Mandi district (earlier known as Mandavya Nagar) is one of the central districts of Himachal Pradesh. The town has mythological and historical significance and boasts of a unique temple architecture. It is referred to as Chhota Kashi as there are many ancient temples in the city and on the banks of river Beas. People of Mandi proudly boast that while Benaras (Kashi) has 80 temples, Mandi has 81 temples in small Town itself. The town has remains of old palaces and notable examples of 'colonial' architecture for temples. The temples of Bhutnath, Trilokinath, Panchvaktra and Shyamakali are among the more famous ones. The week long international Shivratri fair in Mandi is the major attraction of the area every year.
The historic town of district Mandi is built along the banks of the river Beas The Beas flows through the town and hills, which makes this town more scenic. It has a serene ambiance though the modern development has made its inroads here in infrastructural developments. The town is an important commercial hub of the state. It is a major transit route to Kullu-Manali and other adjoining places such as Lahaul and Spiti from NH-21 (Chandigarh-Manali highway) and NH-20 (Pathankot-Mandi highway).
Himachal Pradesh boasts of many popular tourist places such as Kullu-Manali, Dharamsala, Shimla etc. These are at a distance of about 100 to 150 km from Mandi, and great for a tour of at least 2-3 days. In addition, there are various day-tour places around Mandi, some of which are mentioned below.
Places to visit near Mandi town:
Temples to visit in Mandi:
Do’s and Dont’s:
Note: The conference organizing committee can help the participants and their families in guiding about and arranging the logistics of the tours / excursions. Please feel free to contact us before or during the conference.
The historic town of district Mandi is built along the banks of the river Beas The Beas flows through the town and hills, which makes this town more scenic. It has a serene ambiance though the modern development has made its inroads here in infrastructural developments. The town is an important commercial hub of the state. It is a major transit route to Kullu-Manali and other adjoining places such as Lahaul and Spiti from NH-21 (Chandigarh-Manali highway) and NH-20 (Pathankot-Mandi highway).
Himachal Pradesh boasts of many popular tourist places such as Kullu-Manali, Dharamsala, Shimla etc. These are at a distance of about 100 to 150 km from Mandi, and great for a tour of at least 2-3 days. In addition, there are various day-tour places around Mandi, some of which are mentioned below.
Places to visit near Mandi town:
- Parashar Lake: At a distance of 33 km, from IIT Mandi Kamand campus, and a altitude of about 8500 ft, at Parashar lake one can experience awe-inspiring panorama of the Himalayas. Surrounded by mountains, meadows, and near the clear water of the lake, one can witness a pagoda style three tiered temple by the lake. It makes for an excellent leisurely day-tour destination.
- Barot Valley: On the banks of early parts of the Uhl river, Barot is a relatively less explored, niche and a great backpacker and day-tour destination, about 68 km away from IIT Mandi Kamand campus. Many walking and trekking trails pass through Barot. It is among the hidden treasures of Himachal because of which not much people know about it. The place is situated in valley sorrounded by thick deodar and oak forest. The sweet silence of the woods here engross the visitors.
- Rewalsar: Rewalsar Lake is place of spiritual importance, situated at 44 km from IIT Mandi Kamand campus. There is a Buddhist monastry and some Buddhist temples in Rewalsar, on hills sorrounding the lake. These are visited by several Buddhists, especially on the Tibetan New Year, thus making Rewalsar into a mini Buddhist colony. About 10 km from Rewalsar is situated the temple of Naina Devi, the approach to which is loaded with scenic views of the sorrounding hills and smaller lakes.
- Janjheli and Tungasi Dhar: For the more adventurous souls, Tungasi Dhar is a Group of Hills near Janjelhi valley. A trek of appoximately 3 hours from Janjelhi leads to Tungasi top. There is a beautiful temple of Dev Tungasi on top of Tungasi. Hills are beautifully covered with thick forest of Deodar. However, please note that the way towards Tungasi dhar is not very well managed and visitors need to find it through the forest of Deodar & Rai / Taous.
