Sunday, January 7, 2018

Mussoorie


Mussoorie  is a hill station and a municipal board in the Dehradun District of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is about 35 kilometres (22 mi) from the state capital of Dehradun and 290 km (180 mi) north of the national capital of New Delhi. This hill station is in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range. 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 1,880 metres (6,170 ft), Mussoorie, with its green hills and varied flora and fauna, is a fascinating hill. Commanding snow ranges to the northeast 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. The second highest point is the original Lal Tibba in Landour, with a height of over 2,275 metres (7,464 ft).



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 torrential rain can be an inhibiting factor in the monsoon months of July to September.

Nahata Estate

Previously known as "Childer's Lodge", Nahata Estate is a huge property of more than 300 acres (120 ha), owned by the Harakh Chand Nahata family. It is the highest peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba, 5 km (3 mi) from the Tourist Office. One can go on horseback or on foot. The view of snow-clad mountains is exhilarating.

Gun Hill

Gun Hill is the second highest point of Mussoorie, at an altitude of 2,024 m (6,640 ft) located at 30.4953°N 78.0745°E

Kempty Falls

The Kempty Falls are on the hilly tracks of Uttarakhand, India, 15 km (9.3 mi) from Mussoorie on the Chakrata Road. This place is nearly 1,364 m (4,475 ft) above sea level at 78°-02’ East longitude and 30° -29’ North latitude.

Lake Mist

About 5 km (3 mi) before Kempty Falls on the Mussoorie-Kempty road, Lake Mist is a good picnic spot with accommodation and restaurant facilities; boating is available. With the Kempty river flowing through it, Lake Mist has many small waterfalls made by the river.



Municipal Garden

Municipal Garden is a picnic spot with a garden and an artificial mini-lake with paddle boats. It is 4 km (2.5 mi) by rickshaw cycles, pony or by a car and 2 km (1 mi) via Waverly Convent School road on foot.

Mussoorie Lake

A newly developed picnic spot build by City Board and Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority, Mussoorie Lake is 6 km (3.5 mi) on Mussoorie-Dehradun road having a facility of pedal boats. It offers a view of Doon Valley and nearby villages.

Bhatta Falls

Bhatta Falls are 7 km (4.5 mi) from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun Road near Bhatta Village. Accessible by car or bus up to Bhatta from where the fall is 3 km (2 mi) by foot. It has ponds for bathing and water amusements and is an ideal place for a picnic.

Jharipani Fall

Jharipani Fall is 8.5 km (5.5 mi) from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Jharipani road. One can go by bus or car up to Jharipani from where the fall is about 1.5 km (1 mi) on foot.

Mossy Fall

Mossy Fall is surrounded by a dense forest and is 7 km (4.5 mi) from Mussoorie. One can go there via Barlowganj or Balahisar.

Sir George Everest's House

Park Estate is where one can find the remains of the building and laboratory of Sir George Everest, the Surveyor-General of India from 1830 to 1843. It is after George Everest that the world's highest peak Mt. Everest is named. It is 6 km (3.5 mi) from Gandhi Chowk / Library Bazaar and is accessible by vehicle, although the road is very rough beyond Haathi Paon. The place provides a view of Doon Valley on one side and a panoramic view of the Aglar River valley and the snow peaks of the Himalayan ranges on the other. It is a scenic walk from Library Bazaar, and a picnic spot.


Happy Valley

Upbeat Valley is renowned for lodging IAS Academy, Tibetan sanctuaries and the Municipal Garden. The range of the valley lies on the western side of Library Point and prompts the Cloud's End, a place where land fringes of Mussoorie end.
Happy Valley, Massoorie

Nag Devta Temple

The ancient Nag Devta Temple is dedicated to Snake God Lord Shiva, It is on Cart Mackenzie Road about 6 km (3.5 mi) from Mussoorie on the way to Dehradun. Vehicles can go right up to the temple. This place provides an enchanting view of Mussoorie and the Doon Valley.

Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill)

At an altitude of 2,240 m (7,350 ft), this temple is 9 km (5.5 mi) west of Mussoorie. It is on the top of Benog Tibba (Hill) and contains an old idol of Goddess Durga. There is a view of the Aglar River valley. It cannot be accessed by vehicle although a motor road goes most of the way from Mussoorie.

Cloud End

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

Van Chetna Kendra

11 km (7 mi) to the south of library point lies an old sanctuary established in 1993 and covering an area of 339 hectares (840 acres). It is famous for the extinct bird species Mountain Quail (Pahari Bater), which was last spotted in 1876.