Jhatingri, the fascinating spot atop a hill used by the former rulers as their summer retreat, is one of the state’s lesser-known destinations. The traveller seeking anonymity and a refreshing break from the routine of packaged holidays can visit this virgin and unspoiled location.
Jhatingri is easily accessible and is located on the Ghogar Dhar in the Mandi district at an elevation of 6,600 feet.
The ruins of Mandi state’s former rulers’ summer palace tell of a bygone era, and a PWD rest house is available for accommodation. The clear Himalayan air is free of intrusions such as mail, telephones, and pollution.
The breathtaking view of the valley and the distant Dhauladhars is enough to tempt you. The beautiful cedar and blue pine forest nearby, with a profusion of ferns and wildflowers, is ideal for treks, walks, and camping. It will be especially enjoyable for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
The road from Jhatingri to Barot passes through the hamlet Tikkan. Raja Joginder Sen, the former ruler of Mandi after whom Jogindernagar is named, established a hydroelectric power plant in 1925. (This was one of the first ventures of its kind.)
The PWD rest stop here has comfortable accommodations. Colonel Battye’s cottage is also at Barot, the engineer who laid the power project. A trout-breeding centre here keeps the river well-stocked, and anglers will enjoy fishing on the 30km-long section of the river.
Places to see near Jhatingri.
Barot valley
Barot, a village originally developed in the 1920s for the Shanan Hydel Project, is now a tourist destination in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district. Barot was inaccessible until 1975 when a road was built. It is located 40 kilometres from Jogindernagar and 65 kilometres from Mandi, the district headquarters. The road to Barot branches off the Jogindernagar-Mandi Highway, and the distance from Jogindernagar is 40 kilometres.
The funicular trolley from Jogindernagar can sometimes be used, reducing 12 km. The road climbs through terraced fields and dense cedar forests to Jhatingri on the hilltop. The ruins of the former Mandi rulers’ summer palace can be found here. Through Tikkan, a small village
Also Read, Tarku: An Unexplored Beauty of Sikkim to Melt your Heart
Parashar lake
Prashar Lake is a crystal clear body of water located about 50 kilometres north of Mandi, with a three-story pagoda-style temple dedicated to the sage Prashar. The lake is located at 2730 m above sea level and has deep blue waters. It is considered a saintly location. The location, surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar ranges in Kullu Valley, looks down on the fast-flowing river Beas. The lake contains a floating island, and its true depth is unknown.
Bhootnath temple
This temple’s spirituality dates back to the 1520s and is as old as the town itself. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is almost in the town centre.
Pilgrims will find Nandi, or Lord Shiva’s bull, facing the complex’s ornamental arch entrance. In March, the Shivaratri festival is a major event for this temple and town.
Pandoh dam
Pandoh Dam is an embankment dam in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district. The primary purpose of Pandoh Dam, which is built on the Beas River, is to generate hydroelectric power. It was completed in 1977 and is located 10 kilometres from Manali. The dam-created man-made lake attracts a large number of people. Vacationers visiting Manali will find a perfect location near the dam to take beautiful photographs because the area is scenic and full of lush greenery. If you want to see the view of the water flowing, you must arrive at the appropriate time.
The sight of water being released is fantastic and a visual treat. You can also gaze at the beautiful waterbirds in the dam’s greenish-blue waters. Another popular activity here is rafting, usually done in the lower bed. The Pandoh Dam, part of a run-of-the-river power design, diverts water from the Beas to the southwest via a 38-kilometre-long channel of tunnels. The dam’s water is used to generate electricity at the Dehar Power House before being discharged into the Sutlej River (with a capacity of 990 MW). The Bhakra Beas Management Board manages the dam. NH 21 is the road that leads from the dam.
Rewalsar Lake
Rewalsar Lake, also known as Tso Pema Lotus Lake, is a mid-altitude lake located on a mountain spur in Mandi district, approximately 23 kilometres south of Mandi. This mountain spur is protected by various dense vegetation and plants, and the lake is famous for its floating reed islands. It is said that all of these islands can be moved by prayer or breeze. This location’s tranquillity and serenity make it a popular tourist destination. It is one of the most famous lakes in Himachal Pradesh that visitors should not miss.
This square-shaped lake has a 735-kilometre shoreline and is located at 1,360 metres above sea level. The combination of water, woodland, and hills at this stunning lake exemplifies nature’s wilderness and is truly a sight to behold. The glistening beauty of Rewalsar Lake and its surroundings is breathtaking.
