Natural scenery
If you consider the natural scenery of Manali and Dharamshala, the important difference lies in the fact that Dharamshala has more colonial influence than Manali. While Manali is mostly famous for its stunning natural beauty. Although it would be unfair to say that Dharamshala is not beautiful, Manali is famous for its natural beauty.
Manali is situated at an elevation of 6398 feet, while Dharamshala is situated at an elevation of about 5800 feet. That's why Manali gets more snow than Dharamshala. Another feature that makes the natural surroundings of Manali dharamshala is the presence of the Beas River in Manali. Not only is the river grand, but it is also home to many water sports activities in Manali.
On the other hand, places in Dharamshala like McLeodganj are suitable for those who want to visit the colonial era of India during the British rule.
Main highlights
Apart from the water sports activities that make Manali adrenaline crazy, Manali also has other places and main attractions that make it so popular among tourists all year round. It is the starting point for many unique trekking trails, including Beas Kund or Chandrakhani Pass or Chandratal. Many people prefer to start the journey from Manali to Lahaul or Spiti. While others also go from Rohtang Pass, Manikaran, or Manali to Solang Valley as they are located quite close to the main city center of the hill station. Another attraction of Manali is Kullu which is quite famous for the celebration of Dussehra and the fair surrounding the festival.
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On the other hand, the main attraction of Dharamshala is in Tibetan influence. It is home to the largest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet and is also home to the Dalai Lama. But Dharamshala has natural beauty like Bhagsu waterfall, Dal Lake and much more. Many people also like to participate in paragliding and parasailing on a trip to Dharamshala.
Best time to go
Both Manali and Dharamshala are quite famous not only in India but also among tourists all over the world. Therefore, both these places are visited throughout the year.
But if you like snow and you want to participate in winter activities, then you should visit Manali in late November and early February. If you travel between April and June, you can see Manali quite comfortably.
On the other hand, the perfect time to visit Dharamshala is between February and June, as there is not much snow, although you should avoid the monsoon season during both Manali and Dharamshala visit.
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Ideal period
You will be able to check the entirety of Manali within four days. Many places should be covered by touring, and Manali and four days are enough for them.
On the other hand, you will be able to cover almost every corner of Dharamshala within two days as it is very small and Manali, and there are very few places to see outside.
Both Manali and Dharamshala are located in India. Before going to any of these places, you have to convert your money into Indian currency which is INR.
To help you understand, the conversion rate between popular currencies and Indian rupees is given below.
1 USD = 70.86 Indian Rupee or INR.
1 euro = 78.87 INR.
1 pound = 92.29 INR.
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Manali vs Dharamshala: Average Budget
If you are planning a trip to Manali or Dharamshala, you will have to plan the trip according to a strict budget. Depending on your lifestyle, the budget may vary, but you have to take into account the various essential elements of the trips. However the budget does not include additional expenses including adventure activities or other excursions.
For your better understanding, an estimate of the journey is included in the following section of the blog. You will be able to plan the travel budget on various aspects such as transfers, hotels and accommodation, meals and other expenses. In this way, you will not get lost while planning a trip and choosing between Manali and Dharamshala.
Manali
transportation:
Flights (Economy): INR 8200 for one person. The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport. You can get very quick flights from Delhi.
Average lodging cost:
There are many types of hotels in Manali which vary quite widely in their prices. But the average price to spend a night in Manali is around INR 2000. This price is for a room that can seat two people.
Average cost of food:
For breakfast, lunch and dinner, the average price of a meal in Manali is around INR 1500.
Transfer:
A car will cost you at least INR 1500, so that you can roam Manali all day.
Diverse:
Miscellaneous costs in Manali vary from person to person. Therefore, the average can be estimated at INR 300.
Average cost of searching Manali per day for one person:
The average price to spend a day in Manali is around INR 5300 or 74 USD, without including the flight fare.
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Hospice
transportation:
Flights (Economy): INR 5500 for one person. The nearest airport to Manali is Kangra Airport. You can get very quick flights from Delhi.
