Mandi
Mandi is famous for its temples and a number of beautiful carved edifices made of stone. It is apltly described as the “Varanasi of the Hills”. Each of these edifices has an intricate shikhara or spire mounted on them. The famous ones are located at Tarna Hill and are known as Bhutnath, Triloknath, Panchvaktra and Shyamakoli. Mandi is also famous for it raw silk that is widely sold elsewhere and salt mines at Drang and Guma.
Location of Mandi
Mandi is located along the left bank of river Beas almost at the center of Himachal Pradesh. The historic town of Mandi is situated at the foothills of Shiwalik ranges at a height of 2,495 ft above sea level.
What to see in Mandi?
Joginder Nagar: Joginder Nagar is famous for its large hydro-electric project where the wild and the roaring river has been harnessed for betterment of life. As a visitor you can take the electric trolley up to 2,500 metres-high to see the reservoir which is located on the other side in Barot.
Sunder Nagar: Located at a distance of 26km from Mandi and at a height of 1,174 metres, Sunder Nagar is famous for its temples. You can also enjoy long walks amidst the towering trees in Sunder Nagar. There are two popular temples namely Sukhdev Vatika and temple of Mahamaya, which are frequented by visitors. The Beas-Sutlej link colony in Sunder Nagar is the biggest colony in Himachal Pradesh.
Rewalsar: Rewalsar lake is located 25km from Mandi which is famous for its floating islands of reed. This place is noted for a Buddhist monastery, a Hindu temple and a Sikh Gurudwara. It was from this place that Padma Sambhava went on to Tibet to spread Buddhism.
Prashar: This lake lies 40kms north of Mandi with a temple dedicated to sage Prashar.
Excursions from Mandi
Janjheli: If you are into adventure sports and trekking, then you must visit Janjheli which is 67kms from Mandi and a paradise for hikers and trekkers. You can cover a certain distance of 32 km on a bike or a car, after which you have to traverse by foot..
Accomodation selecton in Mandi
HPTDC runs a hotel called Mandav hotel in Mandi. Other hotels include Amar Atithi, Surbhi Hotel, Hotel Yamini, and Asoka Holiday Inn.
Best season to visit Mandi
Winters are extremely cold in Mandi while summers are pleasant. How to reach Mandi
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar about 57km from Mandi on Mandi-Kullu highway.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is Jogindernagar, about 55kms from Mandi.
By Road: Mandi is well connected by road from Chandigarh, Shimla, Pathankot and Kullu.
