PHOTO GALLERY: Mandi, India – A Historic Riverside Town in the Himalayas

2013/12/01

Mandi – a small riverside town in central Himachal Pradesh

PHOTO GALLERY:

Mandi, India – A Historic Riverside Town in the Himalayas

Historic Mandi is scenically situated at the confluence of the Beas and Suketi Khad Rivers in central Himachal Pradesh state in the lower Himalayas. Mandi was established over 1500 years ago as a stop along the salt trading route between India and Tibet.

ancient Shiva temple in Mandi

Since the 700s A.D. dozens of stone Shiva temples have been built along the rivers and the town’s narrow stone roads. The ancient temples still stand, adding a charming historic touch. Many of the temples are preserved and legally protected by the Indian government. Placards near the temples announce their status and warn against any damages, which incur stiff fines and imprisonment.

Mandi is also a lively market town centered around a pretty sunken garden. Vibrantly colored shops, restaurants, hotels and temples surround the garden.

From there, narrow stone alleyways lead to other parts of town and run steeply downhill to the riverbanks, where stone bridges lead across the rivers and roads continue up into the surrounding mountains. Most of the town’s original stone alleys are still pedestrian only. That makes strolling around Mandi very relaxing and quiet.

Scenic Mandi is definitely worth a day or two of explorations while traveling through Himachal Pradesh state.

This photo gallery presents 26 images of Mandi from my recent visit.

SEE PHOTOS OF MANDI INDIA

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