Mandi (formerly known as Mandav Nagar) is a major city and a municipal corporation in Mandi District in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated 145 kilometres (90 mi) north of state capital, Shimla in the north-west Himalayas at an average altitude of 880 m (2,890 ft) Mandi is connected to the Pathankot through National Highway 154 and to Manali and Chandigarh through National Highway 5. Mandi is approximately 163 km (101 mi) from Chandigarh, the nearest major city, and 395 km (245 mi) from New Delhi,the national capital. In the 2011 Indian census, Mandi had a population of 26,422. Mandi district is currently the 4th largest economy in the state. Mandi has the second highest sex ratio of 1013 females per thousand males, in the state.
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". Also, Mandi is the starting point for a trek of the region, Prashar lake trek. From Mandi, trekkers go to Bagi village, which serves as the base village for Prashar lake. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi is a premier institute located 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Mandi town.
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. Mandi was established in 1527 by Ajbar Sen, as the seat of the Mandi State, a princely state till 1948. Foundation of the town was laid on the establishment of Himachal Pradesh in early 1948. Today, it is widely known for the International Mandi Shivaratri Fair. Mandi is also the first heritage city of Himachal Pradesh. It also has the remains of old palaces and notable examples of 'colonial' architecture. Mandi had one of the oldest buildings of Himachal Pradesh.
Nestled along the gentle curves of the Beas River, Mandi is a charming Himalayan town where history, spirituality, and nature blend seamlessly. Often called the “Varanasi of the Hills,” Mandi is home to more than eighty ancient stone temples, their intricate carvings whispering stories of centuries past. The town’s sacred ghats, quiet lanes, and riverside walks create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and deeply serene.
Surrounded by lush green hills and cedar forests, Mandi offers a refreshing escape from crowded tourist trails. Life here flows slowly—local markets buzz with color, traditional Himachali culture thrives, and warm hospitality welcomes every visitor. Nearby valleys, lakes, and mountain villages provide opportunities for gentle adventure, scenic hikes, and immersive cultural experiences.
Mandi is a destination for travelers who seek authenticity rather than spectacle—a place to connect with local traditions, explore hidden heritage, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of Himalayan life. For foreign visitors looking to experience the spiritual heart and natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh, Mandi is a quiet gem waiting to be discovered.
The Trilokinath Temple in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It contains a three-faced murti (image) of Shiva, which is the origin of the name Trilokinath, "Lord of Three Worlds.
The temple is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims, and a number of festivals are celebrated there every year.
It is believed that Sultan Devi, queen of Raja Ajber Sen, in the 16th century, commissioned the construction of the Trilokinath temple,[2] which was built around 1520 AD.
The Sena dynasty who built this temple are believed to have come from Karnataka who settled in Bengal by taking over the declining Pala Empire. After losing lands to the devastating attacks by Bakhtiyar Khalji in 1203–1204 CE, the Sena dynasty lost north-east Bengal, the eastern parts of Bengal remained under the Senas until 1230 CE. The Sena Dynasty built many temples, including one in Kashmir, named and known as Sankara Gaureshwara.
The princely state of Mandi was created in the 13th century by Bahu Sen, but the city of Mandi emerged as a separate entity much later, at the beginning of the 16th century. Bahu Sen's descendant Raja Ajber Sen (19th descendant of Bahu Sen), who founded the present Mandi city centred around the Bhootnath Temple between 1500 CE-1534 CE, built his palace near this temple. The temple of Trilokinath was constructed during his rule by his queen.
Panchvaktra, name derived from the five avatars of Lord Shiva is situated at the confluence of two rivers,Suketi and Beas is built in Shikara style and in astonishing in its looks.
The temple is clearly visible from the starting of the Mandi-Bajaura road and takes around 7-10 minutes to reach by walking from the Victoria Bridge in Mandi. The temple, holds a huge statue of Lord Shiva. The statue has five faces depicting the five avatars of Lord Shiva,namely Aghora, Ishana, Tat Purusha, Vaamdeva and Rudra. Angora is the destructive nature, Ishana is omnipresent and omnipotent, Tat Purusha is his ego, Vaamdeva is the female facet and Rudra is his creative and destructive aspect. Panchvaktra is the union of all five of these. The foundation date of the Panhvaktra temple is still unknown. As per the facts and figures from our rich history, the temple was restored under the reign of Sidh Sen's kingship (1684-1727) after it was damaged due to flood. Main porch of the temple is supported by 4 minutely carved pillars. The location and the temple itself is a treat for history loving people, its tranquility, peaceful ambiance and sound of river makes it a great place for gaining solitude.
At a distance of 1 km from Mandi Bus Station, Bhootnath Temple is an ancient temple located in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Situated in the heart of the town, it is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Mandi.
