The Crazy Indian Pad, Manali

The Crazy Indian Pad Reviews

Official Hostelz Review Official Review
Community Reviews

The Hostelz.com Review - Genuine, independent review you can trust.

The Crazy Indian Pad, which provides a perfect example of the Indian Himalayas' weed culture, feels like it revolves around the whims of the owner, who is a rather intimidating and a confrontational character and likes if things run the way he wants it. Therefore, if he likes you, you will have a wonderful time; if not, then you are maybe better off looking for another place to stay.

The Location

The Crazy Indian Pad is located in a very unusual place in Old Manali. Before crossing the Old Bridge, you have to turn left and keep walking till you reach Sri Lanka village. None of the electronic maps shows its location correctly and where they show a second bridge, it is actually only a sandbag crossing. The place is not accessible by transportation and you would have to walk about twenty minutes on foot (on a surface that is often icy between November and March) and past some slum-like settlements. However, once you get there, you will not see anything touristy around you and will be in a completely authentic part of the town with only local people's huts and fields around you. Make sure to have dinner before you get here, as there are absolutely no eateries around.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The place offers private and dorm rooms alike. There are two types of dorm rooms -- one is indoors and has fewer beds, while the cheaper one is on the rooftop, protected by plastic walls and has a fireplace in the middle. While the latter one is really cool and offers a cosy and authentic experience, it feels somewhat irresponsible to keep this place open throughout the winter months when temperatures drop well below zero. The bathroom is on the bottom floor and is not the most modern, but is ok if you are not too fussy.

Common Spaces

The common area is really stylish and cosy even if it is a shame that all of it is outdoors as it does get really chilly in the evenings. After sunset, a bonfire is lit here and everybody is encouraged to sit around it. However, it can get a bit awkward, especially if you are not into smoking, because as the night progresses everybody gets stoned and unless you decide to retreat into your room, there is not a lot of space to have some privacy. Also, the owner really pushes you to consume and everything is really overpriced, so you might easily end up spending a lot more than what your room costs. While there is a kitchen, there is a per-minute charge to use it, which means that making a simple tea could cost you more than your dinner.

Summary

All in all, if you are in Manali for its famed hippi culture, The Crazy Indian Pad can give you a perfect insight into it. However, if you are longing for a peaceful experience with nature, where you are welcome to use all facilities at your accommodation freely, this definitely won't be your place.

Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.