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Think hill stations, think Mussoorie. One of the
oldest hill stations established by the Britishers, Mussoorie is very
popular with tourists for its foggy hills and cool winds. Located in
the Garhwal hills at an altitude of 2,000 m, Mussoorie is spread on a 15
km-long saw-toothed ridge 34 km north (and uphill) of Dehra Dun. It commands
a breathtaking view of the extensive Himalayan snow ranges in the north-east
and the Doon Valley in the south. Mussoorie was discovered by an adventurous
military officer, Captain Young, in 1827. It has everything one expects from
a typical hill station - scintillating views of the valleys below,
snow-capped mountains, a Mall, a skating rink and wonderful swirling mists..
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HOW
TO REACH
By Air - Indian Airlines has five flights a week from Delhi to the Jolly
Grant Airport. Airport: Jolly Grant is the nearest functioning airport, at a
distance of 59 km.
By Rail - Dehra Dun is connected to major cities with super-fast trains such
as the Mussoorie Express, the Bombay Doon Express, Calcutta-Howrah-Doon
Express and Gorakhpur-Doon Express. The Shatabdi Express leaves New Delhi
every day except Thursdays. Railway station: Dehra Dun, 34 km away, serves
as the railhead for Mussoorie.
By Road - There are several buses from Delhi to this hill station, both
private and state-run. From Dehra Dun to Mussoorie, one can hire cabs or
take any of the buses plying from just outside the Dehra Dun Railway
Station. If travelling from Jammu, Saharanpur is the convenient place to
catch a bus directly to Mussoorie. The road from Delhi is well maintained
and the 269 km journey can be completed in six hours.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to visit Mussoorie is between April and June and from
September to November, although a visit during Dec-Jan-Feb can be more
exhilarating with snow all around (if one is lucky).
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WHAT TO SEE |
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Gun Hill -
Gun Hill is the second highest point in Mussoorie and offers the
best view of the valley below. The ropeway ride from the Mall to
this hill (Rs 25) is sheer exhilaration. A bird's eye-view of
Mussoorie town, Doon Valley and the Bunderpunch, Srikantha, Pithwara
and Gangotri group of the Himalayas can be seen from here. One can
also approach Gun Hill from a pathway, which forks off from the Mall
Road near Kutchery. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the top.
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Kempty Falls -
On the Yamunotri Road, 18 km from Mussoorie town, Kempty Falls is
one of the most frequented spots
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Municipal Garden -
About 3 km from Mussoorie, this is a beautiful picnic spot. The lake
here also has boating facilities.
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Camel's Back Road -
Shaped like the back of a camel, the road stretches from Kulri
Bazaar near the Rink Hall to Library Bazaar. A 3 km horse ride on
this road, especially at sunset, is an experience in itself.
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Van Chetna Kendra -
Situated 4 km from Mussoorie, tourists throng this place mainly for
its diverse wildlife, including the ghural, kanakar, Himalayan
peacock, and monal.
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Cloud’s End -
18 km away from Mussoorie, this is the most appropriate place for
honeymooners. Originally a bungalow built in 1838 by a British
Major, Cloud's End has now been converted into a hotel. The resort
is surrounded by lush forests and houses a wide variety of flora and
fauna, besides offering a panoramic view of snow clad Himalayas and
the Yamuna River.
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Nag Devta Temple -
About 7 km from Mussoorie, this is an ancient temple on the Cart
Mackenzie Road. It also offers a pleasant view of the Doon Valley
and Mussoorie.
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Jwalaji Temple (Elenog Hill) -
About 9 km from Mussoorie, this temple is on top of the Benog Hill.
Another excellent viewpoint, the temple is surrounded by thick
forests. You can do the first 7 km by road, but the remaining 2 km
have to be covered on foot.
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Childer's Lodge -
Take a horse to the highest peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba. Only
about 5 km from Mussoorie, you could even take a leisurely walk up
to the top. The breath-taking view from up here is worth the climb. |
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SHOPPING
The best buys are walking sticks, hand-knit cardigans and sweaters and
assorted curios from the Tibetan Street Market. Shops along the Mall sell
wood carvings and semi-precious and precious stones.
WHERE TO EAT
President, The Mall, for Mughlai food.
Kwality, The Mall, is multi-cuisine restaurant with a well-stocked bar.
Whispering Windows, The Mall, is another multi-cuisine restaurant.
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