California pistachios – also called the ‘smiling nut’ are no stranger to most foodies – one of the best antioxidants and a popular ingredient in desserts.
JAIPUR: A Central Reserve Police Force or CRPF jawan, who was considered dead after he went missing more than three years ago, has been traced to Himachal Pradesh where he has been living with another woman while his wife was availing pension benefits.
Manimahesh Kailash Peak also known as Chamba Kailash. It is also believed that Manimahesh Kailash Peak is home of Lord Shiva. Manimahesh Lake is at the foundation of Kailash peak. The Manimahesh Lake is blessed by the goddess Kali and protected by Lord Shiva. Thousand of people take a dip in the holy water of lake. A fair is held every year at this lake in the month of August or September. It is also believed that Manimahesh Kailash Peak is unstoppable no one has so far win it. According to a local myth a local tribe tried to climb along with the herd of sheep but he failed and turned into a stone along with his sheep. Another myth is that a snake also attempted to climb the mountain but failed and was converted into stone. Devotees believe that they can view the peak only if the Lord Shiva wishes so.
There are several mythical legends narrated on the sanctity of this peak and the lake at its base. In one popular legend, it is believed that Lord Shiva created Manimahesh after he married Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped as Mata Girja. There are many other legends narrated linking Lord Shiva and his show of displeasure through avalanches and blizzards that occur in the region. According to a local myth, Lord Shiva is believed to reside in Manimahesh Kailash. A rock formation in the form of a Shivling on this mountain is considered as the manifestation of Lord Shiva. The snow field at the base of the mountain is called by the local people as Shiva’s Chaugan (play field).Source: Wikipedia
How to access
By Air: The nearest airport is at Gaggal which is at 140 km away.
By Train: The nearest broad gauge rail heads is Pathankot which is at 164 km away.
By Bus: Manimahesh Kailash Peak is 98 km away from Chamaba. Taxis and buses are available from Chamba.
Climate
In winter the temperature can reach freezing point and heavy woolens are required. The summer temperature are mild and light cottons are recommended.
Bhuri Singh Museum is situated in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The Museum is major tourist attractions of Chamaba. Museum is established in 1908.
Bhuri Singh Museum is situated in the heart of Chamba town. At the beginning Museum started with the paintings donated by Raja Bhuri Singh. Dr J.Ph.Voghel traveled Chamba and discovered many old petrograph. Now these petrograph are displayed in the Bhuri Singh Museum. The art objects displayed in the Bhuri Singh Museum are related to craft,carved doors,copper plate grants,art and cultural history of the Chamba. In Museum more accentuation has been given to the Art,Cultural and history of Chamaba. The antiquities of Bhuri Museum are musical instruments,coins,royal costumes and armature.
The Bhuri Singh Museum at Chamba was established on September 14, 1908 in honour of the raja at the time, Raja Bhuri Singh, who ruled Chamba from 1904 to 1919. J. Ph. Vogel, an eminent indologist, and expert on the history of Chamba state, proposed the museum to preserve a number of valuable inscriptions, mostly in Sarda script, which contained some rare information about the medieval history of Chamba; the Prashastis (Inscriptions) of Sarahan, Devi-ri-kothi and mul Kihar (fountain inscription) are still preserved in the museum. Bhuri Singh donated his family collection of paintings to the museum, including royal portraits which ranged from Basohli to Guler-Kangra in style, and embroidered Pahari miniatures. Numerous artifacts, important to the heritage of Chamba were added, including coins, hill jewelry and royal and tradiitional costumes, arms and armour, musical instruments and other items. The current museum was built in 1975 in concrete. Source: Wikipedia
Dalhousie is a beautiful hill station in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Dalhousie is built on around five hills. The name of town is kept on the name of Lord Dalhousie who was the British Governor-General. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains are also visible form here. It is famous for adventures sports like trekking, camping and mountaineering.
History
It is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, established in 1854 by the British Empire in India as a summer retreat for its troops and bureaucrats.
