There are many beautiful hill stations in India that receive a number of tourists from across the world. If you have visited any one of them, have you ever noticed and thought why do all these hill stations have a Mall Road? Well, even if you never thought, this can be an interesting aspect to discover, especially when you are fond of hills. Travelling is all about exploring new regions or known regions in a better way, and the Mall Road in Indian hill stations not only has significance as a tourist place but also has colonial roots. In this blog, we will be insightful about the reason behind Mall Road in the hill stations in India and help you become an informed traveller.
Also Read: How to Plan Guwahati Sightseeing Efficiently?
The Origin of Mall Road
The name Mall is named after The Mall Road in London, a pedestrian promenade. This was introduced by the British, and it came into existence in the late 1800s, during the colonial period. During their stay in the hilly regions, British officers used to go for walks on such roads to walk, socialise, and feel warm and refreshed. These roads are characterised by markets, restaurants and entertainment so that the requirements and comfort of the British citizens are not compromised. These roads are usually built on a flat piece of land between the mountains, from where the visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of the surroundings. Mall Roads are vehicle-free so that people can walk freely and focus on their leisure. Earlier, locals were not allowed to visit these roads, making them exclusive social places. Eventually, the Mall Roads sprang up with markets selling local handicrafts and bandstands were set up for live music performances.
Here Are Some Factors Behind Mall Roads in the Hill Stations
British Era Planning: Most of the Indian hill stations were developed as summer retreats by British officials during the colonial period. Mall Roads were structured for them and their families to walk in the evenings, meet friends, shop, and engage in leisure activities. These roads were modelled as a European town square and set in the hills. These were exclusive places where British elites would walk, gossip and more.
Geographical Significance: One of the contributing factors to the construction of Mall Roads in the hill stations is the geographical location. Following the steep terrains of the hills, these roads are built on the relatively flat regions. The planners focused on building shops, hotels, offices and clubs along a single relatively straight road. This makes walking easy for the tourists and serves as a hub for both commercial and social activity. Currently, a mall road is one of the top attractions and the first stop for visitors in a hill station.
Social Identity of the Town: Since the time of its origin, the Mall Roads in the hill stations have provided scenic views and a pleasant climate for walking. In the elite colonial time, these roads served as gathering places for British officials and their families for summer retreat. Even till now, these roads hotspot for evening walks, social meetings, recreational activities and public moments. You can feel the pulse of a hill station in a Mall Road.
Suitable Climate for Walk: Due to the sweltering summers, British officials used to seek coling environment in the hill stations during the colonial period. The hilly regions in India offer an ideal climate for a peaceful and pleasant walk even in peak summer. These roads were designed for relaxing strolls that were not possible for them to walk comfortably in the hot plains. The pleasant weather and breathtaking vistas of hill stations made the conception of building Mall Roads work beautifully.
A Hub for Slow Down:Mall Roads are built for slowing down and being immersed in the moment. Since the time the British built them, these Mall Roads have been restricted for vehicles, and that is intentional. People visit the hills to slow down, and walking becomes the main activity in the Mall Roads. This provides an ambience where families stroll, couples sit on benches, tourists eat momos or sip a hot cup of tea or coffee and explore the markets selling local handicrafts. This becomes less about rushing between places and more about feeling the moment and enjoying the serenity.
Let’s Explore Some of the Top Indian Hill Stations with Mall Road
Beginning as a colonial identity, the Mall Roads in the hill stations have become widely popular among tourists. You can visit several hill stations in India, which have charming Mall Roads, such as:
Chowrasta, Darjeeling:This place is known as the heart of Darjeeling, where a bunch of tourists are seen chatting, exploring local shops, sitting in the benches with a scenic backdrop of Kanchenjunga view and pigeons everywhere.
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand:Another attractive hill station in India that features a long, bustling promenade structured with colonial-era cafes, shops and stunning views of Doon Valley.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh: Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas, this place features a vibrant, bustling and vehicle-free street popular for shopping for local handicrafts, woollen clothes and tasting local foods.
Shimla, Himachal:One of the most iconic hill stations in India, that stretches from Scandal Point to the Ridge, featuring the Gaiety Theatre and Christ Church.
Final Words,
In simple terms, Indian hill stations have Mall Roads, which were designed by the British as social centres for their leisure and entertainment during the colonial era. The required geography was a flat stretch, and the climate of the mountains was suitable for the centre. The Mall Roads gradually develop as a modern tourist centre that also serves as the lively commercial spine of that region. To sum up, the cool weather, the serene mountain vies and the healing environment had encouraged the British to construct Mall Roads in the hill stations.
