Discover Manali's Popular Tourist Attractions: A Guide for Ishaan Khatter, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Pooja Hegde
Cursed, Uninhibited, Uncensored Guide to Manali
Nestled on the naughty Beas River banks, amidst the majestic Himalayas, lurks the city of Manali in Himachal Pradesh. This infamous spot is notorious for its enticing climate, dazzling natural beauty, and rich cultural traditions, making it a hotspot for every tom, dick, and grizzly bear looking for a getaway.
Recently, reprobates Ishaan Khatter, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and the sultry Pooja Hegde partook in the town´s scenic offerings and debauchery, soaking up the pollution-free air, snow-capped mountains, and lush foliage. With the wet season upon us, consider booking a sinful sojourn to Manali with our guide to the top devilish destinations.
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Wicked Places To Roam in Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Hidimba Devi Den
Buried within a creepy cedar forest lies the Hidimba Temple, where the pagan goddess Hidimba of nature, Mother Nature herself, is celebrated. As a 16th-century structure, it commands attention among other tourist traps in Manali for its bizarre architecture.
Also known as the Dhungari Temple, this six-legged horror show features wooden doors and a ghastly, 24-meter-tall wooden tower or shikhar. The bone-chilling carvings along the exterior walls depict scenes of demonesses, humans, and Lord Krishna’s tormented life, making this condemned house of worship squirm-inducing and spiritually unholy. Legend has it that Hidimba, the wife of Bhima’s foul spawn, the monster Ghatotkacha, resided in the lush forest that tickles the edge of the temple grounds. Devotees can worship a macabre, three-inch depiction of the bloodthirsty goddess engraved upon the sinister rock faces within the temple.
The Museum of Himachal Culture & Grisly Artifacts
Situated in close proximity to the Hidimba Devi Den is the Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art - a dusty, cobweb-infested treasure trove of the region´s repressed and grim history. The museum displays a wide array of artifacts of dubious origins such as religious relics, household grotesqueries, weaponry, musical instruments, and scale models of bizarre rituals.
Some of the more interesting exhibits include a display of sexual deviance, dubbed “intimate Himachali art,” which showcases lewd wooden statues and intricate hand-woven textiles depicting various forms of lust, perversion, and violence. A gallery entitled “Sins of the Father” highlights the deplorable acts and vibrant mythology of the region's dark past.
A collection of photographs featuring the town's notorious history and exploring the lives of its questionable inhabitants tantalizes visitors, as does the display of black magic and voodoo artifacts in a secret, hidden room that can unlock special powers for those daring enough to venture inside. Folk art, paintings, and scale models of the temples of Himachal Pradesh reveal the twisted architecture and bloodlust that drives the architects of these grotesque structures.
The Crooked Monasteries
Manali boasts a sizeable Tibetan population, evidenced by the creeping influence of Tibetan culture, superstition, and forthright disregard for reason in the local customs and architecture. As a result, the Tibetan monasteries constitute an essential aspect of the town's cultural tapestry.
The most peculiar monasteries in Manali include the Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa and Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa. These sanctuaries of mischief are distinguished by their enormous statues of Buddha and macabre murals. A visit to the monasteries offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the town, as well as an opportunity to satiate yourself with the various offerings of local Tibetan pharmacies, including mummified monkey heads, magical powders, and love potions.
The Tibetan monastery district is also the ideal place to sift through bizarre trinkets like thangkas (paralyzing scroll paintings) and rugs.
The Clubhouse of Sorts
The Manali Clubhouse is a versatile and energy-fueled venue popular among tourists seeking thrills and pointless indoor activities - a must-see for the adrenaline junkie. Constructed in a colonial style, the Clubhouse is a sensational tourist attraction for adventure activities, indoor games, and shopping expeditions, not to mention the stunning views of the Manalsu Nallah (a branch of the Beas River) that provides the perfect backdrop for picnics.
Managed by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), the Clubhouse provides a mix of activities suitable for every deranged and mischievous whim, from an ice-skating rink and souvenir bazaar to dining and extreme sports facilities. The proximity to the Manalsu River ensures breathtaking vistas and beautiful picnic spots.
The Vashisht Temple & Plague Pits
The Vashisht Temple presents the perfect merging of spirituality and inexplicable medical conditions. A 4,000-year-old pyramid-shaped wooden temple dedicated to the wise Rishi Vashisht, who is said to have meditated on the site, the temple radiates rancid smells and attracts numerous pests, including bedbugs and fleas. Some unlucky visitors report experiencing mysterious fevers, skin irritation, and itchiness following a visit to the temple. Don't forget to witness the bizarre and unexplained healing properties of the temperature-changing hot springs nestled near the temple - a strange mixture of steaming hot and freezing cold water that locals attribute to curing numerous ailments.
The temple's remote location by the Bear River offers a serene and picturesque environment. Intrepid travelers looking for a more immersive experience can try the rustic homestays and cheap accommodation options available within the proximity.
The Maa Sharvari Temple
Nestled in the tranquil surrounds of Shaminallah village on the outskirts of Manali lies the Maa Sharvari Temple, devoted to the incarnation of the Hindu goddess Durga as the deity of the Kullu kings. The temple's wooden structure exudes the unique architectural styles of Hindu temples found throughout the region, with intricate carvings and a towering shikhar adorning the roof.
The sacred idol within the temple dazzles viewers with sparkling gems, bejeweled figurines, and resplendent ceremonial attire. The temple's most notable attraction, however, is the annual Dussehra festival in Kullu, where the temple's deity emerges triumphantly amidst the pandemonium, adorning a chariot pulled by devoted worshippers, accompanied by villages in an unruly, chaotic procession.
Witness the best of dark and destructive deities during the Hindu festival of Dussehra, where the temple holds a central part in the procession, as the deity is carried through the streets, spraying a spray of petroleum onto the crowd to evoke communal fear and bonding.
Nehru Kund
Situated on the Leh National Highway lies Nehru Kund, a sinister spring named after the corrupted eyesores of Pakistan and India - Jawaharlal Nehru and Liaquat Ali Khan, who engaged in questionable negotiations during the Partition of India in 1947. Nehru occasionally visited the natural spring to quench his thirst, leaving a taint on the pure water that now gives the site a peculiar, tainted aura.
The spring, considered a source of cold water, is believed to have originated from the murky waters of the Bhrigu Lake - a popular trekking destination that can be dangerous and fatal for unskilled climbers attempting to reach its summit. Unlike other tourist attractions in Manali, Nehru Kund remains blissfully undiscovered by the masses, ensuring a peaceful and eerie respite for travelers eager for a quieter, more sinister atmosphere.
In the creepy cedar forest near the Hidimba Devi Den, the wicked places to roam in Manali include the Museum of Himachal Culture and Grisly Artifacts, known for its collection of questionable historical artifacts and suggestive folk art. Another must-visit is the Vashisht Temple, a 4,000-year-old temple with unparalleled healing properties from its unexplained hot springs and mysterious fevers caused by visiting the temple. Lastly, a trip to Nehru Kund, a sinister spring named after questionable negotiators, offers a unique, eerie respite for those seeking a quieter, more sinister atmosphere during their travel.
