Mandi Tourism And Travel Guide

Described as the miniature Benaras by many, the town of Mandi is a small village with innumerable places of religious significance. Old houses, steep undulating streets and flights of long steps are some of the characteristics of Mandi. Several temples are built around the Beas River that light up in the evening and night time giving the place a tranquil and holy feel. Tourism in Mandi is popular amongst pilgrims and therefore different modes of transportation like flights, trains and busses are available and can be used to reach the destination.

The climate in Mandi is extremely cold during the winters and pleasant during summers making it the best time to visit, as the weather permits you to indulge in various adventure activities. Whether it’s going on a trek and then camping by Prashar Lake or whether it’s celebrating the Mahashivratri, Mandi never disappoints and has something for everyone to do. Browse through our travel guide to Mandi to find out where you would like to go when you visit.

By Air:

There is no direct airport to Mandi and the closest one is the Bhuntar Airport situated at 60 km from the village. You can also travel to the Chandigarh Airport as it is frequented by more number of flights from other cities in India. You can hire a cab from the airport to reach Mandi.

By Road:

You can easily travel from different cities to Mandi by road due to it being well connected by several national highways. You can also choose to travel by a luxury busses that ply from various cities in the north, which are quite comfortable.

By Rail:

The closest railway station to Mandi is Joginder Nagar, situated at a distance of 58 km. it is always fun to watch the picturesque views from the train while with friends and family. Alternatively, you can take the Chandigarh Railway station distanced at 187 km. You can further reach your destination by taking a cab from the station.

Getting Around:

You can commute around Mandi by using auto rickshaws that are pocket friendly and take you around quite conveniently. You can also hire private cabs or take busses that are facilitated by HRTC.

Summer (April-June):

Summers in Mandi are warm during the day but pleasant at the same time, and the nights are cool with temperatures ranging between 20°C- 32°C. This is the best time to visit Mandi and the place is a hub for adventure sports during this season.

Monsoon (July-September):

Mandi sees an adequate amount of rainfall in the monsoon season. The temperatures during this time range from 15°C-20°C, making it mildly cold and pleasant. Visiting during this time may be dangerous due to the rains making the land slippery.

Winter (October-February):

Winters in Mandi are extremely harsh with temperatures lowering drastically to almost -10°C. The scenic beauty of the place is exemplified during this season as you can see the beautiful mountain ranges covered in snow. Sightseeing is not possible during this time, but you may be able to enjoy the sport of skiing on beautiful wide slopes.

Visit the Prashar Lake:

One of the most significant lakes in Mandi, the Prashar Lake is an absolute beauty. Surrounded by some of the most stunning sights of tall mountains and lush greenery, the Prashar Lake is a must visit. There is a temple right next to the temple, which adds to the serenity of the lake.

Go River Rafting:

River rafting on the waters of the Pandoh Lake is something every adventure enthusiast should indulge in. Rafting in the middle of the rough waters with beautiful landscapes all around is not to be missed. Equipment for the sport can be found at the banks of the Pandoh Lake.

Visit Temples

Mandi is primarily a place of pilgrimage due to the numerous temples established at the banks of Beas River. Various temples like the Bhootnaath Temple and Shikari Devi Temple amongst many others are the famous ones in Mandi that are worth visiting. If you are a devotee of Lord Shiva, don’t miss the Mahashivratri celebrations during March.

Relax in Barot

Barot is a small village, located at about 67 km from Mandi. It is a village that is untouched and had not been discovered for quite some time. The scenic beauty of the place that includes lush greenery and small clear ponds makes it more pristine and a relaxing place to spend a few days in.

Pump the Adrenaline

Mandi has something for everybody, including the ones who love adventure sports. Visit during the months of summer, when the climate is favourable to indulge in some adventure sports like trekking, river rafting, mountaineering, mountain biking and much more!

Since the small village is bustling with people in the peak season and also the off season, Mandi has a number of restaurants and food joints for tourists to satiate their hunger. If you are craving some authentic ‘Pahadi’ meal, Mandi has some exclusive restaurants that are worth the visit. Eat a hearty breakfast at the Black Pepper restaurant on national highway 21, or try out Chawlas Square for some delicious Indian food. You can even sip a cocktail in the beautiful garden of Copacabana Bar and restaurant while having some spicy kebabs. Authentic Tibetan cuisine with piping hot thukpa and finger licking momos are also available at every corner of Mandi.

Shopping in the local area is mandatory when you visit a place, especially if you want to bring back gifts and souvenirs. The region of Mandi is known for handicrafts that are made locally and wooden artefacts from the ancient eras. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Indira Shopping Complex, a huge emporium of exclusive handicrafts made in that region. You can also visit New Sarika Shopping Complex, Sunkan Garden Shopping Complex and RCM Shopping Point to buy various things.