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Jammu and Kashmir

Mandi

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January

-5.9 - 11.9 °C

February

-3.6 - 15.8 °C

March

0.0 - 22.5 °C

April

3.5 - 27.1 °C

May

6.9 - 30.5 °C

June

10.7 - 33.6 °C

July

14.4 - 34.2 °C

August

13.8 - 33.5 °C

September

8.5 - 31.6 °C

October

1.9 - 28.2 °C

November

-2.6 - 21.6 °C

December

-5.5 - 14.3 °C


Major Airports :

Jammu Civil Enclave (IXJ), Jammu

Nearest Railway Station :

Srinagar Railway Station, Nowgam (SINA)

Major Airports :

Jammu Civil Enclave (IXJ), Jammu

A soulful quest

Located in the Poonch district of the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Mandi is a serene village nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan mountains. The tranquil ambience and awe-inspiring view of snowclad mountains will definitely stoke your hiking spirit.


A perfect blend of nature, culture, and religion, Mandi is an incredible place to relax in the natural beauty and appreciate the culture of the valley. Surrender yourself in nature’s embrace and explore the lush green valley, snow-capped hills, and the streams Gagri and Pulsta.

Embark on the spiritual journey with the Baba Budha Amarnath temple. This ancient temple is a pilgrimage site for devotees. The legends surrounding the temple dating back to Satya Yug make it intriguing to its visitors.

Whispers of the past

The legend regarding the rediscovery of the temple and Shiva Lingam being found by a Muslim shepherd named Budha Malik is a tale recited by most locals. Budha Malik stumbled upon the temple while taking his cattle for grazing and recognised the ice formation as Shiva Lingam. This is one of the legends regarding the name of the temple Budha Amarnath.

It is believed that Lord Shiva started his narration of Amar Katha to Goddess Parvati at this site and completed his narration at the Amarnath Caves. Thus, leading this temple to be a vital pilgrimage for devotees visiting the Amarnath Cave Temple. It is believed that one must either visit this temple before starting the journey to Amarnath Cave Temple or after visiting the cave temple. It is said that the pilgrim is incomplete without visiting Baba Budha Amarnath Temple.

Maharishi Pulastya, grandfather of King Ravana of Sri Lanka, meditated at this place. Upon the blessed vision of Lord Shiva, he constructed the temple. It is believed that some idols and the lingam could have been erected by him.

The local legend states that King Pandu, father of the Pandavas from Mahabharat, had visited this temple and worshipped Lord Shiva.

Chandrika the Queen of Loran, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, would annually visit the Amarnath Cave Temple. However, due to the ongoing wars in the region, she could not go to the temple. Saddened, Chandrika gave up food and water and kept on praying to the lord. Thus, her health started deteriorating. It is said that the lord appeared before her in the form of an old sage. He mentioned that Shiva has accepted her prayers and would like her to visit a place below the Loran Mountains. The queen was led by the sage to the place and a temple was built. This is another legend regarding the name of the temple.

Entering the premises of the temple you will see sculptures with the Sharda script carved on them. Near the gates is the Gauri Kund which is believed to be filled with water straight from the Amarnath cave. Entering the temple structure, you are directed to a cave where the Shiva Lingam is situated. Unlike the Amarnath cave temple where the Shiv Lingam is made up of ice, in this temple it is made of white rock called Chakmak.

Surrender to nature's embrace at Nandichool

Enjoy the stunning beauty of Nandichool. The water source for this waterfall is from Pir Panchal. The word Nandichool is a combination of two words ‘Nandi’ meaning happy in Sanskrit and ‘Chool’ meaning waterfall in Pahadi dialect.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity for trekking, hiking, camping, and nature walks. Explore the terrain and experience the warm hospitality of the locals.


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Timings

Opening time - 06:00 AM

Closing time - 08:00 PM

A waterfall built with love

Noori Chamb is named after Jahangir’s beloved wife Noor Jahan. This magnificent waterfall is known for Nur Jahan’s fondness for it. The breathtaking view of the waterfalls with dense clouds of water vapour makes the place look otherworldly. Legend states that Nur Jahan would stay at the waterfall for relaxation and had fixed a mirror on the mountain wall to do her makeup after her bath.

Beyond Mandi

When you are ready to move on your journey from Mandi, we would suggest you move towards the majestic Poonch River, where you can indulge in serene boat rides or simply bask in the tranquillity of its banks. The river, approximately 7 kilometres away, is easily accessible via well-maintained roads, ensuring a smooth and scenic journey.

For those seeking a spiritual retreat, the historic Kailash Kund Temple awaits, situated around 15 kilometres from Mandi. With its home amidst the lush greenery of Jammu and Kashmir, this sacred site offers a serene ambiance for prayer and introspection, with the journey characterised by scenic vistas and good road conditions.

Adventure enthusiasts will find their home in the proximity of the breathtaking Peer Ki Gali Pass, located approximately 30 kilometres from Mandi. It’s a thrilling drive through winding mountain roads, adorned with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and meadows.