Nestled alongside the beautiful Beas River, Mandi is a town with a rich history and deep spiritual significance, making it one of the best places to visit in Mandi. It provides stunning panoramic views and has managed to retain its unique charm.
The town, founded in 1526 AD, became even more special when it became the district headquarters with the merging of Mandi and Suket princely states in 1948, creating Himachal Pradesh.
Suggested Read: 12 Best tourist places to visit in Spiti Valley
Walking through the town’s streets and along the river reveals more than 80 amazing stone-built temples, making them some of the best places to visit in Mandi. These temples are adorned with beautiful religious designs and finely crafted idols of gods and goddesses.
Among them, Lord Shiva takes a prominent role in temples like Bhootnath, Trilokinath, Panchvaktra, and others, earning Mandi the title of ‘Varanasi of the Hills’ or ‘Choti Kashi.
Suggested Read: 11 Best Tourist Places To Visit In Nahan Himachal Pradesh
Mandi is often called the cultural capital of the state, not just for its temple architecture but also for its old palace and rich traditions. A highlight is the annual Shivratri festival, a weeklong celebration every February-March.
This festival transforms the town into a festive hub. Over 200 village deities (Devtas) and their followers visit Mandi for Shivratri, turning the streets into lively markets with stalls showcasing local goodies. Exhibitions, sports events, and entertaining cultural programs add to the festive vibe, making Shivratri one of the best times to experience Mandi’s charm.
Suggested Read: 16 Best Tourist Places To Visit In Sirmaur Himachal Pradesh
Mandi’s Shivratri festival is a beautiful mix of cultures, traditions, and celebrations. It is a vibrant reminder of the town’s spiritual and cultural roots, making Mandi one of the best places to visit for those seeking a unique and joyful experience.
It is also a great place for a quick family vacation. Check out this list of 17 awesome places to visit in Mandi as you travel through Himachal.
List of Mandi famous places
Best places to visit in Mandi Himachal Pradesh
Explore the gems of this small but charming destination. Take a look at these 16 best places to visit in Mandi and decide which ones you want to include in your vacation plans.
1. Janjehli
In Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, there’s a quiet town called Janjehli that is gaining popularity as a cool spot to visit. It’s full of big green fields, amazing snowy mountain views, and untouched areas.
It is a great place for tourists in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, offering a peaceful countryside vibe with farms and orchards on gentle slopes. Tall deodar (Cedar) and oak forests surround the town, giving it a lovely rural feel.
Suggested Read: Top 16 best tourist places to visit in Solan Himachal
Janjehli is perfect for people who love trekking and exploring tourist spots in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. It’s like a home base for treks to cool places like Shikari Devi, Kamrunag, Chindi, Karsog, and Shoja – all not too far away.
One of the best treks is a 15 km walk to Shikari Devi, the tallest mountain around. Lots of people love doing it in just one day. You can only get to Janjehli by road, and it is about 85 km from Mandi, making it one of the popular tourist places in Mandi.
Suggested Read: 21 Best places to visit in Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh
2. Indira Market Mandi
In Mandi, one of the must-visit places is Indira Market, located near Subhash Garden. This bustling shopping area features a clock tower called Ghanta Ghar, a historic timekeeper from 1939 that once regulated the town’s daily activities. The three-story pagoda-style tower is a centerpiece of the main market.
When exploring this market, you will discover beautifully crafted stone and metal artifacts, delicate handmade rugs, wooden crafts, traditional jewelry, comfy leather sandals, and more.
After your shopping adventure, take a break in the well-maintained Subhash Garden. Indira Market and Ghanta Ghar are fascinating attractions to include in your Mandi places to visit list.
Suggested Read: Triund Trek Himalayas Popular Trekking Destination 2024
3. Shikari Devi
Shikari Devi, standing really high at 3359 meters, is like the crown of Mandi. It is one of the best places to visit in Mandi. It’s the tallest peak in the district. Even though there is lots of snow around, the wind somehow keeps the top dry, even in the deep winter.
Suggested Read: 16 Best places to visit in Kullu Manali
Shikari Devi has a special feel to it, with an amazing view and a temple without a roof dedicated to a goddess on the peak. This incredible place is 101 km from Mandi and just 15 km from Janjheli, making it a must-visit spot in Mandi.
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Manali For Couples
4. Kamru Nag Lake
In the ancient stories, Kamrunag, who is like a rain god, got into some trouble during the big Mahabharata battle because he supported the Kaurava side. The tale goes that he accidentally offered his head to Lord Krishna before reaching the battlefield and got banned from it.
