Introduction to Mussoorie: 

Mussoorie, like other hill resorts in India, came into existence in the 1820s or thereabouts, when the families of British colonials began making for the hills in order to escape the scorching heat of the plains. Small settlements grew into large stations and were soon vying with each other for the title of "queen of the hills."

Mussoorie’s name derives from the Mansur shrub (Cororiana nepalensis), common in the Himalayan foothills; but many of the house names derive from the native places of those who first built and lived in them. Today, the old houses and estates are owned by well-to-do Indians, many of whom follow the lifestyle of their former colonial rulers.

The main artery of Mussoorie is the the Mall. Shops closed for the winter spring to life when summer approaches. Happy laughter and the gay chitter-chatter of a cosmopolitan band of people from the plains flows from one end of the Mall to the other. Running through Kulri Bazaar, on towards Library Chowk, the Mall offers an amazing variety of pastimes. Haggling, bargaining with rosy-cheeked Tibetans over the prices of ‘imported’ goods and Tibetan metalware; browsing through a bookshop; searching for antiques in the curio-shops; choosing hand-carved walking sticks or handmade cane baskets and other wares. There are embroidered wall hangings, dry pinecones, hill jewelry, garments and a dozen knick-knacks besides .

Sightseeing:  The main artery of Mussoorie, the Mall certainly responds to the influx of visitors in the same manner as a person fighting for life-sustaining breath revives after receiving oxygen. The Mall is lined with curio and antique shops, a revolving restaurant, various eating joints, metal ware and handicraft items and a number of other such interesting things. It runs right through the small town and is a delightful place for a late night stroll.

Excursions: There are several places to see and visit near Mussoorie too. Excursions around Mussoorie prove to be an equally interesting experience. The famous Surkhanda Devi Temple is located on a peak at 10,000 feet and demands a steep two-km climb. According to a legend, the temple was built on the site where the head of Lord Shiva's consort fell, after it was chopped off to stop Shiva's terrifying dance of death that was shaking the universe to the core.