Mandi is the gateway to the Kullu valley. Mandi, which means ‘market’, is a good place to take a break between Kullu and Shimla. It is rich in its heritage and culture having both historical as well as theological significance. The centre of Mandi is a square town and has huge collection of shops. This market is popularly known as ‘Indira Market-Square'. Mandi is easy to walk around. One has to cross a large bridge to come to the square market and it takes around 15 minutes. This town got its name from the pious Rishi Mandavaya, who performed long and severe meditation on the banks of river Beas. Mandi is surrounded by hills, grain fields, pines etc. It is also known for its temples. 15% of the total area of Himachal Pradesh under fruit trees comes from Mandi. Mandi’s raw silk is famous throughout the world. Salt and limestone, magnasite, coal, china clay is also found in great abundance here.

Mandi is 132miles(215km) away from Pathankot, 202km(125miles) from Chandigarh and 158km(98miles) from Shimla.

Rewalsar Lake is famous for its floating islands of reeds. It is about 25km from Mandi. The Buddhist revere this lake, as this is from where Padmasambhava Guru departed for Tibet. Hence every year, the Buddhist pilgrims come here. Hindus also revere this lake because Rishi Lomas did his meditation here to prove his dedication to Lord Shiva. It is known that in return, Lord Shiva gave the Rishi the seven lakes including Rewalsar. There are 3 shrines i.e. a Buddhist Monastery, a Gurudwara and a Hindu temple located close by.

Sundernagar is 26km from Mandi at a height of 1174m(3852ft.). It is famous for its temples and is situated on a raised edge of a fertile valley. Sundernagar is known for its towering, beautiful trees. On the top of a hill are Sukhdev Vatika and a temple of Mahamaya.

Janjehli is referred to as a paradise for trekkers and hikers. It is at a distance of 67km from Mandi and is situated at a height of 3300m. (1082ft.)