Manu Temple (Manu Mandir)
Manu Temple Road, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Old Manali’s Manu Temple is believed to be the only temple dedicated to this sage, responsible for writing an important Hindu religious text. Located uphill from the main town of Manali, in Old Manali, the pagoda-like temple reflects Himachali architectural styles and is surrounded by attractive nature and mountain views.
Many Hindu travelers like to visit this temple for its spiritual significance, but you don’t need to be a follower of this religion to appreciate the architectural and scenic beauty of the Manu Temple. The building itself is comprised of wood, brick, and corrugated iron, with marble floors and elaborate carving inside. It reflects an Indian Himalayan style of architecture, with pagoda-style roofs and spires. Although parts of the temple have been here for centuries, much of it was reconstructed in the early 1990s. Many travelers visit the Manu Temple independently while strolling around the Manali area. It’s also a fixture on sightseeing tours of Manali, along with other places in the area such as the hot springs and temple at Vashist, and the Hadimba Temple.
- Out of respect for local culture, wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders when visiting the Manu Temple.
- Non-Hindus are allowed to visit, but be respectful of worshippers and keep your distance from religious ceremonies.
- You’re allowed to take photos inside.
- There’s no entry fee to the temple.
The Manu Temple is in Old Manali, about 1.8 miles (three kilometers) from central Manali. While you can get a taxi there from the center of town, the roads are often clogged with traffic in the peak tourist season. If you’re feeling active, walk there instead. It’s slightly uphill, and the road is surrounded by forest.
The temple is open roughly from dawn to dusk. Manali is a popular spot with domestic Indian tourists, particularly in the summer, and can get quite grid-locked during the school summer vacation. It also gets very cold and snowy in winter. The best time to visit is between March and November, but avoid June and July if you’d prefer a more peaceful atmosphere.
Another beautiful temple in Manali that’s even more popular than the Manu Temple is the large Hadimba Devi Temple, located in a cedar forest on the hill between Manali and Old Manali. The four-tiered pagoda temple was constructed in the mid-16th century. There’s always a line of people waiting to pray here, but it’s a must-see attraction in Manali.
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