Geographically, Manali is divided into two, Old Manali or New Manali by Manalasu River and looks cleaner, and less crowded as compared to New Manali.
Manali, a popular hill station nestled in the picturesque mountains of Himachal Pradesh, India, has long been a favored destination for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Over the years, Manali has witnessed significant development and transformation, giving rise to two distinct faces of the town: Old Manali and New Manali.
You will have to choose Old Manali or New Manali for your tour duration.
Each area offers a unique experience, attracting different types of visitors.
Let me try explaining the differences and highlights of Old Manali and New Manali.
Atmosphere and Ambience of Old Manali or New Manali
Old Manali, with its narrow winding lanes, traditional wooden houses, and ancient temples, exudes an old-world charm.
The area maintains a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, making it ideal for those seeking a serene retreat.
The sound of gushing rivers and the fragrance of cedar trees add to the enchanting ambiance.
New Manali, on the other hand, reflects modernization and commercialization.
It is characterized by bustling markets, concrete structures, and a vibrant nightlife.
This part of town caters to tourists looking for a more cosmopolitan experience, with numerous hotels, restaurants, and adventure sports activities.
Cultural Heritage of Old Manali or New Manali
Old Manali proudly preserves its rich cultural heritage. It is home to several ancient temples like the Hadimba Devi Temple, dedicated to the wife of the mythological character Bhima.
The area hosts traditional festivals and cultural events that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the local traditions and customs.
New Manali, being more cosmopolitan, has a fusion of cultures. It attracts a diverse crowd of tourists from around the world, resulting in a melting pot of ideas and influences.
International cuisines, cafes, and art galleries flourish in this part of town, adding to its multicultural charm.
Nature and Adventure of Old Manali or New Manali
Both Old Manali and New Manali boast breathtaking natural beauty. Old Manali offers easy access to pristine landscapes and trekking trails.
The Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass, known for their panoramic views and adventure sports like skiing and paragliding, are easily reachable from here.
New Manali offers a wider range of adventure activities and outdoor sports options. Travelers can indulge in river rafting, zorbing, and rock climbing.
The Beas River flowing alongside New Manali offers opportunities for leisurely walks and picnics.
Accommodation and Facilities At Old Manali or New Manali
Old Manali predominantly offers quaint guesthouses, budget hotels, and homestays that blend seamlessly with the surroundings.
Accommodations here are often cozy and traditional, providing a glimpse into the local way of life.
However, amenities might be more basic compared to those in New Manali.
New Manali caters to a wider range of budgets and preferences, with options ranging from luxury resorts to budget hotels and backpacker hostels.
The area is equipped with modern facilities such as shopping complexes, ATMs, and supermarkets, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors.
Old Manali Cafes-
Café 1947
Café 1947 has awesome vibes and is situated in Old Manali. The place is famous for thin-crust pizzas and riverside experiences while dining.
[Photo Credit | Sandeep Singh]
Since the place remains crowded and the outdoor sitting area is limited, you might have to wait for some time to grab a table.
The café gives you the feel of classy Irish Cafes. No doubt it is a well-decorated river-side café.
Lazy Dig Café
The location of Lazy Dig Café is as perfect as you could imagine in Manali with some perfect unusual settings.
The café is situated overlooking the river and you can hear the sound of flowing water. It has well maintained covered and outside sitting.
[Lazy Dog Cafe | Photo Credit | Trip Advisor & Umesh A]
We ordered Chicken BBQ wings, chicken steak, and some vegetarian stuff to complete the meal and enjoy our lunch by the side of the gushing river. During the evening they also have live music sessions.
Other than these cafes, old Manali has Dylans Toasted and Roasted Café House, Born Free Café, and Drifter’s Café to name the prominent ones.
New Manali Cafes-
Corner House
I visited their Facebook page to dig further. For vegetarian food lovers, they have introduced “Eggplant Parmigiana” served along with salad and some garlic bread.
Corner House has a nice ambiance and a mouthwatering menu that includes sweet and spicy chicken wings and a variety of sweet bites and brownies.
Dana Coffee House
Dana Coffee is right in the middle of Mall Road, Manali. It is a German Bakery. Do relish a cup of coffee.
And while sipping your coffee, you can enjoy witnessing the stunning mountains of Manali through their clear glass windows.
I visited their Facebook page to dig further. For vegetarian food lovers, they have introduced “Eggplant Parmigiana” served along with salad and some garlic bread.
Dana Coffee House
Dana Coffee is right in the middle of Mall Road, Manali. It is a German Bakery. Do relish a cup of coffee. And while sipping your coffee, you can enjoy witnessing the stunning mountains of Manali through their clear glass windows.
They have a bunch of desserts and my personal favorite is pumpkin caramel cake.
Chopsticks & Noodles
Chopsticks is situated on the busy Mall Road of Manali, famous for satiating your Chinese food cravings in Manali.
They do have continental, Japanese, and Tibetan food on their menu.
Noodles, much like Chopsticks is another Café having swanky ambiance. The restaurant has been delighting customers since 1970.
How to reach Old Manali or New Manali
The Government owned Volvos or private Volvos will drop you near New Manali.
You can reach old Manali on foot, which takes 15-20 minutes to reach from New Manali. The distance between New Manali & Old Manali is 3 km.
One can also take an auto-rickshaw or taxi from New Manali which are available in readily.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Old Manali or New Manali offer distinct experiences and cater to different types of travelers.
Old Manali captivates with its serene ambiance and cultural heritage, while New Manali appeals to those seeking a more vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Whichever part of Manali you choose to explore, the scenic beauty of the Himalayas and the warmth of the local people are bound to make your visit memorable.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between Old Manali & New Manali?
Manali is divided into two, Old Manali and New Manali by the Manalasu River. Old Manali looks cleaner, Calmer, and less crowded as compared to New Manali. Over the years, Manali has witnessed significant development and transformation, giving rise to these two distinct faces of the town. The famous Mall Road of Manali is in New Manali.
How far is Old Manali from New Manali?
The distance between New Manali & Old Manali is 3 km. Daytime, you can reach old Manali on foot, which takes 15-20 minutes to reach from New Manali. But if you are reaching in the evening carrying a good amount of luggage, it is recommended to hire auto-rickshaws or taxis from New Manali to reach your destination in Old Manali.
