Mandi

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INTRODUCTION
Mandi, formerly known as MandavNagar, also knownas Sahor is a major city and
a municipal council in Mandi District in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is
situated 153 kilometres north of state capital, Shimla. Located in the north-
west Himalayas at an average altitude of 1,044 metres (3,425 ft) the city of Mandi,
experiences pleasant summers and cold winters. Mandi is connected to
the Pathankot through National Highway 20 which is almost 220 km(140 mi) long
and to Manali and Chandigarh through National Highway 21 which is
323 km(201 mi) long. Mandi is approximately 184.6 km (114.7 mi) from
Chandigarh the nearest major city, and 440.9 km (273.9 mi) from New Delhi the
national capital. According to the 2011 Indian census, Mandi city has a population
of 192,370. It is one of the largest city of Himachal Pradesh with a total area of
23 km2. City is currently the2nd largest economy in the state next to Kangra. Mandi
is the third-largest by population in state, next to Shimla and Solan. Mandi, in the
state is having second highest sex ratio of 1013 females per thousand males.
It serves as the headquarters of Mandi District and Zonal Headquarters of central
zone including Districts namely Kullu, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur. As a tourist place,
Mandi is often referred to as "Varanasi of Hills"or "Choti Kashi"or "Kashi of
Himachal". People of Mandi proudly boast that while Benaras (Kashi) has 80
temples, Mandi has 81.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is a premier institute located in the city. This
one time capital of the princely state of Mandi is a fast developing city that still
retains much of its original charm and character. The city was established in 1527
by Ajbar Sen as the seat of the Mandi State, a princely state till 1948. Foundation of
the city was laid on the establishment of Himachal Pradesh in early 1948. Today, it
is widely known for the International Mandi Shivaratri Fair. The city also has the
remains of old palaces and notable examples of ‘colonial’ architecture. The city had
one of the oldest buildings of Himachal Pradesh.

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FAST FACTS
Country : India
State : Himachal Pradesh
District : Mandi
Established : 1527
Founded by : Ajber Sen
Area : 23 sq km
Elevation : 1044 m (3,425 ft )
Population (2011) : 192,370
Avg. annual temp. : 230 C
Avg. summer temp. : 290C
Avg. winter temp. : 170C
Major Highway : NH 21

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HOW TO REACH
Distances to Mandi By Road from major Cities
 Delhi-Karnal-Chandigarh-Ropar-Kiratpur-Bilaspur-Sunder
Nagar-Mandi
460 km
 Chandigarh-Ropar-Kiratpur-Bilaspur-Mandi 210 km
 Shimla-Tattapani-Alsindi-Churag- Rohanda-Chail Chowk-
Baggi- Nerchowk-Mandi
 179 km
Distances of Nearest Railway Stations
• Joginder Nagar (Narrow Gauge Track) 50 km
• Kiratpur (Broad Gauge Track) 130 km
• Shimla (Narrow Gauge Track) 150 km
Nearest Airports
 Bhuntar Airport in District Kullu
60 km
 Gaggal Airport Kangara 110 km
 Jubber Hatti Airport Shimla 170 km

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ANCIENT TEMPLES IN MANDI TOWN
1.Bhutnath Temple:
The temple, located in the heart of the
town was buit by Raja Ajber Sen in 1527
AD. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva
and was built at the time when State
Capital was shifted from Bhiuli to
present place.There is tradition of Raj
Madhav Rao, the deity who ruled the
Mandi state, visiting the temple and offer prayers before starting the procession of
Shivratri Fair along with all the visiting hill deities
2.TrilokNath Temple:
The temple of Triloknath was built by
Sultan Devi, queen of Raja Ajber Sen in
1520 AD. Temple houses the three-faced
image ofLord Shiva and is located in Purani
Mandi across Victoria Bridge on Mandi
Pathankot National Highway.Trilokinath
temple is one of the oldest temples in the
town with typical architecture and sculptural artistry Idols of Narda and Sharda and
many Hindu gods are also worshipped alongwith the main deity Trilokinath.

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3.PanchVaktra Temple:
Situated at the confluence of Beas and
Suketi rivers the Panchvaktra temple
houses the five-faced image of Lord
Shiva.Built in Shikhara style of
architecture the temple has been taken
over by Archeological Survey of India
and declared as national heritage
monument .
4.Mahamritunjya Temple:
Situated in the heart of the town, this temple
houses the image of Lord Shiva with his third
eye and the lotus posture in meditative
contemplation. The four arms of Shiva with
usual symbols and right lower hand
in 'Bhumisparsha mudra',lower left hand
holding 'Kamandal' right upper hand raised in
benediction and upper left hand holding
'amritkalasha' - all create the mystique of the
rare charm and beauty of Mahamritunjaya
Shiva.

