Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Mandi, previously known as Mandav Nagar and also called Sahor, is a municipal corporation and major city in Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh, India. Located in the north-west Himalayas, Mandi is situated at an average altitude of 880 meters and is about 145 kilometers north of the state capital, Shimla. The city experiences pleasant summers and cold winters, and is connected to Pathankot via National Highway 20 and to Manali and Chandigarh via National Highway 21. The nearest major city is Chandigarh, which is about 184.6 kilometers away, while the national capital, New Delhi, is approximately 440.9 kilometers away. As of the 2011 Indian census, Mandi had a population of 26,422, with the district currently being the second largest economy in the state after Kangra. Additionally, Mandi has the second-highest sex ratio of 1013 females per thousand males.

Mandi serves as the headquarters of Mandi District and Zonal Headquarters of central zone, including the districts of Kullu, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur. The city is also a popular tourist destination, referred to as “Varanasi of Hills,” “Choti Kashi,” or “Kashi of Himachal.” Mandi is the starting point for the Prashar Lake trek, with trekkers going to Bagi village as the base village for the trek. The city is also home to the premier Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, located 15 kilometers from the town.

Established in 1527 by Ajbar Sen as the seat of the Mandi State, Mandi was the capital of the princely state till 1948. Today, the city still retains much of its original charm and character, with notable examples of colonial architecture and the remains of old palaces. Mandi is widely known for the International Mandi Shivaratri Fair and is also the first heritage city of Himachal Pradesh, making it a popular destination for history and culture enthusiasts.

Activities in Mandi

Mandi, located in the north-west Himalayas of India, offers a wide range of activities for tourists. Here are some of the popular activities to do in Mandi:

Visit Historical Places: Mandi is known for its rich historical heritage and has many ancient temples, palaces, and forts. You can visit the Bhootnath Temple, Panchavaktra Temple, Tarna Temple, and the Kangra Fort to witness the beauty of ancient architecture.
Trekking: Mandi is a hub for trekking enthusiasts as it is the starting point for the Prashar Lake trek, which is one of the most popular treks in the region. You can also opt for treks to Shikari Devi Temple, Kamru Nag Lake, and many more.
River Rafting: The Beas River, which flows through Mandi, offers a great opportunity for river rafting. The white water rafting here is famous for its rapids and adventure.
Paragliding: Mandi is an excellent location for paragliding due to its scenic beauty and ideal wind conditions. Bir-Billing, located near Mandi, is one of the best locations in the world for paragliding.
Attend Festivals: Mandi is widely known for the International Mandi Shivaratri Fair, which is celebrated with great pomp and show. You can also attend the Tsechu Fair, which is celebrated in September, and witness the colorful culture and traditions of the region.

These are just a few of the activities that you can enjoy in Mandi. With its scenic beauty, rich history, and adventure opportunities, Mandi is a must-visit destination for tourists.

Staying in Mandi

Mandi, located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, has a wide range of accommodation options that cater to different types of travelers. Here are some of the popular options for staying in Mandi:

Hotels: Mandi has a number of hotels ranging from budget to luxury. You can choose from a variety of options depending on your budget and preferences. Some of the popular hotels in Mandi include Visco Resort, Hotel Mount View, and Hotel Valley View.
Guesthouses: Guesthouses are a popular option for budget travelers and those who prefer a more homely atmosphere. Mandi has many guesthouses that offer comfortable accommodation at affordable prices. Some popular guesthouses include Devki Palace Guest House and Hotel City Palace.
Homestays: Homestays are a great way to experience the local culture and lifestyle of Mandi. Many families in Mandi offer homestays, where you can stay in a room in their house and enjoy home-cooked meals. Some of the popular homestays in Mandi include Prashar Homestay and The Khem Bharti Homestay.
Campsites: Mandi has many campsites that offer a unique and adventurous experience. You can camp in the midst of nature and enjoy activities like trekking, bonfire, and stargazing. Some of the popular campsites in Mandi include Camp Chrysalid and Parashar Lake Camping.

These are just a few of the popular options for staying in Mandi. With a range of accommodation options to choose from, you can find the perfect place to stay based on your preferences and budget.

