This September was the beginning of a love affair with magical Himachal Pradesh. Manali is 70 kms from Rohtang Pass, which was the gateway for my Ladakh road trip. Well I have loads of things to share about my road trip, for which I will write a separate blog.
This post is about ‘Old Manali’, which is a charming part of the town filled with a variety of eccentrics from all over the world. Interestingly, this fascinating place was not a part of my travel itinerary. However, I had some free time on my return day to Delhi, and went off with a traveller, whom I met while having chicken momos. He was closely related to the lineage of being the Flower Children. I had initially slotted just about an hour, but charmed by the atmosphere, I ended up spending close to three hours there.
Old Manali is, in fact, very close to the popular twin and is nothing but a long, winding uphill. having said that, once you spent 15 mins there, you will begin to realize that it’s the hub of so much life, activity and energy. It forms the epicentre of the free-spirited world. non-conformists, hippies, quaint restaurants, trance music and the sound of the river running through….these are the spells that Old Manali casts. Your trip is also inspired by a puff or two or more of ingenuous herbs.
The cosmopolitan culture is reflected in the cuisine. You can get Israeli food in Shesh Besh, a marvellous cup of coffee in Dylan's roasted toasted and then there's the German Bakery, whose products are not from Germany at all. But his breads, pies and cookies are out of this world.
One very interesting feature about the old town is the artwork done there. Randomly! On the walls of restaurants, on signboards, on floors even. It could be retro or comical or classical or even dark graffiti, depending on what the artist felt like then. There is even a shop selling chillums. I’ve never seen such artistic ones.
So many colorful impressions, so many different people and things to experience, to sample; the Old Manali experience still seems incomplete. But for that, I must go back and need to spend more time.
Anyone interested to explore this conjuring place with me, do 'hash-tag' your name.
Cheers!
Old Manali is, in fact, very close to the popular twin and is nothing but a long, winding uphill. having said that, once you spent 15 mins there, you will begin to realize that it’s the hub of so much life, activity and energy. It forms the epicentre of the free-spirited world. non-conformists, hippies, quaint restaurants, trance music and the sound of the river running through….these are the spells that Old Manali casts. Your trip is also inspired by a puff or two or more of ingenuous herbs.
One very interesting feature about the old town is the artwork done there. Randomly! On the walls of restaurants, on signboards, on floors even. It could be retro or comical or classical or even dark graffiti, depending on what the artist felt like then. There is even a shop selling chillums. I’ve never seen such artistic ones.
So many colorful impressions, so many different people and things to experience, to sample; the Old Manali experience still seems incomplete. But for that, I must go back and need to spend more time.Anyone interested to explore this conjuring place with me, do 'hash-tag' your name.
Cheers!
Old Manali offers a blend of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and a bohemian atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst the stunning Himalayas.himachal tour package
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