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5.Tarna Mata Temple:
Built by king Shyam Sen at the top of hill
named as Tarna Hill, at an altitude of 300
feet above sea level. Temple house the
image of Godess Kaali, Lord Shiva and
others.There about 305 stairs path to the
temple from main bazar.
6. Bhima Kaali Temple:
This temple is located on the bank ofBeas
river near Beas Sadan on Mandi
Pathankot National highway.
Other Temples: Besides many temples in Mandi town there are few more
prominent temples worth visiting such as, Magru Mahadev in Chhatri, 155 kms.
MahuNag, 130 kms., Mamleshwar Mahadev, 132 kms., Kamaksha Devi,136 kms.,
Balak Rupi- 63 kms., besides Naina Devi - 33 kms., Padama Sambhava Cave and
Gurudwara at Rewalsar and Kamru Nag.

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PLACES OF INTREST
1.PRASHAR LAKE AND TEMPLE :
Prashar Lake lies 49 km north
of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India,
with a three storied pagoda-like
temple dedicated to the sage
Prashar. The temple was built in the
thirteenth century and legend has it
was built by a baby from a single
tree. The lake has a floating island in it and it is said to be unclear how deep it is,
with a diver not being able to determine its depth.
2.REWALSAR :
About 25 km from Mandi, 14 km
from Ner Chowk is the Rewalsar
lake, famous for its floating islands
of reed. 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 accommodation and Indian cuisine.

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3. SHIKARI DEVI TEMPLE:
Shikari Devi temple is near
to Karsog Valley, Janjelhi
valley, Bagsaid Valley in the
Himalayas in Distt mandi Of
Himachal Pradesh with
beautiful view of pine,
deodar woods and apple
orchards. The Shikari Devi
Temple is positioned at a height of 2850 meters above sea level in the state of
Himachal Pradesh. It is extremely difficult to trek up to the Shikari Devi Temple
from Janjheli, Bagsaid, Kandha or Karsog vally. You can enjoy a beautiful trip with
different routes to reach upto ancient shrine of the Shikari Devi Temple located at
the peak of the hill.
4.KAMRUNAG LAKE AND TEMPLE:
Kamru Nag Lake is situated at a height of 3,334
meters above sea level on the Mandi – Karsog
road. The lake has enormous religious
significance in the region as the temple of one of
most revered deities in Mandi, known as
Kamrunag Dev is situated on the banks of lake.
Kamrunag is a famous weather-god of Seraj valley. People often pray to the weather
God in the temple for favourable weather conditions. Pilgrims take holy bath during
Kamrunag ‘jatar’ in the lake. A fair is held here on 14th of June every year

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5.BAROT VALLEY :
Barot is a picnic spot and tourist location in Mandi district in the Indian state of
Himachal Pradesh. It is situated 40 km from Jogindernagar and 66 km from Mandi,
the district headquarters. The road to Barot branches off at Jogindernagar-Mandi
high ways and from Jogindernagar the distance is 40 km.

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TREKKING ROUTES IN MANDI
S.No Route Distance Time(Approx)
1. Lohardi (Chotta Bhangal) - Dena Sar (Chuhar)
return via Lohardi or Thaltu Khod (Chuhar)
50 kms. 3 days
2. Thaltu Khod - Denasar - Lohardi 50 kms. 3 days
3. Tinnu Nallah-Kadaun (Kullu) via Sudhar - Silh
Badhani - Burang Narayan - Bhuvu Jot
70 kms. 4 days
4. Baggi - Prashar - Jawalapur 30 kms. 2 days
5. Hanogi - Prashar via Bahandi or Hanogi - Bahanda -
Kandha - Jawalapur
40 kms. 3 days
6. Thatta - Prashar - Baggi or Jawalapur 30 kms. 2 days
7. Rohanda - Kamru Nag - Shikari - Janjehli 80 kms. 4 days
8. Pandoh - Kalhani - Sarachi - Bhatki Dhar - Paga
Chanogi - Shilhi Baggi - Lamba Thach
80 kms. 4 days
9. Janjehli - Shikari - Sanarli - Karsog 50 kms. 2 days
10. Slappar - Seri Kothi - Balg - Doghri - Haraboi -
Sojha - Sarour - Tattapani
80 kms 4 days
11. Marhi - Kamlah Garh - Saklana - Dharampur 40 kms 2 days
12. Beer Ahju - Billing - Chhota Bhangal -Pallachak -
Panikartu - Thamsarjot - Bara Bhangal
70 kms 4 days
13. Janjehli - Magru Gala - Chhatri - Rana Bagh - Swar
- Aani
60 kms 3 days
14. Janjehli - Bhulah - Narain Garh
- Shikari - KamruNag - Rohanda
80 kms 4 days
15. Janjehli - Budha Kedar - Shikari - Narol - Bagshyad 70 kms 3 days

