A favorite holiday hotspot, Kulu Manali is a beautiful destination for your honeymoon. Whether in the winter or spring, the sheer beauty of the place takes your breath away. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the valley is made more beautiful by the presence of the Beas River flowing right through it, and the presence of dark pine woods that dot the landscape. And if you thought that it was just another tourist destination, think again. For here we give you 10 compelling reasons why you should honeymoon in Kullu Manali this year:

1. Spectacular Rohtang Pass

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While in Manali, you’ll find plenty of adventure enthusiasts who try out the Rohtang Pass, which is about 51 kilometers from the road that runs from Manali to Leh. The snow-covered view here is spectacular and different from any other place in the valley.  The pass is open only from June to October.

2. Apple orchards in bloom

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If snow is not your thing, then visit Kulu Manali during the spring. The roads are lined with cherry and apple trees in full bloom, a sight you wouldn’t want to miss. Take it one step forward and visit the Red Apple Orchards where you can not only admire nature’s bounty, but also find plums, red apples, and many other fruits that you can either enjoy on the spot or take with you for the rest of your trip.

3. Treks and trails

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Like any other hilly destination, here too you will find plenty of treks and trails for long walks with your partner. Because of Kullu Manali’s beautiful climate, any season is a good time for a walk, except when it is snowing. You might want to try out Hampta Pass Trek, Friendship Peak Trek, and Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek, as well as walking around and along the Beas.

4. Go spiritual – briefly 😉

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Among the local sightseeing venues, you might want to visit the Buddhist monasteries here. The Manali Gompa is absolutely beautiful and you’ll have many photo opportunities to show your family and friends when you return. Most tourists also visit the Hadimba Temple, the Van Vihar, the Manu Temple, and the lively Mall Road while they are here.

5. Adventure-lover’s heaven!

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If you and your partner enjoy adventure sports, you’ve arrived at the right place. There are plenty of options for paragliding and skiing in the Solang Valley in Manali. Those interested in river rafting will immensely enjoy the options available along the strong currents of the Beas River.

6. Bottoms up with your sweetheart

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When on a holiday, always try out the local cuisine – or, in the case of Manali, local drinks. You’ll find plenty of fruit wine here on sale, made from the abundant plums, pears, and apricots from the area. You might also want to try out Chang and Lugdi, two of the most popular local drinks prepared by fermenting rice and barley. A word of caution though – these are not for the faint hearted!

7. Food lover’s paradise

Because your honeymoon is the ideal time to just relax, try out the small little food joints along the Beas River run by the locals for some great tea or hot momos. For a more elaborate cuisine, try out some great eateries in Old Manali, such as Olive Pizza or the Moondance Café. Khyber, Sa Ba, and Johnson’s Bar and Restaurant are some of the better eateries in New Manali.

8. Shop till you drop – not literally!

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Like any other tourist destination, Manali is not without its shopping hotspots. Try out the Tibetan Market for unique handicrafts, shawls, as well as trinkets made of semi-precious stones.

9. Walk along hand in hand

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While on your honeymoon, it is understandable that you would want to spend some time in only each other’s company instead of being surrounded by tourists. You might want to try a bike trip to Kothi, which is a little away from the main Manali city with a village-like ambiance. Not only is it less crowded, but it also has the feel of interior Himachal, with great walking routes that you can indulge in with your partner. Also a great place to take snaps of unusual plants and flowers.

10. Quiet time in a castle

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Naggar is another place you could travel to while based in Manali. Situated about 25 kilometers away Manali, you can find panoramic views as well as an ancient castle, which is now converted to a heritage hotel. You could also try out the Jogini Waterfall, which has a unique serenity that would serve as the perfect backdrop for you and your spouse to spend some quiet moments together.

Manali presents a wide variety of lodging options, depending on your taste and pocket. There is no dearth of hotels, both luxurious and economic. You could try out Victory Resort, Apple Country Resort, or Solang Valley Resort, which are some of the best in the region. Alternatively, you can venture out to one of the homestays for a more authentic, homely environment.

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