Mussoorie

MUSSOORIE

Mussoorie   is a hill station and a municipal board in the Dehradun District of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is located about 35 km from the state capital of Dehradun and 290 km north from the national capital of New Delhi. This hill station, situated in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, is also known as the Queen of the Hills. The adjoining town of Landour, which includes a military cantonment, is considered part of 'greater Mussoorie', as are the townships of Barlowganj and Jharipani.

Mussoorie, a picturesque hill station in the Northern part of India, was discovered in the 18th century by Captain Young. The British officials added to the popularity of this hill station, as they mostly visited it as a getaway from the heat during summer.

Mussoorie is located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, on a horseshoe shaped ridge. This altitude gives the destination cool and pleasant climate conditions. Mussoorie is a lovely hill resort in the state of Uttaranchal. It is like a picture right out of your dreams! A paradise spread over a vast carpet of greenery coupled with a rich variety of flora and fauna, breathtaking views of the snow capped mountains and a town buzzing with activity marks a perfect destination for a memorable holiday. The rays of the sun reflecting on the snowcapped peaks, the valleys adorned with colorful flowers, and the gushing streams are a treat to sore eyes. No prizes for guessing that this hill station is known as the Queen of Hill Stations!

Mussoorie opens the path to Gangotri and Yamunotri, two sacred destinations known to be the origin of rivers Ganga and Yamuna respectively, flowing through the mountains into the plains.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

The Camel’s Back Road

True to its name, this road is a stretch of 4 km and is a natural layout of rocks shaped like the camel’s hump back. The Camel’s Back road originates from Library point and leads straight to the Kulri Bazaar, and is visible from the Mussoorie Public School. A perfect spot for morning and evening walks, this patch promises an enriching experience for those who witness the magic of sun rays on the snow capped mountains. Ideal for a good exercise, this stretch also enables a refreshing walk. For those already tired after long walks and treks, auto rickshaws and horseback rides are available easily.

The Cloud’s End

As the name suggests, the Cloud’s end is the end of Mussoorie. Located at a distance of about 6 km west of the Library, the Cloud’s end can be reached through the Hathipaon road from Happy Valley. Continue staying on your right till the road reaches a fork. Thick jungles cover the entire area, and a 2 km walk further up takes you to the Benog Wildlife sanctuary.This stretch promises a wonderful refreshing walk, with the vast spread of flora and fauna all around.  

Gun Hill

The history of Gun Hill dates back to the pre-independence period. It is said that a canon was fired from the Gun Hill every afternoon to help people know the time and adjust their watches. At a height of about 400 ft above the Mall, the Gun Hill now accommodates the water reservoir of Mussoorie. A ropeway ride can take   to the Gun Hill or you can take a bridle path that deviates from the Mall.  Tourists can capture a truly photogenic view from this spot, with the Mall and the snow capped peaks of Himalayas on either side of the hill respectively.

Kempty Falls

Kempty falls is one of the most popular and crowded tourist spots in Mussoorie. This is a perennial waterfall, plunging its way down about 40 ft from a mountain. Kempty Falls is the largest of the five cascades that emerge down from the mountains to flow down various huge rocks into the plains.

A visit to these falls is incomplete without bathing under the falls. Usually a crowded spot, you can escape the crowd and visit a more secluded place by climbing the steps lined along the flow of the stream, to find yourself in a rocky enclosure formed naturally by the stream. Get a feel of the cool gushing waters on your feet.

Jharipani Falls

A 6 km trek downhill from Mussoorie leads you to the amazing Jharipani Falls. Alternately, you can take the route to the Jharipani Main Market via St George’s boarding school. A refreshing thirty-minute walk from the market takes you to the falls and promises to leave you spellbound. Mussoorie’s famous boarding schools, namely, St George’s, Wynberg Allen, and Oakgrove are well packed within the estates of Jharipani.   Your life gets a breather in the pure and unpolluted environment of Mussoorie.

Company Bagh

The municipal garden, initially known as Company Bagh, belongs to the Happy Valley area. The gardens are a family retreat and entertain lots of families and tourists all round. An impression of old colonial gardens, the Company Bagh has a wide green carpet of neat and clean lawns and a fountain in the center.A lake, a recently created waterfall, and a nursery housing pretty plants are other attractions of this garden.

The Mall

The Mall is the heart of Mussoorie. A walk through the mall throws glimpses of the colonial period with the benches and lampposts lined up and is a beautiful experience. Being in the center of the city, one has to pass the Mall enroute to any place in the city.The 1980s style video game parlors, skating rinks, the Methodist Church are all attractions in this area. The skating rinks are popular among children and adult alike, and are charged at Rs 80 per hour. Fans of Ruskin Bond seeking his autograph should not miss the opportunity to visit the Cambridge Bookstore, where he is often seen.

HOW TO REACH

BY RAIL - Mussoorie has no railway station of its own. So one can get down at Dehradun railway station, nearly 60 km away and from there take bus or taxi to reach Mussoorie. Taxi services are available from railhead to Mussoorie and it costs about Rs 1500. Dehradun railway station is well connected to other major cities in India with super fast trains.

BY AIR - Nearest airport is Jollygrant which is 60 km away from Mussoorie and is situated in Dehradun. Jollygrant airport, Dehradun is connected to Delhi airport. Taxi services are available from airport to Mussoorie . Delhi is the nearest international airport which is 270 km away. Delhi is well connected to all major cities in India and many cities abroad.

BY ROAD - Mussoorie is well connected with excellent bus services of state public bus services Uttaranchal State Transport Corporation. From Dehradoon and from other major cities in India private bus services are available to Mussoorie and fare is about Rs 3 to 4 per kilometer. Mussoorie is connected with Delhi (270 km), Nainital (355 km), Dehradun (60 km) and Garwal (135 km) by deluxe tourist bus services.