It is built on and around five hills, Kathalagh, Potreyn, Terah, Bakrota and Bhangora. Located on the western edge of the Dhauladhar mountain range of the Himalayas, it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Dalhousie is a gateway to the ancient Chamba Hill State, now Chamba District of the state of Himachal Pradesh of India. This hill region is a repository of ancient Hindu culture, art, temples, and handicrafts preserved under the longest-running single dynasty since the mid-6th century. Source: Wikipedia
Panchpula is situated 3 km away. The word Panchapula means five bridges. The Panchapula stream water is supplies to Dalhousie. A monument of Sardar Ajit Singh has been built Panchpula.
There are four churches here St. Andrew’s Church,St. Francis Church,St. Patrick’s Church,St. John’s Church. The beautiful architectural work and the location of church has made Dalhousie a great tourist attraction. St. John’s Church has a beautiful library.
Subhash Baoli is situated 1 km away. Subhash Baoli is surrounded by snow capped peaks and beautiful trees. Subhash Chandra meditated here during his stay at Dalhousie.
Kalatop is situated 10 km away . Kalatop is a wild life sanctuary. Kalatop wild life sanctuary is home of ghoral and black bear.
How to access
By Air: The nearest airport is at Gaggal at a distance of 135 km. By Train: The nearest railhead is Pathankot which is 80 km away. By Bus: Dalhousie is well connected by roads. Taxis and buses are easily available for Dalhousie.
Climate
In winter the temperature reach at freezing point with snowfall and heavy woolens are required. In summer the climate is mild and light woolens are recommended.
Khajjiar is also called Mini Switzerland. It is beautiful hill station situated in Chamba district. The beautiful grass meadows and dense forests make it famous destination among tourists. It is also called Gulmarg.f Lord Dalhousie who was the British Governor-General. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains are also visible form Dalhousie. The racy landscape of Khajjiar has acted as a magnet for tourists. In 1992 Khajjiar give the title of Mini Switzerland by Wiily Blazer Vice Chancellor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland. It is also famous destination for trekking. The trekkng is the best way to explore the Khajjiar. There is a 12th century temple which is dedicated to KhajjI Nag. It is among the 160 locations in the world that bear topographical resemblance with Switzerland.
It is situated in Khajjiar. It is situated at a height of 1950 metres. It is surrounding by evergreen cedar trees. The name of lake has been taken from from Khajji Nag. Khajjiar Lake is most popular among tourists.
The Khajjiar is situated at the base of Dauladhar mountains. From Dauladhar mountains tourists can get beautiful views of mountains. Khajjiar is surrounded by beautiful dense forests of deodars and meadows.
Khajjinag temple is dedicated to Khajji Nag. Khajjinag temple is situated near lake. Khajjinag temple is one of the oldest temple in himachal pardesh. In the mandapa of the temple one can see the images of the Pandavas. The chambers of Khajjinag temple are carved out of wood.
Best time to visit Khajjiar: Throughout the year.
How to access Khajjiar
By Air: The nearest Airport is Gaggal which is 115 km away.
By Train: The nearest Railway station is at Pathankot which is 104 km away.
By Bus: It is well connected from Chamba and Dalhousie. Buses and texis are available.
Climate
In winter the temperature reach at freezing point with snowfall and heavy woolens are required. In summer the climate is mild and light woolens are recommended.
Bharmour known as Brahmpura and the ancient capital of Chamba district. It is famous for its lovely beauty. Bharmour is also famous for its ancient temples. The other temple around Bharmour is Ganesh temple,Nar singh temple,Manimahesh temple. The area around Bharmour is belong to lord Shiva also known as abode to lord Shiva. Bharmour is reside by Gaddies. The Gaddies reside only on mountains which seprate Chamba from Kangra and Lauhal & Spiti district. Bharmour is also known for its red delicious apples and herbs. The Bharmour is also known for warm woolen blankets.
