Mandi, Himachal Pradesh – The Complete Guide
A scenic hill retreat, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, is a stunning destination nestled in the lap of nature. This quaint hill town is known for its spiritual connotations, historical significance, rich Kumaoni culture, and picturesque landscapes. Located close to the meandering River Beas, this hamlet attracts nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, pilgrims, devotees, and culture lovers alike. Referred to as the ‘Varanasi of Hills’, the place oozes unique spiritual vibes that attract pilgrims from far and vast areas. The place is peppered with 81 ancient and incredible Shaivite temples. Most of these temples are carved in stone and have a unique architectural style.
Besides religious attractions, there are countless things to see in Mandi such as the scenic surroundings that add a unique and subtle charm. Misty mornings, dewdrops on leaves, verdant forests, cascading waterfalls and streams, spires of temples, chirping birds, fresh blooms, and more make vacationing in this lovely destination a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Away from the hustle and bustle of urban existence, people love losing themselves in the beauty and serenity of this place. It is the best and most memorable family trip to visit in Mandi.
Mandi is also known for its archaic traditions, making this hamlet famous as the cultural capital of Himachal Pradesh. Explore this place leisurely by engaging in exciting activities like trekking, hiking, boating, picnics, and more. Mandi also produces natural products, such as hotcakes, which are sold in city markets. Take some time from your busy schedule to explore lovely panoramic views and serene lakes, visit religious temples, and experience the unique culture and traditions prevalent here.
Geography and Climate
- Elevation: Around 760 meters (2,500 feet) above sea level.
- Climate:
1. Summers (March–June) - Pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 35°C.
2. Monsoon (July–September) - Moderate to heavy rainfall.
3. Winters (October–February) - Cold, with temperatures dropping to around 4°C and occasional snowfall in higher areas.
History Of Mandi
Mandi came into existence when two princely states, Suket and Mandi, merged on April 15, 1948. It was when Himachal Pradesh also came into existence as a state. Until the mid-20th century, Mandi was majorly situated on the trade route between Yarkant County and Ladakh to Hoshiarpur, serving as one of the commercial hubs and trade centres. It is believed that Mandi was founded in 1200 AD by Bahu Sen. And since the beginning, the chiefs of the state have been the Chandervanshi Rajputs who belonged to the Sen dynasty of Bengal.
Places to Visit in Mandi
Mandi is famous for its rugged terrains, verdant landscapes, incredible temples and shrines, adventure lover’s paradise, fresh breath of air, and more. Mandi is one of the most beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh, offering sweeping views of towering snow-capped mountains at the horizon, spellbinding scenery, and more for your soul. This is a perfect place for vacation! Have a look at some of the best places to visit in Mandi. Check out!
1. Rewalsar Lake
This lake holds great spiritual significance. If you want to experience something enchanting, you should travel here. Situated at around 25 km, this place is also well known for its seven floating islands.
2. Kamru Nag Lake
This is one of the most unique places to visit in Mandi, famous for trekking paths, situated at a height of around 3334 m. The KamruNag Lake lies on the Mandi-Karsog road, which is an attractive tourist spot for trekkers.
3. Bhima Kali Temple
Bhima Kali Temple: As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhima Kali. Moreover, there are many statues of Gods and Goddesses. For the spiritually inclined, this place is an amazing option for exploration.
4. Bhutnath Temple
This temple, dating back to the 1520s, is considered as old as the town of Mandi. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple often attracts flocks of tourists. The festival of Shivratri is also celebrated here with much grace and fervour.
5. Prashar Lake
Prashar Lake is a serene lake surrounded by rolling verdant meadows. It attracts photography lovers and nature lovers alike who love losing themselves in its resplendent beauty. The lake is located at a high altitude, approximately 2730 meters above sea level. Thick cedar forests and tall Dhauladhar ranges tower over the lake creating a picturesque setting. The lake has a small island floating in its middle and a shrine dedicated to Sage Prashar on its banks. People can also enjoy trekking in this area.
6. Dehnasar Lake
Located at a high altitude of 14,040 ft, this lovely lake stays frozen in the winter. It sources water from melting snow, and its setting beside rocky cliffs lends a unique natural feature. It is expected to experience lashing hail storms, blizzards, and intense storms in this area. Thus, it is recommended to avoid visiting the area in winter.
7. Kamakhya Devi Temple
A well-known temple in Mandi, it is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Built using wood in a Pagoda-style architecture, the temple witnesses many buffalo sacrifices. It is believed that Goddess Mahishasura Mardini killed and cursed him to become a buffalo. This place is a must-visit as part of Mandi tourism.
