The famous places to visit in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.

Mandi :: Mandi is situated on the banks of the river Beas. It has a rich culture and history represented by its temples which are a major tourists draw. Mandi is an important trading centre situated on the Pathankot-Kullu road. The town is also the gateway to Himachal most famous valleys - Kullu, Manali, Lahaul and Spiti. Mandi is also on the Kullu-Shimla road via Bilaspur. It is the headquarter of the district. The entire town has a huge sprinkling of temples.

Famous Places to Visit in Mandi ::

Rewalsar Lake and Kuntisar Lake :- Shaped quite like a square and with a shoreline of 735 meters. It is an important pilgrimage. This lake is known for its floating island. There is a story behind the formation of this lake. The legend goes that princess Mandarva, the daughter of king 'Arshadhara' of Zahor ( tibetian name of Mandi ) resolved to announce her loyal ties and dedicated herself to the religious order. The king agreed and she took her bows before a Buddhist scholar named 'Shantarakshita' ( believed to be the brother of Padmasambhava ). Padmasambhava having observed that she was a dedicated pupil, came through the air from 'Uddiyana' and appeared in person to give her teachings. A cowherd who saw all this spread the words that he had seen the princes with Charlatan. The news aroused King's wrath. He thought that his daughter has broken the vow by flirting with a man.

On King's order, the princess was put in a deephole in the earth full of thorns and Padmasambhava was taken out to a secluded place, tied to a wooden pyre which was then set on fire. When the smoke did not clearoff for a week, the King visited the spot and found to his surprise that the place had turned into a Lake with Lotus in the centre. Padmasambhava had menifested himself. Repenting king offered him his kingdom and princess Mandarva was married to him. Rewalsar is known as 'Padmacan' to the Buddhist which means 'Lotus Possessing' and is considered the place, where the spirit of Padmasambhava rests.

The lake is also associated with Nag cult or serpent worshipping. The lake water is believed to be flowing underground from Rewalsar to 'Nagchala' ( a place 10 km from Mandi on the Mandi-Shimla National Highway ). The Hindus believe that it was here that the 'Lomas Rishi' held his penance in devotion to lord Shiva. Overwhelmed, Shiva gave the rishi, the seven floating islands in reward. This is a very sacred place.
Prashar Lake :-

This lake is situated in a cup like valley. A temple of great scenic beauty is also here. With deep blue waters, this beautiful lake is held sacred to the sage Prashar (rishi). A three-tiered Pagoda-like temple dedicated to the sage lies by the lake - and he is regarded to have meditated here. No other temple in the Western Himalayas can rival the grandeur of the settings of Prashar Rishi. A fair is held here in the in the month of June every year, where people gather from all neighbouring villages. This lake is fed by small mountain streams.

Barot :- A nice picnic spot situated at a distance of 33 km. from Mandi on Mandi - Pathankot Highway. It is famous for Trout Fishing and a ropeway that attracts the Tourist.

Shikari Devi Temple :- Tranquility for trekkers at a height of 3,332 metres above sea level. Captivating sunrise and sunset from the temple is soul stirring. You can reach the place from Karsog via Bakrot ( Chindi ) or via Gohar ( Budhakedar ).

Sundernagar :- Beautifully fertile valley receives the tired traveler with open arms at a distance of 25 km from Mandi on the National Highway. Waters of two giant rivers - Beas and Satluj have been wedded here to give birth to Asia's biggest Hydel Project generation electricity for the country. Devi Temple, Sukhdev Vatika and the temple of Mahamaya are the well known places of worship.

Jogindernagar :- ( 57 km. ) Jogindernagar is the terminus of narrow gauge line from Pathankot-Jogindernagar. A journey from Jogindernagar to Barot in the interior of Mandi district, on the haulage trolley is thrilling. Bassi power station is 5 km. and next to it is 'Macchial' considered to be a sacred spot. It is worth a visit on account of Shanan Hydel Project built by the Britishers Pandoh Dam, Slapper Hydel Project, Rock Salt Mines at Gumma and Darang are other attractions around the main town.

Tatta Pani :- Resting deep in a scenic valley and surrounded by hills. It is located on the right bank of river Satluj at an altitude of 656 meters. This natural sulphur spring is pure and has curative power for various kings of bodily ailments. The water level of the spring keeps changing with the fluctuation in the water level of the river. Tatta-pani means hot water.

Chidi :- This little hamlet in an apple growing area is blessed with breathtaking beauty. There are numerous small temples of considerable antiquity not too far away. Chindi, easily approachable via Tatta Pani from Shimla. It is 107 km. from Mandi.

Janjehli :- At a distance of 67 k.m. from Mandi,Janjehli is a paradise for hikers, offering treks up to a height of 3,300 metres. After covering 32 k.m. by a motorable road up to Gohar and rest of the journey is on foot. In the midest of thick forest, forests (15 km from Gohar) is Bajahi.There is a beautiful and well furnished rest house to stay overnight, from here Janjehli is a scant 20 km away through bridle path.

