I have travelled to many places, but no place has made me feel the way Old Manali does. Old Manali hypnotized me with its beauty. It happened in 2014 after some inhibitions. I fell in love with it, the kind of love I cannot give anyone. Love happens in many ways, but no matter how many times one falls in love, even intently and at first sight, no one can fall in love as instantly and profoundly as I fell for Old Manali. There is a reason to use the phrase - Love at first sight. I am sure heaven feels like this, and I am certain you do not attain salvation after the seventh realm. You reach Old Manali. The snow-capped mountains and the lush green Deodar trees remain silent but observe each tourist with their respective desires and the purpose of the visit. Conveying the message to the omnipotent presence. The on-arrival visa is received, but the visitors are unaware of it.
Nestled at about 2000 meters above sea level in the state of Himachal Pradesh amidst lush green Deodar trees, Old Manali is a hidden gem. A magical location in the Indian Himalayas with freshness and a vibe of divinity. After all, it is situated near Kullu Valley, the valley which is called the ‘Valley of Gods.
Walking through Old Manali, you can see homes with Indian Vernacular Architecture. Vernacular Architecture is the informal, functional architecture of structures, often in rural areas of India, built of local materials and designed to meet the needs of the local people. So, a typical traditional home in Old Manali is made of wood and covered with humongous-looking stones for the roof, surrounded by big stone slabs and thick straw. The tiny road of the village has a convivial aura, people washing their clothes in the open from the hand pump, little children playing cricket and football, the farmers cutting long Deodar tree branches to burn them for the approaching long winters is a usual sightseeing experience. These are simple and happy village people, but they all look back, greet and give a warm smile, and once you sit down and talk to them, the conversation can go on for hours with incessant cups of chai.
The main street has cafes smelling of freshly brewed coffee and bakery. It is alluring, and all of them have intriguing names, some of which are - Café 1947, River Music Garden Restaurant & German Bakery, Casa Bella Vista, Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted Coffee House, Drifter’s Café, Johnson’s Café & Hotel, The Lazy Dog Lounge, Shiva Café, Il Forno, Café Sunshine, Olive Garden, Red House Café, Lily’s Café, Fat Plate Café, with the Manalsu river flowing with speeding rapids at the back of all these cafes, and it looks beautiful as if staring at a mesmerizing painting.
I have wandered around Old Manali with acquaintances, an ex-girlfriend, strangers, solo, and with dogs. I can’t say one trip was the best because each had a profound impact. But in October 2024, it was peaceful. I met an Author from Cornwall, England. We talked about life, and it turned into erudite discussions. Old Manali does that to people. I finally have started to meet my soul tribe.
