Almost in the centre of Himachal, lying along the left bank of the river Beas in the foot hills of medium sized ShivaIik ranges, Mandi at a height of 760 metres (2,495 ft) entails a rich heritage of culture, of both historical and theological significance. Comprising the two erstwhile states of Mandi and Suket, Mandi de-rives its name Mandi, or 'Market' from the Ladakh traders who passed through it, on their way to Hoshiarpur. Here, in the days of yore, the pious rishi, Mandavaya, performed long and severe penance and practiced unthinkable austerities on his body, on the right bank of the river Beas, near the present town, which, then took his name. Both stories indicate the age of the beautiful temple town, situated at the bottom of the valley, and with a hot climate. Surrounded by hills, clad in pines, there is a large plain which has grain fields and orchards, between Mandi and Sundernagar.
An important part of Himachal Pradesh tour packages, Known for its temples, Mandi is the home of a number of beautifully _ carved stone edifices each with an elaborate shikhara, or spire, among them Bhutnath, Triloknath, Panch-vaktra and Shyamakoli at Tarna hill. Also on the hill is a new temple dedicated to Tarna Devi, overlooking the valley and giving a panoramic view of the whole area.
Near Mandi the Beas Valley is broad, but there are a number of strike vales such as those of Uhl and Rana Khad. The area under fruit in Mandi is about 15 per cent of the total area under fruits in Himachal Pradesh. Mandi raw silk has acquired Wide fame but the salt mines at Drang and Guma are the special features of the economy. With abundant deposit of salt and lime-stone, possibilities are being investigated for the existence of magnetite coal and china-clay. A base for visitors to Kullu, Manali, Lahaul and Spiti, Dharamsala, Kangra, etc., it is approachable from Pathankot (215 km or 132 miles), Chandigarh (202 km or 125 miles) and Shimla (158 km or 98 miles).
From Mandi, the road, proceeding through the cool forests of Aut, winds along the Beas, through the Mandi-Larji gorge for a distance of 40 km (25 miles). Winding and narrow, on either side of the road are rocky hill sides rising perpendicularly to more than 300 metres (1,000 ft). Emerging finally from the gorge "The Valley of the Gods" opens out and every mile up the river reveals the changing beauty of the region.
For more information on holiday in Himachal Pradesh contact Swan Tours, one of the leading travel agents India.