Hidimba Devi Temple Manali – History, Timings & Travel Guide 2025

Hidimba Devi Temple (also known as Dhungri Temple) is one of the most famous and spiritually significant places to visit in Manali. Dedicated to Goddess Hidimba, wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata, this 16th-century temple is surrounded by towering cedar forests and peaceful mountain ambience. Unlike typical North Indian temples, Hidimba Devi Temple features a unique four-tiered pagoda-style wooden architecture, making it a must-visit landmark for every Manali traveller – from families and honeymoon couples to photographers and nature lovers.

Located just a short drive from Mall Road Manali, the temple complex offers a perfect combination of spiritual atmosphere, heritage, and scenic beauty. As you walk through the stone pathways and tall deodar trees, the sound of bells, chants, and cool mountain breeze creates a calming experience. The wooden walls of the temple are decorated with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, animals, and mythological scenes, showcasing traditional Himachali craftsmanship. For many visitors, a Manali trip feels incomplete without seeking blessings at Hidimba Devi Temple.

The temple is also an important part of local culture and tradition. Throughout the year, several Himachali fairs and festivals are celebrated here, including the famous Hidimba Devi Festival, when local villagers arrive in traditional attire, and regional music and rituals create a vibrant atmosphere. For tourists, it’s a great opportunity to witness the authentic mountain lifestyle up close. Yaks, rabbits, and traditional dress photo points around the temple are particularly popular with children and families for quick pictures.

From a traveller’s perspective, Hidimba Devi Temple is not just a religious spot – it’s also one of the best photography and nature locations in Manali. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal for capturing soft light filtering through the forest, misty surroundings, and detailed close-ups of the wooden structure. Nearby snack stalls and local shops sell hot tea, Maggi, momos, and Himachali woollens, making it a convenient and relaxed stop in your Manali sightseeing itinerary.

If you are booking a Manali tour package with Dreams Yatri, Hidimba Devi Temple is always included as a core part of the local sightseeing plan. Our cab transfers, guided timings, and flexible schedules ensure you have enough time here for darshan, photography, and peaceful walks in the cedar forest. For honeymooners, this spot is especially popular for romantic photoshoots, thanks to the natural backdrop and heritage architecture that perfectly matches the mountain vibe of Manali.

Highlights of Hidimba Devi Temple Manali

• Ancient Wooden Architecture: Four-tiered pagoda-style roof, hand-carved wooden doors, and stone base showcasing traditional Himachali design.
• Mythological Significance: Dedicated to Hidimba Devi from the Mahabharata, making it a key spiritual landmark in Manali.
• Cedar Forest Surroundings: The entire temple complex is located inside a dense deodar forest, ideal for peaceful walks and photography.
• Cultural Festivals: Local festivals and fairs bring traditional music, rituals, and Himachali culture alive around the temple.
• Family & Couple Friendly: Safe, clean, and scenic – perfect for all age groups, including children, elders, and honeymoon couples.
• Easy Access from Manali: Located close to Mall Road, with convenient road connectivity and ample parking options.

Best Time to Visit Hidimba Devi Temple

The best time to visit Hidimba Devi Temple is from October to June, when Manali remains accessible and the weather is ideal for sightseeing. In winter (December – February), the temple and surrounding forest often get covered in snow, creating a magical experience for visitors. Snow-clad cedar trees and the wooden temple structure look especially stunning in photos, making this period popular with honeymooners and snow lovers.

During spring and summer (March – June), the weather is pleasant, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. This is the best season for family holidays, temple visits, nature walks, and photography. The forest is lush green, and the pathways are easy to walk on, making it suitable for children and elderly travellers as well. Monsoon months (July – September) bring rainfall, which adds freshness to the surroundings but may make the paths slightly slippery – still manageable with proper footwear.

If you want to experience the cultural side of Hidimba Devi Temple, plan your visit around festival dates and local fairs when traditional Himachali dress, music, and rituals create a vibrant and colourful atmosphere. However, these days are usually more crowded, so travellers who prefer quiet moments may choose early mornings or weekdays for a more peaceful darshan.

Timings & Visit Duration

Temple Timings (Approximate):

• Opening Time: Around 8:00 AM
• Closing Time: Around 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (varies slightly by season and daylight)
• Darshan Duration: 30–45 minutes is usually enough for darshan, photos, and a short walk around the temple.

Most Manali local sightseeing tours plan a stop of 45–60 minutes at Hidimba Devi Temple, depending on traffic and season. Morning visits are calmer, while afternoons see more tourist movement. There is no strict dress code, but modest clothing is recommended as a basic temple etiquette.

How to Reach Hidimba Devi Temple

Location: Dhungri, Old Manali – approximately 1.5–2 km from Manali Mall Road.

Reaching the temple is very convenient as part of your Manali trip:

• By Cab / Tour Package: The most comfortable option. All Dreams Yatri Manali tour packages include cab transfers to Hidimba Devi Temple as part of the local sightseeing plan.
• By Auto / Local Taxi: Travellers staying near Mall Road or Old Manali can hire local autos or taxis for a short ride to the temple parking area.
• On Foot: If your hotel is nearby, you can also walk up to the temple through gentle uphill roads, enjoying forest views on the way.

Roads remain open for most of the year, except during heavy snowfall when vehicle movement may be slightly delayed. However, in winter, walking short stretches is common and safe with proper footwear.

Places to Visit Near Hidimba Devi Temple

Hidimba Devi Temple is centrally located and surrounded by several other popular attractions in Manali. You can easily combine it with the following sightseeing points in a single day:

• Old Manali: Just a short drive away, known for its cafés, riverside walks, live music, and bohemian vibe.
• Manu Temple: A revered temple dedicated to Sage Manu, located in Old Manali, ideal for spiritual travellers.
• Mall Road Manali: The main shopping and food hub, perfect for souvenirs, woollens, and street food.
• Van Vihar: A peaceful nature park with tall deodar trees and boating facilities, great for families and kids.
• Club House: Offers indoor games, activities, and riverside views – a popular stop for families.

Including Hidimba Devi Temple in your Manali sightseeing ensures you cover not just a religious attraction, but a complete blend of culture, architecture, nature, and local life. It is one of those places in Manali that first-time travellers, repeat visitors, families, and couples all enjoy equally.