The town of Mandi is located at the intersection of Kullu and Dharamshala and is covered under a dense canopy of pine and deodar trees. It is frequently referred to as the “Varanasi of Hills” or “Choti Kashi” due to the town’s 81 temples that are dispersed over its territory.

Mandi, which is located alongside the River Beas, is home to a number of ancient temples and palaces that date as far back as the fifth century AD. Mandi, which serves as a gateway to several well-known valleys like Kullu, Manali, Spiti, and Lahaul, must be on your itinerary for north India because it never fails to amaze its visitors. Additionally, Prashar Lake and Janjheli treks are both accessible from Mandi.

Places to visit Mandi

Prashar Lake

About 50 kilometres north of Mandi lies a body of water known as Prashar Lake, which is home to a three-story pagoda-style temple honouring the sage Prashar. The lake has deep blue waters and is situated there in a holy place at a height of 2730 metres above sea level. The Kullu Valley locale, which is surrounded by the Dhauladhar ranges’ snow-capped peaks, looks down on the Beas River as it flows quickly. There is a floating island in the lake, and it is uncertain how deep it is.

Rewalsar

The lake at Rewalsar is a place of great spiritual significance. This location, which is 25 kilometres from Mandi, is well renowned for its seven floating islands. According to legend, Lomas Rishi performed a penance deed here, and Lord Shiva, moved by his devotion, rewarded him with seven floating islands.

Pandoh dam

In the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India, the Pandoh Dam is an embankment dam on the Beas River. The dam was built as part of the Beas Project and its main function is to produce hydroelectric power. It was finished in 1977. It uses a 38 km long network of tunnels and channels to redirect the Beas River’s waters to the southwest as part of a run-of-the-river power scheme. In order to connect the two rivers, the water is utilised to generate electricity at the Dehar Power House before being dumped into the Sutlej River. The power plant has a 990 MW installed capacity. In 1977, the project was finished.

Bhutnath Temple

This temple’s spirituality is as old as the town itself, dating to the 1520s. The Lord Shiva-focused temple lies approximately in the middle of the city.

Tattapani

On the banks of the Sutlej River is a place called Tattapani, which means hot water in Arabic. The area is home to a natural sulphur spring that is supposed to have medicinal abilities to treat a variety of ailments. It is surrounded by a panoramic view of hills.

Kamru nag Lake

On the Mandi-Karsog road, at a height of 3334 m, Kamru Nag Lake is a well-known trekking route that acts as a resting point for hikers.

Best time to visit Mandi

Mandi has a climate that is typical of North India, with scorching summers and chilly winters. While summers are mild enough to wear cotton clothing, winters are chilly with temperatures that frequently drop below freezing. During the winter, thick wool clothing is advised. However, the weather is excellent from April through October, making it ideal for tourists.

Food of Mandi

The capital of Himachal Pradesh’s commerce is the little city of Mandi. Due to this characteristic of the city, a wide variety of restaurants, eating establishments, and dhabas serving various cuisines are present.