the great deluge, this timeless village charms travelers with traditional Kath Kuni timber and-stone architecture, fragrant apple orchards, and a world famous live music cafe scene.

It's the home of the 1553 AD four tiered wooden pagoda temple of Hidimba Devi tucked within the sacred Dhungri Deodar forest, the historic Manu Maharishi Temple, winding cobblestone lanes lined with hippie artisan boutiques, riverside cafes serving freshly caught trout and wood fired pizzas, and panoramic snow peak valley views.

It represents a rich mountain sanctuary where centuries old Vedic mythology, traditional Himachali village agrarian life, bohemian global traveler culture, and soothing deodar forest trails unite in Manali.

Located across the Manalsu bridge, it sits 2.5 km from Manali Mall Road, 52 km from Kullu Manali Airport (Bhuntar, KUU), and 305 km from Chandigarh, easily reached by auto rickshaw, local taxi, or a pleasant 20 minute uphill walk from the town center.

The Abode of Sage Manu & Kath Kuni Architecture

Long before modern Manali emerged as a bustling tourist center, Old Manali existed as an agrarian hamlet of stone and-wood chalets built using the earthquake resistant Kath Kuni technique.

At the highest point of the village stands the Manu Maharishi Temple, the only shrine in India dedicated to Sage Manu, featuring carved wooden balconies and stone courtyards overlooking terraced apple orchards.

Truth is, wandering through the narrow stone paved village alleys reveals drying bundles of corn, handloom weaving looms, and smiling village elders who maintain their traditional Himachali customs.

The 1553 AD Hidimba Devi Pagoda Temple

Hidimba Temple: Commissioned in 1553 AD by Maharaja Bahadur Singh, this remarkable four tiered timber and-slate pagoda shrine is dedicated to Goddess Hidimba, the wife of Pandava prince Bhima from the Mahabharata.

Its intricately carved deodar wooden doorway depicts mythological deities, animals, and floral motifs, while the sanctum is built over a natural sacrificial rock cave within the ancient Dhungri cedar grove.

Bohemian Riverside Cafes & Hippie Markets

Riverside Cafe Culture: Old Manali is famous for legendary hangout spots like Cafe 1947, The Lazy Dog, and Dylan's Toasted and Roasted, where travelers relax by the rushing river listening to acoustic guitar and savoring Israeli shakshuka, fresh apple crumble, and Italian pasta.

Artisan Shopping: The main street is packed with unique boutiques selling handmade woolen sweaters, silver jewelry, hemp backpacks, dreamcatchers, leather journals, and local apple preserves.

After exploring Old Manali, cross over to the hot sulphur springs of Vashisht, drive to the adventure slopes of Solang Valley, or embark on the alpine Beas Kund Trek.