When people think of a holiday in Himachal Pradesh, destinations like Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala usually come to mind first. But tucked away in the hills is a beautiful town that often gets overlooked—Mandi.

The town has recently attracted attention after reports linked actress Yami Gautam and her husband, filmmaker Aditya Dhar, to the region. According to reports, Yami owns a century-old house in Gohar, Mandi, and there has been speculation about the couple spending more time in Himachal Pradesh.

Whether or not those plans materialise, Mandi deserves attention for a much simpler reason: it offers a wonderful combination of mountains, rivers, ancient temples, lakes and peaceful Himalayan landscapes without the overwhelming crowds found in some of Himachal's famous tourist destinations.

Mandi: A Town Where History Meets the Himalayas

Situated along the Beas River, Mandi is known for its old temples, traditional architecture and scenic surroundings.

The town is often associated with its impressive collection of historic temples. Bhootnath Temple, Trilokinath Temple and Panchvaktra Temple are among the places worth visiting.

Panchvaktra Temple is particularly interesting because it stands close to the confluence of the Beas and Suketi rivers, creating a picturesque setting.

Mandi also comes alive during its famous Shivaratri celebrations. The annual festival brings together local deities from surrounding villages, accompanied by colourful processions and traditional celebrations.

Places to Explore Around Mandi

Parashar Lake

Located high in the mountains, Parashar Lake is one of the most scenic destinations around Mandi.

Surrounded by green mountain slopes, the lake sits at an altitude of around 2,730 metres. A distinctive pagoda-style temple dedicated to Sage Parashar stands beside the lake, adding to its charm.

The floating island on the lake is another fascinating feature that makes the destination particularly memorable.

Rewalsar Lake

If peace and spirituality are what you're looking for, Rewalsar is worth adding to your itinerary.

Prayer flags, monasteries, temples and lakeside paths create a unique atmosphere here. The area is significant to multiple faiths, with Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries and a gurdwara located around the lake.

A huge statue of Guru Padmasambhava overlooking the area is another major attraction.

Tarna Hill

For panoramic views of Mandi, make your way to Tarna Hill.

From the top, you can see the town, the Beas River and the surrounding Himalayan landscape. The hill is also home to the famous Tarna Mata Temple, making it a popular destination for both devotees and travellers.

Janjehli

For travellers who want to escape the usual tourist circuit, Janjehli offers a refreshing change.

Surrounded by dense forests, green meadows and mountain landscapes, this relatively less-explored destination is perfect for nature lovers. The peaceful surroundings make it an ideal place to slow down and spend some time away from crowded tourist centres.

Shikari Devi

Located high in the mountains, Shikari Devi offers spectacular Himalayan views along with a historic hilltop temple.

The journey itself is part of the experience, with winding mountain roads, dense forests and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.

Even travellers who aren't visiting specifically for religious reasons may find the landscape and peaceful atmosphere worth experiencing.

Why Mandi Should Be on Your Himachal Bucket List

Mandi offers a different side of Himachal Pradesh. Instead of busy markets, packed roads and crowded tourist attractions, you get ancient temples, quiet lakes, forest trails and spectacular mountain scenery.

It is a destination where you can explore local history in the morning, sit beside a peaceful lake in the afternoon and watch the mountains change colour as the sun sets.

So, if you've already explored Shimla and Manali or simply want to discover a quieter side of Himachal Pradesh, Mandi could be the perfect next destination.