Bhootnath Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was constructed in 1527 CE during the rule of Raja Ajber Sen, a ruler of Mandi. He dreamt of a cow whose udders were showering milk at a particular spot in the woods. The next day, he went to the site and discovered a Shivalinga after hours of digging. A temple was built in honor of Lord Shiva and the Shivalinga was installed in the sanctum of the temple.
Bhootnath Temple is an enticing edifice built in the typical Shikara style of architecture. It is exquisitely carved in a serpentine manner and houses the idol of Nandi Bull in the courtyard. The other Hindu religious figurines like Lord Vishnu, Goddess Durga, Lord Hanuman, etc. can be seen inside.
Maha Shivaratri is a sacred festival that is celebrated here with great pomp. The whole temple is bedecked exquisitely and is flooded by the devotees from early hours. Aarti of the Shivalinga is done twice a day and devotees do the abhisheka of the Shivalinga with the Panchamrit.
Parashar Lake (also spelled Prashar Lake) is a freshwater lake located at an elevation of 2,730 metres (8,960 ft) in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It lies 49 km (30 mi) east of the town of Mandi, and has a three storied pagoda-like temple dedicated to the sage Parashara situated on its bank.
The lake is named after the ancient Hindu sage Parashara, who considered the lake to be sacred and meditated there. The pagoda-style temple was built in the 14th century by Raja Ban Sen of Mandi in honor of the sage and thus, considering the Himachali architecture, the lake was named after him.
Every year, three grand fairs are held at Rishi Parashar's sacred site, further enhancing its religious significance. These major festivals—Kashi, Rishi Panchami, and Sauranahuli—attract numerous devotees. During these gatherings, deities from Shanor, Badar, Uttarshal, and other valleys arrive with their devotees, providing an opportunity for cultural exchange and strengthening the bonds between different communities.
In Hindu mythology, the lake was created by Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers. After the Kurukshetra War, the Pandavas were returning with Lord Kamrunag. When they reached this place, Kamrunag loved the tranquil surroundings and decided to live here forever. Bhima rammed his elbow on one of the mountains and created a big dent in the land; this dent became the lake.
Rewalsar Lake, also known as Tso Pema, is a mid-altitude lake located in the mountains of the Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located 22.5 km south-west from the town of Mandi, at an elevation of about 1,360 metres (4,460 ft) above sea level, with a shoreline of about 735 m. Rewalsar Lake is a sacred spot for Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists,[1][2] and sacred to Tibetan Buddhists for the Vajrayana practices of Padmasambhava and Mandarava, which are credited for the lake's creation.
There is a Colossus of Padmasambhava, a shrine to Mandarava, and three Buddhist monasteries at Rewalsar Lake. The Rewaksar Lake also has three Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and to the sage Lomasha. Another holy lake, Kunt Bhyog which is about 1,750 metres (5,740 ft) above sea level lies above Rewalsar.[3] It is associated with the escape of 'Pandavas' from the burning palace of wax—an episode from the epic Mahabharata.
After practicing with the local Relwasar king's daughter Mandarava, Padmasambhava and Mandarava departed for Nepal, from which Padmasambhava travelled to Tibet. Known to Tibetans as Guru Rinpoche, (the "Precious Master"), Padmasambhava revealed the teachings of Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet. There are islands of floating reed on Rewalsar lake and the spirit of Padmasambhava is said to reside in them. It is also here that the sage Lomas did penance in devotion to Lord Shiva; and, the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh (22 December 1666 – 7 October 1708), the tenth Guru of Sikhism, also resided here for one month.
The Sisu fair held in late February/early march, and the festival of Baisakhi are important events at Rewalsar.
Kufri is a resort hill station in the district of Shimla, India. It is located 12 km (7.5 mi) from the state capital Shimla on the National Highway 5 (also known as Hindustan-Tibet road). On the Kufri Avenue, the main thoroughfare, boutiques and restaurants mix with Indian-style hotels and souvenir shops are to look for during a visit.
The name Kufri is derived from the word kufr meaning "lake" in the local language. The highest point in the surrounding region, Kufri has a Himalayan wildlife zoo which hosts rare antelopes, felines and birds including the Himalayan monal, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh until 2007. During winter a meandering path through the potato plantations turns into a popular ski track.
Kufri is located at 31.10°N 77.25°E. It has an average elevation of 2,720 metres (8923 feet).
The region around Shimla including Kufri was once a part of the Kingdom of Nepal until the area was ceded to the British Raj as part of the Sugauli Treaty. This region remained obscure from the rest of the world until the British 'discovered' it in 1819.
The British-era Bantony Estate in Shimla, a grand private castle once was the summer Palace of the erstwhile Maharaja of Sirmaur, a grandeur architectural landmark. The castle is located near Scandal point on Kali Bari Road.The Bantony Esttate is a heritage site built during the British era and is situated on the Bantony Hill of Shimla. The beautiful wooden architecture of the building amidst the sprawling lawns is a site worth exploring.
