Mussoorie – The Gateway To Yamunotri And Gangotri Shrines

Mussoorie is a popular hill station in the Dehradun district of the Uttarakhand state in India. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas at an altitude of 2000 m, it is surrounded by green hills and various types of flora and fauna. In addition, dominating snowy hill ranges in the northeast and the sparkling scenic beauty of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges towards it south had entitled the resort with: ‘The Queen of Hills’ and ‘The Experience of Fairyland Atmosphere’. The area of Mussoorie involves the nearby towns of Landour, Barlowganj, and Jharipani.

The name Mussoorie is said to be derived from ‘mansoor’ that refers to a native shrub. In fact, the local people refer the town as ‘Mansoori’.

History

• 1826
  Captain Young, a daring officer of the British military and Mr. Shore, the Resident Superintendent of Revenues at Dehradun jointly discovered the current spot and erected a shooting cottage.
• 1827
  A sanatorium that is presently a cantonment was erected in Landour.
• 1832
  Colonel George Everest, the Surveyor General of India, erected a home. He actually desired to have a new office here, which was actually built in Dehradun.
• 1920-1940
  The Nehru family members were the frequent visitors here
• 1959
  Dalai Lama laid the foundation of the Tibetan Government in Exile, which is now in Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh. Tibetans found their shelter place in the Happy Valley.
• 1960
  The first Tibetan school was constructed here.

Tourists’ Attractions

• Mall Road
  This is the main public walkway that has Picture Palace on its eastern end and the Public Library (now known as only ‘Library’) on its western end. In the British reign, racist signs were erected on the Mall that stated: “Indians and Dogs Not Allowed”. Rejecting this rule, Motilal Nehru, the father of Jawaharlal Nehru, intentionally used to enter these prohibited areas every day and would give the fine when he was in the town.
• Camel’s Back Road
  This is famous for its natural walk and is named so due to a rocky projection of a camel’s hump. On the way on this road, a stunning cemetery is situated.
• Gun Hill
  In ancient times, a cannon was utilized for making a midday sound indicating the noontime. This spot is reachable by the cable car on the Mall road.
• St Mary’s Church
  This is the oldest church in the Himalayas that is just above the Mall Road. Currently, it is in the process of re-establishment.
• Kempty Falls
  This is a famous picnic spot.

• Company Garden
  This is a famous tourist destination holding attractive flowers and plants.
• Happy Valley
  This is the first, but a small Tibetan temple in India built in 1960 by the Tibetan refugees.
• Lal Tibba
  This is the highest peak of the hill station at an altitude of 7500 feet.
• Lake Mist
  This is a gem of the town that is at 5 km before Kempty Falls and is equipped with restaurant facilities and boating. Apart from this, the place has many small waterfalls formed due to the Kempty River flowing through it.
• Municipal Garden
  This is a spot of a beautiful garden and a manmade small lake famous for its paddled boating. It is at 2 km through Waverly Convent School road.
• Mussoorie Lake
  This is a new picnic spot at 6 km on Mussoorie-Dehradun road famous for its pedaled boats and captivating view of Doon Valley and nearby villages. This view is breathtaking at night.
• Childer’s Lodge
  This is at a distance of 5 km from the Tourist Office to have a thrilling experience of snowy mountains. You can reach here either on horseback or on foot.
• Bhatta Falls
  This is at a distance of 7 km on Mussoorie-Dehradun Road close to the Bhatta Village. It is a fall having many ponds for bathing and water amusements.
• Jharipani Fall
  This is at a distance of 8.5 km on Mussoorie-Jharipani road.
• Mossy Fall
  This is at a distance of 7 km and is enclosed by thick forest.
• Sir George Everest’s House
  Park Estate is the house of the relics of the building and laboratory of Sir George Everest who was the Surveyor-General of India. From his name comes the name of the world’s highest peak Mt. Everest. This place is a scenic spot of the Doon Valley on one side and the Aglar River valley with the Himalayan snow peaks on other side. You can enjoy a memorable walk from Library Bazaar/Gandhi Chowk until this place.

• Nag Devta Temple
  This is a shrine devoted to the Snake God Lord Shiva and is on the Cart Mackenzie Road nearly 6 km away on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. The temple spot offers a delightful scene of the town and the Doon Valley.
• Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill)
  This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga (the divine universal power) at 2240 m and 9 km west of Mussoorie. The temple is located atop the top of Benog Tibba (Hill). A thrilling view of the Aglar River valley is another tourist attraction.
• Cloud End
  Surrounded by dense deodar forest, it is a hotel that was previously a bungalow built by a British major in 1838. This bungalow was among the first four buildings of Mussoorie. The spot is covered with flora and fauna that makes it a place of relaxing.
• Van Chetna Kendra
  This is a picnic spot enclosed with pine forest and flowering shrubs located at a distance of about 2 km on Tehri bypass road. The attraction here is the wildlife park housing Ghurar, Kakar, Himalayan peacock, Monal, and so on.
• Benog Mountain Quail Sanctuary
  This is at a distance of 11 km to the South of library point. It was built in 1993 that is the house of the extinct bird species, Mountain Quail (Pahari Bater) last seen in 1876.
• Himalayan Weavers
  This is at the distance of 8 km on Mussoorie-Dhanaulti Road. It is famous for its production of hand-woven shawls, stoles, and scarves using only natural dyes, wool, and silk. Their aim is to deliver quality handloom goods and create a popular market in the Himalayan region.
• Roller Skating Rink
  This is the largest skating rink in India.

Best Visiting Time

Mid-March to mid-November

Reaching Mussoorie

By road, Mussoorie is well connected to Delhi and other major northern cities. It is actually Gateway to Yamunotri and Gangotri Shrines in Northern India.

By rail and air, the closest halt is Dehradun. From here, you can avail of taxis or buses at regular intervals.