By Pallavi Verma 
Today’s adventure around Manali was nothing short of incredible. I started my journey in the morning, bidding farewell to my friend who was heading home. From the 15 Mile Bridge on the Beas River, which is about 13 km from Manali, I began my walk. Crossing the river, I ventured into the Somvan Government Forest in Haripur. The path led me through a serene cedar forest, with towering trees and the crisp scent of nature all around. As I walked, I found myself surrounded by apple orchards, their trees laden with ripe, juicy apples and plums, ready to be plucked. It’s the harvest season in Himachal, and I could see local women carrying baskets on their backs, gathering the fruits.
After about 3 km, I reached the Kullu-Manali main road, which offered stunning views of the valleys below. My friend suggested I visit Sajla waterfall, so I continued on, passing through a picturesque village with traditional Himachali homes, their architecture reflecting the history and culture of the region. The locals were busy with their daily tasks, and the whole scene felt like stepping back in time.
The road led me deeper into the forest, this time into the Haripur Kullu range. I took a moment to sit and soak in the peaceful ambiance. From there, I found a shortcut that brought me closer to the Sajla waterfall. As I walked, the sound of water grew louder, guiding me through the cedar forest. I asked a local shopkeeper for directions, and she pointed me towards the right path. The way to the waterfall was well-marked, ensuring no one gets lost in the woods.
Finally, I arrived at the Sajla waterfall. It was breathtaking—there was no one else around, just me, the sun, and the mist from the cascading water. I spent some time exploring the area, climbing higher to get a better view of the water flowing between two mountains, framed by dense forest. The serenity of the place was otherworldly, but mindful of the wilderness and my safety, I decided to head back.
After descending from the waterfall, I drank from a government water storage area, as the water at the waterfall had some sand in it. I then found a restaurant nestled in an apple orchard, where I enjoyed a delicious meal of parathas and chai. Rested and satisfied, I continued walking, but as the afternoon sun grew stronger, I opted to catch a bus back to Manali.
The bus dropped me off at the Manali bus stand, and I spent some time exploring the Mall Road, soaking in the lively atmosphere before walking about 2 km to a local market to pick up some snacks. From there, it was a 3 km walk back to my room. I took my time, savoring the views and reflecting on the day’s adventure. Once back in my room, I whipped up some Maggi and tea, and with the magnificent view from my window as my backdrop, I couldn’t help but feel that today was truly an amazing experience exploring the beauty and culture around Manali.