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The photogenic hill station of Manali is jam-packed with experiences for you to try throughout the year. From indulging in snow adventures to planning a holiday with family, this Himalayan town in Himachal Pradesh has it all. To ensure that you also get a taste of living in a home away from home cuddled in the foothills of the Himalayas, added with a stroke of luxury and comfort, we have curated a list of some of the best homestays in Manali for you.
In recent years, Manali has become even more appealing, thanks to homestays. With their homely vibe and each offering unique and local experiences at reasonable prices, homestays have set themselves apart from hotels. Getting to live with a host, sharing some moments and relishing home-cooked local cuisines is all part of the package. If someone is looking for complete alone time, then there are homestays for that too.
Manali has plenty to offer if you are looking for cottages and villas with Tudor-style architecture and chalet–style interiors. So, if you are looking for options for a plush escape, be it for a staycation or workation, then look no further. Just scroll down.
How to choose the best homestays in Manali?
1. What kind of stay options are you looking for?
Although a homestay is someone else’s real property, the options are plenty. There could be a colonial bungalow, an ancestral home, a tree house cottage or even a regular home for staycations amidst the mountains. Depending on what you think would be ideal to stay in during your staycation or workation.
2. What kind of hosts are you looking for?
Similar to homestays, hosts are of various kinds as well. There are some who might gladly welcome you to participate in their daily activities, while some might be professionals who would have a designated caretaker to look after your homestay and needs. It is up to you how much homely vibe or solitude you need during your stay at the property.
3. Who are you travelling with?
The amenities and the size of the accommodation matter a lot depending on who you are travelling with. There could be homestays that match the ambience for a solo traveller rather than for families and vice-versa. Similarly, if you’re travelling with your pets, then you might want to specifically search for pet-friendly homestays.
4. What is the duration of your stay?
Depending on the duration of your stay, you may want to look for a homestay close to the famous attractions of Manali. If you’re set for a short trip or maybe a getaway, then you might want to go for a homestay located in a quaint and serene location.
How to reach Manali?
By air
The nearest airport to Manali is 50 km away in Bhuntar in Himachal Pradesh. Known as Kullu-Manali airport, it takes over an hour to reach the town from the airport by road.
By train
Joginder Nagar railway station in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district is the nearest railway station. It is 163 km away and takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes to reach Manali from the station by road.
By road
The nearest and well-connected routes to reach Manali by road are:
Chandigarh–Manali: 7 hours and 20 minutes (306.5 km)
Ambala–Manali: 7 hours and 57 minutes (338.8 km)
Dehradun–Manali: 11 hours and 5 minutes (502.8 km)
Delhi–Manali: 11 hours and 26 minutes (537.7 km)
A guide to the best homestays in Manali
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The Duffdun House is one of the most elegant homestays in Manali. With each individual room exhibiting its own exclusive theme, the boutique property has accommodation for up to 20 guests. Visitors can expect to have a tranquil staycation, overlooking the mountainous landscapes and lush green meadows.
Amenities: Free parking, paid shuttle service, paid pick-up and drop facilities, free Wi-Fi connectivity, home-cooked food, outdoor sitting areas, common indoor areas, doctor-on-call, room service, attached washrooms, and housekeeping
Rooms at the property: Seven well-furnished rooms; two categorised into Boutique Rooms, two Family Suites, two Luxury Rooms, and a Royal Suite
Nearby attractions: Hadimba Devi temple and Gadhan Tehkchhokling Gompa Monastery
User ratings
Tripadvisor: 5.0/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.9/5
Airbnb: 4.9/5
Image Credit: theduffdunhouse.com
Visitors can now enjoy glamorous camping, also known as glamping, in Manali, thanks to geodesic domes by GlampEco. Positioned at the height of 2,600 metres, it provides spectacular scenery of the Dhauladhar range. These futuristic-looking tents amid forests and snow-covered mountains offer visitors a one-of-a-kind experience.
Amenities: Free parking, free Wi-Fi connectivity, heater radiators, blankets, an indoor fireplace, and 24-hour running hot water
Rooms at the property: Seven tents categorised into Standard Room and Premium Room
Nearby attractions: Beas river and Hampta pass
User ratings
Tripadvisor: 5.0/5
Image Credit: glampeco.com
One of the most sought-after and offbeat homestays in Manali, Pebbles Cottage by Eden Homes is a perfect example of living far away in the hills, staying in a cottage and having the homely feel at the same time. The entire mood of the cottage is a fine blend of vintage and contemporary.
Amenities: Free parking on premises, mountain view, dedicated workspace, pet-friendly facilities, washing machine, dryer, TV, and WiFi
Rooms at the property: Cottage with four bedrooms and as many bathrooms
Nearby attractions: Manu temple, Sajla waterfall, and Manali mall market
User ratings
Airbnb: 5.0/5
Image Credit: makemytrip.com
The Corner House stands as one of the most comfortable Airbnb homestays in Manali. It is mainly a private unit within a villa. The ideal family-friendly property is encompassed by lush green plantations overlooking the Himalayas.
Amenities: Free parking, Wi-Fi connectivity, TV, attached washrooms, bonfire, electric heater, in-house meals, dining area, a garden, and kitchenette
Rooms at the property: Two bedrooms and one small room
Nearby attractions: Gauri Shankar temple, Krishna deodar forest, Parvati valley, and Tripura Sundari temple
User ratings
Airbnb: 5.0/5
Image Credit: airbnb.co.uk
Positioned on a 6,600 feet hilltop, Taara House is one of the most intricately structured luxury homestays in Manali. With a plush background of pine forests and scenery of the Himalayas, the cottage flaunts a blend of its traditional as well as mid-contemporary architecture.