Kamru Nag Lake :-

Resting resort for trekkers at a height of 3,334 metres above sea level on Mandi - Karsog road. It is around 100Km from the mandi and after that a tracking of around 3 Hours of walk. It between there are a beautiful sceneries.

Maa Shikari Devi Temple.

Beautiful palce, Mandi Himachal Pradesh.

Renuka Lake, Sirmour , Himachal Pradesh

Renuka lake lies in Sirmour district. It is 45 kms. from Nahan. With a circumference of 3214 m, Renukaji is the largest natural lake in Himachal. Shaped like the profile of a reclining woman, this is regarded as the embodiment of the goddess Renuka. Near the lake's feet is another lake held sacred to her son, Parshurama. Both have temples built around them and the main temple to Renuka is regarded to have been built overnight in eighteen century. The lake lies in a long valley and surrounding slopes are covered with thick woods. Boating facility is available at the lake.

Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

This small town is a miniature version of Benaras.The people of Mandi proudly boast that while Kashi (Benaras) has only 80 temples, Mandi has 81! J.C. French supported their assertion when he described the town asa miniature Benaras with innumerable temples, old houses, long flights

of steps, the streets steep and winding and the market place with an aura of medieval picturesqueness

Mandi Indira market, Himachal pradesh.

Shikari Devi Temple, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Placed at a sublime height of 3359m above sea level, Shikari Devi temple is 18km from Chindi (a tiny hamlet on the ridge of the Karsog Valley in the Himalayas, admired for its splendid view of the pine and deodar woods and apple orchards) in Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh. The

temple is an antique, roofless shrine, situated at the apex of a hill in Shikari Devi. Encircled by dense woods, the temple commands brilliant views of the snow-topped mountains and wooded hills all round. The Shikari Devi temple is devoted to Shikari Devi, the goddess revered in the form of a stone idol. Legend speaks that the temple has been in existence since the period of the Pandavas. Kamru Nag Temple, Rohanda, Barot, Karsog, Chindi, Shikari Devi Sanctuary, Mamaleshwar Temple and Sundernagar are the popular tourist attractions in the vicinity. The temple encompasses a Forest Rest House and also a Serai (inn), where worshippers can stay overnight. Shikari Devi temple is a perfect base for trekking. The temple can be approached from Janjehli and Karsog. Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the closest railhead.

Inner view of Mata Shikari Devi Temple

A beautiful Sceneries on the way to Mata Shikari Devi Temple.

Tour to Mandi,One of The District of Himachal Pradesh

One of the most fascinating cities in Himachal Pradesh, Mandi lies along the banks of River Beas. Often called the Varanasi of the Hills, Mandi is famous for its 81 ancient stone temples that are marked by exquisite carvings. Remnants of old palaces and notable instances of colonial architecture can be found in Mandi. You can witness various colorful fairs and festivals that are celebrated here round the year. Come on a tour to Mandi, and you will have an unforgettable experience exploring this historic town.

Food of Himachal Pradesh

There are not many specific varieties that one can get in Himachal Pradesh. A long-time relationship with Punjab and large-scale migration of Tibetans ensured the impact of the Tibetan and Punjabi cuisine on Himachal. Some of the unique Himachali cuisines include Nasasta (a sweetmeat) in the Kangra region; Indra (made of Urad dal), Baadi / Ghaunda, and Bada/Poldu in the Shimla region; apart from favorites all over the state like Pateer, Chouck, Bhagjery and chutneys of Til. Non-vegetarian food is quite popular too in Himachal Pradesh.

Rivers of Himachal Pradesh

The major river systems of the region are the Chenab, the Ravi, the Beas, the Sutlej and the Yamuna. These perennial rivers are fed by snow and rainfall and are protected by a fairly extensive cover of natural vegetation.

History of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh
Location of Himachal Pradesh in India
Coordinates	31°06′40″N 77°09′14″E / 31.111°N 77.154°E / 31.111; 77.154
Country	India
District(s)	12
Established	25 January 1971
Capital	Shimla
Largest city	Shimla
Governor	Prabha Rau
Chief Minister	Prem Kumar Dhumal
Legislature (seats)	Unicameral (68)
Population • Density	6,077,900 (20th) • 109 /km2 (282 /sq mi)
Official languages	Hindi, Pahari
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area	55,673 km2 (21,495 sq mi)
ISO 3166-2	IN-HP

Himachal Pradesh is a state in north India. It is spread over 21,495 sq mi (55,673 km²), and is bordered by the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir on north, Punjab on west and south-west, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on south, Uttarakhand on south-east and by Tibet, China on the east. The literal meaning of Himachal Pradesh is Region of snowy mountains.

