Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Mussoorie

Mussoorie, Popularly known as the Queen of Hills, this charming hill station, 34 kms from Dehradun is situated at an altitude of 2003 mts in the Garhwal hills. above sea-level. Mussoorie is one the beautiful hill stations in India and the most frequently visited. It provides excellent respite to people who want relief from the hot sultry conditions of the plains, especially since it is close enough to the capital to make just weekend trip. Also, major Hindu pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Haridwar, Rishikesh are not far from this place.

In 1820, Captain Young of the British army was influenced by the beauty of this place and made it his residence. The name, Mussoorie is derived from plants of 'Mussoorie' which were found in abundance here. After its discovery, this hill station gradually developed as a centre of education, business, tourism and beauty.



Tourist Attraction in Mussoorie


Lal Tibba (Depot Hill)
The highest point in Mussoorie, Lal Tibba gives you splendid view of the landscape around. Located in Landour, it is the oldest inhabited area of the place. Old British architectures adorn the place and impart it an antique charm. From here, one can have clear views of the snow capped Himalayan peaks and places like Badrinath and Kedarnath dotting the horizon.

Camel's Back Point / Camel's Back
Road The road borrows its name from a large rock here that looks like a camel's back. One can see the rock from the 'Mussoorie Public School'. The road starts from Kurli Bazaar and goes up to the Library Bazaar. Thick deodar trees girdle this 3 km long stretch. The atmosphere is very serene and ideal for pony-riding and watching the sun playing 'hide and seek' in the Himalayas.

Gun Hill
At a height of 2122 m, this is the second highest peak of the town. During the colonial era, a gun was placed atop the hill and fired exactly at mid-day to announce the time. Thus, the place derived its name as 'Gun Hill'. One can have stunning views of the landscape and other Himalayan Ranges from the place. A 400 m ropeway connects the Mall to this place. Walking is another alternative.

Kempty Falls
Located 15 km from Mussoorie, the Kempty Falls lie amidst a mass of hills. Sparkling water gushes down from a height of 4,500 ft and further segregates into five different falls (40 ft each) at this place. Originally, the British conducted tea-parties here. Thus, the colloquial name 'Camp-Tea' earned it the name 'Kempty'. The falls remain open to public from March to July.

Municipal Gardens
Located about 3 km from Mussoorie, this beautiful picnic spot is easily accessible by a pony, rickshaw or car. Housed amidst bamboo and deodar trees, it was earlier known as the 'Company Garden'. The place has an artificial lake that provides boating facilities. Varieties of exotic flowers are also found in the gardens. One can also reach the place on foot, via Waverly Convent Road.

Jharipani Falls and Bhatta Falls
The Jharipani and the Bhatta Falls are two major waterfalls of Mussoorie. Jharipani Fall is located 8.5 m from Mussoorie on the Mussoorie-Jharipani Road and can be reached by a vehicle, up to a distance of 7 km. The rest of the journey (1.5 km) has to be covered on foot. Bhatta Fall is located on the Mussoorie- Dehradun Road and is an ideal spot for bathing and picnicking.

Jwalaji Temple
This famous Hindu temple is located at a distance of 9 km from Mussoorie. Dedicated to Goddess 'Durga', this temple is situated atop the Benog Hill, at a height of 2100 m. Enveloped by thick forests from all sides; the temple poses a striking picture. Moreover, one can have breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks, Doon Valley and the Yamuna valley from this site.

Mussoorie Lake
This newly made lake is situated on the Dehradun road, at a distance of 6 km from Mussoorie. Developed by the city board and the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority, this lake is a famous picnic spot of the place. With a beautiful backdrop, the place is also famous for its pedal-boating facilities. The lake also offers enchanting view of Doon Valley and the surrounding places.

Van Chetna Kendra
Covered with a thicket of undulating pine trees and varicolored shrubs, Van Chetna Kendra is a popular picnic spot of the place. It is located at a distance of about 3 km from Mussoorie, on the Tehri Road (by-pass). Thus, it is easily accessible from Mussoorie by a vehicle or even on foot. The place is also popular for exotic wildlife delights like Ghurar, Kankar and Himalayan Peacock.




Excursions

Naga Tibba
Highest place around Mussoorie, Nag Tibba is 55 kilometers from here. While other treks become strenous and unapproachable in winters due to snowfall, Naga tibba has no such problems and its quite popular with trekkers. A thirty four kilometer drive followed by a 21 kilometer trek will bring you to Naga Tibba. Thick forests, Garhwali villages enroute, and some great views of Himalyas is what this trek promises.

Dhanaulti
Twenty five kilometers from Mussoorie is Dhanaulti. Tucked in the forests of oak, connifer and deodar, it is a mountain retreat. The place is full of serenity and perfect for breaking away from the hustle bustle of tourists in Mussoorie. Treks to regions in Tehri Garhwal are launched from here. The best thing about Dhanaulti is that it is a round the year destination.

Surkhanda Devi
Thirty five kilometers from Mussoorie, perched on a hill top is the temple of Surkhanda Devi. A difficult two kilometer steep walk from Kaddulkhal will bring you here. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year, especially during the months of May and June when Ganga Dusshera fair is held here.

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