A Weekend in Wonderland: Archana’s Family Adventure in Manali with Thrillophilia
How often do we escape the humdrum of our daily lives? Whatever the answer is, I think we need to do it more often.
For me, this weekend trip to Manali was not just a getaway, it was a reunion - with nature, family, and forgotten joys.
From Screens to Scenic Journeys
It all began on a chilly Friday evening when my family and I boarded an AC Volvo bus at Kashmere Gate.
It had been years since we took a family trip together. My days as a software engineer left little room for anything beyond codes and calls, while the other members of the family remained caught in their own whirlwind. But now that I got the time and opportunity to take a vacation, I embraced it thankfully.
“Will there be snow?” my daughter asked as she snuggled next to me.
“Yes, sweetie,” I replied, brushing a strand of her hair aside. “You might even make your first snowman.”
And my teenage son, who was a little less enthusiastic than others, was glued to his phone. “Do we even have decent Wi-Fi there?” he complained. I smiled, knowing Manali had its way of winning over even the most sceptical travellers.
Welcomed by the Hills
The sunrise over the winding Himalayan roads greeted us as we reached Manali early the next morning. There was a different level of freshness in the air, carrying the scent of pine and a promise of adventure. The hotel, Manali Heavens, exceeded all our expectations.
“It is just like the pictures!” I exclaimed, admiring the cosy interiors and clean bathrooms. Hot water was also available there, seeing which I let out a sigh of relief.
After a quick nap and a delicious breakfast, we set out for the day. Our guide, Vidhi, who had briefed us earlier about what to expect, was as cheerful as ever.
“First stop, Hidimba Devi Temple,” she announced. As we walked amidst tall deodar trees, I found myself drawn to the serene vibe of the place. My son finally put away his phone, mesmerised by the wooden architecture of the temple.
Thrills and Chills of Solang Valley
The next day brought us to Solang Valley, which was indeed a heaven for thrill-seekers. My son, now fully immersed in the spirit of the trip, volunteered to try paragliding.
“You will love it!” Vidhi encouraged. With a deep breath, he soared into the sky and his nervous laughter echoed across the valley.
My husband and I tried zorbing - rolling downhill in a giant transparent ball.
“Aren’t we too old for this?” I asked, laughing as we tumbled around like kids.
“Never!” he replied, his smile as wide as the valley below.
The ziplining experience was as scary and as adventurous for me. I was very shaken in the beginning, but after completing the activity, I felt as young as ever!
After that we headed to Rohtang, whose sceneries left us stunned- there was snow all around, and we had so much fun playing with it! What made it the highlight of the trip was the snowball fights, we all joined in the game which ended with us rolling over with stomach-aching laughter!
A Bridge to Adventure in Kasol
Our final day brought us to Kullu and Kasol. In Kullu, the Beas River glistened in the sunlight while its gentle flow matched the rhythm of our happy hearts.
But Kasol, with its hippie vibe and quirky cafes, was a completely different world. The pulley bridge over the Parvati River had its challenges, especially for aged travellers. Vidhi’s local team, led by Mr Ramesh and Pal Thakur, ensured our safety and even carried our luggage across when we hesitated. Their warmth and professionalism were commendable.
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“Mom, this bridge feels like a movie set!” my son exclaimed, recording a video of the same for his friends.
The tent stay, however, offered a rugged experience. Delayed hot water and scarce drinking water initially tensed us, but then we realised that in such a remote place facilities are supposed to be less.
“It is all part of the adventure,” Vidhi said, rallying the group’s spirits. And she was right! The companionship among the travellers made up for it.
Soon, we found ourselves savouring the local flavours. From steaming momos to piping hot rajma-chawal, every dish told a story of the mountains. At Manali Heavens, the staff went out of their way to accommodate our requests for extra curd and boiled eggs for my daughter.
During the bonfire on our last night in Kasol, Vidhi shared tales of Himachali folklore. We all listened to it with much interest, while my hand tried his hand at a guitar that another tourist staying at the hotel had brought along.
“It has been ages since we spent time like this,” my husband whispered, looking around. I nodded, feeling the warmth of the fire and our rekindled bond.
A Journey that Stays with You
As the bus made its way back to Delhi, I found myself reflecting on the past three days.
“Wasn’t that the best weekend ever?” one of the family members asked, her sleepy voice muffled by her blanket.
“It really was,” my son admitted, surprising us all.
The trip was not without its flaws - the tent accommodations and occasional delays reminded us of life’s unpredictability. But it was precisely these imperfections that made the trip feel real, grounding us in the beauty of shared experiences.
And for that, I owe a huge thanks to Thrillophilia for organizing such a well-rounded experience. From Apoorva’s helpful suggestions and Vidhi’s honest briefings to the local staff’s dedication and cooperation, everything came together to curate an unforgettable family trip.
Read more: Thrillophilia Himachal Reviews