Suggested Read: Best Places to Visit In Chail Himachal Pradesh
But, as a reward for his dedication, he could still see the epic battle from Kamru Mountain. They put his head by a lake where he could watch the Kauravas and Pandavas fight in the Mahabharata.
Now, there is a wooden temple at that spot in Mandi, one of the best places to visit in Mandi Himachal Pradesh, where people honor Kamru Nag.
Suggested Read: Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Shimla
Every June, there is a fun two-day fair at Kamrunag, a cool spot near Mandi. People come to the mountaintop to throw gold, jewelry, and coins into the sacred lake, hoping for god’s blessings. It’s seen as a good thing.
You can only get to Kamrunag Lake and the temple by walking. If you start from Rohanda, it is a 5 km uphill walk, and if you are coming from Mandi, it is a 55 km drive. This fair is a special time when people gather to pray and make offerings at Kamrunag, one of the awesome tourist places near Mandi.
5. Rewalsar Lake Mandi
The special holly lake Rewalsar, full of fish, is important for Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists. Right next to the lake, there’s a Gurdwara, a Buddhist monastery, and three temples. People from each faith can do their religious stuff without any problems.
There’s also a big statue of Padmasambhava looking over the town, making it feel even more special. You can not be fishing in the lake, but tourists and locals can have fun feeding the fish.
Rewalsar is just 25 km away from Mandi, and lots of people, including pilgrims and tourists like to visit. It is a cool place, especially for those looking for tourist spots near Mandi.
6. Victoria Bridge Mandi
The Victoria Bridge is one of the best places to visit in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. It has an interesting story from 1877 when Raja Vijay Sen was the king. After winning a horse-versus-car race in Delhi, Raja Vijay Sen got a car as a prize. However, bringing it to Mandi was tough because of no proper roads. So, he asked the British government to build a bridge.
The British agreed, and Raja Vijay Sen contributed money. The bridge finished in 1877, the Victoria Bridge, also known as the Vijay Kesari Bridge, resembles England’s Victoria Bridge. It faced floods but served for 143 years until a new bridge was built in 2019. Now, only pedestrians can use the historic Victoria Bridge.
7. Prashar Lake Mandi
If you love nature, you have got to check out Prashar Lake in Himachal Pradesh—it is one of the coolest places to visit. This place is 2,730 meters high, and the lake’s blue waters are super special. it is surrounded by big mountains and lots of trees. There is even a floating island in the middle of the lake.
There is an old pagoda-style temple dedicated to a wise sage named Prashar. You can camp around Prashar, and there are different treks to try, from easy to a bit challenging. Prashar is about 45 km away from Mandi. It is a perfect spot if you want to enjoy the beauty of nature in Himachal Pradesh.
8. Aadi Purkha Temple Mandi
The Aadi Purkha Temple in Uttarsal Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, is dedicated to Lord Brahma and holds historical significance. It originated due to a territorial dispute that led to the separation of Tihri and Khokhan Villages from Kullu Riyasat.
The Tihri natives established their own temple, Aadi Purkha, adopting not only the name but also the architectural style from the Khokhan Temple. During the separation, idols and images from the Khokhan Temple were moved to Aadi Purkha.
The temple participates in Mandi Shivratri, and its pagoda structure is admired for its three-tier arrangement. Aadi Purkha and Aadi Brahma from Khokhan Temple are involved in the Kullu Dussehra Festival. This temple’s history and cultural ties make it a notable religious site in the region.
For tourists seeking a blend of spiritual enrichment and architectural beauty, the Aadi Purkha Temple in Mandi is a must-visit destination. Its connection to local festivals and shared heritage with the Khokhan Temple adds depth to the overall experience, making it one of the famous tourist places in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.
9. Tarna Devi Hill
On top of Tarna Hill, looking over Mandi, there’s this cool 17th-century Syamakali Temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. She is like a superhero fighting evil, and people like her. There are other important temples in Mandi too, like the Mahamritunjya Temple where Lord Shiva is chilling in a meditative pose. Also, there is a Ganpati Temple and a Bhima Kali temple right by the river. Basically, Mandi has lots of temples that tell the town’s story and history.
Mandi holds a significant place in Sikh history as Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, spent time here during his battle against the powerful Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. A notable site to explore in Mandi is the Gurudwara Palang Sahib, a grand Sikh temple built on the riverbank. Inside, you can find a bed (palang) believed to have been used by the Guru during his stay. This historical Gurudwara is one of the key places to see in Mandi, reflecting its connection to Sikh heritage.
10. Panchvaktra Temple Mandi
The Panchvaktra Temple in Mandi is a really special place. It’s considered one of the best spots to visit. This temple is at the meeting point of Suketi and the Beas River, and it’s surrounded by beautiful scenery.