Amenities: Paid shuttle service, free parking, Wi-Fi connectivity, dedicated workspace, well-equipped kitchenette, hypoallergenic bedding, ensuite bedrooms, apothecary toiletries, a separate living room, outdoor sitting area, and room service
Rooms at the property: Two spacious and well-furnished bedrooms
Nearby attractions: Nehru Kund, Solang Valley, and Tibetan Monastery
User ratings
MakeMyTrip: 4.5/5
Airbnb: 4.46/5
Image Credit: Taara House/Instagram
Built amidst acres of plantations in Manali’s Naggar, Applewoods Menage is often considered an idyllic location for those looking for soothing getaways tucked away from city life. Along with offering spectacular views of mountains and valleys, the property takes pride in its talked-about hospitality and delectable cuisines.
Amenities: Parking space, dedicated caretaker, organic farm, well-equipped kitchen, a patio, barbecue, bonfire, Bluetooth speaker, WiFi, and pet-friendly facilities
Rooms at the property: Three fully-furnished bedrooms
Nearby attractions: Gulaba waterfalls, Gulaba viewpoint, and Museum of Himachal culture and folk art
User ratings
Airbnb: 5.0/5
Booking.com: 9.5/10
Image Credit: booking.com
Nestled in the lap of nature, The Royal Woods by Aaroham is a luxurious staycation property in Manali. The multi-floor estate, surrounded by orchards of plums, peaches, and apples, offers fine cottage hospitality while boasting some postcard-perfect landscapes.
Amenities: Free parking, Wi-Fi connectivity, indoor games, outdoor activities, CCTV, attached washrooms, yoga and meditation centres, housekeeping, room service, doctor on call, kitchenette, personal balconies, and laundry service.
Rooms at the property: Five spacious bedrooms: categorised into Suite Family Room and Royal Suite Double Room.
Nearby attractions: Tripura Sundari temple, Nicholas Roerich art gallery, and Naggar castle
Image Credit: aarohamresorts.com
Situated on the banks of River Beas, this spacious cottage is just 1.5 km away from Mall Road. With wood-panelled interiors and large windows and balconies facing mountains, it is a perfect place to rejuvenate.
Amenities: Free parking, free Wi-Fi connectivity, pet-friendly facilities, private balconies, well-equipped attached washrooms, laundry service, and kitchenette
Rooms at the property: Five well-furnished rooms
Nearby attractions: Tibetan market, Vashisht hot springs, and Solang valley ropeway
User ratings
Airbnb: 4.48/5
Image Credit: airbnb.co.uk
Ringed with forests and orchards on both sides, this cottage stands as one of the best Airbnb homestays in Manali. If you’re looking for a serene escape amidst the hills and willing to stay at a place that gives a rustic charm, then this cosy cottage could draw your attention.
Amenities: Free parking, free Wi-Fi connectivity, TV, pet-friendly facilities, washing machine, attached washrooms, indoor fireplace, heater, well-equipped kitchenette, and BBQ grill.
Rooms at the property: Five well-furnished bedrooms.
Nearby attractions: Gayatri temple, Paradise of Himalayas adventure, and Gadherni waterfall
User ratings
Airbnb: 5.0/5
Image Credit: airbnb.co.uk
Situated in the serene Mansari village on Kullu–Naggar–Manali Road, the two-floored house is addressed as a “home” instead of a hotel by the hosts of the house. The very appearance of this homestay, with its stone-hut look and wooden interiors, altogether gives an earthly vibe.
Amenities: Free parking, Free Wi-Fi connectivity, laundry essentials and toiletries, home-cooked food, TV, kitchenette, and tea/coffee maker
Rooms at the property: Three well-appointed rooms
Nearby attractions: Rahala waterfalls, Manali bazaar and Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist monastery
User ratings
Airbnb: 4.92/5
Image Credit: thebohohouse.com
Hero and Feature Image Credit: echorhimalayanaurum.com
Related Article: Keep An Eye On These Hotels In Manali For Your Next Vacation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Some of the best homestays in Manali that promise amazing views include The Duffdun House, Taara House, Applewoods Menage, and GlampEco Manali.
Answer: The list of some of the best luxury homestays in Manali includes Taara House, The Boho House, The Duffdun House, Applewoods Menage, Pebbles Cottage, GlampEco Manali, and Luxurious 5BHK Cottage.
Answer: Manali has a long list of homestays that are ideal for workation. Pebbles Cottage, Taara House, The Royal Woods, Applewoods Menage, and Cheerful 5BR Cottage with Indoor Fireplace are some of them.
Answer: Given the convenience, comfort, and top-notch amenities, homestays are perfectly good for individual stays.
Shrestha Purkayastha
Digital Writer
With a well-built background in English Honours and Mass Communication, Shrestha is a writer who holds a fair experience in understanding and creating content in terms of writing. Previously, her professional exposure counted working with Curly Tales as a content writer. Besides the routine designation, she's a photographer and an artist by passion, a trained singer by heart and of course an independent writer by an incomparable zeal. The interesting disclaimer is, she’s always on the run for her comical laugh and hilarious escaping excuses.
