MANDI
The historic town of Mandi (800 m) is built along the banks of the river Beas. It has long been an important commercial centre and the sage Mandva is said to have meditated here. This one time capital of the princely state of Mandi is a fast developing town that still retains much of its original charm and character. Today, it is a district headquarters. Mandi is renowned for its 81 old stone temples and their enormous range of fine carving, it is often called the 'Varanasi of the Hills'. The town has remains of old palaces and notable examples of 'colonial' architecture. HPTDC runs a hotel here.
The historic town of Mandi (800 m.) is built along the banks of the river Beas. It has long been an important commercial centre, and the sage Mandvya is said to have meditated here. This one time capital of the princely state of Mandi is a fast developing town that still retains much of its original charm and character. Today, it is a district head quarter.
Mandi is renowned for its 81 old stone temples and their enormous range of fine carving. The town also has the remains of old palaces and notable examples of `colonial' architecture. Mandi is the gateway to the Kullu valley and acts as the base for several exciting excursions.
How to get there
The nearest airport is at Bhuntar 59 km away. The broadguage railhead is at Pathankot, a distance of 210 km From Pathankkot the metre guage railway connnects Jogindernagar which is 55 km from Mandi. From Chandigarh one can drive directly to Mandi via Ropar and Bilaspur, the distance is 203 km - the drive takes around 5 hours. Luxury bases from Delhi and Shimla, and bound for Kulu-Manali go via Mandi.
Climate
Ever Cool And Ever Green Places In mandi
In winter, temperatures can hover around freezing point when heavy wollens are required. During summer, the climate is hot and cottons are recommended. Place of interest in and around Mandi
Bhootnath Temple: Practically synonymous with Mandi and located in its very heart, this is as old as the town itself and dates back to the 1520s. In March, the festival of Shivratri is a major event and the Bhootnath temple is its focus. For an entire week the town celebrates the arrival of hundreds of local deites on elaborately decorated palanquins.
Symakali Temple: Also called the temple of Tarna Devi, this is high on Tarna Hill which rises above the town. In the 17th century this was built by Raja Syama Sen after a particularly trying time when the goddess gave him success.
