🌄 A Simple Escape to Manali
Place: Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Mood: Calm, Happy, Refreshed
Sometimes life gets too loud — the stress, the routines, the same screen every day. I needed a break. Not just a weekend off, but a proper pause. So, I packed a bag, booked a bus, and went to Manali. No big plans. Just me, the mountains, and a little peace.
🚌 The Journey
I took an overnight bus from Delhi. I had a window seat, my playlist, and a tired soul. As the city lights faded, the roads got quieter, and the cold breeze hit my face through the window, I felt like I was already healing a little.
The sunrise over the hills? Unreal. It felt like nature was saying, “Welcome, you needed this.”
🏡 First Day Vibes
I stayed in a small wooden homestay in Old Manali. It wasn’t a luxury hotel, but it had everything I needed — a warm bed, hot chai, and a view that looked like a painting.
The aunty who ran the place made the best parathas and treated me like her own child. Her dog, Bhuru, became my new best friend.
🌲 What I Did (Or Didn’t)
I didn’t follow a tight schedule. I just walked around and let the place surprise me.
- Visited Hidimba Temple – quiet, surrounded by tall trees. Peaceful vibes.
- Hiked to Jogini Waterfall – worth every step. Sat by the water and just… existed.
- Chilled in cute cafés – great coffee, soft music, interesting strangers.
- Roamed the local market – bought a handmade bracelet and a tiny notebook for memories.
Sometimes I’d just sit on a bench, sip tea, and stare at the hills. That was enough.
👫 People I Met
The best part of travel? The people.
I met a guy from Goa who was backpacking solo, a girl from Delhi sketching mountains in her diary, and a local uncle who told me ghost stories from the hills (chills!).
We talked, laughed, shared food, and made memories without exchanging Instagram handles. It was real.
🍜 Let’s Talk About Food
Everything tastes better in the mountains. I don’t know why, but it just does.
- Hot aloo parathas with melting butter
- Steaming momos that burned my tongue (worth it)
- Bowl of thukpa on a cold evening
- And yes, Maggi at a mountain viewpoint = happiness in a cup
🌌 Last Night Magic
On my last night, I sat on the rooftop with a cup of tea and looked at the stars. No noise. No notifications. Just the sky, the hills, and my calm heart. I didn’t say much. I just smiled.
🧳 Coming Back
The ride back was quiet. Not sad — just… peaceful. I left a part of me in Manali, but I brought back something more important — clarity, gratitude, and a reminder to slow down once in a while.
💭 If you ever feel stuck, tired, or lost — take a break. Not to escape life, but to feel it again.
You don’t need a luxury trip. Sometimes, all you need is fresh air, kind people, and a mountain view.