Bantony Castle is one of the historic and monumental buildings of Shimla town and has a very rich history. It was built over 145 years ago. Before the castle was built, the estate had only a cottage that belonged to Captain A. Gordan and later in 1880, the castle was built up and became the summer residence of Maharaja Sirmour. During the first World War it was handed over by Maharaja Sirmaur to the Govt. of India for housing additional temporary offices for army.
After independence, ‘The Tribune’ office was shifted here from Lahore. Later on it remained the office of the Director General of Police. The main building is a two-storeystructure constructed in the mockTudor style, part chalet and crowned with a sloping roof with mini-towers. The castle is said to have been designed by TEG Cooper. In the year 2017, the Himachal Pradesh Government acquired the Bantony Castle Estate from the owner and restored the heritage building to establish a digital Museum and Light & Sound Show to portray the history, Art and Culture of the State.
The Kalka–Shimla Railway is a 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow-gauge railway in North India which traverses a mostly mountainous route from Kalka to Shimla. It is known for dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages. The railway was built under the direction of Herbert Septimus Harington between 1898 and 1903 to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British Raj, with the rest of the Indian rail system.
Its early locomotives were manufactured by Sharp, Stewart and Company. Larger locomotives were introduced, which were manufactured by the Hunslet Engine Company. Diesel and diesel-hydraulic locomotives began operation in 1955 and 1970, respectively.
On 8 July 2008, UNESCO added the Kalka–Shimla Railway to the mountain railways of India World Heritage Site.
Shimla (then spelt Simla), which was settled by the British shortly after the first Anglo-Gurkha war, is located at 7,116 feet (2,169 m) in the foothills of the Himalayas. The idea of connecting Shimla by rail was first raised by a correspondent to the Delhi gazette in November 1847.
Shimla became the summer capital of British India in 1864, and was the headquarters of the Indian army. This meant that twice a year it was necessary to transfer the entire government between Calcutta and Shimla by horse and ox drawn carts.
In 1891 the 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) broad gauge Delhi–Kalka line opened, which made the construction of a branch line up to Shimla feasible.
The earliest survey was made in 1884, followed by another survey in 1885. Based on these two surveys, a project report was submitted in 1887 to the government of British India. Fresh surveys were made in 1892 and 1893, which led to four alternative schemes being suggested - two adhesion lines, 67.25 mi (108.23 km) and 69.75 mi (112.25 km) long, and two rack lines.Fresh surveys were again made in 1895 from Kalka to Solan to determine whether a 1 in 12 rack or a 1 in 25 adhesion line should be chosen. After much debate, an adhesion line was chosen in preference to a rack system.
Construction of the Kalka–Shimla Railway on 2 ft (610 mm) narrow-gauge tracks was begun by the privately funded Delhi-Ambala-Kalka Railway Company following the signing of a contract between the secretary of state and the company on 29 June 1898.The contract specified that the line would be built without any financial aid or guarantee from the government. The government however provided the land free of charge to the company. The estimated cost of 8,678,500 rupees doubled by the time the line was opened. The Chief Engineer of the project was Herbert Septimus Harington and the Chief Contractor was Sujan Singh Hadaliwale.
The 95.68 km (59.45 mi) line opened for traffic on 9 November 1903 and was dedicated by Viceroy Lord Curzon. This line was further extended from Shimla to Shimla Goods (which had once housed the bullock cart office) on 27 June 1909 making it 96.60 km (60.02 mi).
The Indian Army were sceptical about the two feet gauge chosen for the line and requested that a wider standard gauge be used for mountain and light strategic railways. Eventually the government agreed that the gauge was too narrow for was essentially a capital city and for military purposes. As a result, the contract with the railway company was revised on 15 November 1901 and the line gauge changed to 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) with the track built to date being regauged. Some sources however state the regauging wasn't undertaken until 1905.
In 1905 the company took delivery of a 10-ton Cowans Sheldon travelling crane to assist with lifting rolling stock back onto the tracks after accidents and for general track maintenance. Due to the high capital and maintenance costs and difficult working conditions, the railway was allowed to charge higher fares than on other lines. Nevertheless, the company had spent 16,525,000 rupees by 1904 with no sign of the line becoming profitable, which lead to it being purchased by the government on 1 January 1906 for 17,107,748 rupees. Once it came under the control of the government the line was originally managed as an independent unit from the North West Railway office in Lahore until 1926, when it was transferred to Delhi Division. Since July 1987, the line has been managed by the Ambala Division from Ambala Cantt.
In 2007, the Himachal Pradesh government declared the railway a heritage property. For about a week, beginning on 11 September 2007, a UNESCO team visited the railway to inspect it for possible selection as a World Heritage Site. On 8 July 2008, it became part of the mountain railways of India World Heritage Site with the Darjeeling Himalayan and Nilgiri Mountain Railways.
