As the mercury rises and the educational institutions close, families and young folks set out for Mussoorie for a breathing spell. Perched atop a high ridge overlooking the Doon Valley, Mussoorie has thickly wooded Shivalik range on one side and snow capped mountains of inner Himalayas on the other side. Mussoorie drives its name from masur as a name given to Coriana nepalensis shrub. Its history is dated back to 1827 when Captain Young, an adventure seeking military officer, discovered Mussoorie and laid down the foundation of this beautiful hill station of Uttarakhand. Its proximity to the plains slowly attracted more and more people who build their summer retreats here.
Mussoorie has fascinated people of literary distinctions for years. The first Australian-born novelist, John Lang spent the last years of his life in Mussoorie. He died in 1864 and was buried here in the old English cemetery.
Today you may find Mussoorie a bit crowded but still it is the most sought after hill station, which has few rivals for sheer grandeur of its surrounding, beautiful promenades, excellent clubs, means of entertainment and choice of activities. A tourist here can trek, ramble, play golf or tennis, limber up legs at the Mall for souvenirs or savour the delights of cultural shows.
Built initially as a summer resort, the natural beauty of Mussoorie and abundance of picnic spots in the hills are its prime attraction. Some of these spots include:
Gun Hill: It is a bare rocky outcrop in the centre of the hill station. Gun hill is so named because the hilltop had a gun mounted on it before independence. It was fired at mid of the day to announce the time. Hence it is called Gun Hill. The spot offers panoramic view of snow clad Himalayan ranges including Bunder punch, Srikanth, Pithwara and Gangotri group. A birds eye view from this point is very fascinating. Access to Gun Hill is either along a bridle path from Mall near Kutchery or by a ropeway carriage. The ropeway distance up to Gun Hill is only 400 metres and the sheer thrill of the ride is memorable.
Camels Back Road : It starts from Kulri Bazaar near Rink Hall and ends at Library Bazaar covering a distance of about 3 kms. The main attraction of this road is horse riding and walking. Camels rock with a life like resemblance can be seen from the spot near Massoorie Public School.
Municipal garden : It is a picnic spot having a beautiful garden and an artificial mini lake with boating facilities. The distance by cycle rickshaw, pony or a car is 4 kms. But if you walk the distance it is only 2 kms.
Jharipani Fall: It is 8.5 kms from Mussoorie on jharipani road. You can reach by bus or a car upto 7 kms to Jharipani from where you will have to walk about 1.5 kms to reach this fall. The administration is planning to develop it as a popular picnic spot.
Kempty Fall: It has the distinction of being the biggest and the most magnificent waterfalls in a beautiful valley surrounded by high mountains. Bath at the foot of the falls is refreshing and enjoyable for both children and adults alike. Taxis and conducted tours are available from Mussoorie. There is a cafeteria close by for snacks and small meals.
Lal Tibba : It is the highest peak in the town offering magnificent view of the Himalayan peaks. Just 5 kms away from the Tourist Office, Lal Tibba can be reached on foot or on a pony. A powerful binocular is installed on the peak. Close to Lal Tibba is Childers Lodge. Snow view from this spot is exhilarating.
Nag Devta Temple: It is an ancient temple situated at Cart Mackenjie Road about 6 kms from Mussoorie. Vehicles can go right up to the spot. It presents charming view of Mussoorie and Doon Valley.
Mussoorie Lake: The lake is a newly developed picnic spot six kilometers away from the town on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. It is a beautiful spot commanding charming view of Mussoorie and Doon Valley. Paddleboats are available at the lake.
Van Chetana Kendra : This is a picnic spot developed at a distance of 3 kms on Tehri bypass road. The park is surrounded by pine forests and blooming shrubs. The park can be approached on foot or by car. The main attraction of the park is the wildlife like Ghurar,Kankar, Himalayan peacock, Manal etc.
Jwalaji Temple : The temple is 9 kms west of Mussoorie at an altitude of 2104 metres above sea level. It is situated on the top of Benog Hill. The temple enshrines the idol of Durga Mata. The temple is surrounded by thick forests and offers panoramic view of the Himalayas, Doon Valley and Yamuna Valley.
Yamuna Bridge: It is 27 kms away from Mussoorie, on Mussoorie-Chakrata road. There is an iron bridge on river Yamuna. The place is ideal for fishing and can be reached by bus or a car.
Nag Tibba: Nag Tibba is an ideal place for trekking. Fifty-five kilometres away from Mussoorie and thickly wooded, the spot is the highest point around Mussoorie.
Dhanolti: Just 28 Kms from Mussoorie, situated at a height of 2400 metres above sea level, Dhanolti offers breathtaking views of hillside. Close to nature, amid tall pine trees, Dhanolti presents complete peaceful ambience for rest and rejuvenation. An ideal place for honeymooners. Those who want to limber up their legs should carry their walking shoes along, as there is variety of walks. There are a number of quaint tracks through the pines and deodars and a morning walk through them is simply exhilarating. The entire experience at Dhanolti is overwhelming and one can feel the soft rhythm of nature in the rustle of leaves amidst the forest.
Surkhanda Devi Temple: Surkhanda Devi Temple is 5 kms from Dhanolti on road to Chamba and about 2 kms on foot from Kaddukhal. After a bit of steep climb to the temple, one is left awe-struck with the magnificent view of Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, Dhunagiri, Chaukhamba and Bandarpoonch peaks visible from this point.
Visiting Mussoorie means different to different people. To some it is summer destination away from the heat of plains. Others would like to have an annual dip into Kempty falls or enjoy pony rides at the Mall or go for trekking. Some would drive down from Delhi just for an enjoyable weekend and a long drive. Romance of Mussoorie lies hidden in its manifestations. Every time you explore you rediscover Mussoorie.
How to reach:
By Air: Arrive at Delhi. Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport.
By Rail: Delhi-Dehradun by Shatabadi Express takes about five and half-hours. It is an overnight journey by Mussoorie Express. Mussoorie is one-hour drive from Dehradun.
By Road: Mussoorie is 285 from Delhi. The distance can be covered in 7 hours.
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