People love it because it represents the unity of five elements – earth, water, air, fire, and ether, all shown by the five heads of Shiva. It is both a spiritual and scenic gem in Mandi that you should not miss.
11. Trilokinath Temple Mandi
The Trilokinath Temple is a significant place in Mandi, portraying a powerful lord ruling over the three worlds – heaven, earth, and hell. The temple features a three-headed idol, symbolizing the lord’s dominion over these realms. This temple holds great importance in Mandi’s religious landscape and definitely one of the mandi best places to check out.
12. Joginder Nagar
Jogindernagar, named after Raja Joginder Sen, is a charming hill station in Mandi. This place is special because it marks the end of the 163 km long Kangra Valley narrow gauge rail track, which was built in the early 20th century for one of the country’s first hydroelectric projects.
A thrilling attraction at Jogindernagar is an electric trolley ride. It takes visitors up a steep and rocky mountain face to a 2,500-meter mountain top and then drops down on the other side into Barot Valley. In Barot, on the River Uhl, there’s a reservoir that feeds the turbines of the hydroelectric plant.
Located 56 km away from Mandi, Jogindernagar is not just about scenic beauty and historic railways. it is also a hub for adventure sports like mountain biking, camping, and trekking, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
13. Tattapani
Tattapani is a small, awesome village in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, just 60 km from Shimla. It is super famous for exciting river rafting and natural hot springs by the Sutlej River. People say the hot springs can help with stress, joint pain, and skin problems.
This place is like a paradise for adventure lovers. You can do White River rafting, Zorbing, Skiing, Paragliding, Trekking, and Camping here. Whether you are into thrills or just love nature, Tattapani is one of the best places to visit in Mandi. So, if you are exploring Himachal Pradesh for the first time, don’t miss it.
14. Barot Valley
Barot, in a calm and beautiful valley, is famous for trout fishing. The River has lots of these special fish from a breeding center in Barot. If you love trekking and camping, this is a great place for you. You can only get to Barot by road, and it is 67 km from Mandi and 40 km from Jogindernagar. It is one of the best places to visit in Mandi if you enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
15. Karsog Valley
Explore the stunning places to see in Mandi, like the unique temples in Karsog Valley, including Kamaksha Devi, Mahunag, and Mamleshwar Mahadev. Enjoy the picturesque beauty during the rainy season and the serene atmosphere of Chindi hill station with the great wood carvings The whole area is full of apple orchards, making it super pretty. You can easily reach Karsog from Shimla through Tattapani and Mandi. It is just 125 km from Mandi.
16. Sundernagar Mandi
Sundernagar is a pretty place in a fertile valley, just like its name. People love it for the beautiful Sukhdev Vatika gardens and a manmade lake. A special canal takes water from the River Beas to the River Sutlej for a big power plant, and it goes through Sundernagar.
The lake made by this canal is perfect for walks, picnics, and camping. The Mahamaya temple, dedicated to the goddess of worldly illusions, is also a really important place here. Sundernagar is only 26 km away from Mandi and is one of the best tourist places near Mandi.
17. Devidarh Mandi
Devidarh is an incredibly beautiful village of mandi, surrounded by green fields, meadows, and thick deodar forests. Situated at an altitude of 7800 feet it is the last village in the Jiuni valley.
There is a beautiful temple here called Mata Mundsan Temple. Devidarh is part of the trekking route from Janjhali to Shikri Devi and then to Kamrunag. If you are visiting, you can stay at the forest rest house in Devidarh.
It is a perfect spot for nature lovers and those who want a peaceful retreat in the midst of stunning landscapes. If you are searching for the best places to see in Mandi, Devidarh is a calm and beautiful spot that perfectly mixes a spiritual vibe with the pure and natural outdoors.
How to reach Mandi:
By Air:
The airport to Mandi is in Bhuntar, Kullu, located 60 km away.
By Rail:
The closest broad gauge train travels to Pathankot, and from there, a narrow gauge train goes to Jogindernagar. The remaining 55 km journey from Jogindernagar to Mandi needs to be covered by road.
By Road:
Mandi is accessible by road from Shimla, Chandigarh, and Delhi. There are luxury and ordinary buses connecting Mandi to other tourist towns such as Manali, Palampur, and Dharamshala.
Best Time To Visit Mandi:
The best time to visit Mandi depends on your preference for weather:
Summer Delight (April to May):
Enjoy pleasant weather and soak up the warmth of the sun. This is also the peak tourist season.
