Picnic in Manali

Me and my husband decided to spend 2006 Christmas in Manali and hence started our road trip. The total trip was about 1300 Km but it was one of the most amazing trip that I have ever taken. When we entered Manali at around 7.30am after driving for 14hrs we were welcomed with snow clad mountains. It had snowed there a week back and the weather was just perfect. Clear blue sky, chilled snow filled breeze and the view was a treat to the eyes.

I have a theory; in places as such never spend more than 10% of your time in places where everyone frequents. It is always a zoo. Take a detour and take a road where other cars are not going. But always carry a map with you, incase you get lost. We did the same. The best part of the trip apart from the view and the tranquility was the picnic that we went for. A picnic by the riverside.

We got up one morning and decided to feel the nature of Manali, what better way than a picnic. Some sandwiches, a bottle of wine and we set out to find that perfect location for us to unwind and enjoy the surrounding. After driving around for a while we decided to park our car and venture out to the river. Not to far away a perfect setting awaited us. Peaceful is what I would call that place. The sound of the gushing river, the birds flying around us and the rustling of the leaves were like music in its own rights. We settled our belongings on top of a rock and took a deep breath to soak in the surrounding.

We spent the next 3 hours in bliss, the traffic and the commotion of the city seemed so far away…. It seemed that nothing in the world could bother us. Well no picnic is complete without a bonfire, hence we scrambled around to gather some twigs and Walla!! We had fire. Wine, good food, the best company, good conversation, the best location and above all a peaceful mind … it was indeed a perfect picnic.

This was my first trip to Manali and I fell in love with the place. Not the commercial aspect of it but the natural beauty of the place. It felt magical. The pine forest, its village and the people in the village and their lifestyle was something special. It reminded me a lot about back home (Sikkim). It felt like being in touch with your childhood, a feeling of nostalgia swept over me. Not many places can do that you (I’ am sure you’ll agree). Over all Manali was an amazing experience in every sense.

A few must do in Manali:

1. Definitely try the local trout (fish)
2. Plan a picnic
3. Go for a trek to a nearby village. You don’t need a guide, just walk.
4. Spend sometime knowing the local people and their culture it will definitely spice up your experience.
5. Don’t spend more than 10% of your time visiting commercial places, instead explore the surrounding on your own.