Mandi Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

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Mandi Tourism

Packed with a thick green cover of pine and deodar trees, the town of Mandi is situated at the junction of Kullu and Dharamshala. It is often referred to as 'Varanasi of Hills', or 'Choti Kashi' as the town has as many as 81 temples spread across its area.

Lying on the banks of River Beas, Mandi also displays some old palaces and temples that can be dated back to the 5th Century AD. Serving as a gateway to some famous valleys such as Kullu, Manali, Spiti and Lahaul, Mandi is must on your north India itinerary which never fails to enchant its visitors. Mandi is also the nearest town to various treks like Prashar lake and Janjheli.

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Culture

The town of Mandi is rich in culture and tradition. The people of Mandi are called Mandyalis, and Mandeali is the language spoken in the region. The people wear traditional Indian clothing, but with the influx of western culture --- the youth have been migrating to more modern outfits. Sepu badi - a delicious preparation of dal, spinach and yoghurt is the main cuisine of Mandi, which has unfortunately not gained culinary prominence outside the state of Himachal Pradesh. The town also has its main folk dance called Banthra. The Himachal Pradesh Darshan Photo Gallery is located in Mandi, which contains a beautiful collection of art depicting the traditions and lifestyle of the state. The town is famous for its week-long International Mandi Shivaratri fair, held in March every year which attracts a lot of footfall. It is believed that Mandi was blessed by one of the 10 Gurus of the Sikh religion on his visit here. Touched by the devotion of the king and its peoples, the guru granted that Mandi would always remain safe and bolts from heaven would crush any invading forces. He considered Mandi to be the safest place in the world.

Restaurants and Local Food in Mandi

Mandi is a small city and a commercial hub of Himachal Pradesh. This fact about the city makes sure it owns numerous restaurants, eating joints and dhabas serving multi cuisines.
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Suggested Itinerary for Mandi

Day 1- Check-in at the hotel. Visit Prashar lake, famous for its serene ambience and then walk around to enjoy the splendid views and try the delicious Himachali cuisine.
Day 2- Pay a visit to the famous Pandoh Dam set amidst the green hills of Mandi. Then, visit the ancient Triloknath temple which is close to Pandoh Dam. Visit the Bhoothnath temple and Bhimakali temple.
Day 3- Leave for Barot Just about 66 km from Mandi, Barot is a green and beautiful valley famous for its tranquillity and Shanan Hydel project.

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How to Reach Mandi

How to Reach Overview

Mandi does not have an airport or a railway station of its own. The nearest airport is in Bhuntar and the nearest railway station is in Pathankot. A taxi can be boarded from outside the airport and railway station to reach Mandi. However, the most convenient way of travelling to Mandi is by hiring a cab or riding on the HRTC bus which operates regularly from Delhi.

How to reach Mandi by flight

Bhuntar (60 km) serves as the nearest airbase to Mandi. You can easily take taxi from outside the airport to the desired destination.

How to reach Mandi by road

The city of Mandi is easily connected from neighbouring cities and states like Delhi, Punjab and Haryana through regular HRTC bus service. Delhi is almost 460 km away from the city.

How to reach Mandi by train

The nearest broad gauge railhead to the town is Pathankot (210 km) which further connects with narrow gauge Joginder Nagar railhead which is 55 km from Mandi. Bus or cab can be availed from there onwards to your destination.

Local transport in Mandi

The main source of transportation within the city is auto-rickshaws, private vehicles and buses. Travellers can also hire taxis or cab to commute from one place to another but it is far more convenient to find autos which are available 24X7.

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Mandi Photos

Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
Rewalsar Lake
Parashar Lake
Janjehli

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FAQs on Mandi

What is the local food in Mandi?

Mandi is a small city and a commercial hub of Himachal Pradesh. This fact about the city makes sure it owns numerous restaurants, eating joints and dhabas serving multi cuisines.
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What are the places near Mandi?

The top places near to Mandi are Manali which is 63 km from Mandi, Shimla which is located 70 km from Mandi, Kasol which is located 49 km from Mandi, Kullu which is located 32 km from Mandi, Mcleodganj which is located 85 km from Mandi

What are the things to do in Mandi?

The top things to do in Mandi are Prashar Lake Trek, Bhutnath temple, Pandoh Dam, Rewalsar Lake, Sunder Nagar, Tattapani. You can see all the places to visit in Mandi here

What is the best way to reach Mandi?

Mandi does not have an airport or a railway station of its own. The nearest airport is in Bhuntar and the nearest railway station is in Pathankot. A taxi can be boarded from outside the airport and railway station to reach Mandi. However, the most convenient way of travelling to Mandi is by hiring a cab or riding on the HRTC bus which operates regularly from Delhi.
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What is the best time to visit Mandi?

Mandi experiences a North Indian weather with hot summers and cold winters. Summers are warm enough for wearing cotton clothes while winters are cold with the temperature hovering around freezing point. Heavy woollens are recommended during winters. However, the weather from April till October is pleasant which perfect for holiday makers.
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Who should visit Mandi?

For pilgrims and trekkers. Also for the people from nearby areas of Delhi looking for a relaxing holiday in the midst of nature.

What is not so good about Mandi?

Cannot be visited around the year. Winters in Mandi are chilled but the region does not usually receive snowfall.

What is famous about Mandi?

Well-connected with the major cities with NH 20, making it accessible. Full of religious spots and natural beauty.

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Popular Questions And Answers on Mandi

Q. Prashar lake?? How far it is from mandi?And any hotels to stay there?

Holidify

6 years ago
The distance of Prashar Lake from Mandi is just 50km and takes around two hours to reach. There are plenty of good hotels to stay there.
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Mandi Reviews

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Ravi Kumar

on Chindi 5 years ago
The taste for travel in India has changed a lot over the years. The new generation travellers prefer places that are away from the hustle and bustle of busy tourist destinations. All they look forwar (Read More)d to is a quiet and relaxing vacation. A little bit of sightseeing and more of lazying out in a hotel that offers a great view, clean air, a place that is quiet and natural. Such is this destination known as CHINDI that is just 95 kms away from Shimla and 100 kms from Mandi. Not many people have known this, but this truly is a place to spend your next vacations.

Neha Nagpal

on Prashar Lake Trek 6 years ago
This moderately challenging trek leading to a lake of mystery with an inherent floating island, considered sacred by the locales is a bliss in winters for a travel freak. One can either take a taxi u (Read More)phill or decide to trek through forests from Baggi Village which takes about 5-6 hours. I got a chance to Visit this place in January, decided to trek through the scenic beauty the trail offers. After breakfast, we started with the trek around 11:30 am and reached around 7 pm. I would recommend taking woolen clothes that are light in weight but warm and snow boots while trekking in winters. Also, carry some eatables like dry fruits,nuts etc. and liquid as you cannot really find a single person selling these during winters on the way.On reaching top-hill, one can either stay in Temple in the vicinity of the blue-water lake or can go for tents. We had our dinner sitting near the bonfire which felt like the tastiest food we ever had and decided to rent a tent.

Rohit Shroff

6 years ago
- Carry a pair of shoes, since there will be a lot of walking during the trip.
- Winters are excruciatingly cold, avoid visiting in winters. But if you do, carry extra woollens.
- Make sure you (Read More) have enough information beforehand of wherever you go sightseeing or have a guide with you.
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