Meru, the father of the first recorded prince Jaistambh in the Chamba Vanshavali was the first to settle Bharmour. He belonged to a ruling family of Ayodhya. Accompanied by his youngest son Jaistambh,Meru penetrated to the upper Ravi valley through the outer hills. He defeated the petty Ranas holding the territory there and founded the town Brahmpura and made it the capital of a new state. This event is believed to have taken place in the middle of 6th century A.D. According to one legend, the name Brahampura was in use at a still earlier period for the more ancient kingdom of Bharmour which existed in the territories of Garhwal and Kumaon, and that Maru gave the same name of Brahampura to the state that he founded with present Bharmour as his capital. After Maru, several Rajas ruled in succession until Sahil Varman. It was Sahil Varman who conquered the lower Ravi valley and transferred the seat of government from Brahampura to the new capital he founded at Chamba. Bharmour was capital for probably four hundred years. Source: Wikipedia
Chaurasi Temple is situated in the middle of Bjarmour. The meaning of Chaurasi is 84. Chaurasi Temple induct 84 shivalingams. The Chaurasi Temple is built in 7th century. Chaurasi Temple shape is like Shikhara style. The shivalingam is induct in Chaurasi Temple. The other temple are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesha.
Bharmani mata temple is situated 4km from Chamba. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Bharmani. According to local legends when Lord Shiva going to Manimahesh Kailash they granted boon to Goddess Bharmani Devi that all pilgrims going to Manimahesh Kailash should take a dip in the holy pool. If people do not dip in the holy pool their pilgrimage would not be acceptable to Lord Shiva. So every people take a dip in the holy water before going to Manimahesh Kailash.
Manimahesh is situated 28 kms from Bharmour. Thousand of people take a dip in the holy water of lake. It is supposed that the lake is blessed by goddess kali and conserved by Lord Shiva. It is belief that Lord Shiva reside in Manimahesh.
How to access Bharmaur
By Air: The nearest airport is at Gaggal which is at 140 km away from Bharmaur.
By Train: The nearest broad gauge rail heads is Pathankot which is at 164 km away from Bharmaur.
By Bus: Bharmaur is 64 km away from Chamaba. Taxis and buses are available from Chamba
Climate
In winter the temperature can reach freezing point and heavy woolens are required. The summer temperature are mild and light cottons are recommended.
Laxmi Narayan Temple is the largest and oldest temple in Chamba. Laxmi Narayan Temple has been built in Shikhara style. There is a group of six stone Sikhara temples. The three Sikhara temples are dedicated to Vishnu and other three are dedicated to Shiva. The six Shikhara style temple is famous for its finely executed classical forms.
Laxmi Narayan Temple is the most famous temple of Chamba. Laxmi Narayan Temple is famous for both architectural marvel and great historical significance. Wooden umbrella are built to keep the snowfall off the roofs. The wheel shaped roof stop cold. The every ruler of Chamba added to the temple. The Radha-Krishnan temple was built by Rani Sarda. The Shiva Temple complex was built by Sahil Verma.
Importance of Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Image of Lord Vishnu was made of rare marble imported from Vindhyachal Mountains. The king sacrificed eight of his sons to get the marble for Lakshmi Narayan Temple. The king eldest son Yugkara succeeded to fetch the marble. King was attacked by the robbers but with the help of a saint the king managed to save himself. Great effort of king the idol of the Lord could be made.
Time to Visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Lakshmi Narayan Temple is open between 6 am to 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
It is the northwestern district of Himachal Pradesh. Its Latitude is 3,268 ft. It was established in 920 A.D by Raja Sahil verma. Who named it after his favourite daughter Champavati. In 1845, the Sikh army attack the British territory.The British army defeating the Sikh army and leaving the Chamba in a poor position. At British time many progressive reforms and developments were made. The first Post office was established in 1863. The hospital was opened by Doctor Elmslie in 1866. After India becoming an independent nation the princely state of Chamba merged with India on April 15. It is the headquarters of the Chamba district. The Ravi River flowing through Chamba. The tribal people of Chamba are divided into two groups Gujjars and Gaddis. The Gujjars migrant came to across the state border from Kashmir through trade routes.
