Some districts across Himachal Pradesh are renowned for their sprawling meadows, tall pine trees and serene environment. Mandi is one such district that has gained popularity among travellers who prefer exploring offbeat locations. There are several places to visit in Mandi from Pandoh Dam to serene lakes like Prashar Lake and Rewalsar Lake. The district is also renowned for its ancient temples and natural wonders, all adding to the beauty of the experience. The next time you plan a trip to Himachal Pradesh, detour from the common tourist attractions and spend a few days exploring Mandi and its surrounding spots.
10 Places To Visit In Mandi
Known as the “Varanasi of the Hills,” the places to visit in Mandi feature a blend of temples, forests and lakes for every nature lover.
1. Prashar Lake
Starting the list with one of the popular tourist attractions in Mandi is the famous Prashar Lake, a high-altitude lake located at 2730 metres. It is one of the most enchanting spots in Mandi, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense pine forests. The clear, turquoise waters reflect the grandeur of the Himalayas and make it a great spot for tourists to relax, unwind and even capture photographs of the beauty. The area also features a quaint three-story pagoda-style temple dedicated to Sage Prashar, adding a cultural touch to the serene environment.
Location: D.P.F. Parashar Dhar, Himachal Pradesh 175005
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
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2. Rewalsar Lake
Photo: Doron / Wikimedia Commons
Given that the list of Mandi tourist places is filled with different lakes, including Rewalsar Lake in the itinerary is a must. This sacred lake is of extreme spiritual importance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs alike since the lake is surrounded by temples dedicated to different faiths, creating a unique atmosphere of harmony. You can either relax on the banks of the lake or take a leisurely boat ride to explore the expanse of the lake on your next Mandi trip.
Location: Rewalsar, Himachal Pradesh 175023
Timings: 24*7
3. Sunder Nagar Lake
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Another popular lake that deserves a place on the list of places to visit in Mandi is the Sunder Nagar Lake. It is a manmade reservoir that’s an ideal spot for relaxation and even for picnicking. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, dense forests and amazing activities you can explore. It’s one of the most popular experiences to spend with your family, especially as boating is available on this lake. The nearby town of Sunder Nagar adds a touch of local charm with its bustling markets and traditional eateries.
Location: Himachal Pradesh 175019
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
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4. Barot Valley
Photo: Sanjay Lakhanpal / Wikimedia Commons
Unlike all the popular tourist attractions in Mandi, Barot Valley is a hidden gem that’s not frequented often by tourists. The tranquil environment, paired with the unfiltered beauty makes this a place worth adding to your travel plans. The valley is adorned with lush green forests, terraced fields, and crystal-clear streams. It is an ideal destination for trekking, camping, and nature walks. If you are planning to visit the nearby Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, Barot Valley is the gateway towards it. It is also a trout breeding centre wherein the bred fish are released in the Uhl River.
Location: Barot, Distt Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175013
Timings: 24*7
5. Rohanda Village
Photo: Debashrita / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best ways to learn about a place is by exploring the remote villages. Rohanda Village in Mandi is one that you must add to your travel plans. It is one of the best places to visit in Mandi, especially if you want a first-hand experience of the traditional Himachali architecture and vibrant cultural heritage. It is a fairly small village with 40 families residing, with under 200 population in total. The village offers a unique opportunity to experience rural life, with traditional homes, local crafts, and delicious local cuisine. You can also explore several off-beaten paths around the village.
Location: Himachal Pradesh 175031
Timings: 24*7
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6. Kamru Nag Lake
Photo: Ritpr9 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another tourist attraction in Mandi is the KamruNag Lake, an alpine lake. It is a sacred lake due to its association with Mahabharata. According to legends, the lake is named after Kamrunag, King Yaksha of Mahabharata whom the Pandavas worshipped. People who trek to visit the temple often offer gold, silver and coins in the lake as a form of offering to the Dev Kamrunag for wish fulfilment. The lake is also popular for tourists who want to camp and reconnect with nature.
Location: Kamru Nag, Himachal Pradesh 175031
Timings: 24*7
7. Pandoh Dam
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Constructed on the Beas River that flows through Himachal Pradesh, Pandoh Dam is another one of the popular sightseeing spots that you must visit the next time you are here. The dam was constructed in 1977 and since then, it has produced hydroelectricity, which is used to supply the adjoining areas. The combination of this engineering marvel and the greenish-blue tint of the river underneath makes for a wonderful spectacle you must witness. Also, along the lower beds of the river, white water rafting activity is available for the tourists to explore.
Location: Pandoh, Himachal Pradesh 175004
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
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8. Swarghat
Photo: Jan J george / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A short drive from Mandi, Swarghat is another spot that needs to be on your Mandi tourist places list. It is a quaint hill station and is usually considered a stopover destination for people travelling from Chandigarh to Himachal Pradesh, specifically to Manali. Despite the small area comprising this tourist attraction, you can witness the beauty of the Swarghat Falls and the Guru Gobind Sagar Lake while you are there. Don’t forget to stop at the Laxmi Narayan temple to offer prayers and seek blessings from the deities.
Location: Swarghat, Ramshahar, Road, Swarghat, Himachal Pradesh 174011
Timings: 24*7
9. Janjehli
Photo: Kreativeart / Wikimedia Commons
Janjehli, located at an altitude of 2,100 metres, is a serene hill station surrounded by thick forests and rolling hills. If you are looking for uninterrupted spots to indulge in camping and trekking experiences, away from the main town of Mandi, Janjehli is the perfect spot for you to stop and explore. Beyond the natural wonders, the Shikari Devi temple is also a prime attraction. You can stop to seek blessings from the Goddess there. The village is a quaint settlement with traditional houses and friendly locals, so interact with the locals to learn about their way of living and try some local dishes there.
Location: Himachal Pradesh 175047
Timings: 24*7
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10. Bhoot Nath Temple
Photo:Jagdeep sharma / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you truly want to immerse yourself in history, consider adding Bhoot Nath Temple as one of the places for the Mandi trip. The temple was built by Raja Ajber Sen and is surrounded by lush greenery and dense forests. There is a lake adjoining the temple where people dip to cleanse their sins for a fresh start. Inside the temple lies majestic stone idols of Lord Shiva, Nandi. Also, as you enter the temple, the carved stone arch will attract your sight as it adds to the beauty of the place’s architecture.
Location: BhootNath Road, Samkhetar, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175001
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
There are several places to visit in Mandi, each with significance. Some are renowned for their religious significance while others for their natural wonders. As you plan your itinerary, include a balance of different places to make the most out of your experience exploring Mandi and its surrounding areas. Sort all your bookings and experiences at the best price with TripXL for the best experience on your trip to Mandi.
Cover Photo: Amiya Chaturvedi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only