The short answer
Shikari Devi Temple: what visitors should know first
Only for fit travellers who enjoy mountain trekking and are willing to spend a long day or an overnight in the Janjehli area. Most older travellers should skip it. Check access and weather before committing.
History and context
The story behind Shikari Devi Temple
Local tradition holds that the temple dates from the time of the Pandavas and that it has remained roofless. This is legend, and I could not verify a documented date.
The surrounding Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary covers about 29.94 square kilometres.
Useful facts
Shikari Devi Temple facts at a glance
- Location
- Above Janjehli, about 67 km from Mandi
- Experience type
- Trek to a roofless hilltop shrine
- Known for
- Roofless temple, wildlife sanctuary
- Architect/Built
- Tradition links it to the Pandavas; undocumented
- Time or schedule
- Best in dry months; snow in winter
Why it matters
Why Shikari Devi Temple is worth your time
Shikari Devi shows the other side of Mandi district: high forest, small villages and shrines that can only be reached on foot. It is a living pilgrimage site for people in the surrounding valleys, and the roofless shrine is unusual enough to be remembered.
For travellers who can manage it, it is the most adventurous option in this guide. For everyone else, it helps to know that it exists, and that the Mandi region has far more to offer than the town's own temples.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The roofless shrine
Local belief says the temple has never had a roof, which sets it apart from other shrines.
- 02
Wildlife sanctuary
The temple lies within a sanctuary of about 30 square kilometres of forest.
- 03
Mountain trekking
Two trek routes lead up to the shrine from the Janjehli area.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Treat this as an expedition, not a casual outing. Drive from Mandi to Janjehli, a trip of roughly two hours according to guides, and then arrange the trek to the temple. Travel guides mention two trekking routes.
The temple's defining feature is that it has no roof. Tradition links it to the Pandava era, and local belief holds that the goddess does not want a roof. Treat these as local stories and not verified history. The setting is a high ridge inside the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary, about 30 square kilometres in area.
Go with a local guide, carry warm clothes and plenty of water, and leave early. If the weather turns, do not push on. Many travellers combine this with an overnight in Janjehli.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Hire a local guide
- Carry warm layers, water and snacks
- Check weather and forest rules before you go
- Start early and plan an overnight if needed
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Above Janjehli, about 67 km by road from Mandi
- Time needed
- Full day or overnight
- Best time
- April to June and October to November; winter snow may block access
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- Reaching the temple involves a trek on mountain trails at altitude, and Janjehli itself is a long, winding drive from Mandi. This is not suitable for travellers with limited mobility.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket is known. The area is a wildlife sanctuary, so check forest department rules on entry and trekking with locals before you go.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Shikari Devi Temple
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Reaching the temple involves a trek on mountain trails at altitude, and Janjehli itself is a long, winding drive from Mandi. This is not suitable for travellers with limited mobility.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Why does the temple have no roof?
Local tradition says the goddess prefers it that way. It is a legend, not a documented fact.
How far is it from Mandi?
Janjehli is about 67 km by road, and the temple is reached by trek from there.
Is it suitable for older travellers?
Not generally. It involves a mountain trek at altitude.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
