The short answer
Manki (Monkey) Point Hanuman Temple: what visitors should know first
Go if you want the best viewpoint and a short, mostly stepped climb, but plan around the rules: carry a government ID, leave phones and bags in the gate lockers and arrive before the afternoon cut-off, which sources put around 4 pm.
History and context
The story behind Manki (Monkey) Point Hanuman Temple
Tradition links the hill with the Ramayana episode in which Hanuman carried the Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshmana, and visitors say the temple marks where he placed his foot. The temple now sits within the Kasauli Air Force Station, which controls access to the site.
Dates for the temple's founding were not verified, so none are given here.
Useful facts
Manki (Monkey) Point Hanuman Temple facts at a glance
- Location
- Kasauli Air Force Station, about 4 km from the town centre
- Faith
- Hindu
- Dedication
- Hanuman
- Visitor note
- Government ID required; phones and cameras reported not allowed
- Built
- Not verified
Why it matters
Why Manki (Monkey) Point Hanuman Temple is worth your time
Manki Point is where devotion and landscape meet. For pilgrims it is a Hanuman shrine tied to the Sanjeevani story from the Ramayana, believed to mark where the deity placed a foot while carrying the herb. For other visitors it is the highest point in the town and a rare open view across the hills and the Punjab and Haryana plains.
It also shows how Kasauli works as a cantonment: the best viewpoint sits inside a working military station, so access is controlled, hours are fixed and the usual tourist habits, such as casual photography, do not apply. Understanding that makes it easier to respect the rules and enjoy the visit.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Highest viewpoint
The temple stands at the highest point in Kasauli with a wide view over the hills and plains.
- 02
The stepped climb
A short flight of steps leads through pine and scrub to the shrine.
- 03
Sanjeevani legend
Local tradition links the hill with Hanuman carrying the Sanjeevani herb, which draws pilgrims.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Treat Manki Point as a planned half-day outing rather than a drop-in. Take a taxi from the town to the Air Force station gate, carry a government ID, and be ready for a security check. Phones, cameras and bags are reported to be left in lockers at the gate for a small fee, so travel light and bring only essentials. Reports put the daily cut-off around mid-afternoon, so go in the morning.
The temple path is a stepped climb of roughly 10-20 minutes, passing through pine and scrub to a small Hanuman shrine at the top. Move slowly, rest where you can and carry water, as there is no food on site. Monkeys are bold here, which is partly why bags and snacks are kept out. At the summit, take in the long view across the Shivalik ranges and the plains below, which is clearest on dry winter and post-monsoon mornings.
Come down at the same pace and give yourself time at the gate to collect your belongings. Tradition links the hill with the Ramayana episode in which Hanuman carried the Sanjeevani herb, which is why devotees come. Pair the visit with a late lunch back in town rather than trying to add another sight on the same day.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Carry a government ID and arrive in the morning
- Leave phones, cameras and bags in the gate lockers
- Bring water as there is no food on site
- Skip it in fog or rain when views are lost
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Air Force Station, a few kilometres from the town centre
- Time needed
- 1.5-2 hours including the road and security
- Best time
- Clear weekday mornings in autumn or winter; avoid fog and rain
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The climb is mostly steps for about 10-20 minutes with limited seating. Older visitors may prefer to go only part of the way, and cold wind at the top can be sharp.
- Tickets and access
- Entry is free but you need a valid government ID. Phones, cameras and bags are reported as not allowed inside; a locker at the gate is available for a fee. Timings are reported as about 9 am to 4 pm, so check locally.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Manki (Monkey) Point Hanuman Temple
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The climb is mostly steps for about 10-20 minutes with limited seating. Older visitors may prefer to go only part of the way, and cold wind at the top can be sharp.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Can tourists visit Manki Point?
Yes, but it is inside an Air Force station, so you need a government ID and must pass security checks.
Are phones allowed?
Sources report phones and cameras are not allowed and must go in the gate lockers; confirm on the day.
How long is the climb?
About 10-20 minutes on steps, with limited seating.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