Winter Wonderland (Winter Months):
If you love snow and chilly vibes, winter months are perfect for a visit to Mandi.
| Places to Visit | Distance from Mandi (in Kms) |
| Rewalsar | 25 |
| Janjehli | 85 |
| Joginder Nagar | 55 |
| Parashar Lake | 45 |
| Sunder Nagar | 26 |
| Karsog | 125 |
| Kamru nag | 18 |
| Aadhi Purkha Temple | 55 |
| Tatapani | 107 |
| Tarna Devi Temple | 17 |
| Triloknath Temple | 18 |
| Barot | 82 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Places To Visit In Mandi.
Q. Mandi is famous for
Mandi, a picturesque town in Himachal Pradesh, is renowned for several attractions and features that contribute to its fame:
Temples:
Mandi is often called the “Varanasi of the Hills” due to its numerous ancient temples. The town boasts over 80 temples, including the famous Bhutnath Temple, Triloknath Temple, and Panchvaktra Temple.
Mandi Shivratri Festival:
The Mandi Shivratri festival is a major cultural event that attracts locals and tourists alike. The town comes alive with colorful processions, traditional dances, and religious rituals during this annual celebration.
Historical Significance:
Mandi has a rich historical background, and its architecture reflects the influences of both colonial and traditional styles. The Raj Mahal and the old colonial buildings add to the town’s historical charm.
Victoria Bridge:
The historic Victoria Bridge, also known as the Vijay Kesari Bridge, is an iconic landmark. It has an interesting history connected to a car competition in Delhi, making it a unique and noteworthy structure.
Natural Beauty:
Surrounded by lush greenery, Mandi is set against a backdrop of beautiful landscapes. The town is located on the banks of the Beas River and is surrounded by hills, making it a visually stunning destination.
Adventure Activities:
Mandi serves as a gateway to the Himalayas and offers opportunities for trekking, camping, and other adventure activities. The nearby Prashar Lake is a popular trekking destination.
Cultural Heritage:
The town’s cultural heritage is reflected in its traditional markets, fairs, and local customs. Visitors can experience the authenticity of Himachali culture in Mandi.
Educational Institutions:
Mandi is home to the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi), a premier educational institution that contributes to the town’s academic significance.
Q. Best food in Mandi Himachal Pradesh
Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, offers a delightful culinary experience with a variety of local dishes that showcase the flavors of the region. Some of the best foods to try in Mandi include:
Rajma Chawal:
Himachali-style kidney beans cooked in a flavorful gravy and served with steamed rice. This simple yet delicious dish is a staple in the region.
Mandi Dham:
Lunch served in traditional marriage
Sidu:
A steamed bread made from wheat flour, Sidu is often served with ghee or local curd. It can be paired with various gravies or pickles.
Madra:
A traditional Himachali dish made with soaked and boiled chickpeas cooked in a yogurt-based gravy. It is often flavored with local spices.
Tudkiya Bhath:
A flavorful rice dish cooked with lentils and sometimes meat, Tudkiya Bhath is a local specialty in Mandi.
Babru:
Similar to kachoris, Babru is a deep-fried bread stuffed with black gram paste and is often enjoyed with tamarind chutney.
Khatta:
A tangy curry made with pumpkin or jackfruit, Khatta is a unique dish that adds a burst of flavor to Himachali cuisine.
Sidu with Patande:
Sidu paired with sweet pancakes called Patande makes for a delightful combination, offering a mix of flavors.
Kullu Trout Fish:
Freshwater trout is a specialty in the region, and you can enjoy it grilled or fried for a delicious and healthy treat.
What is Mandi City famous for?
Mandi, a city in Himachal Pradesh, India, is well-known for its old temples, cultural importance, and a big fair called Mandi Shivaratri. People also call it the “Varanasi of the Hills” because it has many temples and is by the Beas River. The town has special stone temples like Panchvaktra, Triloknath, and Bhutnath, which people visit for religious reasons. Mandi is also liked by tourists for its pretty natural views and outdoor fun.
What is the famous dance of Mandi?
The main folk dance performed in theatrical shows in Mandi is called “Banthra,” and it is also the official folk dance of the district. Additionally, Mandi is well-known for the International Mandi Shivaratri Fair, which takes place for seven days in March every year. The fair is a significant event and attracts people from various places.
Is Mandi a hill station?
Mandi is not exactly a hill station like some other places known for their hills. Instead, it’s famous for its history, culture, and old temples. Even though Mandi itself isn’t called a hill station, it’s in a hilly area in Himachal Pradesh. People like to visit Mandi for its beautiful scenery and cultural sites, even if it’s not officially labeled as a hill station.