History
Chamba has an ancient history, which is inseparable from that of the surrounding district of Chamba. The earliest rulers were Kolian tribes. In the 2nd century BC the Khasas and Audumbaras were in power in the region. In the 4th century AD during the Gupta period, the Thakurs and Ranas ruled. From the 7th century, the Gurjara Pratiharas or the Rajput dynasty came into power. The recorded history of the Rajput rulers is traced to an eminent individual named Maru who is said to have moved to northwest India from Kalpagrama, around 500 AD. He founded his capital in the Budhal river valley at a place called Brahmaputra, which later became known as Bharmour or Bhramaur, which is situated 75 kilometres (47 mi) to the east of the present day Chamba town. For three hundred years, kings of Rajput Dynasty ruled from their capital in Bharmour.Source: Wikipedia
Chamba – Climate
Climate Summer Max. 38°C and Min. 15°C .
Climate Winters Max. 15° C and Min 0° C.
How to Access
Airways: The nearest airport is at Gaggal 180 km away
Train: The nearest broad gauge railhead is Pathankot 118 km away.
Roadways: Chamba is well connected by road.
Some major road distances
Delhi 580 km
Shimla 351 km
Dharamshala 134 km
Chandigarh 336 km
Dalhousie 56 Km
Manali 341 km
Gobind Sagar is located in the districts of Bilaspur, which is 83 km away from Anandpur Sahib. Gobind Sagar Lake is a popular tourist destination.
About Gobind Sagar Lake
Gobind Sagar Lake is a man made reservoir established in 1976. Gobind Sagar Lake source is the hydel dam at Bhakra. Bhakra dam is world highest gravity dams. The name of the lake named in the honor of Guru Gobind Singh.
The level of water is maintain the flow of river Beas channelized by the Beas-Sutlej link. Govind Sagar lake host of various water sports. Fishing is a regular activity in Gobind Sagar Lake. More than fifty species and sub species can be seen in water. The species seen here is Labeo Dero,Putitora ,Mystus Seenghala. The Department of Fishers gives licenses for fishing here. In the month of October and November when water level is up. The Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation organise water sports like kayaking,water scooter racing,sailing.
Water Sports
Govind Sagar reservoir in Bilaspur (H.P.) with its 56 km length and nearly 3 km breadth.It offers a variety of watersports activities in close collaboration with the Directorate tourism and Civil Aviation and Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. Due to fluctuating level of Lake here, the watersports are mainly confined to half of the year i.e. August to January. During this period the activities include swimming, surfing, water-skiing, kayaking, rowing, canoeing, white water river rafting. Courses are conducted at three levels – beginners, intermediate and advance. For this Tourism Department of Himachal Pradesh has constructed a huge Water Sports Complex in Luhnoo Ground,Bilaspur with all the boarding, lodging and equipment facilities. River rafting or white water rafting, as it is also called, is swiftly making Bilaspur a focus for this scintillating sport. For a torrent of adrenaline to gush through every vein and surge cover every muscle, one can race over the rapids of river – Sutlej, right from Rampur to Bilaspur through serpentine path in deep gorges, placid mountains, green alpine meadows and thick forests, all forming an immense spectrum. Non swimmers and novice can also have this thrilling experience in an inflatable rubber dinghy, on some of the gentler rapids. Source: Wikipedia
It was the capital of a state established 7th century. Bilaspur known as Kahlur after its earlier capital. The old Bilaspur town was established by sage Ved Vyas. The town Bilaspur was established in 1663. It was later became princely state of British India. In 1665 Guru Tegh Bahadur went to Bilaspur to attend the mourning for Raja Dip Chand.
The Rani Champa of Bilaspur offered to give Guru Tegh Bahadur a piece of land Guru bought that piece of land five hundred rupess. The land made up of Mianpur,Sahota and Lodhipur villages. Guru Tegh Bahadur established a new town on the mound of Makhowal. Today is became famous as Anandpur Sahib. It is famous for Gobind Sagar lake. It offers a variety of water sports. The activities include boating, water skiing surfing,rowing.
