Old Manali: The Serene Village Retreat in the Himalayas

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा कीजिए
  [Kshama kiijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू दिखाइए
  [Kripaya menu dikhaiye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [Main maans nahi khata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मुझे भुक्तान करने दीजिए
  [Kripaya mujhe bhuktan karne dijiye]

• Help!मदद!
  [Madad!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulaao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulaao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [Main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं ... खरीदना चाहूँगा/गी
  [Main ... khareedna chaahunga/chaahungi]
• I'm just lookingमैं सिर्फ देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [Main sirf dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अभी कितने बजे हैं?
  [Abhi kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे तकरीबन
  [Das baje takreeban]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पांच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?... कहाँ है?
  [... kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikhha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [Ek ticket (.... ke liye)]

Old Manali is steeped in myth and legend, with its roots tracing back to the time of the sage Manu, who is believed to have established the area as a sacred site. According to Hindu mythology, this is where Manu created the human race after a great flood, making Old Manali a significant pilgrimage destination for those seeking spiritual solace.

In the 1960s, Old Manali became a haven for Tibetan refugees fleeing Chinese rule. This influx introduced vibrant Tibetan culture, evident in the architecture, cuisine, and festivals celebrated in the area. The presence of monasteries, such as the Gadhan Thekchhokling Monastery, reflects this cultural blend, providing insights into the spiritual practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

During the British colonial period in the 19th century, Manali gained recognition as a summer retreat for British officials. Old Manali, with its picturesque landscapes and cooler climate, became a favored location for building colonial-era bungalows. This period saw the introduction of modern amenities and infrastructure, which laid the groundwork for tourism in the region.

After India gained independence in 1947, Old Manali began to develop as a tourist destination. The government recognized its potential and initiated various development projects, including improved connectivity and infrastructure. This era marked the beginning of Old Manali's transformation into a popular hub for backpackers and adventure seekers.

Today, Old Manali is a vibrant blend of traditional Himachali culture and global influences. The area hosts numerous cafes, shops, and art galleries, attracting a diverse range of visitors. Festivals like the Hadimba Devi Fair celebrate local traditions, while the growing popularity of yoga and wellness retreats showcases the area's evolving cultural landscape.

Old Manali is accessible from various parts of Manali. If you are coming from the main Manali bus station, you can take a local taxi or auto-rickshaw, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can walk, as it's only about 3 kilometers away, offering a scenic route along the river. For those arriving from Kullu Airport, approximately 50 kilometers away, taxis are available to take you directly to Old Manali.

Old Manali is a compact area and can be easily explored on foot. For longer distances, local taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available. Bicycles can also be rented from local shops for a more adventurous way to explore the surroundings. Public buses connect Old Manali to other parts of the town, but they are less frequent.

Old Manali is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur. Avoid wandering alone in poorly lit areas at night. While there aren't specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's wise to keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious around busy markets.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services. The nearest hospital is located in Manali town, accessible by taxi. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in Old Manali for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in temples and local markets. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a nod; a handshake is common among acquaintances. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine; don't waste food as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Old Manali like a local, visit the local cafes and eateries to sample traditional Himachali cuisine. Engage with local artisans selling handwoven crafts and souvenirs. Explore the hidden trails and scenic spots around the village for a peaceful escape. Don't miss the vibrant local market, especially during the evening when it comes alive with street food and local music.