In 1925, the enterprising Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi created an elaborate hydel power scheme near the village of Sukrahatti which was then renamed Joginder Nagar (1220m) after him. After tunneling and piping the water over several kilometers from the river Uhl to Joginder Nagar, the Shanan power house was built by a team of engineers headed by Col. Batty. Later, the HP State Electricity Board added another set of turbines at nearby Bassi.
Joginder Nagar has everything for a quite and relaxing holiday and leaves options open for trekking, fishing, sightseeing, picnics and enjoyable drives in the area.
ACCESS : Joginder Nagar is the terminus of the narrow gauge rail track from Pathankot. The narrow gauge train leaves at 9.50 am from Pathankot. It is 65 km by road from Kangra an 55 km for Mandi. The nearest airports are at Gaggal (Kangra), and from the one at Bhunter near Kullu the distance is 115 km. Taxis and buses to Joginder Nagar are available at all major stations.
CLIMATE : In winter the temperature can hover just above freezing point when heavy woolens are required. During summer, the climate is mild and light woolens / cottons are recommended.
PLACES OF INTEREST
MACCHIYAL LAKE : 6 km from the Hotel Uhl is this small but enchanting lake held sacred to Machendru Devta.
BASSI POWER HOUSE : 6 km from the hotel is an attractive picnic spot.
BIR : 16 km from Joginder Nagar, this is a Tibetan settlement with a beautiful monastery.
BAIJNATH : 20 km from Joginder Nagar is this exquisite temple where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Vaidyanath – ‘The Lord of Physicians’. The original temple was built in 804 A.D. Here King Ravana is said to have supplicated Lord Shiva for this boon of immortality.
JHATINGRI (2012 m) : 12 km from Joginder Nagar is this enchanting spot at top of a hill. Surrounded by thick deodar forest, the ruins of the summer palace of the Mandi rulers is located here and the vistas it unfolds are breath-taking.
BAROT : 22 km by road from Joginder Nagar, and 11 km by the Haulage trolley, Barot packs an enormous range of outdoor activities. The reservoir of the power project is located here. A trout breeding centre making it a wonderful place for angling. Across the river Uhl is the Nargu Wild Life Sanctuary home to the ghoral, Himalayan black bear and a variety of pheasants.