Places to visit in Manikaran are a treasure of spiritual and cultural heritage. Manikaran is located in Himachal Pradesh’s Parvati Valley across the River Parvati. Manikaran is at an altitude of 1760 metres above sea level and just 4 kilometres from the region of Kasol. This tiny town has numerous pilgrim centres with hot springs nearby that enchants visitors. A geothermal energy plant has also been installed for experiments. The places to visit in Manikaran are of immense religious significance as it is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs.
Places To Visit In Manikaran
With a fantastic upstream view of the River Parvati and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, this tiny town in Himachal Pradesh captivates a lot of visitors
1. Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib
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Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib is a famous Gurudwara for Sikhs in Manikaran. Shri Guru Nanak Dev is believed to have visited this place with his disciples. The storied past of this site tells that his disciple, Bhai Mardana, was hungry, and they had no food with them. Guru Nanak Dev sent him to collect food for Langaar. Langaar is the community kitchen at Gurdwaras. People of the Sikh community donated flour to make roti, but there was no fire to cook. Guru Dev lifted a rock, and a hot spring appeared from beneath so the place is renowned for its hot springs. Today, pilgrims bathe in this holy hot spring, whose water is believed to have medicinal properties. It is also thought that all those pilgrims who donated in the name of God would regain their offerings, which is considered a miracle. This place is visited not only by a large number of Sikhs but also by tourists who wish to learn more about Sikhism.
Location: Hari Har Ghatmei, Manikaran Rd, Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh 175105
Timings: Opened 24 hours
Must Read: Things To Do In Manikaran
2. Ram Temple
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Raja Jagat Singh built this temple dedicated to Lord Rama in the early 15th century. The temple lies at an altitude of 1756 in Manikaran and just 35 km from Kullu. Hot water springs are also found near this temple, named after Ram and his wife, Sita. The springs seem to have a cure for arthritis. Prasad for the temple is cooked in these hot springs. Lord Ram Temple is solely dedicated to Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu. The temple is built with traditional Himachali-style architecture and wooden carvings. The temple complex has rooms for devotees and three huge prayer halls. It is a must-visit place for all the Hindu devotees and other pilgrims to seek blessings and admire the beauty of this place. Meditation and yoga can be practised at this religious shrine.
Location: Ram Mandir Marg, Manikaran, Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh 175105
Timings: Morning 5:00 am to 12:00 pm to Evening 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
3. Kheer Ganga
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This place offers a blend of adventurous activities and natural beauty that has to be witnessed by every traveller in this region. This place is 22 kilometres away from the town of Manikaran. It is 2960 metres above sea level and offers a popular trekking site from Manikaran. It awaits its visitors to have a small trek through the dense forests of this hilly region. Kheer Ganga’s storied past lets us know that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati visited the place. They seemed to have meditated there for at least a thousand years. This place is of immense importance for Hindu pilgrims in the nearby town of Manikaran. The trekking is mainly during the autumn months of May to October as the weather is pleasant enough. The hot springs near Kheer Ganga have medicinal properties due to their high sulphur content.
Location: Kheer Ganga Trekking Destination Parvati Valley, Kullu District Himachal Pradesh
Timings: Open all day, but daylight is the best time to visit.
Suggested Read: Restaurants In Kullu
4. Harinder Mountain
Image Credit: Pinakpani for Wikimedia Commons
This mountain is a go-to spot for adventurers and trekkers. For nature enthusiasts and solace seekers, Harinder Mountain offers a peaceful site. From this mountain, visitors can look at the very famous Parvati Valley, besides which the tiny town of Manikaran is located. From selected spots, tourists can also see the River Parvati flowing from the valley, hitting the rocks and passing through Manikaran. During winter, trekkers get a chance to spot the snow-capped mountain peaks and frozen waterfalls. Those wanting to explore the riverside shall visit the foothills of this mountain. Tourists enjoy watching scenic views while trailing through moist paths. It is located at a higher altitude than Manikaran. Trekking through this mountain lets trekkers spot a diverse range of flora and fauna, with bird-watching activity done as a primary task.
Location: Manikaran, Sosan, Himachal Pradesh 175105
Timings: Open all day, but daylight is the best time to visit.
5. Kulant Pith
This sacred site is located very near the hot springs in Manikaran, and according to the Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva and Goddess lived here for some years. The name ‘Kulant Pith’ comes from when Goddess Parvati lost one of her earrings in the holy waters of the River Parvati, which flows through this religious town. The valley where Manikaran is located is also known as Parvati Valley. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy waters of Kulant Pith, where the River Parvati flows, makes the devotees get rid of their sins. The devotees are blessed with blessings and longevity of life. Local guides and priests also help devotees, tourists, and visitors gain insights into the site’s storied past and other rituals that are to be performed.
Location: Kulant Pith, Near Hot Springs, Manikaran Parvati Valley, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
Further Read: Lakes In Himachal Pradesh
Blended with spirituality and tranquillity, this place offers a retreat away from the city’s shores. These places to visit in Manikaran give you an enriching travel experience in this region of the Himalayas. Whether you are seeking solace at Sikh shrines or admiring the beauty of the area located by the waters of the River Parvati, your trip to Himachal Pradesh will be a mesmerising one. For nature lovers and solace seekers, these places promise something to take back during their journey. Manikaran, located in the Parvati Valley, has beautiful views, with water flowing through the valley and temples nestled beside it.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Manikaran
What is special in Manikaran?
Manikaran is a place that holds both religious and cultural significance. This place is known for its famous Manikaran Sahib, associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The place is also known for its hot springs, which have medicinal properties.
Can ladies take a bath in Manikaran?
There are separate hot springs for ladies and gents. Ladies can take a bath in a hot spring at Ram Temple. The spring is known as Sita Kund. They can also bathe at a spring located in Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara.
Which month is best for Manikaran?
Months from October to May are considered ideal for visiting Manikaran. The mild temperatures range from 10 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. The crowd is smaller so tourists can enjoy their journey.
What to buy in Manikaran?
This tiny town in Kullu is famous for its handicrafts and shawls. A variety of exclusive items like shawls, carpets, dry fruits, handicrafts, woollen clothes, and hand-woven dreamcatchers are sold in the local markets.
How do I travel to Manikaran?
The nearest airport to Manikaran is the Kullu Manali Airport. This airport is located 35 kilometres away from Manikaran. From the airport, tourists can take a local bus or hire a taxi to Manikaran town.
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