Bilaspur – Climate
Climate Summer Max. 40°C and Min. 32°C.
Climate Winters Max. 26.2 °C and Min 17°C.
How to Access
Airways:The nearest airport is Shimla 86 km from Bilaspur.
Train: The nearest broad gauge railhead is Chandigarh(86 km);
Roadways: Regular Taxis and buses are available for Bilaspur.
Some major road distances
Delhi 370 Km
Shimla 88 km
Dharamshala 151 km
Chandigarh 137 km
Chamba 268 km
Dalhousie 260 Km
Kullu 134 Km
Below are some of the important telephone numbers of Mandi. If you find an important number missing out of list please do suggest/send us using our the enquiry form.
The Rewalsar is Religious places. Rewalsar has three temple which is dedicated to sage Loama, Lord Shiva and Krishna. There are two Tibetan monasteries in front of lake. There is a gurudwara which is built by Raja Joginder Sen.
Rewalsar is an important religious site for Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. The natural lake of Rewalsar is famous for its floating reed islands and fishes. It is believed that the small islands of reed floating in Rewalsar Lake embody the spirit of Padmasambhava. A statue of Padmasambhava is also made in Rewalsar. It is believed that Sage Lomas performed his penance at this place to please Lord Shiva. The Gurudwara Sri Rewalsar Sahib is associated with the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who called for the hill kings to unite in their fight against the Mughals. There is a small zoo in Rewalsar. Guru Gobind Singh is also known to have resided in Rewalsar for about a month and the gurudwara was constructed in his honour.
Background
Rewalsar Lake is situated 24 km from Mandi. The blest lake of Rewalsar is revered by Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs. The lake is shaped like a square with a shoreline of 735 m. The pages of history show that the king of Mandi tried to kill Guru Padmasambhava. As when the king came to know about his daughter and guru, that they were about to run away, the king tried to kill him in the fire, while cursing his daughter and tried to break their bond. However, Padmasambhava transformed the funeral pyre into a lake of sesame oil, using his supernatural powers. Lake was surrounded by a ring of fire. There is a beautiful gurudwara at Rewalsar Lake, which was built by King Joginder Sen of Mandi in 1930 to honor Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s 1738 Rewalsar Yatra. This gurudwara is known by the name of Guru Gobind Singh. In addition, next to the lake, there are three temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and sage Lomas. Three Buddhist monasteries also exist in Rewalsar. These religious buildings located around the lake here give this place a completely different aura and spiritual significance.
Attractions at Rewalsar Lake
The major attraction found in Rewalsar Lake is the statue of Guru Rinpoche, a powerful tall structure. It is the second largest statue in the entire country. Himachal Pradesh has the largest figure with a height of 123 m. It has a height of about 4,000 feet above sea level. Guru Rinpoche is also known as the second Buddha, and was instrumental in the promotion and propagation of Buddhism in Tibet and Bhutan.
Stay near Rewalsar Lake
If you are traveling from far away and are looking for accommodation to stay, a Sikh Gurudwara near Rewalsar Lake is built which is a good option for a stay. Here, there are three monasteries in which also one can get rooms on rent at a good price
Festivals celebrated in Rewalsar
The festival of Baisakhi in Rewalsar is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal at Lake Rewalsar. Annually, a large fair known as the Sisu fair is also held here in late February or early March, attracting a large number of locals as well as tourists.
Religious and spiritual significance of Rewalsar
The Rewalsar lake is considered a common place for Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists, and has three Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna and the sage Lomus respectively; Also, there are three other Buddhist monasteries here. The sacred lake, Kunt Bhog, which is situated at an altitude of 1,750 meters above sea level, is situated above Rewalsar Lake and is also a famous tourist attraction. The Tibetan lake is called ‘Tso-Pema’, which means Lotus Lake. The lake has a 12 meter high statue of Padmasambhava, which is the main attraction of this place. Therefore, this place is given as much spiritual and religious importance as it is given to natural and ancient beauty.
How to access
By Air:The nearest airport from Rewalsar is Bhuntar, which is around 63 km from the town of Mandi.
