At a distance of 750 m from Manali Bus Stand, The Van Vihar is a municipal garden in front of the Tibetan market on Mall Road, Manali.Deodar trees beautifully adorn Van Vihar Park, and it is a perfect place to spend memorable time with loved ones. Several locals and tourists visit the park to relax and enjoy the Deodar trees’ fresh breeze. The main attraction of the park is the beautiful man-made lake situated in the middle of the woods. Tourists can enjoy boating in the lake. There are also a lot of swings for the children as well as couples in the park. The River Beas runs near the park. Visit the park in the evening, and you will get a chance to enjoy the stunningly beautiful view of the sun setting against the glorious backdrop of the majestic mountains.
About Van Vihar
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Nestled amidst the enchanting landscapes of Manali, Van Vihar emerges as a tranquil haven for nature lovers. This picturesque park offers a soothing retreat where one can immerse themselves in the captivating beauty of the surroundings. As you enter Van Vihar, you are greeted by lush greenery and a sense of calmness that permeates the air. The well-maintained pathways wind their way through the park, inviting visitors to stroll amidst the symphony of nature. The park boasts a diverse range of flora, with vibrant flowers blooming in all their glory. Tall trees provide ample shade, creating a serene atmosphere for relaxation and contemplation.
The highlight of Van Vihar is its idyllic pond, adorned with blooming lilies and frequented by ducks. The sight of the crystal-clear water reflecting the surrounding greenery is a feast for the eyes, while the gentle ripples add a touch of serenity to the ambience. Families, couples, and solo travellers can be seen enjoying picnics on the well-manicured lawns while children delight in the playground area. Van Vihar offers a safe and peaceful environment to connect with nature and create unforgettable memories.
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Timing And Entry Fees Of Van Vihar
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The park has a minimal entry fee, allowing everyone to enjoy its beauty. You are charged INR 5 per person to enter Van Vihar National Park. There is an additional fare for those who sign up for boating. A 15-minute ride on the paddle boat costs INR 30 per person. You can also rent the boat for longer at an extra fare.
The park’s opening and closing times vary depending on the season. In summer, the park opens at 8 AM and closes at 7 PM, while it closes at 5 PM in winter (because of snowfall and freezing temperatures). It won’t take you longer than an hour or two to explore the park completely. One hour is often enough for tourists to explore every corner of the park and enjoy boating, too.
Best Time To Visit Van Vihar
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The trip to Van Vihar would be an escape from the blistering heat into the relaxing laps of nature. While the park’s charm is appreciable throughout the year, you can plan your visit here according to the favourable climate. Between March and June, the park experiences amicable weather, with temperatures ranging between 10 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. This weather allows you to roam the park and explore its beauty without the extra baggage of woollen and sweaters.
Winter starts approaching in September, and snowfall starts in December. Witnessing the entire park being covered in an untouched blanket of milk-white snow is undoubtedly an enthralling sight. The lake is frozen during this period, so you cannot go boating. Manali experiences monsoon showers between July and August. This may not be the best time to visit the park because the ground is damp and muddy, and routes leading up to the park may be affected by landslides.
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How To Reach
Van Vihar is located in the beautiful city of Manali. Nestled in the Himalayas, Manali is a picturesque destination that requires some planning to reach. Here’s how to get there by air, rail, and road
By Air: The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport (KUU) in Kullu, which is about 50 km away. Regular flights connect Kullu to Delhi and Chandigarh. From the airport, take a taxi or bus to Manali. The drive offers stunning mountain views and takes about 2 hours.
By Train: While Manali doesn’t have a railway station, you can reach nearby Joginder Nagar (175 km away) by narrow-gauge train from Pathankot. This scenic journey takes you through the Kangra Valley. From Joginder Nagar, hire a taxi or take a bus to Manali.
By Road: Driving to Manali is an adventure in itself. From Delhi, the 550 km journey takes about 12-14 hours. The route: Delhi – Panipat – Ambala – Chandigarh – Bilaspur – Mandi – Kullu – Manali. Regular buses run from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other major North Indian cities. Choose from ordinary, deluxe, or luxury Volvo buses. The overnight journey lets you wake up to mountain vistas. For a more flexible trip, hire a taxi or self-drive. The roads are generally good, but watch for occasional landslides during monsoon.
Suggested Read: Manali Travel Tips
With the dedicated efforts of the park management, the area has now been transformed into an oasis of greenery. The area today serves as the green lung for Bhopal City. Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation in Van Vihar to see the beautiful city of Manali make sure you plan your trip to Himachal Pradesh to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities; book your tickets now!
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Cover Image Source: Timothy A. Gonsalves for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions about Van Vihar
What is Van Vihar Manali?
Van Vihar is a municipal garden located in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a serene environment with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
What activities can I enjoy at Van Vihar?
Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along tree-lined paths, have picnics on the grassy areas, or relax by the small stream running through the park. There's also a children's play area and boating facilities on a small pond.
Is there an entry fee for Van Vihar?
Yes, there's a nominal entry fee for Van Vihar. However, it's very affordable and helps maintain the park's facilities.
What's the best time to visit Van Vihar?
Van Vihar is beautiful year-round, but spring (March-May) is particularly lovely when flowers are in bloom. The park is also charming in autumn when the leaves change colour.
Are there any nearby attractions?
Yes, Van Vihar is centrally located. The Hadimba Devi Temple is just a short walk away. The Mall Road, Manali's main shopping and dining area, is also nearby, making it easy to combine a visit to Van Vihar with other Manali attractions.
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