Wednesday, March 25, 2009

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Mussoorie,Dehradun

mayank kaushal

Mussoorie is a city and a municipal board, about 34 km from Dehradun and in Dehradun district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This hill station, situated in the foothills of the Himalaya 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.


Being at an average altitude of 2,000 meters (6,600 ft), Mussoorie, with its green hills and varied flora and fauna, is a
fascinating hill resort. 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.

History

The history of Mussoorie dates back to 1825 when Captain Young, an adventurous British military officer, together with a Mr. Shore, the resident Superintendent of Revenues at Dehradun explored the present site and jointly constructed a shooting lodge. This laid the foundation of this holiday resort which now has few rivals.

In 1827 a sanitorium was built at Landour, which later became a large cantonment , Colonel Everest built a home here in 1832, and by 1901 its population was 6461, rising to 15,000 in the summer season. Earlier, Mussoorie was approachable by road from Saharanpur, 58 miles (93 km) away.

Accessibility became easier in 1900 with the railway coming to Dehradun, thus shortening the road trip to 21 miles (34 km). The name Mussoorie is often attributed to a derivation of 'mansoor', a shrub which is indigenous to the area.

The town is in fact often referred to as 'Mansoori' by locals.

Accessibility

Mussoorie is conveniently connected by road to Delhi and major cities. It is called the "Gateway" to Yamunotri and Gangotri Shrines of Northern India. The closest rail station is Dehradun. Taxis are easily available for Mussorie as are buses at regular intervals. The best time to visit is from mid-March to mid-November though the downpours could be an inhibiting factor in the monsoon months of July to September.




Places of interest

Mussoorie has a beautiful nature walk known as "Camel's Back Road". This road takes its name from mountain outcrop in the shape of a camel's hump. Along the camel back, a beautiful cemetery is located about mid-way on the loop.




There is also "Gun Hill" where cannons were kept for the defense of Mussoorie. Gun Hill is accessible by the cable car on the Mall road.




The oldest Christian church in the Himalayas, St Mary's, is situated above Mall Road, and is currently undergoing restoration.


Kempty falls is a nice picnic spot.On the way to Yamunotri, at an altitude of 1370 meters and 15 kilometres from Mussoorie, are the Kempty Falls. It has, to its credit, the biggest and the most beautiful waterfall in the valley.

Surrounded by high mountains, it gives a breathtaking view. Bathing here, especially during summers, is an unforgettable experience.

Close to Kempty Falls is the Kempty Lake which is frequented by people who come here to have a nice time with their friends and families. Some of its specialties like boat ride, toy train and above all its carnival spirit makes it a favourite spot for picnickers.


Company Garden is popular tourist destination. During season, the Company Garden has beautiful collection of flowers and plants. Happy Valley has a small Tibetan temple. This was the
first Tibetan temple built in India. The temple was constructed in 1960 by the Tibetan refugees.

It is located at a distance of 4 km by rickshaw cycles, pony or by a car and 2 km via Waverly Convent School road on foot.




Lal Tibba is another tourist spot of Mussoorie.Highest point in Mussoorie, Lal Tibba is located in Landour area, the oldest inhabited place in Mussoorie. The reason why it is called Lal Tibba is because every thing here appears red at the time of sunset. The place is ideal for enjoying a wonderful activity like trekking.



Beautiful Dhanaulti is about 24 kilometers from Mussorie. Mussoorie also had India's largest roller skating rink.


Lake Mist About 5 km before Kempty falls on the Mussoorie-Kempty road is a newly developed good picnic spot with accommodation and restaurant facilities, boating is also available.


Mussoorie lake A newly developed picnic spot build by City Board & Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority, is situated at 6 km on Mussoorie-Dehradun road having a facility of pedaled boats.


It offers a enchanting view of Doon Valley and nearby villages. View during Night is marvelous.



Children lodge Highest peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba, it is situated at 5 km from the Tourist Office and one can go on horse back or on foot. The view of snow-clad mountains is exhilarating.


Bhatta Falls 7 km from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun Road near Bhatta Village. Accessible by car or bus up to Bhatta from where the fall is 3 km by foot. A fall with different ponds for bathing and water amusements, ideal place for picnic.




Jharipani Fall Located at 8.5 km from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Jharipani road. One can go by local bus or car up to Jharipani from where the fall is about 1.5 km on foot.

Mosey Fall The fall is surrounded by a dense forest and is 7 km from Mussoorie. One can go there via Barlowganj or Balahisar.

Sir George Everest House Park Estate is where the building and laboratory of the first Surveyor-General of India 1830 to 1843, Sir George Everest, after whom world's highest peak Mt. Everest is named, remains.

It is 6 km from Gandhi Chowk and vehicle can go right up to the place. The place provides an enchanting view of Doon Valley on one side and view of Yamuna Valley and snowbound himalayan ranges on the other. An ideal place for picnic and trekking.

Nag Devta Temple An ancient temple dedicated to Snake God Lord Shiva and is situated on Cart Mackenjee road is about 6 km from Mussoorie on way to Dehradun. Vehicles can go right up to the temple. This place provies a enchanting view of Mussoorie and Doon valley.

Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill) Situated at an altitude of 2104 m is 9 km west of Mussoorie. It is situated on the top of the Benog Hill surrounded by thick forest having an old idol of Goddess Durga provides a marvelous view of Yamuna Valley.




Cloud End The resort is surrounded by thick deodar forest. The bungalow built in 1838 by a British major was one of the first four buildings of Mussoorie has now been converted into a hotel. The place provides peace and calm and is full of flora and fauna.


Van chetna kendra At a distance of about 2 km on Tehri bypass road, this place is developed as 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 wildlife of the park like Ghurar, Kakar, Himalayan peacock, Monal etc.

Benog Mountain quail sanctuary 11 km to the south of library point lies an old sanctuary established in 1993 and covering an area of 339 hectares. It is famous for the extinct bird species Mountain Quail (Pahari Bater), which was last spotted in 1876.

Mussoorie is a popular destination for honeymooning couples, mainly because of its relatively cool climes and calm and lovely environment.

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1 Response to "Mussoorie,Dehradun"
ebcmussoorie said :
May 4, 2024 at 5:25 AM
Enjoy delicious and sustainably sourced meals at the green restaurant in Mussoorie, a perfect blend of taste and eco-friendliness.
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