Mandi

Mandi, town, central Himachal Pradesh state, northwestern India. It lies along the Beas River north-northwest of Shimla, the state capital.

Mandi is a trade centre for agricultural produce and timber. Hand-loom weaving and handicrafts are the principal industries. The town also conducts a frontier trade with Tibet (China). It is connected by roads with Shimla and with towns to the north and west. The surrounding area is a mountainous tract drained by the Beas and Sutlej (Satluj) rivers, and their fertile valleys yield grains (notably rice and corn [maize]) and other crops. Large quantities of rock salt are mined. Numerous religious sites are located in and around the town, including Bhima Kali Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, and Rewalsar Lake, which has special significance for Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs. Pop. (2001) 26,873; (2011) 26,422.