When we think about rejuvenation, we think about quick vacations and retreats. But, planning on out of nowhere can be hectic and a little too harsh on the bank account as well. If you want a quick vacation, Manali is an amazing spot that you can explore around and witness amazing spots. But, apart from visiting the same old places and being a tourist around, one of the best things that you can do is plan a picnic at some of the spots around the place. There is an abundance of picnic spots near Manali where you can host a quick family picnic in and have a great time basking in the natural beauty of the place around. If you have been concerned about what kind of places you can visit for you quick getaways and picnics in Manali, we have sorted out some of the best ones for you to look through.
Best Picnic Spots Near Manali
Since there could be a lot of confusion in people’s minds about the destinations for a picnic around Manali, we thought we’d sort out some of the best ones that are worth visiting around. Take a look at the below-mentioned spots.
1. Hadimba Temple – 3 Km From Manali
2. Hampta Pass – 15 Km From Manali
3. Club House – 2 Km From Manali
4. Van Vihar – 2.1 Km From Manali
5. Nehru Kund – 5.5 Km From Manali
6. Kothi – 14 Km From Manali
7. Naggar Village – 21.6 Km From Manali
1. Hadimba Temple
Even though this is a temple, there is a lot of space around that lets you host amazing picnics with your friends and family. For those wondering what this place is, the Distance from Manali: Hadimba temple is a spot dedicated to the wife of Pandu’s son, Bhima. The most striking feature of the place is its surroundings. Given that it is located amidst the Dhungri forest, the entire place is surrounded by a wide range of pine trees and lush greenery, making this a worthy visit unlike anything else. Once you are done admiring the beautiful architecture of the place, you can sit down and host a picnic then and there.
Distance from Manali: 3 kms
Things to do: Explore the temple and the surroundings
Best time to visit: March to September
Places to stay nearby: The Orchard Greens, Hotel Hadimba Heights
Restaurants nearby: IL Forno, Southern Souls Café
Must Read: Try Paragliding In Manali To Taste The Thrill And Thunder All At Once
2. Hampta Pass
Now, not many would think of combining the trekking with a picnic but trust us, this spot an expedition does call for one. The trek is not that difficult and can be mastered by people who are beginners in this field as well. This is why hosting a picnic at the end of the trek or even during the middle of the climb accounts for the perfect activity that you need for your expedition. You can witness the beautiful sights of the Kullu Valley and Lahaul Valley, making this a breathtaking spot unlike anything else. The Chandratal Lake comes along the way and does account for a good enough pit stop in the middle as well. To be fair, you can book a packaged trek tour conducted by the locals there and the same will depend on the duration and the luxuries that you avail.
Distance from Manali: 15 kms
Things to do: Trekking
Best time to visit: April to October
Places to stay nearby: Sun Park Resort, The Himalayan Paradise
Restaurants nearby: Mani Ram Dhaba Jana, Chandra Dhaba
Suggested Read: 10 Hotels Near Manali That Will Assure You The Best Comfort
3. Club House
One of the most popular picnic spots near Manali has to be the Club House. This is a multipurpose spot and you are likely going to experience several activities around, making this one of the best spots to host yourself a picnic. Apart from the picnic, the place also hosts a variety of indoor and outdoor games and activities that one can take part in. It is located near to Manalsu Nallah and is one of the most popular recreational sites near Manali. It also does have a very heavy British influence when it comes to architecture, making this stand out even further.
Distance from Manali: 2 kms
Things to do: Recreational activities, Indoor, and outdoor games
Best time to visit: April to November
Places to stay nearby: Forest Way Cottage, Apple Croft Cottage
Restaurants nearby: The Johnsons Cafe and Hotel, Southern Souls Café
Suggested Read: Camping In Manali: A Guide On 8 Best Places For An Adventurous Experience Beyond The Call Of Mountains!
4. Van Vihar
Yet another one of the most popular picnic spots near Manali that is worth visiting is Van Vihar. This is perfect for a quick and serene retreat that you otherwise wouldn’t get anywhere else. Just a quick walk through the place is enough to leave you satisfied and tranquil. It is a public park, so it is open to all but make sure that you always clean up after yourself. Don’t leave a mess behind after you are done with the picnic. There are boat rides around the park too, which further adds on to the list of the amazing activities that one can indulge in.
