Mussoorie
Township
Mussoorie,
sometime pronounced masuri, the famous queen of hill stations, is located
around 34 kms from Dehradun and 290 kms north of Delhi. The hill station is
positioned at an average height of 1, 880 meters above the sea level in the
Garhwal hills, and peeps down the verdant and luxuriant Doon valley in general
and the city of Dehradun. Mussorie with its green hills and varied flora and
fauna, is a fascinating hill resort. Mussoorie is one of the beautiful hill
stations in India and is frequently visited by tourists. Commanding snow ranges
to the north-east and glittering views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges
in the South, the town was once said to present a ‘fairyland’ atmosphere to
tourists. Due to its proximity to the national capital Delhi for a weekend trips and
holidays, it provides excellent respite to people who want relief from the hot
sultry conditions of the plains. Also, major Hindu pilgrimage sites like
Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Haridwar, Rishikesh are in proximity
of this township.
Tourist
Attrations in Mussoorie
Tourism
is the most significant segment of Mussoorie's economy and there are many
places where tourist can visit. It has a nature walk known as "Camel's
Back Road". The Camel’s Back Road a 3kms road stretching from Kulri Bazar
near Rink Hall and ending at Library Bazaar, gives a great sunset view, and
also provides great scope for horse riding lovers. The name of the road
descends from the fact that it seems to be similar in shape as Camel’s Back, if
seen from Mussoorie Public School. The other places of tourist attractions are
followings:
Gun Hill
Gun
Hill which is treated as the second highest peak of Mussoorie, is a 20-minute
walk from the Mall Road or ropeway ride could be taken to reach this place. The
sheer thrill of ropeway ride is memorable. The name is given to the tourist
spot because during the pre-Independence times, a gun was mounted on the hill
which was fired during mid-day to make the people adjust their watches. The
peak presents a spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges vis-à-vis,
Bunderpunch, Shrikanta, Pithwara and Gangotri group respectively. Gun Hill also
presents bird eye view of the fabulous Mussoorie town, and the rich Doon
valley.
Municipal
Garden
The
Municipal Garden, previously known as Mughal Garden gives the tourists natural
and idyllic experience altogether. The garden has an artificial mini lake and
one can even go for boating. The garden is quite close from Mussoorie, at a
distance of 4 kms. from the main road, and almost 2 kms. via foot from the
Convent road.
Nahata
Estate
Previously
known as "Childer's Lodge” is a huge property of more than 300 acres,
owned by Nahata Family. It is the Highest
Peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba. It is about 5 kms from the Tourist Office and
one can go on horseback or on foot. Snow view from this spot is exhilarating.
Jharipani
Fall
Jharipani
Fall is about 8.5 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie- Jharipani Road. Visitors can
go by bus or by car upto 7 kms to Jharipani from where the fall is 1.5 kms, on
foot.
Bhatta
Fall
Bhatta
Fall is about 7 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. Access by car or
bus upto Balta village and from there the fall is 3kms by car or foot. It is an
ideal spot for bathing and picnics.
Kempty
Fall
Kempty
Falls a natural water falls is situated at an altitude of 4500 feet, is 15 kms
from the town on the Yamnotri Road. The beauty of Kempty Falls can be
attributed to the high mountainous ambience. It has the distinction of being
the biggest and prettiest waterfall located in a beautiful valley and is
surrounded by high mountains. Bath at the foot of the falls is refreshing and pleasurable
for children and adults alike.
Nag Devta
Temple
An
ancient temple situated dedicated to Snake God Lord Shiva on Cart Mackenjie
Road and is about 6 kms from Mussoorie. Vehicles can go right upto the spot. It
provides a charming view of Doon Valley as well as of Mussoorie and Doon Valley.
Mussoorie
Lake
A
newly developed picnic spot, situated on Mussoorie- Dehradun road and is about
6 kms from Mussoorie. It is a delightful spot. Pedalled boats are available at
this place. It commands an enchanting view of Doon Valley and nearby villages.