By Train: Train is also a perfect way to visit Rewalsar . Joginder Nagar railway station is the nearest railway station to reach Rewalsar Lake. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Rewalsar Lake.
By Bus: Taxis and buses are available from Mandi. Rewalsar is located about 22 km from Mandi. It is well connected to all major parts of the state and country by road. Either you can take bus or you can reach Rewalsar by car.
Climate
The best time to visit Rewalsar Lake is between March and October. The winters are very cold. Heavy woolens clothes are recommended.
Sunder Nagar is city and municupal council in Mandi district. Formerly it was a princely state, known as Suket. Sunder Nagar is located in Mandi district. The waters of Beas and Sutlej river given it a man-made lake. The Sunder Nager is mixture of Himachalis and Punjabis people. There are lot of scenic beauties to see like sunset across the lake.
Sunder NagarSource: Hpmandi
Sunder Nagar is famous for lake. Sunder Nagar is also emerged as an educational hub. Many government college are open there.
Places of Interest around Sunder Nagar
Mahamaya Temple: The Mahamaya temple is holy places. Mahamaya temple is situated on the top of the hill. From the top of the hill the view of city beautiful.
Murari Devi Temple: Murari Devi temple is beautiful and holy place. The temple is situated at the height of 7000 ft. It is believed that temple was made by Pandvas.
Shukdev Vatika: It is situated to Bhakra Beas Management Board. Sage Shukdev meditated at this place.
Sheetla Mata Temple: It is a beautiful temple devoted to Maa Sheetla. It is located bank of bsl lake.
Rewalsar: It is situated 30 km from Sundernager. There is lot of Tibetan temples,a small zoo. The boating facilities are at the lake.
Lake Reservoir: It is the reservoir of the BSL Project. Lies at the heart of the town and is blessed with cool breeze with a panoramic view.
How to access
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar 80km from Sunder Nagar.
By Road: 25 kms from Mandi is well connected by road to other places. The main bus stand is just above an open playing field, where the National Highway- 21 continues along the left bank of river to Pandoh.
By Train:The nearest narrow gauge railway station is Joginder Nagar 80 km from Sunder Nagar. The nearest broad gauge railhead is at Pathankot 210 km from Sunder Nagar.
Climate
In winter, the temperature reach freezing point when heavy woollen clothes are required. During summer, the climate is hot and cottons are recommended.
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Janjehli Valley is beautiful place and surrounded by beautiful valleys like Bheemshila. Bheemshila is a big rock. Janjehli is paradise for hikers. Janjehli is also famous for trekking. Janjehli valley also has clean and pure water river. We cam see beautiful view of Pandoh and Mandi from Magru Gala.
We can also visit beautiful place Banjar. Banjar is situated 40 km far from Janjehli valley. The Banjar is famous for wildlife sanctuary. Many foreign tourists and visitors visit this beautiful valley. We can trek through the Shikari Devi wildlife sanctuary to Shikari Devi temple.
Shikari Devi temple is sourrounded by beautiful deodar woods, pine tree,apple and orchid tree. The way to Shikari Devi is difficult from Janjheli or karsog valley. Shikari Devi Temple is roofless and located on the top of hill. A stone idol is placed inside the Shikari Devi temple. According to legends the hunters in the early years worshipped the Goddess. Hunter prays to Goddess success in their hunt. So in the old days Goddess was known as Shikari Devi. According to the myth there will be no snowfall on the top of the Shikari Devi temple. During Navaratra fair is held here. Large no of peoples comes to see the fair. The Pandava during their exile mediated at this place and were blessed by Goddess Durga for thier victory over Kauravas. The most popular trek to Shikari Devi is via Jhanjhehali. Most trekkers choose the Jhanjhehali valley for trekking.
How to access
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar 39 km.
By Raod: Janjheli is 67 km from Mandi. Taxis and buses to Janjheli are available at all major stations.
By Train:The nearest narrow gauge railway station is Joginder Nagar. The Joginder Nagar is 56 km from Mandi. The nearest broad-gauge railhead is Pathankot at a distance of 210 km.
