Mandi , formerly known as Mandav Nagar,also known as Sahor, is a major city and a municipal council in Mandi District in the Indian state of
Himachal Pradesh. It is situated 143 kilometres (89 mi) north of state capital,
Shimla.Located in the north-west Himalayas at an average altitude of 1,044 metres (3,425 ft),the city of Mandi, experiences pleasant summers and cold winters. Mandi is connected to the Pathankot through National Highway 20 which is almost 220 km(140 mi) long and to
Manali and Chandigarh through National Highway 21 which is 323 km(201 mi) long. Mandi is approximately 184.6 km (114.7 mi) from Chandigarh,the nearest major city, and 440.9 km (273.9 mi) from New Delhi,the national capital. According to the 2001 Indian census, Mandi city has a population of 60,387.It is one of the largest city of Himachal Pradesh with a total area of 23 km2. City is currently the 2nd largest economy in the state next to
Kangra.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is a premier institute located in the city.This one time capital of the princely state of Mandi is a fast developing city that still retains much of its original charm and character. The city was established in 1527 by Ajbar Sen, as the seat of the Mandi State, a princely state till 1948. Foundation of the city was laid on the establishment of Himachal Pradesh in early 1948. Today, it is widely known for the International Mandi Shivaratri Fair.
Geography:
Mandi is built on the banks of the Beas River, at the confluence of the Suketi Khad stream. Sikandar Dhar, Ghugar Dhar and Dhar Kot are some of the prominent hills and mountains found near the city.It has an average elevation of 1044 metres (3,425 feet).It lies on the Midlands of the Himalyan range.
Transport:
Local transport in Mandi is generally by auto-rikshaw, bus or private vehicles. Tourist taxis are also an option. The taxi station is located right in front of Seri Stage. Auto-rikshaws are the main means of transport in Mandi and are available almost 24 hours.
Places Of Worship:
Mandi has more than 300 old and new temples. Because of the large number of temples and its location along
River Beas, Mandi is also known as 'Chhoti (Small) Kashi'. Most of the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Goddess Kali. There are many classical temples which the Archaeological Survey of
India has declared 'protected monuments' due to their historical significance, the primary ones being: the 'Panchvaktra Temple', situated at the confluence of River Bea and Suketi Khad, 'Ardhnareshwar Temple', which is one of very few temples of its kind in India. 'Triloknath Temple' is located on the right bank of the Beas River.
Places Of Interest:
- Sunken Garden (Indira Market)
- Tarna Temple, also called Shyama Kali temple
- Bhima Kali Temple
- Panchvaktra Temple
- Kamlah-Fort
- Vishvakarma Temple
