In the days of the Raj, Uttarakhand’s Hill Stations were popular places to escape the blistering summer heat of the lowlands. Mussoorie, with its natural beauty, was the most desirable destination of all. Mussoorie, at a height of 2,500 metres, nestles in the verdant green Garhwal Hills of the Himalayas. Its fresh mountain air is the perfect summer escape from the sultry heat of the North Indian plains. The immense beauty of this region led British army officer Captain Young, in 1827, to choose this site as the location for his summer residence. (Captain Young commanded the first Ghurka battalion).
Young named his home “Mussoorie” after the abundant local plants of the same name. This marked the foundation of one of Delhi’s hill stations; it grew to be known as the most beautiful of all. The best times to visit Mussoorie are from April to June and between the months of September to November; when Spring vegetation is at full bloom. During this season the Himalayas are clearly visible. Winter snowfalls and monsoon rain leave the road access problematic, and it is best to avoid road travel during these periods. Mussoorie has neither direct rail or airport links. Jollygrant Airport, which services Dehradun, is the closest. Mussoorie is a 40 km bus or taxi ride from Dehradun, or an overnight trip from Delhi and is a favourite weekend destination (it’s possible to do a return trip in one day). Spend a day visiting the Mussoorie Lake, or enjoy the panoramic views of Kempty Falls, where cascading water falls from an altitude of 4,500 feet before splitting into 5 separate cascades. The Kempty Falls are one of the greatest attractions and are located 13 km from Mussoorie. From there you can drive to the Yamuna Pools, where the river Yamuna gushes through the Doon Valley. Trout are abundant and fishing permits can be obtained from the Divisional Forest Office, Mussoorie. A highlight is to take the 400 meter, 4 minute, cable car ride from Mussoorie’s Mall to the revolving restaurant on Gun Hill the second highest point in Mussoorie to enjoy spectacular views. Head to the Camel-Back Loop, a road curving around a mountainside and resembling a camel’s back. Rickshaws are available for hire and offer a leisurely way to enjoy spectacular views of the northern Himalayas from the road. Walking is the ideal way to take in Mussoorie’s scenic beauty. A stroll to the Municipal Garden or ‘Company Bagh’, and on towards Cloud End, Charleville and the Tibetan settlement of Happy Valley are not to be missed. More challenging walks to the lookout at Lal Tibba, Mussoorie’s highest peak (8,000 feet) and Benog Hill (7,000 feet) await the energetic traveller. In the evening, you can shop at the Mall Road or visit the Temples and monasteries nearby. As cars and taxis are excluded from the Mall, you will find rickshaws an ideal way to get around. The Mall is famous for its wooden carvings, cane baskets, pure Ladakhi shawls and decorative items including brass statues, Tibetan prayer wheels and vases. A favourite amongst trekkers are the carved oakwood walking sticks. Mussoorie is also a good staging point for the major Indian pilgrimages sites of Gangotri, and Yamunotri, and to the towns of Haridwar and Rishikesh Mussoorie offers more than one hundred hotels. Upper bracket accommodation includes Hackman’s Grand Hotel, the Holiday Inn and the Classic Heights. Brentwood, Valley View, Connaught Castle and Rockwood offer prices in the mid to economy range. Cottages and flats are also available for lease. For further information, visit http://www.euttaranchal.com/ and http://www.uttaranchaltourism.com/