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FAIR AND FESTIVALS
(A). FAIRS
In Himachal Pradesh the predominant size of Hindus are occupying the area of
Mandi district. It is a land of Gods and fairs & festivals are an important part of
hill culture. Almost every village is associated with fairs and festivals. Some of
the important fairs celebrated in the district are:
1.SHIVRATRI FAIR
The Shivratri fair Mandi was started
by Raja Ajber Sen, 300-400 years
ago at Purani Mandi. Suraj Sen had
18 sons, all of whome died in his
lifetime. Suraj Sen gota silver image
crafted and named it Madho Rao to
which he considered to be the King
of the State of Mandi thereafter and
all the rulers had to serve the state as servants of Madho Rao and caretakers of
the State. The illustrious Madho Rao made by the golsmith Bhima, in the year
1705, on Thursday, the 15th Phagan. This date corresponds to A.D. 1648.
King of Kangra, Sansar Chand invaded Mandi state in 1792 taking its ruler
Ishwari Sen prisoner for twelve years who was got released by Gurkha invaders
who attacked Kangra and Mandi states. Gurkha invaders returned Mandi state to
Ishwari Sen who received a warm reception when he returned to his
headquarters. King invited all hill deities and organised a grand function on his
return and the occasion happened to be Shivratri festival. It is believed that

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thereafter the practice of organising such function during Shivratri continued
year after year and is still in force. In the Shivratri fair, the village gods are
carried into Mandi to do homage to Madho Rao and the Raja. The fairs forseven
days; but is is general rule that each god on arrival shall pay his respects to
Madho Rao before he proceeds to the palace to salaam the ruler. On the second
day of the fair, a parade ofgods is held in Padal. the large openplain in the angle
between the Beas and Suketi.
2.NABAHI DEVI FAIR :
Nabahi is situated in the village Sangroh on the Hamirpur border in the western
portion of the district. The name is variously derived, but the most probable
derivation relates to the fact there were formerly nine temples situated there. At
present there are three or four shrines only, the most important being that of Nabahi
Devi, the rest being mostly small Shivals. The temples are said to be have been
despoiled by Muhammadans, but while they were still busy with their looting a
shower of cannon balls fell from heaven and drove them off. To the scepticalone of
the balls is shown, still perched, as it fell, on a broken column. A largefair is held in
June when about ten thousand votaries from Mandi, Hamirpur,Bilaspur and Kullu
gather together.
3.BAISAKHI FESTIVAL AT REWALSAR:
At about 24 Kms from Mandi, at Rewalsar Basakhi Fair is held on the first Baisakh
each year, in the honour of Rishi Lomas, which is attended by several thousands of
both sexes. An ealier fair take place in Phagan, but this essentially of

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Budhist interest, a considerable number of Tibetian, Lahaulis and Kanawaris
performing the pilgrimage each year.
4.NALWAR FAIR AT SUNDERNAGAR
Nalwar Fair ofSundernagar held in the month ofApril. It is famous for the trading
of cattle besides its religious and cultural importance.
5.KAMAKSHA FAIR
This fair held at village Kao in Karsog Sub-Division, Started during second
World War, to pray to godess Kamaksha to end the war.
6.KAMRUNAG FAIR
Held every year in the month of June. Local people participate in large number
showing the glimpse of local culture in its most colorful form. People throw gold
and silver coins in the lake in reverence to God Shiva.
7.KUTAH FAIR
Kutah fair held in the month of May for a week in the beautiful Janjehli Valley
in Gohar Sub-Division.
8.PARASHAR FAIR
Held every year in the month of June, the fair depicts local culture of hill people
besides attendance by the local dieties.

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9.MAGRU MAHADEV FAIR
Held every year in the month of August for three days. reflecting local hill culture
and religious fervor of people to its best.
OTHER FAIRS
Besides these there are many other fairs such as Mamailfair in Karsog, Nalwari
at Barchhwar and Bhangrotu etc.
(B) FESTIVALS
Fairs and festivals are the most important part of the life of hill folk. Besides, a
number offairs organised at different places throughout the district, somefestivals
like Navratra (Nine auspicious days); Basoa- a festival of crops; Bakarmala,
Chidan Mala, Haryalitri - festival relating to cattle wealth; Saayar - another crop
festival; Naag Panchami, Gugga festival, Deepavali and Shivratri are some of the
major festivals celebrated in the district during different seasons.

