The trek to the Surkanda temple along winding, wooded trails is very scenic. The temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and commands breath-taking views all the way to Yamnotri. Biking downhill with the wind in your hair is a fabulous experience. Camping by the riverside with the soft lilt of the moonlit river lulling us to sleep was one of those moments of serenity we urbanites crave for.
Mussoorie is known as The Queen of the Hills. Located in the Garhwals, the town gets its name from the Mansoor shrub that grows in abundance here. Mussoorie was founded in 1825 by Captain John Young who built a shooting lodge here. Later it became one of the summer retreats of the British. Today Mussoorie, with its gabled cottages and picturesque views of the Doon Valley and Shivalik ranges is one of India's most popular hill stations. Settlements and hotels have cropped up along the hill-side, with forested mountains rising behind against a bright cerulean sky. In winter, snowfall lends the town a magical appearance.