Distance from Manali: 2.1 kms
Things to do: Boating, Nature walk
Best time to visit: April to November
Places to stay nearby: Snow Valley Resorts, The Orchard Greens
Restaurants nearby: IL Forno, Southern Cafe Soul
Suggested Read: Canyoning In Manali : How Much Are You Ready To Risk For Thrill?
5. Nehru Kund
If you want to host a picnic but also a camping night while in Manali, Nehru Kund is the perfect spot for that. It is located on the Leh National Highway and is considered one of the best laidback spots around. The natural spring that flows on the side makes for the perfect backdrop to host a picnic with your friends and family. It is located 4300 m above the sea level and is surrounded by beautiful and serene surroundings, making this a must-visit place. There are camps and tents around, which you can inquire about ahead of time for a better understanding and execution of the plans.
Distance from Manali: 5.5 kms
Things to do: Camping, sightseeing
Best time to visit: April to October
Places to stay nearby: The Highland Park, Idyllic Inn
Restaurants nearby: Cafe 1947
Suggested Read: Manali In Summer: How To Make Your Mountain Getaway Way More Exciting
6. Kothi
Yet another one of the most serene and idyllic spots to visit and host a picnic near Manali is Kothi. It is located 2500 m above the sea level and overlooks a breathtaking view covered in lush greenery around. The view of the snow-capped peaks also makes this a place worth visiting. It is also located very near to the Rohtang Pass, further making this a worthy spot to visit and explore. This village is the perfect spot for a quick getaway and amazing if you want to indulge in camping as well. You will also find several temples around that you can further explore.
Distance from Manali: 14 kms
Things to do: Camping
Best time to visit: April to November
Places to stay nearby: The Apple Tree B&B, Burua Valley Retreat
Restaurants nearby: Hotel Sitara Royal, Al Sawa Caterer’s
7. Naggar Village
If you want to spend some time in the background of natural beauty and breathtaking views, Naggar Village has to be one of the very best spots for you to conduct a picnic. It is predominantly known for its breathtaking sights of the Beas Valley. While you are at it with the picnic, there are some amazing and informative sightseeing spots around the village too that are worth visiting and exploring, especially that of the Nicholas Roerich Art gallery.
Distance from Manali: 21.6 kms
Things to do: Sightseeing
Best time to visit: March to November
Places to stay nearby: Naggar Castle and Hotel, Naggar Delight
Restaurants nearby: Nightingale, Nature Built Cafe, and restaurant
Further Read: 46 Best Places To Visit In Manali And Its Precincts
If you have been planning for a quick retreat near Manali and want to enjoy some picnic experience, we would suggest that you do focus on visiting the picnic spots near Manali that we have listed out for you. Just make sure that you do have your itinerary planned accordingly to avoid the last-minute rush. If you are driving, make sure that you confirm everything and then proceed with the plans that you have. So, plan a vacation in Manali and have a soul-soothing experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Picnic Spots Near Manali
Are there any restrictions with a picnic near Manali?
While several sightseeing spots also serve as picnic spots near Manali, there are a few restrictions that one does need to keep in mind. Wherever you are hosting the picnic, just ensure that you do clean up after yourself to avoid any kind of littering around.
Do you need any permission for hosting a picnic?
While there is no such rule that you have to seek permission, we would suggest that you at least confirm everything before putting out the entire spread. This can help prevent unnecessary chaos in the middle of nowhere.
Are there other activities too?
Several spots offer other recreational activities aside from picnics. You can go boating or even indulge in some form of indoor or outdoor games for better reasons.
Do you have to pay extra for hosting a picnic?
If it is a public place, likely, you wouldn’t have to pay anything at all. But, if it is a private spot, chances are that you will first have to seek permission and then opt for the picnic accordingly. It all depends on the location.
Are there accommodation options available?
Every single picnic spot does have a very good accommodation option around, so you need not worry at all. Just ensure that you do make all the bookings beforehand to avoid unnecessary rush.
What kinds of foods should one carry?
If you are doing a day trip with the picnic and will return at night, you can carry cooked food but if you plan on staying back or camp, we would suggest that you carry dry foods and fruits more.
Are there any warnings regarding the picnic in Manali?
It is completely safe for you to have a picnic near Manali. Just ensure that the place that you conduct the picnic in is completely cleaned after you are done with it.
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