Climate
In winter, the temperature reach freezing point when heavy woollen clothes are required. During summer, the climate is hot and cottons are recommended.
Shikari Devi Temple is situated in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. Shikari Devi Temple height is 2850 from the sea level.
About Shikari Devi Temple
Shikari Devi temple is sourrounded by beautiful deodar woods, pine tree,apple and orchid tree. The way to Shikari Devi is difficult from Janjheli or karsog valley. Shikari Devi Temple is roofless and located on the top of hill. A stone idol is placed inside the Shikari Devi temple.
According to legends the hunters in the early years worshipped the Goddess. Hunter prays to Goddess success in their hunt. So in the old days Goddess was known as Shikari Devi. According to the myth there will be no snowfall on the top of the Shikari Devi temple. During Navaratra fair is held here. Large no of peoples comes to see the fair. The Pandava during their exile mediated at this place and were blessed by Goddess Durga for thier victory over Kauravas. The most popular trek to Shikari Devi is via Jhanjhehali. Most trekkers choose the Jhanjhehali valley for trekking. It was said that Britishers were interested in making Jhanjhehali summer capital of India. They were impressed the beauty of vallley and beautiful forests. According to the myth, whenever anyone tried to build a roof on the Shikari Devi Temple, it had been a failure.
Key Monastery (also spelled Ki, Kye or Kee) is situated 7km from Kaza in Spiti valley. The altitude of Monastery is 4116 meters. The Monastery lies between 32°17′51.84″N and 78°00′43.17″E.
Key Monastery
The walls of Monastery are covered with paintings. There are three floors in Monastery. The first floor of Key Monastery is used for storage. The second floor of key Monastery is called, the Tangyur, is painted with murals. The ground floor of Monastery has cells for monks. The Monastery is the biggest monastery of Spiti Valley. The monastery appears like a fortress. The Key monastery is surrounded by snow capped mountains. The route of Key Monastery is very beautiful. The Key Monastery is popular for its architecture called Pasada style.
History
Kye Gompa is said to have been founded by Dromtön (Brom-ston, 1008-1064 CE), a pupil of the famous teacher, Atisha, in the 11th century. This may however, refer to a now destroyed Kadampa monastery at the nearby village of Rangrik, which was probably destroyed in the 14th century when the Sakya sect rose to power with Mongol assistance. Source: Wikipedia
Destroyed and Built several times
Key was attacked again by the Mongols during the 17th century, during the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama, and became a Gelugpa establishment. In 1841 it was severely damaged by the Dogra army under Ghulam Khan and Rahim Khan. In 1840 the Key Monastery caught fire and then rebuilt. In 1975, earthquake damaged Key Monastery badly.
Culture of Key Monastery
The Monastery is religious place for Lamas. Key Monastery is home to large number of Buddhist monks and nuns. The culture of Monastery resembles with Tibet. Spiti valley is also known as Little Tibet. The Mask dance also called Chham is very popular. The subject of mask dance emphasizes the victory of good over the evil. This monastery belongs to Gelugpa sect. In 2000 Kalachakra ceremony was held at monastery in the presence of his holiness Guru Dalai Lama. 1500 lamas attended ceremony.
It is situated on the bank of river Beas. Mandi in the past is known as Mandav Nagar also known as Sahor. It is also famous for 81 temples. It is situated 220 kms from Pathankot and from chandigarh distance is 323 km. The name Mandi has been taken from sage ‘Mandav’ who pray in this place. The rock is change into black due to intensity of his mortification.
In the local language the city is called Mandi. The city name is “Madav Nagar” in the earlier but later is known as “Mandi”. It is famous for its carving and beautiful temple. Mandi is also called “Varanasi of the Hill”. It is the gateway to the Kullu valley. It is also district headquaters. It is one of the largest city on Himachal Pradesh and spread over 23 km. Mandi is 2nd largest economy city after Kangra. IIT instiute is located in Mandi. The city was established by Ajbar Sen in 1527. The Mandi city had oldest buildings of Himachal Pradesh. It was formed merge of two priencly state Mandi State and Suket State on 15 April 1948. It is also popular with trekkers.
