Barot is a serene mountain village on the banks of the beautiful Uhl river situated far away from the busy life. This is a little offroute destination. Anybody travelling from Mandi to Dharmsala had to take a right turn at Ghatasni near Jogindernagar. The stepped plantation of mustard and paddy is quite a spectacle for the eyes. The contrast of yellow and green looks amazing. There is another beautiful village named Tikkan on the way towards Barot.
From the main road to Barot it is around 24 kms which will take around 3 hours on a leisurely drive. The road is quite narrow for two vehicles crossing. You will pass through a dense forest of cedar and pine.
The Uhl river is pretty calm in dry season but during rain it creates very strong currents. In Barot there is a dam on the river to control its flow. This village was actually based on the Hydel Power Project. Presently it is a tourist destination although less travelled. This place is also a Trout breeding centre. For your information Trout is a fish generally found in high altitude waterbodies. Trout fry too is a delicacy. You may spend a leisure day angling in the Uhl or just strollling in the woods.
There are not many good options of accommodation. You have to stay in the home stays which lack some basic amenities but you will receive good hospitality. According to me the best staying option is PWD guest house. There is a wooden cottage located in a fantastic backdrop of thick cedar forest. Its really scenic. A few concrete rooms are also there in the back. You have to book early from PWD offices at Mandi or Paddhar. Otherwise it is solely on the wish of the caretaker.
For those seeking tranquility Barot is a wonderful option. A couple of days stay amidst nature will be worth memorising.