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's 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.

Rewalsar Lake and Kunti Sar 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.