- Pandoh dam and Hanogi Temple: The Pandoh Dam is an embankment dam on the Beas River in Mandi district, on the way to Kullu. It is good transit spot to enjoy Beas river in its splendour serpentining among the sorrounding hills. A little further from Pandoh is the temple of Hanogi Mata on the Bean Banks, which is very popular among the locals.
- Shikari Peak: Shikari Peak, also known as the Shikari Devi Peak, is the highest mountain peak in the district of Mandi. It is at a height of 11,500 ft above sea level and is a great place to trek. This peak is famous for the Shikari Devi temple.
- Chindi: Chindi Hill Station is situated on a ridge of the Karsog Valley and is surrounded by mountains and dense pine and deodar forests. There are apple orchards and small temples situated near Chindi. It is also famous for rugs and handicraft items, available in the local market. It is about 80 km from Mandi, may take more than a single day for a proper visit.
- Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery: Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery is around 4 km away from the main Mandi town, on the national highway connecting Chandigarh and Manali. There is a wide collection of photographs that reflect the cultural and social heritage of Himachal Pradesh.
Temples to visit in Mandi:
- Bhutnath Temple: The temple, located in the heart of the town is devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple is very old and you can enjoy shopping from the local market while visiting the temple.
- TrilokNath Temple: The temple of Triloknath has the three-faced image of Lord Shiva and is located in Purani Mandi across Victoria Bridge on Mandi Pathankot National Highway. Trilokinath temple is one of the oldest temples in the town with typical architecture and sculptural artistry Idols of Narda and Sharda and many Hindu gods are also worshipped alongwith the main deity Trilokinath.
- PanckVaktra Temple: It is situated at the confluence of Beas and Suketi rivers and houses the five-faced image of Lord Shiva. It is built in Shikhara style of architecture the temple has been taken over by Archeological Survey of India and declared as national heritage monument.
- Mahamritunjya Temple: The temple houses the image of Lord Shiva with his third eye and the lotus posture in meditative contemplation. The four arms of Shiva with usual symbols and right lower hand in 'Bhumisparsha mudra', lower left hand holding 'Kamandal' right upper hand raised in benediction and upper left hand holding 'amritkalasha' - all create the mystique of the rare charm and beauty of Mahamritunjaya Shiva.
- Tarna Mata Temple: Built at the top of hill named as Tarna Hill, at an altitude of 300 feet above sea level. Temple house the image of Godess Kaali, Lord Shiva and others. There about 305 stairs path to the temple from main bazar.
- Ganpati Temple: Temple of Siddha Ganapati, son of Lord Shiva, is located near the Regional Hospital in Mandi town and houses the image of Lord Ganesha.
- Bhima Kaali/Shyama Kaali Temple: This temple is located on the bank of Beas river near Beas Sadan on Mandi Pathankot National highway.
- Other Temples: Mandi district has numberless temples of various deities where hill people offer regular prayers. Besides many temples in Mandi town there are few more prominent temples worth visiting such as, Magru Mahadev in Chhatri, 155 kms., Mahun Nag, 130 kms., Mamleshwar Mahadev, 132 kms., Kamaksha Devi,136 kms., Balak Rupi- 63 kms., besides Naina Devi - 33 kms., Padama Sambhava Cave and Gurudwara at Rewalsar and Kamru Nag. Among others Gurudawara of Mandi town is also one of the holiest shrines where personal belongings of 10th Guru of sikhs Sh.Guru Gobind Singh are preserved.
Do’s and Dont’s:
- Always carry a valid id proof with you as Government issued identity proofs need to be shown at the hotel or resort before check-in.
- Temperature in hills may change frequently, therefore, pack your luggage accordingly alongwith some woollens, raincoat and an umbrella. You are advised to know the weather conditions first, while travelling.
- Always keep the emergency contacts of the place you are visiting and your family members handy. Always save the details of your accommodation in your mobile devices and share the information with your family members.
- Some buildings and monument (Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla; Chail Palace) may require special permissions for photography or filming. District Administration & Tourism office will help you with the same.
- Always maintain distance from the river, waterfalls or wells. You are advised not to go on the riverside. Due to the rainy season, riverside area may be slippery.
Note: The conference organizing committee can help the participants and their families in guiding about and arranging the logistics of the tours / excursions. Please feel free to contact us before or during the conference.