Explore the Rich Heritage of Manali with Family

Manali is a fun and popular hill station to visit with family simply because of the variety of things to do in Manali for all age groups. This is why a lot of people look forward to visiting Manali. Adventure, shopping, history, and wildlife—you can savor all this and more here. However, there’s one more surprise Manali had up its sleeve: it’s a super place to introduce kids to culture, heritage, and religious sites—all of it while having fun! Spots relating to Sikhism, Hinduism, and Buddhism abound here. If you are traveling with kids, Manali might indeed be the perfect destination in Himachal Pradesh.

A Manali itinerary must include sites that showcase its heritage. Here are a few of such places to visit in Manali that I included in my travel plan:

1. Manikaran Gurudwara

Located in Parvati Valley at a height of 1,760m, this is a Sikh pilgrimage site. The area also boasts hot springs and can offer a blissful experience and sight to the visitors. The kids might find this phenomenon pretty interesting.

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2. Hadimba Temple

This temple is dedicated to Hidimba, who is a demon goddess. It’s built using wood and stone, and is a mélange of Japanese and Indian architecture. The kids can marvel at the architecture and magnanimity of the temple and also play with the cute rabbits around.

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3. Manu Temple

This spot is dedicated to Sage Manu, who is known to be the creator of the world along with being the author of Manusmriti. It’s the only temple dedicated to Sage Manu.

4. Vashisht Hot Water Springs and Temple

I immersed myself in these healing waters as I took in the breathtaking scenery around me. These perennial sulfur springs are said to have medicinal properties. The place has designated bathing areas for men and women. The springs are surrounded by ancient temples that are a must-visit.

Also Read: My travel stories from Himachal Pradesh

5. Arjun Gufa

Situated on the left bank of River Beas in the village of Prini, these caves are said to be the place where Arjuna, one of the five Pandava brothers from Mahabharata, performed penance to gain better dexterity in order to use a very difficult weapon called the “Pashupati Astra.” Now that’s an amazing legend to tell the kids while they excitedly explore the caves!

6. The Manali Gompa

It’s also known as the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa and was built by Tibetan refugees in the 1960s. Designed in Pagoda-style, its murals depict the Buddhist philosophy of non-violence, making it a great place to teach your kids about these principles.