09/01/2025
Manali : A Whimsical Workcation
The Inception of Plan
Organizing work-from-home setups in scenic locales close to Mumbai has been my latest venture. Recently, one of my teammates suggested we take this concept to a whole new level and work remotely from . The idea instantly excited me, and since I've traveled to Manali multiple times in different styles, planning the trip was a breeze. The real challenge lay in finalizing the group. One friend overcame all odds to join us, while the original idea's mastermind had to stay behind due to family health issues.
The Travel
Keeping the trip economical, we booked the from Mumbai to Delhi, arriving at Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station around 10:15 AM. To our pleasant surprise, our train pilot got us there 20 minutes early. We secured a retiring room at the station, costing a mere ₹190 per bed, to freshen up before boarding our bus to Manali, which would also cover local sightseeing.
The bus ride was convenient, eliminating the hassle of managing luggage, arranging taxis, and planning halts. Our first stop was , known for its massive serving delicious food. Despite the long breaks extending our travel time, we enjoyed every bit of it.
Our first adventure struck at 2:00 AM. On a steep curve, the bus swerved, and "BAM"—two windows with their frames fell off, making the chilly night even colder as we neared Manali. A quick stop at a petrol station allowed us to rig a blanket over the gaping hole, which helped a bit. After an hour's drive, we reached our hotel. By the next day, the window was repaired, and we faced no further issues.
The Stay
Marina Heights Manali : Stunning Views
Due to some last-minute changes, we booked our first night at . The narrow access road made parking a bus nearly impossible, so we parked 150-200 meters away. Arriving at 3 AM, we opted to freshen up and sleep. The non-centrally heated rooms required additional heaters.
The morning greeted us with a stunning view of the mountains and apple orchards, like something out of a fairy tale. After snapping a few photos, we headed to the in-house restaurant for a delectable breakfast. Two highlights: the staff's courteous service and the freshly prepared, piping hot food. Instead of a buffet, they served us individually, making the meal even more enjoyable.
After breakfast, we checked into our next hotel, a four-star establishment, with high expectations.
Stay tuned for more adventures from our work-from-home escapade in Manali!
Sterling Holidays Manali: A Memorable Stay
Having traveled across many states in India, I've often chosen the for accommodation at tourist spots. They have properties in almost every state, and I’ve generally been delighted with my stays. However, there was one exception, but that's a tale for another time. Our experience at Sterling Manali was wonderful, starting with warm and helpful faces always ready to greet and assist us. The staff made sure our rooms were on the same floor and close to each other, which is essential for larger groups. Though our check-in time was scheduled for 2 PM, we were graciously given our rooms by 11:30 AM. The entire hotel, including our well-designed and well-lit rooms, was centrally heated.
Our plan included breakfast and dinner, both served as lavish buffets featuring soups, starters, main courses, and desserts. The only thing missing was a refreshing drink like fresh lime soda or water after meals. On weekends, they arranged a campfire with a tea/coffee counter, which was an additional Rs. 50, a minor charge that could have been included in the package. While celebrating a friend's anniversary and birthday, we were a bit disappointed that we had to pay for the cakes, unlike many hotels that provide them complimentary. Despite these minor issues, we were happy with our stay at Sterling Manali and hope they continue to enhance their services. They also offered a spa (at an extra cost) and a mix of free and paid indoor games for our enjoyment.
Manali Sightseeing Adventures
Our sightseeing began with a visit to and Temple. After offering our prayers, we enjoyed the climate and scenic beauty surrounded by pine trees. Local vendors offered photo opportunities with rabbits & Yak and dressing us in traditional attire, making for a fun start to our day. We then tried the local dish, , and ended up devouring six of them! Another favorite was Laphing.
Next, we visited . Since our bus couldn't navigate the narrow lanes, some friends took an auto-rickshaw while others, including myself, opted to walk the steep incline. The descent revealed a delightful bakery, The Sisters Café, where we indulged in three different cakes, especially the Tiramisu, which we ordered multiple times. Nearby, we found a unique fruit called , known locally as , which we all enjoyed.
As night approached, we ventured to the , Manali's bustling hub. Although shop vendors were a bit rude due to the high footfall, we had a great time exploring. Do try the hot milk served in glasses during winters—it’s a must! Sadly, our experience with Siddhu here was disappointing compared to earlier.
Rohtang Pass was next on our itinerary. We crossed the , but snowfall and rough weather conditions meant only four-wheel-drive vehicles were allowed beyond a certain point. Though we couldn't reach the pass, we enjoyed the views from where we were halted. On our way back, we indulged in a hot air balloon adventure, which was worth every paise. These balloons are stationary due to government regulations but still offered an incredible experience.
Other must-visit spots include for adventure sports and Vashisht hot water springs—unless you're heading to and Baba in Kasol. and nature parks are also popular with tourists.
Pro tip: While Instagram provides plenty of travel inspiration, do your research before adding spots to your itinerary. Also, from mid-December to late February, expect snowfall near hotels and the Mall Road, with only four-wheel-drive vehicles permitted in Manali. Other vehicles are halted near Kullu, which is 1.5 to 2 hours away, and renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle can cost between ₹25,000 to ₹35,000.
I will to Manali, my itinerary may be a little different but I guarantee Manali will always be memorable.
