The history of Mandasa, earlier known as Manjusha, goes back to around 1200 AD. According to local legend, Raja Vaman Singh Deo, a prince from the North, renounced his kingdom and came to the Mahendra Hills seeking spiritual penance. During his meditation, he had a divine vision that told him he would receive a sign showing where he should establish his new territory.
At that very moment, a golden ring (Suna Muddi) slipped from his finger and fell into the flowing stream. It was later found downstream at a particular spot, and taking it as divine guidance, the kingdom of Manjusha was established there. The river flowing through this area is still locally known as Suna Muddi, meaning “Golden Ring.”
Mandasa is a historic village and mandal in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, located close to Mahendragiri, one of the highest peaks of the Eastern Ghats in neighbouring Odisha. From this region, one can even see the distant stretch of the Bay of Bengal, making Mandasa a rare blend of hills, heritage, and scenic landscapes.
Mandasa is rich with spiritual and architectural landmarks: Vasudeva Temple and Raja Vari Fort. A major attraction near Mandasa is Mahendragiri, a sacred mountain deeply rooted in mythology. Every year, thousands of devotees trek overnight to reach Mahendragiri before dawn to witness the first sunrise from the mountain top.
Mandasa is easily accessible by all three major modes of transport—roadways, railways, and airways—which is a relief for many travel enthusiasts planning to visit the town.
Haripuram APSRTC bus station and Palasa APSRTC bus station are the nearest major bus stations to Mandasa. APSRTC operates several buses from major cities to Mandasa in the Srikakulam district.
Railways remain one of the most affordable and preferred ways to travel in India, and Mandasa is connected through nearby stations such as Palasa and Mandasa railway stations.
For air travel, the nearest airports to Mandasa are Visakhapatnam Airport and Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar, offering convenient connectivity for visitors.
Mahendra Giri is the second-highest mountain peak in Odisha and is located in the Gajapati district. This hill has deep spiritual and mythological importance and is mentioned in the Mahabharata, the Puranas, and the works of poet Sarala Dasa, the author of the Oriya Mahabharata. It is a place of great devotion, and during Shivaratri, countless devotees walk through the Mahendra hills to witness the first sunrise from the peak, which is considered highly auspicious.
The Vasudeva Temple in Mandasa was built by Harihara Raja Mani Deo and is known for its exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. The temple reflects remarkable craftsmanship and honors the family deity of the royal lineage. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it displays traditional Vaishnav symbols and carvings. Inside the temple are the idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Balarama, and Goddess Subhadra, along with beautifully crafted miniature shrines and are richly ornamented.
| Bank Name | Bank Address |
|---|---|
| DCCB Bank Mandasa Address | besides Government Primary School, Main Road, Mandasa |
| State Bank of India Mandasa Address | near Primary Health Care Center, Main Road, Mandasa |
| APGVB Haripuram Address | near Usodhaya Enterprises, Main Road, Haripuram |
| State Bank of India Haripuram Address | near Mandasa Haripuram Jn Road, Haripuram |
| Union Bank of India Haripuram Address | Opp Trends Shopping Mall, Main Road, Haripuram |
| Bank Name | Bank IFSC Codes |
|---|---|
| DCCB Bank Mandasa IFSC Code | APBL0001019 |
| State Bank of India Mandasa IFSC Code | SBIN0003121 |
| APGVB Haripuram IFSC Code | APGV0001136 |
| State Bank of India Haripuram IFSC Code | SBIN0015307 |
| Union Bank of India Haripuram IFSC Code | UBIN0829625 |
| Bank Name | Bank Toll Free Numbers |
|---|---|
| DCCB Bank Mandasa | 1800 121 0354 |
| State Bank of India Mandasa | 1800 425 3800 |
| APGVB Haripuram | 1800 121 0354 |
| State Bank of India Haripuram | 1800 425 3800 |
| Union Bank of India Haripuram | 1800 22 2244 |
