Mandi – Overview, History & Infrastructure

Mandi district (earlier known as Mandavya Nagar) is one of the central districts of Himachal Pradesh state in northern India. Mandi town is the headquarters of Mandi district Mandi. The town has both mythological and historical significance and boasts of a unique temple architecture. It is also referred to as Chhota Kashi as there are many ancient temples in the city and on the banks of river Beas. The river Beas flows through the town and hills, which makes this town more scenic.

It has a serene ambiance though the modern development has made its inroads here in terms of infrastructural developments. The town is an important commercial hub of the state. It is a major transit route to Kullu-Manali and other adjoining places from both NH-21 (Chandigarh-Manali highway) and NH-20 (Pathankot-Mandi highway). Sundarnagar is one of the emerging towns of the district. Mandi has an educated middle class and people converse in Mandyali, one of the Pahari languages of Himachal.

General Information

• Area: 3950 km2
• Altitude: 760 metres
• Population: 901000
• Clothing: Cotton clothes in summer and woollen to heavy woollen in winter.
• Language: Hindi, English, Pahari and Mandyali are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism trade.
• Tehsils: Mandi, Chachyot, Thunag, Karsog, Jogindernagar, Paddhar, Ladbhadol, Sundernagar and Sarkaghat.
• Sub-Tehsils: Bali Chowki, Sandhol, Kotli, Baldwada, Owt, Nihri and Dharampur.
• Sub divisions: Mandi, Chachyot, Jogindernagar, Sarkaghat, Karsog and Sundernagar
• Panchayat: 473

Demographics

According to the 2011 census Mandi district has a population of 999,518, roughly equal to the nation of Fiji or the US state of Montana. This gives it a ranking of 446th in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 253 inhabitants per square kilometre (660 /sq mi) . Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 10.89 %. Mandi has a sex ratio of 1012 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 82.81 %.

Climate

Mandi features a subtropical highland climate under the Köppen climate classification. The climate of Mandi is composite having hot summers and cold winters. Mandi generally experiences rainfalls during end of summer season. Mandi city falls in the lower most climatic zone of the Himalayas. These regions enjoys a Wet-sub temperate climate of the foot hills (450-900m) as against the Dry-cold alpine climate with snow fall at higher altitudes (2400- 4800mts). Temperatures typically range from 6.7 °C (44.06 °F) to 39.6 °C (103.28 °F) over the course of a year.

The average temperature during summer is between 18.9 °C (66.02 °F) and 39.6 °C (103.28 °F), and between 6.7 °C (44.06 °F) and 26.2 °C (79.16 °F) in winter. Monthly precipitation varies between 25.4 millimetres (1 in) in November to 228.6 millimetres (9 in) in August. It is typically around 58.3 millimetres (2.29 in) per month during winter and spring and around 101.6 millimetres (4 in) in June as the monsoon approaches.

The average total annual precipitation is 1,092.2 millimetres (43 in), which is much less than most other hill stations but still greatly heavier than on the plains. Snowfall in the region, which historically has taken place few years ago is now very rare these years due to increasing temperature and global warming.

How to reach

By Air
The closest airport from Mandi is Bhuntar, which is around 59 kilometers away in Kulu district.

By Rail
The closest railhead is in Kiratpur which 125 kilometers away from the town of Mandi.

By Road
Mandi is connected to Chandigarh by National Highway 21. The distance between Mandi & Chandigarh is 200 kilometers. Government buses are available throughout the day to Chandigarh. It takes about 5–6 hours to commute to Chandigarh by bus and around 3–4 hours if a private vehicle is taken. Mandi is also connected to Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The distance between Shimla & Mandi is about 147 kilometers. The total time taken to commute between Shimla & Mandi is about 5 hour.