For most travelers, a trip to Mandi is akin to days spent temple-hopping before setting out in the morning to visit amazing places. Parashar LakeOften referred to as “Chhoti Kashi”, this hill town mirrors the temple-filled ghats of Varanasi and offers a glimpse of the rich mythology linking the city to Lord Shiva. Whether you seek peace in its ancient temples or the pure thrill of hiking on steep mountain trails, Mandi will never disappoint. Here are five places that shouldn’t be overlooked on your next trip:

Bhoothnath Temple

The heart of Mandi is located in the famous Bhootnath temple. Built in the 1520s, this ancient temple is dedicated to Shiva. Heavily detailed sculptures and pinnacles decorate every corner of the temple, creating a scene that makes you feel like you are looking at something much older than you realize. Bhoothnath Temple is also the site of the city’s most famous Shivratri festival, where it comes alive with enthusiasm, becoming synonymous with the hills.

Parashar Lake

For the more adventurous types, a trip to Parashar Lake, located about 50 km from Mandi, is an unforgettable experience. You can either drive to the lake, or choose a moderately easy trek that takes you through beautiful grasslands and dense forests. The lake is worth the reward in itself, a blue pond of pure water surrounded by mountains creates an image of peace. The lake is famous for its floating islands, which mysteriously move around the surface of the water. Opposite the lake is the three-tiered pagoda-like Parashar Temple, which is dedicated to the sage Parashar.

Rewalsar Lake

Rewalsar Lake is one of the most famous attractions of Mandi. This tranquil lake surrounded by rugged mountains is sacred to Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists alike. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, meditated here. Here, you can explore monasteries, Hindu temples and a Sikh Gurudwara located around the lake. A colossal statue of Padmasambhava, the largest of its kind in the state, towers over the lake.

Pandoh Dam

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city at Pandoh Dam, a sanctuary for nature lovers. The sheer size of the massive dam built on the Beas River provides a spectacular view of the surrounding valleys. Take a leisurely stroll among the many different walled gardens along the lakes and mountains.

Shikari Devi Temple

Situated on a mountain top at an altitude of 3,350 metres, Shikari Devi Temple is one of the highest temples in Himachal Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Shikari Devi, popularly known as “Shikari Devi” and offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and snow-clad peaks. The journey to the temple is adventurous, with winding paths through dense forests of deodar and oak, making it a paradise for trekking enthusiasts, who can also visit Chindi, Karsog and Janjaheli.

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