Magnificent Places to Visit Near Mandi

Pandoh Dam is an embankment Dam that lies in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. Constructed on Beas River, the primary purpose of Pandoh Dam is hydroelectric power generation. It was commissioned in 1977 and is located at a distance of 10 km from Manali. The man-made lake created by the dam draws a good number of people towards it. Vacationers travelling to Manali get a perfect location near the dam to click great pictures as the location is highly picturesque and full of lush greenery.

Distance from Mandi: 20 km

Rewalsar Lake is also known as the Tso Pema Lotus Lake and is a mid-altitude lake located on a mountain spur in Mandi district, about 23 kilometres to the south of the town of Mandi. This mountain spur is protected by a variety of dense vegetation and plants, and the lake is particularly well known for its floating islands of reed. It is believed that all of these islands can be moved by prayer or breeze. The tranquillity and serenity that this place offers make it a popular tourist spot, and one of the most famous lakes in Himachal Pradesh that tourists should not miss out on.

Distance from Mandi: 23 km

Sunder Nagar was formerly a Princely state known as Suket. The fascinating beauty of this small town is embraced by the man-made lake produced by the waters of Beas-Sutlej Project. This project is India's Biggest Hydel Project. It is known for its shady and high towering trees. The green beauty is perfect for a winter as well as summer get away. It might be a small town but visiting here will surely sooth your mind and soul.

Distance from Mandi: 22 km

One of the most offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh, Prashar Lake is a crystal clear water body situated about 50 km north of Mandi, with a three-storied pagoda-like temple dedicated to the sage Prashar. The lake is located at the height of 2730 m above sea level with deep blue waters and holds a saintly position there. Bounded by mighty Dhauladhar ranges in Kullu Valley, the place is full of mystic charm. It is surrounded by snow-topped peaks and looks down on the fast flowing river Beas.

Distance from Mandi: 50 km

Barot is a mesmerizingly beautiful village located in the serene valleys of Mandi District in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a new found tourist destination and is located about 67 kilometers away from Mandi. If you are a backpacker, this destination is perfect to backpack through for a day or so. The scenic landscapes are captivating, and the unpolluted air draws travelers from across the world for sightseeing and much more.

Distance from Mandi: 64 km

A famous trekking path all around and situated at the height of 3334 m, Kamru Nag Lake lies on the Mandi-Karsog road and serves as arresting place for trekkers. Bounded by snow covered Dhauladhar and the Bahl Valley, this place will leave you completely bewitched. A Kamru Nag Temple in the proximity to the lake is flanked by thick cover of lush green forest.
 

Away from the buzzing sound of city, this small village sits quietly in the lap of nature. Packed with apple orchards and blessed with divine beauty of nature, one can also find several small temples near the village. Located 107 kms from Mandi, this place is easily accessible via Tattapani.

Distance from Mandi: 92 km

A treat for adventure buffs, Janjehli is an ideal place for activities like trekking. With a trail up to 3300 m, this place is almost 67 km from Mandi. While you can travel 32 kms by vehicle till Gohar, the journey on foot begins from there. With a furnished accommodation in Bajahi, the expedition continues till Janjehli for another 20 kms.
 

Distance from Mandi: 100 km

Situated almost 80 km from Mandi city, this fort is stands proudly on Sikandar Dhar ranges. Built by Raja Suraj Sen in 1625, it stands hovering at a height of 4772 meters. With its entrance present almost in form of a maze, the landscape around is lush green and picture perfect. Do visit this place if you're a history fanatic.
 

Distance from Mandi: 81 km

Known For : Hidimba Temple Solang Valley Manu Temple

Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines and freshness -  Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty. From museums to temples, from quaint little hippie villages to bustling upscale streets, river adventures to trekking trails, Manali has every reason to be the tourist magnet it is, all year round.

Distance from Mandi: 106 km

Best Time: October to June

51 Manali Attractions

Known For : Mall Road, Shimla The Ridge Jakhu Temple

Situated at a height of 2200m, Shimla is the capital and the largest city of Himachal Pradesh in India. Set amidst beautiful hills and mystical woods, Shimla has been a very popular hill-station among Indian families and honeymooners since the last 50 years. British loved this city so much that they made Shimla their summer capital in 1864 and used to rule the sub-continent from here whenever the temperature rose in the nearby plains. Shimla still retains its old world charm with beautiful colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road and beautiful churches.

