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Mandi, Himachal Pradesh’s cultural centre, is well-known for its temple architecture, historic palaces, and rich traditions. The town boasts gorgeous lakes, snow-capped Dhauladhar highlands, lush woods, and marvellous temples, making it a desirable tourist destination. And, so are the nearby attractions, thus making the places to visit near Mandi even more desirable. Whether you’d like to spend a day at the lakeside, explore monasteries, or go on a hike through gorgeous valleys, these splendid attractions will never leave you disappointed.
10 Places To Visit Near Mandi
Here is a list of 10 of the most popular places to visit near Mandi, a quaint little town in Himachal Pradesh.
1. Barot Valley
Photo: Hardik Monga / Unsplash
Barot, a hamlet built in the 1920s for the Shanan Hydel Project, is one of the best places to see near Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is also known as the hidden gem of the Himalayas. Framed by terrace farms and magnificent deodar trees, Barot provides stunning scenery and pure, natural air. It is one of the most popular hiking locations in Himachal Pradesh, where you can indulge in adventure like never before.
Best Time To visit: April to October
Distance From Mandi: 67 km
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Dharamshala On Your Next Vacation
2. Parashar Lake
Photo: Anamdas / Wikimedia Commons
Prashar Lake is situated at an elevation of 2730 metres in Mandi district. This lake is as mysterious as it is beautiful because it is said to be one of the world’s deepest lakes. Despite several attempts by divers to calculate the lake’s depth, the actual depth remains unknown to this day. The locals claim it’s a bottomless lake. Its pristine waters reflect the surrounding snow-capped Himalayas, creating a stunning image in your mind’s eye. There is a motorable road that leads all the way to the lake from Mandi.
Location: Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh 175001
3. Shikari Devi Temple
Photo: Narendra Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
On the Shikari Peak, there lies a roofless temple dedicated to Shikari Devi, the goddess of hunters. It is one of the most popular places for pilgrimage in Himachal and among the best tourist attractions near Mandi for trekkers. You must climb around 550 steps to reach the temple. It is placed in the middle of a lush meadow, surrounded by a dense deodar forest. This hallowed site is a one-day trip from Mandi by motor vehicle.
Location: Shikari Peak, Tikkar, Himachal Pradesh 175048
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Chail On Your Next Trip
4. Chokling Monastery
Photo: Brahmavadini / Wikimedia Commons
Chokling Monastery was constructed in the 1960s following Tibetan exile due to the Chinese invasion. Presently, this monastery is a fully functional complex of stupas, temples, and monastic dwellings. While the entryway is embellished with sculptures, the monastic temple complex stands alone in silence as deep prayer is performed there. There is a lovely lawn in front of the meditation centre, and the layout of the rugged landscape and monastery is magnificent.
Location: Bir, Chaugan, Himachal Pradesh 176077
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
5. Sunken Garden
Photo: Nishant Sharman / Wikimedia Commons
The Sunken Garden and Clock Tower in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, is over 500 years old. It was once a lake but was later transformed into a beautiful garden by Raja Joginder Sen. The park is the centre of major city activities and is believed to be the burial place of Raja Sidh Sen’s son-in-law, Raja Prithi of Bengal. The garden symbolizes natural elegance and historical enigma, with its transformation from a lake to a garden and echoes of a mysterious past. It is a popular attraction in Mandi.
Location: Samkhetar, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175001
Timings: 10 AM – 7:45 PM (all days except Sunday)
Suggested Read: A Complete Travel Guide For The Things To Do In Jibhi
6. Rewalsar Lake
Photo: Gerd Eichmann / Wikimedia Commons
Rewalsar Lake, frequently referred to as Tso Pema, is a mid-altitude lake in the highlands of Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district. The natural lake is known for its floating reed islands and fish. There are Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh shrines along the lake’s perimeter. There is also a diverse range of flora and wildlife here. Birds such as the brown coot and white-breasted kingfisher are some prominent avian species here. Rewalsar Lake is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Mandi.
Location: Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh 175023
7. Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary is a renowned tourist spot located on the banks of the River Uhl near Mandi. A trekking path connects the settlement of Barog to Kullu, and it serves as a primary entryway to the sanctuary. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including monal, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, serow, barking deer, black bear, and pheasants. The best time to visit Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary is from April to May and August to October.
Location: Bharog, Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh 175013
Nearest Railway Station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Suggested Read: Discover The Spiritual Majesty Of Jwalamukhi Temple
8. Mahu Nag Temple
Photo: Bibhash Paul / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Dev Mahunag Temple is located in Karsog Valley, Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh. The temple is around 25 km away from the major Karsog market. Around the temple, there are several picturesque views and an abundance of apple groves. Every year on Makar Sankranti Day, a big fair is organised. Travel to Naldehra and explore the old temple of Mahunag, where you will be captivated by the breathtaking Himalayan scenery. The temple is open from early in the morning until late in the evening, and the ideal months to visit are February through November.
Location: Karsog, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 171010
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
9. Bahl Valley
Photo: Tomoe Steineck / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Bahl Valley, also known as Sunder Nagar Valley, has a height of 800 meters above sea level. This valley is located between the Shimla Ridge and Shivalik Hills and is cut through by the renowned stream Suketi. This strategic position makes it a great stopover for people visiting Bir, McLeodganj, or Manali. Maise, wheat, ginger, and sugarcane are grown exclusively in this region. The occupations of the villagers of the Bahl Valley include dairy farming, mixed farming, animal husbandry, and horticulture. The valley’s ease of access, paired with its pristine beauty, makes it an intriguing destination for you to discover Himachal Pradesh’s lesser-known beauties.
Location: Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh 175018
Suggested Read: Best Unforgettable Things To Do In Manali For Your Next Crazy Trip
10. Trilokinath Temple
Photo: Aranya Kar / Wikimedia Commons
The Trilokinath Temple in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, is devoted to Shiva, the Hindu god. It contains a three-faced Shiva murti, thus the name Trilokinath. According to one famous narrative, a Kulu Raja arrived at Trilokinath and attempted to steal the idol but was defeated when the stone grew too heavy to lift. The marble figure’s right leg bears a mark that is claimed to be the result of a sword stroke by a Kullu soldier. Sultan Devi, the queen of Raja Ajber Sen in the 16th century, commissioned the construction of the Trilokinath temple, which was completed about 1520 AD.
Location: Purani Mandi, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175001
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Situated at the junction of Dharamshala and Kullu, Mandi is one of the favourite tourist spots for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. The places to visit near Mandi give you a chance to explore numerous attractions. From beautiful, serene lakes to a multitude of temples, the area surrounded by Mandi has options to serve different age groups. If you are considering a trip near Mandi, let TripXL make all the arrangements for you.
Cover Photo: Timothy Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