Hydroelectric Projects in Mandi

Mandi is home to several hydroelectric projects due to its location in the Himalayan region and proximity to rivers. Here are some of the major hydroelectric projects in Mandi:

Parbati Hydroelectric Project: The Parbati Hydroelectric Project is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric power project located on the Parbati River in the Mandi district. It has a capacity of 2,000 MW and is one of the largest hydroelectric projects in India.
Beas-Sutlej Link Project: The Beas-Sutlej Link Project is a diversion project that diverts water from the Beas River to the Sutlej River. It is located in the Mandi district and has a capacity of 1,200 MW.
Chamera Hydroelectric Project: The Chamera Hydroelectric Project is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric power project located on the Ravi River in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It is jointly owned by NHPC Limited and the Government of Himachal Pradesh and has a capacity of 540 MW.
Larji Hydroelectric Project: The Larji Hydroelectric Project is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric power project located on the Beas River in the Mandi district. It has a capacity of 126 MW.
Bassi Hydroelectric Project: The Bassi Hydroelectric Project is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric power project located on the Ravi River in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It has a capacity of 60 MW.

These hydroelectric projects have not only contributed to the economic growth of the region but have also helped in meeting the energy demands of the state and the country. They also offer opportunities for adventure tourism, especially for those interested in water-based activities like river rafting and kayaking.

Major Attractions in Mandi

Mandi, also known as the “Varanasi of Hills” or “Choti Kashi” due to its many ancient temples, is a beautiful town located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Here are some of the major attractions in Mandi:

Bhootnath Temple: The Bhootnath Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the heart of Mandi town. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mandi and is known for its beautiful architecture.
Triloknath Temple: The Triloknath Temple is another ancient temple located in Mandi and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.
Shikari Devi Temple: The Shikari Devi Temple is located on top of a hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is a popular trekking destination and is visited by many tourists every year.
Rewalsar Lake: Rewalsar Lake is a beautiful lake located near Mandi and is surrounded by beautiful hills. It is a popular tourist destination and is known for its tranquil environment.
Pandoh Dam: The Pandoh Dam is a popular attraction located near Mandi and is known for its scenic beauty. It is a popular picnic spot and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Tarna Temple: The Tarna Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in a beautiful valley near Mandi. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and is a popular trekking destination.
Sunder Nagar Lake: The Sunder Nagar Lake is a beautiful lake located near Mandi and is known for its tranquil environment. It is a popular destination for boating and is visited by many tourists every year.

These are just a few of the many attractions that Mandi has to offer. With its rich history and stunning natural beauty, Mandi is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Himachal Pradesh.

How To Get There

Mandi is located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and can be easily reached by different modes of transportation.

By Road

Mandi is well-connected by road to major cities in North India. National Highway 3 and National Highway 205 pass through the city, making it easy to reach by road. There are regular bus services from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla to Mandi. You can also hire a taxi or drive your own car to reach Mandi.

By Train

Jogindernagar Railway Station, located around 55 km from Mandi, is the nearest railhead. It has trains connecting to cities like Delhi and Pathankot. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Mandi.

By Air

The nearest airport to Mandi is Kullu-Manali Airport, which is about 70 km away. It has flights connecting to major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Mandi.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mandi

What is Mandi famous for?

Mandi is famous for its historic temples, scenic beauty, and the International Mandi Shivaratri Fair.

What is the best time to visit Mandi?

The best time to visit Mandi is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities.

What are the popular tourist attractions in Mandi?

Some of the popular tourist attractions in Mandi are the Bhutnath Temple, Panchavaktra Temple, Shikari Devi Temple, and Rewalsar Lake.

Is Mandi a safe place for tourists?

Mandi is generally a safe place for tourists. However, like any other tourist destination, it is always recommended to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

What are the adventure activities one can do in Mandi?

Mandi is a great place for adventure enthusiasts. You can enjoy activities like trekking, camping, paragliding, and river rafting.

What is the local cuisine of Mandi?

The local cuisine of Mandi is largely influenced by the Himachali cuisine. Some of the popular dishes include Dham, Sidu, Chha Gosht, and Tudkiya Bhat.

What is the nearest airport to Mandi?

The nearest airport to Mandi is Kullu-Manali Airport, which is about 70 km away.

What is the nearest railway station to Mandi?

Jogindernagar Railway Station, located around 55 km from Mandi, is the nearest railhead.

How can one reach Mandi by road?

What is the distance between Mandi and Manali?

The distance between Mandi and Manali is around 110 km, and it takes around 3 hours to reach by road.