| Formerly a trading stop on the salt route to | | | | Syamakali Temple, decorated with paintings of |
| Tibet, Mandi is the gateway to the Kullu Valley | | | | with various bloodthirsty incarnations of Kali. You |
| and the junction of the main roads from Kullu, | | | | can walk the 5km from town or take an auto |
| Chandigarh and Pathankot. It's certainly no tourist | | | | rickshaw. |
| town, and it feels more Punjabi than Himalayan, | | | | Sleeping & Eating |
| with a large Sikh community and a sticky air | | | | There are several hotels and places to eat |
| reminiscent of the plains, Sprawling around the | | | | conveniently lining Indira Market. |
| confluence of the Beas River and the Suketi Khad | | | | Shiva Hotel – Above the market opposite the |
| stream, the town is dotted with ancient Shaivite | | | | palace, Shiva is a modest but inexpensive hotel. |
| temples – at least 81, according to official | | | | There's a small restaurant and bar, and the |
| figures – and you can do a day trip into the | | | | more-expensive front rooms overlook the orderly |
| hills to visit the holy lakes at Rewalsar and | | | | bustle in the central market square. |
| Prashar. | | | | Evening Plaza Hotel – A few doors up from |
| Orientation & Information | | | | Shiva Hotel, this is reliable cheapie offering clean |
| Mandi is centered on an interesting sunken | | | | rooms with TVs and a resident money changer. |
| shopping complex called Indira Market, arranged | | | | Front-facing rooms are best. |
| around a pretty garden square, with the steps | | | | Raj Mahal Palace Hotel - Mandi's most romantic |
| leading to the Raj Mahal Palace on one side. The | | | | hotel, this refurbished heritage place occupies part |
| bus stand is on the east side f the Beas River, a | | | | of the palace of Mandi's royal family. Tucked in |
| Rs15 auto rickshaw ride away. | | | | behind the dilapidated main palace buildings, the |
| There isn't anywhere to change travelers | | | | rooms are bright, cozy and clean, some with the |
| cheques, but there are international ATMs at the | | | | air of a colonial hunting lodge, some with a |
| State Bank of India and HDFC around the market | | | | modern chalet design. This Garden Restaurant |
| square, while Evening Plaza Hotel can change US | | | | here is the best in town, set under trees, with a |
| dollars (cash). There are several internet cafes | | | | choice of indoor and outdoor dining, excellent veg |
| around the square. | | | | and non veg food and the Copacabana Bar. |
| Sights & Activities | | | | Treat Restaurant – On the lower level of the |
| Mandi is crammed with stone temples, most of | | | | market square, this small but swish restaurant is |
| them spread out along the river. The brightly | | | | popular meeting spot and serves up Chinese and |
| painted Bhutnath Mandir, dating form the 7th | | | | South Indian food an air-conditioned comfort. |
| century AD, is the focal point for the animated | | | | GETTING THERE & AWAY |
| Shivaratri Festival in February, honouring Lord | | | | By Bus |
| Shiva. | | | | The bus station is across the river in the eastern |
| If you follow Bhutnath Bazar to the river, you'll | | | | part of town. Local buses run to Rewalsar until |
| find bathing ghats with a giant statue of Hanuman | | | | early evening. |
| and a long avenue of carved stone sikharas. Most | | | | By Taxi |
| impressive are the Panch Bahktar and Triloknath | | | | Taxis at the bus station charge Rs800 to Kullu, |
| mandirs, facing each other across the river. Also | | | | Rs700 to Bhuntar airport and Rs600 for a return |
| worth seeking out is the Akardash Rudar mandir, | | | | trip to Rewalsar. Expect to pay around Rs1500 |
| near the British built bridge over the Beas. | | | | per day for longer trips to the Banjar Valley and |
| Perched at the top of Tarna Hill is Rani Amrit Kaur | | | | Great Himalayan National Park. |
| Park, with superb views and the colorful | | | | |