Van Chetna
Kendra
At
a distance of about 2 kms on Tehri by pass road, this place is developed as a
picnic spot and has a park surrounded with pine forest and flowering shrubs,
and is approachable by foot or taxi/car. The main attraction is the wildilife
of the park like Ghurar, Kanankar, Himalayan Peacock, Monal etc.
Sir George
Everest House
Park
Estate is where one can find the remains of the building and laboratory of Sir
GeorgeEverest, the Surveyor – General of India from 1830 to 1843. It is after
George Everest that the world's highest peak Mount Everest is named. It is
around 6 kms from the township. The Park Estate of Sir George Everest, First
Surveyor General of India, Who had his office and residence here, is
approachable by road.
Jwalaji
Temple (Benog Hill)
The
Jwalaji Temple is about 9 kms to the west of Mussoorie and at an altitude of
2104 mtrs. It is situated on the top of the Benog Hill and has an idol of Mata
Durga in it. The temple is surrounded by thick forests and offers a panoramic
view of the Himalayan peaks, Doon valley and Yamuna valley.
Clous End
The
bungalow built in 1838 by a British Major was one of the First Four buildings
of Mussoorie. The bungalow has since then been converted into a hotel called
Clouds End, and is situated at the extreme west of Mussoorie Hill, 8 kms from
Library. The resort is surrounded by thick forest, offers a wide variety of
flora and fauna besides a panoramic view of snow clad Himalayas, and Yamuna
river. The most ideally suited resort for fireigners and honeymoon couples.
Excursion
near to Mussoorie
Naga Tibba
About
55 km, an ideal spot for trekking. Naga Tibba is the highest peak around
Mussoorie at 10,000 feet and is covered by thick forests.
Dhanolti
On
Mussoorie-Tehri Road 25km away, it has deodhar forests and mountainscapes. .
Dhanaulti is the place where a tourist can spend lots of time as this place is
fully covered with White Mountain. Dhanaulti is also identified as Dhanolti so
a tourist must not get confused if they hear about any of the names. Chamba is
another nearest tourist place of Dhanolti so reaching this place allows a
tourist to enjoy some more spots. Tourist spots in Dhanolti are Chamba, New
Tehri, Barehipani and Joranda Falls, Dashavatar Shrine, Chanderi, Deogarh, Jain
Temples, Surkanda Devi and Kanatal.
Surkhanda
Devi
Surkhanda
Devi Temple at 10,000 feet, 35 km down the Mussoorie - Tehri road, perched on a
peak, the temple demands a stiff two-km climb form devotees. The temple, goes
the legend, was built on the site where the head of Shiva's consort (Shiva is
the destroyer in the Hindu trinity) fell after it was chopped off to stop
Shiva's terrifying dance of death that was shaking the universe to its very core.
Lakha
Mandal
About
80 km away on the Mussoorie-Yamunotri Road. Linked with the Mahabharata with
idols of archaeological importance.
Season to
visit Mussoorie
Mussoorie
is a hill station which has pleasant climate around the year. It is a very cool
place with greenery at its full bloom during September to November. The best
seasons to visit Mussoorie is between April to June and again during September
to November. When the plains of North India experience heat waves, Mussoorie
provides a welcome break. September - November is spring time here. During this
season Himalayas are clearly visible. It is better to avoid monsoons as the
roads to Mussoorie are in bad shape. Same thing applies for the winter when roads
are blocked due to snowfall.
Reaching Mussoorrie:
By
Air: The closest airbase to reach Massoorie is the JGA (Jolly Grant Airport)
positioned 24 km distance from Dehradun. Frequent flights are available from
various cities of India, especially from Delhi.
By
Rail: The nearest railway station near Masuri is Dehradun, which is just 34 kms
away. Frequent rails from Delhi, Amritsar, Bombay, Varanasi and many other
cities are available to reach Dehradun.
By
Road: There are direct buses from Delhi to Mussoorie, along with private taxis.
Buses ply every half hour from Dehradun to Mussoorie. Private taxis and shared
taxis are favored by a majority of visitors.
