| Mandi |
| Population 26,858 (in 2001) Altitude 760 meters Area Languages Hindi, English and Punjabi |
| Mandi is built along the banks of the river Beas in the foothills of medium sizes Shivalik ranges. 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. It is often used as a base for visitors to Kullu, Manali, Lahaul and Spiti, Dharamsala etc. The town's antiquity is established by the Triloknath temple which was built around 1520 AD. Mandi seems to have derived its name from the Sanskrit word 'Mandoika' meaning an open hall or shed. It was also well known to the Tibetans who called it Zahor. Mandi is renowned for its 81 old stone temples and their enormous range of fine carving. Sights Mandi is known for its temples and is the home of a number of beautiful carved stone edifices each with an elaborate shikhara, or spire, among them bhutnath, triloknath, Panchvaktra and Shyamakali (a temple to the goddes Kali) 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. Rewalsar Lake About 25 km from Mandi, 14 km from Ner Chowk 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 by Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists alike. There are several budget guesthouses around the lake. Accommodation There are plenty of budget hotels in Mandi, mostly around the Indira Market at the centre of town. Taal Guesthouse Down the road from Indira market, close to the bridge. Rooms are clean and basic with private bathrooms and bucket hot water. The better rooms are on the third floor. Room: Rs 200 Raj Mahal Palace Hotel Tel: (01905) 222401 Close to the Indira market, this hotel is at the top end of the budget range but rooms are comfortable with private bathrooms and hot water showers and heaters in the winter. There is also a good restaurant. Room: From Rs 600 Restaurants There are plenty of small dhabas and food stalls around Indira Market. The Raj Mahal Palace Hotel has a good restaurant with a pleasant garden for in the warm weather. The restaurant serves a large range of Indian and continental food. |
Banks and Internet
There are plenty of banking facilities available in Mandi, mostly
around Indira market. Several banks have ATMs.
There are a number of internet cafes in Mandi, again mostly near
the Indira market
There are plenty of banking facilities available in Mandi, mostly
around Indira market. Several banks have ATMs.
There are a number of internet cafes in Mandi, again mostly near
the Indira market
| Buses The main bus stand in town is a five minute walk from Indira Market on the other side of the river. Mandi to Shimla Rs 120 , 150 km Departs Ever hour Journey time 6 hours Mandi - Bilaspur - Shimla Mandi to Manali Rs 100 , 110 km Departs Ever half hour Journey time 4 hours Mandi - Kullu - Manali Mandi to Dharamsala Rs 120 , 125 km Departs 6 daily Journey time 6 hours Mandi - Dharamsala Mandi to Rewalsar Lake Rs 25, 25 km Departs Frequetly Journey time 1.5 hours Mandi - Rewalsar |