Mandi - मंडी

Mandi is a convenient place to break the long journey to Kulu or Manali. As yet little spoiled by development, it is a pleasant markettown (mandi means market or mart) on the old trade route between India and Ladakh. The atmosphere is quiet and unhurried and, unlike so many Indian towns, it is a joy to wander about. A sunken garden in the centre of the town is overlooked by the old palace buildings, and many of theold shops and houses around have fronts of carved wood. Note the distinctive way the local Sikhs tie their turbans; at one time the boundaries of the Punjab extended well into these hills.