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WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES IN MANDI DISTRICT
1. Nargu wildlife sanctuary
2. Shikari devi wildlife sanctuary
3. Bandli wildlife sanctuary
1.NARGU WILDLIFE SANCTUARY :
The Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary was first found in 1962 and re-noticed in the 1974. It
is one of the most densely populated sanctuaries in Himachal.
It is known to be most tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh which lies on the
banks of Uhl, Mandi. It is covered area of 273 square kilometres; temperature varies
-5 to 20°C.

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 Flora and Fauna
Flora: It is dense forest type with sub-tropical pine, Ban Oak, Moru Oak, Moist
Deodar, western mixed Coniferous, moist temperate Deciduous, Kharsu Oak and
sub Alpine forests.
Fauna:Here animals like Black Bear, Brown Bear, Himalayan Palm Civent, barking
Deer, Indian Hare, common Langur, Leopard, Rhesus Macaque, Himalayan yellow
throated stone Marten, Indian Porcupine, common giant flying Squirrel, Himalayan
Weasel
Best Time to visit: Between the months of April to May and August to October
Accommodation: Travellers visiting this place can avail accommodation facilities
in the rest houses located at Thaltukhod and Silbadhwani.
 Transportation of Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary:
By road: Joginder nagar is near to take any vehicle to reach the sanctuary.
By train: The nearest railhead is joginder nagar which is 40kms far from the Nagru
wildlife sanctuary
By flight: People who want to reach this sanctuary can travel from Bhuntar which
is in Kullu district from where the Nagru sanctuary is of few kms away, you can
reach Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary.

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2. SHIKARI DEVI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY :
Shikari Devi Sanctuary, located near the Shikari Devi Temple in the Mandi District,
was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1962. This wildlife sanctuary is home to a
different species of animals and birds, including the goral, monal, black-bear,
barking deer, musk deer, cat leopard, and the Himalayan black bear.
Tourists can also see the Himalayan palm civet, barking deer, marten, Indian
porcupine, Kashmiri flying squirrel, musk deer, common langur, leopard, the
common Squirrel, and the snow leopard inhabiting the sanctuary.The vegetation of
the place includes trees of the ban oak, western mixed coniferous trees, kharsu oak,
West Himalayan upper oak, moist temperate deciduous forest, and sub Alpine
pastures. The best time to visit this sanctuary is between August and October,
besides the months of April and May. The place can be reached from Karsog via
Chindi.

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3.BANDLI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY :
Region : Himachal Pradesh, from the village of Sunder Nagar about seven
kilometers
Perfect Visiting Time : Month of May and October
Special Factors : Snow Leopard and Chir Pheasant
Bandli Sanctuary is located within Mandidistrict. Fromvillage ofSunderNagar
it is seven kilometers away. Due to tiny Chir population and Leopards this
sanctuary is highly disturbed. Earlier this area was protected very well. The
wildlife ofthis sanctuary comprises ofprevalent Palm Civet, Black Bear, Rhesus
Macaque, Indian hare, Barking Deer and Himalayan Black Bear.

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CONCLUSION
The prospect of tourism in Mandi region has never flourished in the
domestic as well as in the international market even though the Mandi
region provides many tourist attractions related to religion, culture and
adventure sports such as trekking routes to Shikari Devi Temple. Even
though Mandi still has many unexplored tourist destinations but lack of
proper infrastructure facilities such as transportation, sanitation and other
basic facilities are still under developed in this region. Government
Policies, stiff competition from Kullu- Manali and other main tourist
destinations of H.P like Shimla, Dharamshala etc has always act as a
hindrance in development of Mandi as a tourist destination.
Government policies toward development of Mandi, marketing and
promotion of major tourist attractions such as International Shivratri Fair,
Prashar Lake, Rewalsar lake, Barot Valley, ancient temples and
monuments in Mandi district can act as a catalyst in attracting more and
more tourist and help in creating Mandi as tourist hub of H.P.
In the end I would like to conclude that Mandi has huge potential in field
of tourism which can only be possible through cooperation between the
local authorities and government, infrastructure development and
emergence of alternated tourism. I hope that in near future necessary steps
are taken to improve the present situation of tourism and Mandi may
emerge as a popular international tourist destination.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. HPTDC BROUCHERS
2. www.hptdc.nic.in
3. www.hpmandi.gov.in/tourism
4. HPTDC PAMPHLETS
5. Know Your State: Himachal Pradesh by Vinod Kumar Dhumal