History
The present District of Mandi was formed with the merger of two princely states, Mandi State and Suket State, on 15 April 1948, when the State of Himachal Pradesh was established.[35] Until the mid 20th century, Mandi was on the trade route between Yarkant County and Ladakh to Hoshiarpur and the Indian plains, served as commercial hub and trade centre.Princely state of Mandi was founded by Bahu Sen in 1200 AD. But Ajbar Sen was the one who founded historical city of Mandi in 1526 AD. The Chiefs of Mandi State are said to be the descendants of common ancestors of the Chandervanshi line of rajputs of Sen dynasty of Bengal who claim to be the descendants of Pandavas of Mahabharata times. Source: Wikipedia
Mandi – Climate
Climate Summer Max. 39.6 °C and Min. 18.9 °C.
Climate Winters Max. 26.2 °C and Min 4°C.
How to Access
Airways: The nearest airport is Bhuntar which is located 59 km. Bhuntar is small domestic airport.
Train: The nearest narrow gauge railway station is Joginder Nagar. Joginder Nagar is 56 km away. The nearest broad-gauge railhead is Pathankot at a distance of 210 km.
Roadways: From chandigarh the road distance is 203 km. HPTDC runs Luxury coach buses.
Some major road distances
Delhi 447 Km
Shimla 187 km
Dharamshala 127 km
Chandigarh 201 km
Chamba 252 km
Dalhousie 244 Km
Kullu 69 Km
Prashar Lake is situated 49 km from north Mandi. The lake is situated at an avg. height of 2730m (8,960 ft) in the lap of mountains. The Prashar Lake water is deep blue. The lake is held blest sacred to the sage Prashar. Read more about Prashar Lake.
Tarna Devi Temple is also known as Shyama Kali temple. The Tarna Devi Temple is located on the Tarna Hill in Mandi District. It is devoted to Goddess Shyama Kali believed to be an embodiment of Goddess Parvati. Read more about Tarna Devi Temple
Bhootnath Temple is situated on the Mandi district of Himanchal Pradesh. It is believed that Raja Ajber Sen heard the story of a cow offering milk on its own wish to a particular stone in a forest in Mandi. Read more about Bhootnath Temple
Pandoh Dam is situated 16 km from Mandi district. The lake is the reservoir of the dam. The dam water is used generation of hydroelectric. Read more about Pandoh Dam
Himachal Pradesh is known as a paradise of tourism. It has many known and unknown tourist places. Barot is one of such unknown places which has not received due encouragement and credit on tourism map of the state. Read more about Barot.
Rewalsar Lake is situated 24 km from Mandi. The blest lake of Rewalsar is revered by Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs. The lake is shaped like a square with a shoreline of 735 m. The Rewalsar is Religious places. Read more about Rewalsar Lake.
Sunder Nagar is city and municupal council in Mandi district. Formerly it was a princely state, known as Suket. Sunder Nagar is located in Mandi district. The waters of Beas and Sutlej river given it a man-made lake. Read more about Sunder Nagar.
Janjehli is situated 67 km far from Mandi. The height of Janjehli valley from sea level is 2150 metres. Janjehli Valley is beautiful place and surrounded by beautiful valleys like Bheemshila. Bheemshila is a big rock. Read more about Janjehli.
Shikari Devi Temple is situated in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. Shikari Devi Temple height is 2850 from the sea level. Shikari Devi temple is sourrounded by beautiful deodar woods, pine tree,apple and orchid tree. Read more about Shikari Devi Temple.
In 1925, Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi created an elaborate hydel power scheme near the village of Sukrahatti which was then renamed Joginder nagar (1220 m) after him. Read more about Jogindernagar.
Here is a haulage way system in Jogindernagar which is perhaps its only kind of track in the world. There are different haulage way stations in this particular transportation system starting from Buffer stop (4150 feet). Read more about Haulage Way System.
