The historic town of Mandi (800m) is situated along the banks of river Beas. It has long been an important commercial centre, and the sage Mandava is said to have meditated here. Mandi is renowned for its 81 temples and their enormous range of fine carving. Mandi is known as the ‘Kashi of the Hills’. The town also has remains of old palaces and notable examples of colonial architecture. Mandi is the gateway to the Kullu valley and acts as a base for several exciting excursions.

ACCESS: The nearest airport at Bhunter is 59 km. The broad-gauge railhead is at Pathankot at a distance of 210 km. From Pathankot the narrow gauge railway connects Joginder Nagar, 56 km from Mandi. From Chandigarh one can drive directly to Mandi via Ropar and Bilaspur, the distance is 203 km The drive takes around 5 hours. Luxury / Volvo coaches from Delhi and Shimla bound for Kullu - Manali travel via Mandi.

CLIMATE: In winter, temperatures can hover around freezing point when heavy woolens are required. During summer, the climate is hot and cottons are recommended.


PLACES OF INTEREST

BHOOTNATH TEMPLE:- Practically synonymous with Mandi and located in its very heart, this is as old as the town itself and dates back to the 1520s. In March, the festival of Shivratri is a major event and the Bhootnath temple is its focus. For an entire week the town celebrates the arrival of hundreds of local deities on elaborately decorated palanquins.

SYAMAKALI TEMPLE:- Also called the temple of Tarna Devi, this is high on Tarna Hill which rises above the town. Built In the 17th century by Raja Syama Sen after particularly trying times when the goddess gave him success.

OTHER TEMPLES IN MANDI TOWN:- Within the town is a variable roll call of shrines. Apart from the emotions they evoke, they are also a wealth of classical architecture and ornate sculpture. Many of these are devoted to Lord Shiva, at the Triloknath Temple He is depicted as the lord of the three worlds, at the Panchvaktra He has five faces, expressing His five aspects. At the Ardhanarisvara Temple, Lord Shiva appears in a composite form with right half as a male and the left half as a female symbolizing the male and female principles of cosmic evolution. There are several exquisite temples along the College road, and the bank of the Beas is lined with many more. At the Gyarah Rudra Temple, the day the famous Amarnath darshan takes place, the temple is decorated to resemble as Amarnath Cave. The other places of interest within Mandi are the Rani Amrit Kaur Park, the District Library Building and Vijay Kesari Bridge.

PANDOH: 16 km from Mandi, an earth and rock fill dam is located here.

SUNDERNAGAR (1175m): 24 km from Mandi is this attractive town where the balancing reservoir of the Beas - Sutlej link canal is located. The road has the canal on one side and lush green field on the other which makes driving along it a real pleasure. The Mahamaya Temple is on top of the hill.

PRASHAR LAKE (92730m): 40 km north of Mandi is this beautiful lake, with a three storied pagoda style Temple dedicated to the sage Prashar.

JANJHELI (2200m): 67 km from Mandi this is a scenic place with thick forests and springs. It is also the base of some excellent treks.

SHIKARI DEVI (2850m): 15 Km from Janjheli there is an ancient temple here and some marvelous landscapes.

SHOPPING: A variety of traditional handcrafts including silver jewelry and stone carvings can be purchased at Mandi.



Located on a mountain spur, an hour’s drive from Mandi brings you to this jewel like lake. With water, woodland and high hills, it presents a variety of natural beauty and the spot is sacred for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. It was here that the great Indian teacher and tantric, Padmasabhava left for Tibet. Known to the Tibetans as Guru Rimpoche - the Precious Master. It was under Padmasambahava’s influence that Mahayana Buddhism spread over Tibet. There are islands of floating reed on Rewalsar Lake and the spirit of Padmasabhava is said to reside in them. It is here that the sage Lomas did penance in devotion to Lord Shiva, and the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh also resided here for one month.

ACCESS: Rewalsar is 24 km by road from Mandi. Taxis and buses are available at Mandi.

CLIMATE: In winter, the temperature can hover around freezing point when heavy woolens are required. During summer, the climate is mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended.


MONASTERIES:- At opposite ends of the lake there are two Tibetans monasteries. The Bhutanese also have one.

GURUDWARA:- This Gurudwara was built in 1930 by Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi. It commemorates Guru Gobind Singh’s visit, when he sought to evolve a common strategy with the hill rulers against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

TEMPLE:- At Rewalsar there are three Hindu temples. These are dedicated to the sage Lomas, Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva.

MINI ZOO:- The forest department maintains a small zoo at Rewalsar. Above Rewalsar, Seven Lakes are also of interest.