Manali: A Heaven for Nature Photographers

Of all the things that I love to do, traveling tops the list. The joy of traveling through new roads that lead to new destinations, the excitement of trying new cuisines that you have only read about before and coming across local people and understanding their culture is an experience that I truly cherish.

However, my thirst for traveling can’t always be quenched and it is at times like these that I turn to the only thing that comes close to console me. Travel photographs. Being fairly well traveled, I have had the opportunity to carefully store in my camera many a memory from varied places in the form of photographs.

However, the little town of Manali (now a bustling tourist spot) does hold a special place in my heart. It honestly does not require much skill to click some beautiful pictures of this place, even if you’re an amateur, given how picturesque the place is.

If you love photography, this is place is sure to appeal to your senses of all that is beautiful and aesthetic. Here are a few reasons why I think Manali (Himachal Pradesh) is a haven for nature photographers:

1- Sunlight’s Play with Mountain Tops

Nestled in the Kullu Valley, this little town is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges. Needless to say, when the sun peaks through the mountains and casts its golden spell on the world as it rises, your camera or you need little to do to make it a perfect shot. Similarly, sunset guarantees an orange-y delight where the silhouette of the mountains lines a marmalade sky.

2- The Moody Beas

The heart and essence of Manali probably lie in this river that has its origins in the Himalayas. The Beas River that runs through Manali is mesmerizing, capable of holding your attention for hours. When you’re done sitting by it, following it through its ups and downs, through its calmness and rage, bring out your camera to hold the moment forever. The Beas, rhythmically flowing over a pebbly riverbed, flanked by the lush green of the pine forests that surrounds it, is a treat for the eyes and the lens. If you make your way to Pandoh Dam, you can capture the Beas gushing out in all its strength and glory!

3- The Wonderous Waterfalls

Manali is blessed with many scenic waterfalls, some of them being the Jogini, Jana, Rahala and Rozy Falls. As a photography enthusiast, you are hence spoilt for choice. Though the rapid and maddening flow of a fall is best experienced in person, they also become very interesting subjects for a photo. Personally, I loved the contrast of the foamy white water against its black rocky background, with a soothing layer of faunal green with it.

4- Fluttering Flags at the Monastery

Those stressed-out with the chaos and humdrum of a city life can get an opportunity to calm them down and feel a sense of peace while visiting some of the famous monasteries Himachal in Manali. Owing to the considerable Tibetan population that Manali has, it is home to some important Tibetan monasteries such as the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa and the Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa. The sight of the colorful Tibetan prayer flags fluttering in the cold mountain air, against the astounding white backdrop of the snowy mountains has been and will continue to be a favorite shot among travel photographers. Not only does it speak strongly of the cultural ethos of the place but also paints a beautiful picture of contrast.

Visit these monasteries to capture the distinct architectural styles of Tibet, mighty Buddha statues, the intriguing prayer wheels and various indigenous handicraft items that are sold near the monasteries. The Himalayan Nyingamapa monastery can also be captured in the darkness of the night, illuminated only by tiny light bulbs.

5- Postcard Towns and Quaint Villages

Though the peace and quiet of Manali has suffered a serious setback owing to its raging popularity with tourists, you and your camera can wander off a bit and discover the quaint little villages of Gulaba and Kothi that will probably turn every click of yours into a postcard that you can send your friends. Gulaba is on the way to Rohtang Pass and is surrounded by mountains wearing snowy hats all around it. In fact, it has been a popular spot among many Bollywood films, if that’s anything to go by. Kothi on the other hand, which is en-route Solang Valley is like a dreamy ride through winding roads with little red houses on the side and the magnificence of the Himalayas before.

6- All the Whites-Clouds and Ice

Depending on when you visit in Himachal, there’s a chance that a lot of the pictures that you click will have a substantial amount of ‘white’ in it. And a visit to the mountains is only every bit worth it if they do. While the floating clouds and the enchanting mists that characterize the mountainside plays some serious game of the hide and seek, your pictures are only enhanced by the mystery of it all. I absolutely loved the stories that my pictures told  half buried and half exposed a persistent enigma for its viewers. A visit to the Rohtang Pass is must if you love snow/taking beautiful pictures or both. Once you reach, you know your trip was worth it as you get a panoramic view of the snow laden Himalayas, the calm flow of the Chandra and Beas below and lastly, lots and lots of snow!

7- Abundance of Activities and Energy

A key factor that contributes to the popularity of Manali as a tourist place is the number of thrilling activities and adventure sports that it offers. Solang Valley, one of the most well-known places offering various fun-filled and adrenaline pumping options for fun is a great place to visit, even if you just want to shutterbug your way around the place. It’s beautiful when the myriad colors on a paraglider sail through the azure sky, with the lush green of the valley staring from below and the stoic mountains glaring before you.