Top 5 gushing waterfalls near Manali for you to gush over

In love with the waterfalls? Here are the five waterfalls near Manali you must visit…

There is something about the waterfalls that pulls us to them. Maybe it’s their breathtaking sites or the sound of gushing waters that is music to most ears. Or perhaps, being near a waterfall has a calming effect over us. Whatever it is, we all love waterfalls and to be in their company is an experience we all yearn for.

And if you happen to be visiting the mountains of Kullu-Manali, then these are the five waterfalls you must not miss visiting.

1. Jogini waterfall

This stunner of a waterfall is located near Vashisht village, which is around 3 kms from Manali. You need to do a small trek of around 1.5 kms from Vashisht village to reach the Jogini waterfall. The trek takes you through apple orchards and a forest and provides some amazing views of the mountains, Manali town and the Beas valley.

Jogini waterfall is one of the highest and most amazing ones of the entire Kullu valley. The gushing water slides down from sharp rising cliffs and falls on huge rocks below. It’s a truly magnificent site. There is also a small temple dedicated to Jogini at the waterfall site.

According to a local belief, Joginis are spirits which dwell in the high forests and are worshipped in the Kullu valley. Joginis are the guardians of the springs and the trees. There are many legends associated with the Joginis. As per one legend, at least two Joginis in Manali were former queens, who had committed sati (set themselves on fire after their husbands’ death) and became forest fairies or Joginis. Joginis are considered good spirits but can also be harmful if you encroach upon their dwellings or irritate them.

Locals believe that Jogini waterfall in Vashisht is the home of all the Joginis of the valley.

2. Sissu waterfall

This one is another awesome waterfall located in Sissu, which is near the Atal Tunnel. It takes around an hour’s drive from Manali to arrive in Sissu village. To reach Sissu waterfall, you can do a short trek of less than an hour after crossing over to the other side of the Chandra river. If you are not in a mood to walk to the waterfall then you can use one of the many zip lines to cross the Chandra river. The zip lines take you almost to the waterfall.

Sissu waterfall looks truly majestic in all seasons — whether it’s spring, summer or monsoon. In winters, the waterfall gets frozen but that doesn’t deter visitors from coming to this place.

Sissu waterfall in April — Sissu waterfall in winters.

3. Jana waterfall

A view of the Jana waterfall near Naggar — Jana waterfall

This waterfall is one of the most popular ones. It’s located in Jana village, which is situated near Naggar village in Kullu-Manali. A scenic road that passes through a Deodar forest takes you from Naggar to Jana. You can spend a good time exploring the waterfall and the forest area here. A number of eateries have also come up at the waterfall in recent years.

4. Raison waterfall

Located around 14 kms from Kullu town, this waterfall is also quite popular. It’s located across the Beas river on the left bank of Raison village and hardly takes less than 5 minutes’ walk to reach here.

5. Rudranag waterfall

Rudranag waterfall on way to Kheerganga.

This waterfall is in the neighbouring Parvati valley and is also a pilgrimage site. The waterfall is located in Rudranag, which is near Barshaini village. To reach here, you have to make an effort by doing a trek of at least two hours from Barshaini village. But your effort is worth it as you will realise after reaching Rudranag.

Right opposite Rudranag, there is another waterfall in the forests on the way to Kheerganga. If you manage to reach up to Rudranag, you can always visit this one too.