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.