Nichar is a village located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh state, India, at an altitude of 2100 meters. It is located on the old Hindustan-Tibet road. Most of the people follows Hinduism as well as Buddhism. It is known for natural water body called "chhalang bayu". The Usha Mata temple is in Nichar. The people of Nichar celebrate a fair called 'HU HU mela' (BAATI mela in local language). Nichar is one of the three administrative areas of Kinnaur distt. The region has a variety of flora and fauna and is home to wildlife species such as red bears, antelopes, and Ghoral. Nichar has wide range of alpine forest. That's why it is called as green valley. It is most green village in distt Kinnaur. The temperature of Nichar remains moderate throughout the year and hence, tourist can visit here in any season. With its natural environment and wildlife, it has become one of the most sought-after places to visit in Kinnaur.
Moorang(3591m): Situated above the left bank of Satluj at some distance from the confluence of the Tirang and 39 kms away from the Kalpa. The location is very beautiful and approach to this picturesque village is through apricot orchard. The dell is encircled by the lofty mountains on every side, except westward open to the Satluj, on the bank of which there is an old fort believed to be built by Pandavas. The fort has a square structure situated on a knoll overlooking the Satluj. Its main gate is approachable by a detached ladder. It has a flat roof. The local deity is Urming and there are three structures dedicated to the deity each existing in Thwaring, Garmang and Shilling. Generally these are empty as the ark of the deity remains in the fort. On a sacred day the ark is taken to the above named places. The ark has got 18 'mukh', made of silver, gold and brass. The 18 mukh represents the 18 days of the great epic Mahabharat.
A must see tourist spot for the solitude lovers and avid worshipper of nature, Lipa Asrang Sanctuary is around at a height of 4,000 to 5,022 m. The sanctuary is spread over an area of around 30.89 sq km. The variety of flora found in this sanctuary includes dry coniferous forest, dry alpine scrub, dwarf juniper scrub, dry broad leaves, western Himalayan temperate forest, and coniferous forest.
The most commonly found fauna in this sanctuary are Yak, Leopard, Ibex, Goral, Brown Bear, Blue Sheep, Himalayan black Beer, Musk Deer etc. Random tourists are not allowed to enter this sanctuary. So they need to take prior permission to explore the sanctuary
The Shri Bagalamukhi Mata Temple (also known as Maa Baglamukhi Temple) is a prominent Hindu shrine located in Bankhandi (near Dehra), Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Goddess Bagalamukhi, one of the ten Mahavidyas (great wisdom goddesses) in Tantric Shaktism. The goddess is revered as Pitambara (clothed in yellow) and is associated with paralyzing enemies, granting victory in disputes, protection from evil, and fulfillment of wishes—especially in legal matters, competitions, and overcoming obstacles.
Exterior view of the temple nestled in the scenic Kangra valley.
The temple is considered a Siddha Peeth (accomplished spiritual site) and one of the three most significant Bagalamukhi shrines in India (along with those in Datia, Madhya Pradesh, and Nalkheda, Madhya Pradesh). It attracts devotees, including celebrities from politics, sports, and entertainment.
According to legends, The goddess emerged from a turmeric lake to calm a cosmic storm at Lord Vishnu’s request. The Pandavas are said to have built the temple overnight during their exile in the Dwapar Yuga. Lord Rama worshipped here (guided by Hanuman) to obtain the Brahmastra for victory over Ravana. The site is ancient, with references to its power in Tantric texts.
Yellow is the goddess’s favored color: The temple is painted yellow, devotees wear yellow clothes, offer yellow sweets (like besan laddoo), and adornments are golden/yellow.
Known for powerful havans (fire rituals) and yajnas believed to yield quick results—especially nighttime havans.
Devotees seek blessings for stambhana (paralyzing foes), victory in court cases, and protection.
Interior views showing the idol of Goddess Bagalamukhi, adorned in yellow.
The sanctum features the goddess in the center (sometimes flanked by Lakshmi and Saraswati), with nearby shrines for Lord Shiva, Bhairava, and Hanuman.
Festivals: Crowded during Navratri, Guru Purnima, and Vasant Panchami.
Whispers of love, strokes of tradition, and threads of devotion come together in the delicate artistry of the Chamba Rumal—a ceremonial cloth that tells tales of royalty, mythology, and resilience.
Legend whispered that the town’s very foundation was inspired by the loving gesture of a father towards his daughter. Raja Sahil Verman, the founder of Chamba, christened the town in honour of his beloved daughter, Champavati. It was her gentle touch, it is said, that pointed to the spot where the town would rise. Little did they know that this town would one day become the cradle of an enchanting art form — the Chamba Rumal
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