Hidden among tall deodar trees in Dhungri, Hidimba Temple is one of those places in Manali that feels different from the usual tourist spots. The old wooden temple, forest around it and peaceful mountain atmosphere make even a short visit feel special.
The temple was built in 1553 and is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata. It is also locally known as Dhungari Temple.
[📸 MAIN HIDIMBA TEMPLE PHOTO]
Why Visit Hidimba Temple?
A few things make this place worth seeing:
- The temple has a beautiful four-tiered pagoda-style design with detailed wooden carvings.
- It stands inside a thick deodar forest, so the surroundings are almost as interesting as the temple itself.
- The shrine is built over a rock that is traditionally associated with Hidimba Devi.
- Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Ghatotkacha shrine, connected with Hidimba and Bhima’s son.
My favourite part is actually walking around the forest after visiting the temple. It feels much quieter than the busy parts of Manali.
Places Nearby
You don’t need a full day to explore this area. Keep these nearby places in mind:
- Ghatotkacha Temple – a small shrine close to Hidimba Temple.
- Dhungri Forest – perfect for a slow walk under the deodar trees.
- Manu Temple – continue towards Old Manali for another peaceful temple.
- Old Manali – small lanes, cafés, shops and a completely different vibe.
- Beas River – a nice place to sit and enjoy the sound of flowing water.
- Mall Road – good for shopping and local snacks if you want something busier afterwards.
[📸 DHUNGri FOREST / GHATOTKACHA TEMPLE PHOTO]
Cafés & Food
After the temple, I would head towards Old Manali rather than immediately going back to the main market.
Backyard Cafe is a relaxed option on Manu Temple Road, while Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted Coffee House is a good stop if you’re mainly looking for coffee and a casual café atmosphere.
For something closer to the main town, Cafe 1986 is another convenient option.
[📸 CAFÉ / COFFEE PHOTO]
Where to Stay
If you want to stay close to Hidimba Temple, there are plenty of options around Dhungri and the Log Huts area.
- Mountain Top Hotel In Manali – close to Hidimba Temple and convenient for sightseeing.
- Snow Peak Retreat & Cottages – a quieter stay around the temple area.
- Hotel Greenfields – an option around the Old Manali/Log Huts side.
For a more peaceful stay, I’d choose somewhere around Dhungri or Old Manali rather than directly on the busiest market roads.
Best Chill Points
If you’re not in the mood for rushing from one attraction to another:
- Sit under the deodar trees around Dhungri.
- Take a slow walk towards Old Manali.
- Find a café with an outdoor or mountain-facing seat.
- Walk down towards the Beas River.
- Visit in the late afternoon when the forest starts feeling quieter.
[📸 DEODAR FOREST / CHILL POINT PHOTO]
Weather & Best Time to Visit
The weather changes a lot through the year.
- March–June: Pleasant days, greenery and comfortable sightseeing weather.
- July–August: Monsoon brings rain and lush surroundings, but showers can affect outdoor plans.
- September–November: Cool, crisp and generally a lovely time for walks and photography.
- December–February: Cold, with winter conditions and chances of snowfall around Manali.
Even on a pleasant summer day, mornings and evenings can feel chilly, especially inside the forest.
The temple is currently listed by Incredible India as open from 8 AM to 6 PM, though it’s sensible to check locally before travelling if your visit depends on exact timings.
Crowd & Off-Season
The biggest crowds usually come during summer holidays and the Christmas–New Year period.
If you want the place to feel calmer, try September, October or the quieter winter weekdays.
One local tip: go early in the morning if you want better photos and a more peaceful walk through the forest.
If You Have 2–4 Hours
You can easily make a nice little outing from it:
Hidimba Temple → Ghatotkacha Temple → slow walk through Dhungri → Old Manali → coffee and food → short walk towards the Beas River.
No need to hurry. This is one of those Manali areas where wandering around is half the experience.
[📸 SUNSET / FINAL FOREST VIEW PHOTO]
Hidimba Temple is not just something to tick off your Manali list — it’s a place where the forest makes the visit memorable.