The Tourist Inn, Rewalsar
Located on a mountain spur, an hour’s drive from Mandi brings you to this jewel like lake. With water, woodland and high hills, it presents a variety of natural beauty and the spot is sacred for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. It was here that the great Indian teacher and tantric, Padmasabhava left for Tibet. Known to the Tibetans as Guru Rimpoche – the Precious Master. It was under Padmasambahava’s influence that Mahayana Buddhism spread over Tibet. There are islands of floating reed on Rewalsar Lake and the spirit of Padmasabhava is said to reside in them. It is here that the sage Lomas did penance in devotion to Lord Shiva, and the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh also resided here for one month.
ACCESS Rewalsar is 24 km by road from Mandi. Taxis and buses are available at Mandi.
CLIMATE In winter, the temperature can hover around freezing point when heavy woolens are required. During summer, the climate is mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended.
PLACES OF INTEREST
MONASTERIES : At opposite ends of the lake there are two Tibetans monasteries. The Bhutanese also have one.
GURUDWARA : This Gurudwara was built in 1930 by Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi. It commemorates Guru Gobind Singh’s visit, when he sought to evolve a common strategy with the hill rulers against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
TEMPLE : At Rewalsar there are three Hindu temples. These are dedicated to the sage Lomas, Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva.
MINI ZOO : The forest department maintains a small zoo at Rewalsar. Above Rewalsar, Seven Lakes are also of interest.