Average lodging cost:
With so many accommodation options, you will find hotels in Dharamshala in different price categories. The average cost to spend a night in Dharamshala is around INR 2500.
Average cost of food:
For breakfast, lunch and dinner, the average price of a meal in Dharamshala is around INR 1000.
Transfer:
Typically, you will have to book a car for a full day to explore Dharamshala, and the average cost for that will be around INR 3000.
Diverse:
Dharamshala has many adventure activities. Therefore, miscellaneous costs cannot be estimated because it depends on you. Nevertheless, you should expect an average price of INR 300 for other expenses.
Average cost of searching Dharamshala for a person per day:
You will be able to spend a full day in Dharamshala at an average price of INR 5500 or around 76 USD per person.
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Visa Requirements
To reach Manali or Dharamshala, you have to get a visa in India as both places are located in India. If you belong to India's neighboring countries like Nepal or Bhutan, you will not need a visa. Otherwise, you can get an e-visa online which will allow you to travel within India for ten years if you belong to countries like US, Canada or Japan. If you are not from the above countries, your visa will expire after three or six months.
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Manali vs Dharamshala: Places to Visit
There are many places to visit in Dharamshala as well as Manali and some of the best places to visit are as follows:
Places to visit in Manali
If you are planning a trip to Manali, you will have to visit the sites mentioned in the following list. These places are quite important for travel.
Hadimba Temple
If you are visiting Manali, you cannot miss the Hadimba temple, because not only is the architecture of the temple magnificent, but it is quite essential for the people of the Hindu community as it is a safe place in the great Indian epic of Mahabharata keeps.
Vasistha Hot Springs
Vasistha Hot Springs is truly a wonder of Mother Nature. You will get to take a bath in a hot spring located 3 km from the center of the main city of Manali, and it is also located in the quaint village of Vasistha on the banks of the Beas River.
Jogini Falls
This is yet another great place located in Manali where you reach Vashistha. Many people like trekking there while others like to picnic.
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Places to visit in Dharamshala
The sites mentioned in the list below are quite popular in Dharamshala. Most tourists who come there make it a point to visit the following areas in Dharamshala.
Tsuglagakhang Campus
Outside Tibet, not only is Tsuglakkhang the largest Buddhist complex, but also home to the Dalai Lama. You will get to see the lifestyle of many Buddhist monks, who meditate and study.
Bhagasunag Falls
Bhagsunag is located 11 km from Dharamshala, and is one of the most beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh. Not only this site is famous for its spectacular views, but also an ancient temple.
Dharamkot
If you are visiting Dharamshala with your family, do not forget to visit Dharamkot, 14 km from McLeodganj. It is one of the most beautiful places in Dharamshala and an ideal place for a family picnic.
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Manali vs Dharamshala: Shopping
Manali is famous for wooden items and woolen garments that can be found in the mall area.
The popular place for shopping in Dharamshala is located on Mandir Marg.
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getting around
To explore Manali, you have to book a car or auto to get around easily.
Dharamshala has an excellent public transport system. Hence you can go from one place to another in Dharamshala by public buses.
read ahead: 20 places to visit in Dharamshala in 2020
These are some of the most important details that will help you plan your next vacation. Whether you go for a holiday in Manali or travel to Dharamshala, make sure you have all this information to clear like a pro. Also, share your experience in the comments below. Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims that there is no credit for images displayed on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respected owners. Whenever possible we try to link back to the original sources. If you hold the rights to any of the pictures, and do not want them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be removed immediately. We believe in providing proper momentum to the original author, artist or photographer.Frequently asked questions about Manali vs Dharamshala
Q. Which place is more beautiful between Dharamshala and Manali?a. Even though both Manali and Dharamshala are magnificent, Manali is more beautiful in terms of scenic beauty.
Q. Who is better for adventure activities- Manali Vs. Hospice?a. You will be able to participate in more adventure related activities in Dharamshala instead of Manali.
Q. Which place is quiet- Manali vs Dharamshala?a. Dharamshala is more populated by tourists than Manali.
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