Weekend trip to Surkhanda Devi Temple

Some views of from my backyard in Landour, do you believe it?



To keep life interesting, Dan, Eva, a new friend from Germany, and I decided to take a trip to the Surkhanda Devi Temple, an hour or so drive from Mussoorie. The temple is located on top of a 10,000 ft. mountain and the climb up was at least half of the fun- 2 km as steep as you can go up to the top amidst a whole mass of pilgrims also climbing up or climbing down the narrow path.

Our adorable friend Eva, who's, like Dan, is taking classes at Landour Language School.

For the less agile pilgrims, horses and guides are available to make the steep climb.

Being at a height of 10,000 ft., one might imagine that there would be spectacular views. This is apparently true if you don't choose a day when the mountain is entirely enclosed in fog. We could barely see 20 ft. in front of us! But, it had a kind of spiritually mystical feel, I think.

Offerings of coconuts for the gods.

Ringing the bell to alert the gods to your worshipping presence.




A shrine to Shiva.


I don't know if this is a northern phenomenon (I never had this happen in the South), but Indians up here love to have their pictures taken with foreigners.

Upon arriving back in Mussoorie, we were pleased and surprised by a random parade of different schools' clubs:

The world is definitely mud-luscious at this point and time, and this balloon man, who is always about on weekends, sure makes me think of e.e. cummings.

Landour at sunset (taken from just above the bazaar)