8. Pandoh Dam
Pandoh Dam, built in 1977 above the gushing Bear River, is an incredible structure. A lake filled with greenish-blue water was created in the area where the dam was built. Adventure lovers can enjoy river rafting with Grade IV and V rapids.
9. Sunder Nagar
Known for its beautiful man-made lake, Sunder Nagar is truly a paradisiacal beauty. The lake became part of the Beas-Sutlej Project, making the area greener and more beautiful. Pack your bags and spend some time in the lap of nature.
10. Barot Dam
It is another dam in the Mandi area constructed on Rover Uhl. The Dhauldhar ranges overlook the area, and thick verdant forests of tall Deodar and Pine trees surround it. This area looks simply stunning all through the year. Tourists enjoy trout fishing in the lake.
Festivals and Culture
- Mandi Shivratri Festival: A week-long international festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracting thousands of devotees.
- Diwali and Holi: Celebrated with traditional Himachali folk music and dance.
- Local Handicrafts: Mandi is known for its woolen shawls, wooden artifacts, and handwoven fabrics.
Best Time to Visit Mandi
- Summer (March–June): Best for trekking, sightseeing, and adventure activities.
- Monsoon (July–September): Ideal for lush green landscapes and photography.
- Winter (October–February): Perfect for festivals, temple visits, and snowfall in higher areas.
Travel Tips for Mandi
- Carry warm clothes if traveling in winter.
- Book accommodations in advance during the Shivratri festival.
- Try local Dham cuisine for an authentic Himachali experience.
- Opt for local taxis or buses for cost-effective travel.
- If trekking, carry essential gear and check weather conditions.
How To Reach Mandi
Stunning lakes, verdant forests, snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar ranges, and incredible temples make Mandi one of the must-visit destinations in Himachal Pradesh. It is a perfect place for nature lovers, spiritually inclined people, adventure enthusiasts, and soul-seekers. You can reach this quiet hamlet using the nearest airport, railway station, and bus services. Here are the details of how to access this destination using diverse modes of transportation.
- Nearest Major City. Chandigarh
- Nearest Airport. Bhuntar Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. Joginder Nagar Railway Station
- Distance from Chandigarh. 184 km
By Air. Deboard at Bhuntar Airport, and from there, you can take a private bus or a taxi to reach Mandi, which is 60 km from the town. Flights from all parts of the country arrive at this airport, so planning a trip via airways can be a comfortable, convenient, and faster option. Hire a cab or a taxi to reach the centre of the town.
- Distance from Bhuntar Airport. 60 km
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Mandi
By Train. Train routes from Joginder Nagar Railway Station are well connected throughout the country. From Joginder Nagar Railway Station, tourists can take a cab or just walk to the centre of the town. State-run and private buses are also available to help passengers reach Mandi from Joginder Nagar.
- Distance from Joginder Nagar Railway Station. 50 km
By Road. Depending on your geographical location, you can consider traveling to Mandi by road as well. Well-maintained highways make the place easy to access. As per your convenience, you can choose to travel by state-run buses, cabs, or by your personal vehicles as well.
- Distance From Chandigarh. 184 km
- Distance From Jalandhar. 259.6 km
- Distance From Ludhiana. 230.7 km
- Distance From Patiala. 236.5 km
- Distance From Dehradun. 409.2 km
- Distance From Yamunanagar. 290 km
- Distance From Amritsar. 339 km
- Distance From Saharanpur. 328.2 km
- Distance From Delhi. 431 km
- Distance From Mumbai. 1836.7 km
- Distance From Kolkata. 1994.3 km
- Distance From Bengaluru. 2610.9 km
So, without waiting any further, plan a trip to this beautiful place and unlock wholesome adventures and fun! Book now with adotrip.com and discover countless benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mandi
Ques 1. What makes Mandi famous for?
Ans 1.A scenic hill retreat, Mandi is a stunning destination, nestled in the lap of nature. This quaint hill town is known for its spiritual connotations, historical significance, rich Kumaoni culture, and picturesque landscapes.
Ques 2. What is the best time to visit Mandi?
Ans 2. The best time to visit Mandi is from March to May and October to November. Both seasons offer something unique to discerning travellers.
Ques 3. Which is the closest airport to Mandi?
Ans 3. The closest airport to Mandi is Bhuntar Airport, which is just 60 kilometres away.
Ques 4. What are the major tourist attractions in Mandi?
Ans 4. Some major tourist attractions in Mandi are Prashar Lake, Barot Dam, Rewalsar Lake, Kamru Nag Temple, and more.
Ques 5. Why is Mandi called "Chhoti Kashi"?
Ans 5. Mandi is called "Chhoti Kashi" (Little Kashi) because it has over 81 ancient temples, similar to Varanasi (Kashi) in Uttar Pradesh.