Himachal Pradesh was also known as Deva Bhumi (the land of the gods). The Aryan influence in the region dates back to the period before the Rigveda. After the Anglo Gorkha War, the British colonial government came into power. It was initially part of Punjab, except the Siba State of Punjab Hills which was under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh until 1857. In 1950 Himachal was declared as a union territory but after the State of Himachal Pradesh Act 1971, Himachal emerged as the 18th state of the Indian Union.

Himachal Pradesh has one of the highest per capita incomes of any state in India. Due to the abundance of perennial rivers, Himachal also sells hydro electricity to other states such as Delhi, Punjab & Rajasthan. The economy of the state is highly dependent on three sources: hydroelectric power, tourism and agriculture.

Beauty Of Himachal Pradesh

HIMACHAL PRADESH

The valleys of Himachal Pradesh are abode of natural beauty and cultural richness. Passing through these valleys, you will feel as if you have stepped into an altogether new world. The surroundings, people, their customs and traditions will leave you completely awestruck.
Famous Valleys Of Himachal Pradesh

Chamba Valley
One of the most beautiful valley, though not so much explored till recent times. That's Chamba valley or Ravi valley for you. The major towns lying in this valley include Chamba, Bharmour, Dalhousie and Khajjiar. Small villages and hamlets also occupy a large part of the valley. In its lower parts, wild olive, pomegranate and fig trees grow along with acacia, shisham and pipal. Rice fields too can be found in the lower regions of the valley. The upper mountainous region have fields of maize, wheat, barely and other cereals, however these are usually small in size and are terraced. The northern mountain slopes are blanketed with forests while the southern part is devoid of any of forests. Presence of medicinal herbs and colourful flowers have made this valley both beautiful and useful for humans.

Kangra Valley
The Kangra valley is not only important because of its scenic natural beauty, rather there is also a cultural mixture to be seen here. The major town of this valley of Himachal Pradesh is Dharamshala which has the 'White Ranges', Dhauladar looming large over it. Dharamshala itself is spread over an area of varying altitude. The Lower Dharamshala, at 1,380m has more of its focus on business while the Upper Dharamshala, at 1,700m is a treat for the lovers of culture. Within the Upper Dharamshala lie Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj. The former of these two has a rich Tibetan settlement while the latter one has more of a British flavour lingering in it. The natural beauty of the valley can best be enjoyed during the winters when fresh snow spread their white charm throughout. As far as the vegetation of the valley is concerned, it is mixed tropical and sub Himalayan varieties. There are oak and Himalayan cedar growing at higher altitude.

Lahaul Valley
The beauty of this valley speaks for itself, however, unfortunately only a part of it has been able to put itself on the international map. There are high passes, towering mountains, sparkling lakes and gushing river sprinkling their beauty all through the valley. Adding a unique charm of their own are the monasteries and temples. Lahaul has a mix of Hindu and Buddhist population as such these monasteries and temples are large in number. Many of these monasteries (there are eighteen of them) are so old that it is actually difficult to find an exact date of their construction. The peace of this region takes a back seat during the June's full moon night when the Ghantal festival is held at Lahaul's Guru Ghantal monastery. Apart from the lovers of natural beauty, adventurous tourists too find the Lahaul valley extremely inviting as trekking is a good option out here.

Solan Valley
Leave aside all your hesitation and excuses and visit this beautiful valley for it is said that its snow covered peaks, sparkling lakes, dense forests, terraced field of maize and paddy and fruit laden areas have a magical effect on a tired soul. The best visited places in Solan Valley include Kasauli, Dagshai, Solan town, Kandaghat, Chail, Nalagarh, Sabathu and Aski. Solan valley is perfect for just anyone, whether he/she is looking for a peaceful time amidst natural beauty or intend to get a bit adventurous. Spring is the best time to visit because during this period the valley becomes a riot of colours with a number of flowers blooming.

Malana Valley
This is a mini Greece in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The people here insist that they are of Greek origin and there are a bit of proof also to back this claim (the language for example). Malana Valley has its own governance system and appoints its own President and Prime Minister. Outsiders are not allowed to touch anything in the village, neither people nor things. Marriages are not a one time affair here since most of them (both men and women) marry anywhere between 10 - 15 times. To reach Malana, a 12 km trek for about six hours from jari is the best and the easiest.

Spiti Valley
This middle country valley has Buddhists forming major portion of its population. Monasteries are the prime attraction of this valley. Another attraction is the Gataur Mela of September wherein Lamas worship God 'Chaugayal'. Following day, in the evening Chham dance is performed and saur is thrown in the fire.

Pangi Valley
Pangi valley is extremely secluded region. Infact, during winters and springs, its connection with the outer world seemed to be zapped. People occupying areas of this valley include the tribals of Pangwal and Bhot. Adventurous trekkers can really have a time of their life passing through foaming river, the high crags of the gorge and the difficult terrain.

Kinnaur Valley
This valley is situated on the Indo Tibet border and hence the influence of Buddhism can be greatly seen in this region. The people here are mostly Hindus and Buddhists. A considerable portion of the landscape here is covered with barren and rugged mountains where rainfall is scanty.