Distance from Mandi: 139 km

Best Time: October to June

63 Shimla Attractions

Known For : Manikaran Sahib Nature Park Kasol Cafes in Kasol

A small village in Himachal situated along the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol is a tourist attraction that is rapidly gaining fame as a very popular hub for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Commonly known as the Amsterdam of India, this quaint little village is resplendent in natural scenic beauty, and is one of the few places in the country that is yet to be ruined by urbanization and commercialization. Situated between the towns of Bhuntar and Manikaran, Kasol might seem like a plain, nondescript village from the outside, but it is one of the best places in the country to just sit back and chill in the lap of nature.

Distance from Mandi: 87 km

Best Time: October to June

28 Kasol Attractions

Known For : Dalai Lama Temple St. John in the Wilderness Church Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

Dharamsala is famed as the holy residence of the Dalai Lama and houses the Tibetan monk in exile. Dharamsala is located in Kangra district at a distance of 18km from Kangra City. The city is distinctively separated as upper and lower divisions with different altitudes. The lower division is the Dharamsala town itself whereas the upper division is popularly known as Mcleodganj.

Distance from Mandi: 128 km

Best Time: October to June

38 Dharamsala Attractions

Known For : Basheshwar Temple Bijali Mahadev Temple Jagannath Temple

Bhuntar is a part of Kullu district and it is typically used as a getaway to the towns of Kullu, Manali, Kasol and Manikaran and Kullu airport also is located within Bhuntar. Bhuntar is a quaint little town and there's nothing too majestic about the natural beauty it has to offer, but it is your type of holiday destination if you appreciate less tourist-y spots and prefer lesser known spots to relax. Bhuntar has a quaint serenity to it and is considerable away from the maddening tourist crowds of the more famous places in Himanchal Pradesh.

Distance from Mandi: 58 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

3 Bhuntar Attractions

Known For : Hot Water Spring River Rafting in Tattapani Shiva cave

A popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, Tattapani is a quaint village located 60 kms away from Shimla. Situated on the banks of river Sutlej, it treasures several attractions lying amid nature in its best form. It is famous for its Hot sulphur spring that is believed to have curative properties for health ailments like stress, joint pain, fatigue and other skin diseases.

Distance from Mandi: 123 km

Best Time: October to June

9 Tattapani Attractions

Known For : Virasat-e-Khalsa Anandpur Sahib Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib Ji Sarovar Anandpur Sahib

This city is located in the Rupnagar District of Punjab, close to the Pakistan border and is one of the holiest places for Sikhs since the Khalsa Panth was founded here. The site where this sacred event took place is today marked by the construction of a Gurudwara. The city of Anandpur Sahib is most famous for its multitude of Gurudwaras that were built to commemorate various Gurus. There are also five forts around the town that testify to its military history. 

Distance from Mandi: 134 km

Best Time: November to February

8 Anandpur Sahib Attractions

Known For : Bhakra Nangal Dam Gobind Sagar Lake Water Sports and Fishing

Bilaspur is a hill town near Shimla, famous for its forts and Gobind Sagar lake, a man-made reservoir considered the lifeline of the district. Bilaspur, India's first planned hill station, is popularly known for its artificially made lake which is called the Gobind Sagar Lake on Sutlej River. It is a beautiful lake where one can rejuvenate and participate in water sports and fishing. Also, this lake provides water to the very famous Bhakra Nagal Dam.

Distance from Mandi: 65 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

16 Bilaspur Attractions

Known For : Naggar Castle Trekking and Fishing Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum

The picturesque town of Naggar draws tourists looking to revel in green surroundings, go trekking or be a little more adventurous and camping out. Located in the Kullu district, this quaint little town is typically covered with Kullu and is famous for its stunning natural beauty. Set against the backdrop of majestic hills and the clear and pristine Beas River, this tourist destination is ideal for people who want to relax and rejuvenate by living in the lap of nature. 

Distance from Mandi: 89 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

11 Naggar Attractions