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Mandi is almost the centre of Himachal, lying
along the left bank of the river Beas in the foot hills of
medium sized Shivalik ranges, Mandi at a height of 760
metres (2,495 ft) entails a rich heritage of culture, of
both historical and theoligical significance. Comprising of
the two erstwhile states of Mandi and suket, mandi derivesi
name Mandi, or 'Market' from the Ladhakh traders who passed
through it, on their way to Hoshiarpur. Here, in the days of
yore, the pious rishi, Mandavaya, performed long and severe
penance and practised unthinkable austerities on his body,
on the right bank of the river Beas, near the present town,
which, then took his name. Both stories indicate the age of
the beautiful temple town, situated at the bottom of the
valley, and with a hot climate, Surrounded by hills, clad in
pines, there is a large plain which has grain fields and
rochards, between Mandi and Sundernagar. Known for its
temples, Mandi is the home of a number of beautiful carved
stone edifices each with an elaborate shikhara, or spire,
among them bhutnath, triloknath, Panchvaktra and Shyamakoli
at Tarna hill. Also on the hill is a new temple dedicated to
Tarna Devi, overlooking the valley and giving a panoramic
view of the whole area. Near Mandi the Beas Valley is broad,
but there are a number of strike vales such as those of uhl
and Rana Khad. The area under fruit in Mandi is about 15 per
cent of the total area under fruits in Himachal Pradesh.
Mandi raw silk has acquired wide fame but the salt mines at
Drang and Guma are the special features of the economy. With
abundant deposit of salt and lime-stone, possibilities are
being invetigated for the existence of magnasite coal and
china-clay. A base for visitors to Kullu, Manali, Lahaul and
Spiti, Dharamsala, Kangra, etc., it is approachable from
Pathankot (215 Km or 132 mile), Chandigarh (202 or 125
miles) and Shimla (158 or 98 miles). From Mandi, the road,
proceeding through the cool forests of aut, winds along the
Beas, through the Mandi-Larji gorge for a distance of 40 Km
(25 mile). Widening and narrow, on either side of the road
are rock hill sides rising perpendicularly to more than 300
metres (1,000 ft). Emerging finally from the gorge "The
Valley of Gods" opens out and ever mile up the river reveals
the changing beauty of the region
Prime Attractions Of Mandi
Rewalsar
About 25 km from Mandi, 14 km from Ner Chownk is
the Rewalsar lake, famous for its floating islands of reed.
It is believed that all seven of them can be moved by prayer
or breeze. There are three shrines here, a Buddhist
Monastery, where elaborate rituals are performed, a Sikh
Gurudwara and a Hindu Temple. It was from this place that
the sage Padma Sambhava, a zealous teacher of Buddhism, left
as a missionary to preach the doctrine of "the enlightened"
in Tibet. Lying in a mountain hollow, the lake is held
sacred to all three communities, boating facilities are
available. Tourist inn maintained by HPTDC provide
accomodation and Indian cuisine.
Prashar
This lake lies 40 k.m. north of B>Mandi, with a
three storied pagoda like temple dedicated to the sage
Prashar.
Sunder Nagar
Famous for its temples, 26 k.m. from B>Mandi
towards Shimla and at a height of 1,174 metres on the raised
edge of a fertile valley, the beautiful town of Sundernagar
is known for its shady walks amidst towering trees. On top
of a hill and visited by thousands of devotees every year,
is the Sukhdev Vatika and temple of Mahamaya. The biggest
hydro-electric project in all Asia, the Beas-Sutlej project,
irrigating nearly one-fourth of the northern plains of
India, has brought unprecedented prosperity to Sudernagar.
The Beas-Sutlej link colony is the biggest colony in
Himachal Pradesh.
Janjheli
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.
Excrusions from Mandi
Rewalsar Lake
About 25 km from Mandi, and 14 km from Ner Chowk is the
Revalsar Lake, famous for its floating islands of reed. It
is maintaned that all seven of them can be moved by prayer
or breeze. Here are three shrines - a Buddhist monastery,
where elaborate rituals are performed, a sikh gurdwara and a
Hindu temple. It was from this place that the Sage Padma
Sambhava, a zealours teacher of Buddhism, left as a
missionary to preach the doctrine of "The Enlightened" in
Tibet. Lying in a mountain hollow, the lake is held sacred
to all three communities boating facilities are available.
Tourist Inn maintained by H.P Tourism provide acccomodating
and Indian cuisine.
SUNDER NAGAR
Famous for its temples,26 k.m. from Mandi towards
Shimla and at a height of 1,174 metres on the raised edge of
a fertile valley, the beautiful town of Sundernagar is known
for its shady walks amidst towering trees. On top of a hill
and visited by thousands of devotees every year, is the
Sukhdev Vatika and temple of Mahamaya.
How To Get There - Mandi
By Train: The nearest rail head is
Jogindernagar which is 55 km from Mandi.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar which is about
57 km from Mandi on Mandi-Kullu Highway.
By Road: It is well connected by road from Chandigarh,
Shimla, Pathankot and Kullu. Regular buses, coaches and
taxies play on these routes.
Climate - Mandi
In winter, the
temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy wollens
are required. Summer temperatures are mild and light
woollens/cottons are recommended.
Best
time to visit
The climate of Manali is very cold as it is located in the
Himalayas and the snow line is not far from the place. The
altitude of Manali gives it a climate, which is loved by one
and all. The summers are cool and the winters prove to be
very harsh. During the winters the snow line comes down and
there is snowfall in the region and heavy woollen cloths are
required. During the monsoon months due to heavy rainfall
there are landslides, which hamper movement. The best time
to visit Manali is May and October but one can visit this
place during winters too. |
