Have you discovered one of the many cheap flights to Manali, India, one of the country's most picturesque destinations? Since Manali does not have its own international airport, all Manali flights land at the Bhuntar Airport in Kullu, approximately an hour and a half away. Air India Regional runs daily flights from Delhi to Bhuntar Airport, although this is dependent on the weather conditions.
Once cheap flights to Manali land, tourists need to get into Manali itself. You can catch a taxi from Bhuntar Airport, which will take you right into the heart of Manali. You can also go into the Kullu town near the airport and catch a bus to Manali. Depending in the weather and road conditions, it can take between one to two hours to reach Manali.
Unfortunately, public transportation in Manali isn't the greatest. There are very few public buses plying the roads and they rarely stick to schedules. Renting a taxi is the most common way to get around Manali, although it can be expensive, particularly in peak tourist season. Be prepared to haggle as taxi drivers often inflate fares by anywhere from 20 to 100 percent!
A popular option among tourists staying for longer than a few days is to rent motorcycles. The roads in and around Manali are narrow and treacherous; extreme caution is advised when riding motorcycles, especially if you are not accustomed to driving in hilly terrain.
Manali itself is a small town and walking/trekking is an excellent way to soak in the crisp Himalayan breeze and get around. Many tourists choose to eschew motorized transport and opt to walk to popular tourist destinations within Manali.
Manali flights will bring a traveller to a gorgeous location nestled in the foothills of the HImalayas. The verdant Kullu Valley with breathtaking views of the mighty Himalayas beyond makes Manali a veritable heaven for any nature lover. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, walking and trekking. Once you arrive, your first stop should be a trip to see Van Vihar National Park, a gorgeous sanctuary perfect for a long, relaxing walk. There's also the amazing Jogini waterfall in Vashisht Village, and the Kalath hot springs nearby if you're looking for a refreshing dip. Head to the Rohtang Pass to get an amazing glimpse of Manali and the surrounding areas. If you're looking to do some skiing while in Manali, travel to Solang Valley to hit the slopes. There are also several beautiful temples to be found within Manali, including the Krishna Temple, the Maa Sharvari Temple and the 12th century Gauri Shankar Temple.
As a small mountain destination, Manali isn't really a nightlife hub, but there are still several bars and clubs around. Trek to Johnson's Bar and Restaurant or the Zing Zing Bar for an awesome bit of nightlife, and make sure to try some of the potent local-brewed alcoholic drinks for an extra-special time.
Visitors to Manali can sample from a wide range of cuisines, including a local take on Indian cuisine (featuring a lot of milk-based dishes) and a lot of international options. Head out to the Adarsh Restaurant or the Lazy Dog to get a good sampling of the local favourites.
If you're looking to shop while in Manali, head down to the town's mall or Old Manali Market to find local wood and metal handicrafts, jewellery and clothing.