As if the charms of Manali’s valleys and fields weren’t enough, a new offering promises to increase your enjoyment of this charming hill station set against the Dhauladhar mountain range and Beas river.
The Devlok Manali theme park has opened to visitors looking to immerse themselves in all aspects of Himachali culture—including its history, art, music, dance and cuisine—all within a contemporary and luxurious setting.
A partnership between the Himachal Pradesh government and private group Maya Digital Media, the theme park is opening during the beginning of the tourist season in this Himalayan state. Visitors can stay in a luxury boutique resort called the Ezzenza Swarg by Beas where they will be greeted by panoramic views of the landscape and rejuvenate their body and mind at the ARK ayurvedic spa. Those on humbler budgets can stay at the MySpace Express Alaya, a backpacking hostel.
Whereas most visitors partake in some adventure sports—white water rafting, ziplining, river crossing, rowing and paragliding, to name a few—Devlok Manali is betting on a new offering to prove popular: a nine-hole golf course for people of all levels.
For those with a cultural bent, participating in folk performances, sampling local delicacies and appreciating handicrafts are a few ways they will be able to engage with Himachali culture. In fact, the Alankaar Handicrafts Zone has been created to showcase the state’s rich heritage of traditional arts and crafts, including handloom textile-making and wood carvings.
A fine dining restaurant called Kachnar will allure visitors with its flavours of Himachali delicacies, authentic street food and fusions of Indian, Oriental and Continental cuisines. Children in particular will enjoy the Him Katha entertainment zone which will feature innovative tech shows displaying a virtual tour of Himachal Pradesh.
Lastly, the theme park’s open-air theatre, Rang Lok, will hold traditional music, dance, martial arts and acrobatic performances to provide a visual and auditory feast to spectators.