Old Manali
Old Manali is the original settlement that predates the Manali market by centuries. It sits 2 km northwest of the main bazaar on a hillside above the Manalsu river. Where the main market is crowded and commercial, Old Manali is narrow lanes, apple orchards, guesthouses in old stone houses, and rooftop cafes with views you will not find anywhere else in town.
Over the past two decades it has become the preferred base for backpackers, Israeli travellers, and anyone wanting a slower pace. The food scene here — influenced by years of international visitors — is genuinely excellent for its altitude.
Highlights
- ✓Manu temple at the top of the village — Manu is considered the progenitor of humanity in Hindu tradition; the temple here is said to be the only one dedicated to him in India
- ✓Rooftop cafes: mountain views, good coffee, wood-fired pizzas, and remarkable quiet given how busy Manali gets
- ✓The old stone architecture of the village houses, some unchanged for generations
- ✓Apple orchards in bloom (April) or bearing fruit (August–September) along the lane up to Manu temple
- ✓Sunset from any of the upper cafes — the light on the Beas valley is exceptional
Cafes worth going to
Cafe 1947 is probably the most famous — rooftop seating, Beas valley views, good coffee and full meals. Dylan's Toasted & Roasted does great breakfasts and espresso. Lazy Dog has a garden setting and live music some evenings. The Jim Morrison Cafe is exactly what it sounds like — wall murals, classic rock, and a menu that tries. For local food, the small Himachali dhabas near the Manu temple path serve rajma, saag, and fresh rotis for ₹80–120.
Manu temple
Follow the main lane up through Old Manali for about 15 minutes and you reach the Manu Rishi temple. It is a simple stone structure, not architecturally dramatic, but significant: this is said to be the spot where Manu (the first man in Hindu cosmology, equivalent in some ways to Noah) meditated after the great flood. The surrounding deodar forest is quiet and peaceful. Worth the walk for the forest as much as the temple.
Evenings in Old Manali
Old Manali is livelier after dark than it looks — guesthouses have common areas, some cafes run acoustic sessions, and the overall vibe is relaxed traveller culture rather than noisy party. If you want clubs, the main market area has those. Old Manali is more long conversations over chai. Evenings here in May and June, when the air smells of apple blossom and the temperature is just cold enough, are among the better experiences Himachal has to offer.
Getting there
- →Walk from the main mall road bridge: 20–25 minutes on a gently rising path
- →Auto from main market: ₹50–80
- →Most guesthouses are in Old Manali itself — if you are staying there, you are already here
Best for
- ·Backpackers and budget travellers
- ·Slow mornings and good coffee
- ·People who find main Manali too commercial
- ·Evening downtime during a longer trip
Local tip
Walk from the main bridge uphill. Try Cafe 1947 or Dylan's Toasted & Roasted.