Mandi is the headquarters of
Mandi District in
Himachal Pradesh. This 400-year-old town lies at the base of Shivalik range on the left banks of river
Beas. It is the gateway to
Kullu valley and serves as a tourist destination.
The town has rich cultural, historic and mythological importance. It is the place where sage Mandvya is believed to have meditated. Mandi was once the trade route to Tibet.
Famous for its 81 stone temples and carvings, Mandi houses some of the famous temples including Panchvakhtra, Ardhnarishwar, Triloknath, Bhootnath, Shyama Kali (Tarna Devi Temple) and Siddha Ganapati. Remains of old palaces are found here. Rewalsar Lake (24 km) and Prashar Lake (40 km north of Mandi) can be visited. Local people speak in Hindi and
Dogri Language.
Mandi is 26 km from Sunderanagar and 67 km from
Janjehli. Kulu Bhuntar Airport (57 km) and
Joginder Nagar Railway Station (55 km) are nearby.
The best time to visit is March to May and September to October.
