Mussoorie also called the Queen of Hills can be anybody's dream destination and so was mine. The sizzling experience starts when we view and experience its altitude location of 6600 feet. The heart stops when we see the Doon valley in the south and the snow clad Himalayas in the north east from Mussoorie. This beautiful hillstation has got the varied collection of Flora and fauna with Cedrus deodara being the main attraction. Cedrus deodara resembles very much to our Christmas tree in appearance. Weather at Mussoorie keeps on changing throughout the day. There is a saying in India which says 'You can never predict when the Fashion of Mumbai, Girl of Delhi and Climate of Mussorie will change'. Before I narrate my travel experience of Mussoorie, let me give its background in terms of history, location, my hotel stay and a glimpse of the places to be visited.
History :
In 1820, Captain Young of the British army was influenced by the beauty of this place and made it his residence together. Captain Young along with Mr. Shore, the resident Superintendent of Revenues at Dehradun explored
the present site and jointly constructed a shooting lodge. This laid the foundation of this holiday resort which now has few rivals.
In April 1959, after fleeing Chinese occupation of Tibet, the Dalai Lama established the Tibetan Government in Exile in Mussoorie. The Government of Tibet in exile eventually moved to Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh. The first Tibetan school was established in Mussoorie in 1960.
The name Mussoorie is often attributed to a derivation of 'mansoor', a shrub which is indigenous to the area. The town is in fact often referred to as 'Mansoori' by locals.
Location :
Mussoorie is located in the Indian state of Uttrakhand in the Garhwal Hills. It is at a distance 34 kms. from Dehradun which is also the nearest railway station. Mussoorie is conveniently connected by road to Delhi and major cities. It is called the "Gateway" to Yamunotri and Gangotri Shrines and other Hindu pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Haridwar, Rishikesh are not far from this place.
Hotel stay :
I along with my wife stayed at Sterling Resorts. We had a beautiful time staying at this hotel since the food was fantastic and this hotel presents a Picturesque view of the Doon Valley. I won't recommend this hotel for aged people since the stairs are steep and quiet a few. Also, the hotel is located at a distance from the main market and getting a transport is bit difficult.
Places to be visited :
* Kempty fall : The drive to the Kempty Fall from the Mall road was breathtaking. At every turn we felt we're gone, since the road was narrow, turns were acute and there was only valley to stop had the driver made a mistake. Driver said that this is a common experience for the travellers but for them it is there bread 'n' butter and that they are quiet skilled to perform the task. This fascinating experience became more worthwhile when we reached Kempty Fall. Kempty Fall is the prettiest waterfall located in a beautiful valley. It lies at a distance of 15 Kms from Mussoorie on the Yamunotri road, at a height of 4500 ft. A bath at the foot of the falls is very refreshing as well as enjoyable.
* Mussoorie Lake : The Mussoorie Lake is situated on Mussoorie-Dehradun road and lake is about 6kms from Mussoorie. It is a delightful spot. The Pedal boats are available here for boating in the lake. Standing at Mussoorie Lake, we can get a sight of the Farms of the Famous Doon Basmati rice. From here, we can also see ample of Cedrus deodara trees in the valley. The most beautiful memory of this place was getting ourself photograghed in the traditional Garhwal dress which was available on rent.
* Gun Hill : Gun Hill is the second highest peak of Mussoorie offering the view of the nature at its best. The place is so named, as it was the location where a gun was mounted and fired at mid afternoon so as to enable people to adjust their watches. The ropeway ride to this place is a thrilling experience.
* Mall road : Mall road is the main market of Mussoorie. It is not as big as we would imagine, however, we can spent an hour or two and few rupees shopping here. Items available here are comparatively costlier.
* Muncipal Garden : This is one of the most popular picnic spot of Mussoorie having a beautiful garden and an artificial mini lake with boating facilities. Nothing spectular, however enjoyable.
* Camels Back Road : Camel's back road covers a distance of around 3 kms. It starts from Kulri Bazaar near Rink Hall and ends at Library bazaar. Main charm of this road is riding and walking. The view of the Himalayas from this road is marvellous. Camel’s Rock with a life like resemblance can be seen from the spot near Mussoorie Public School, which lies on this road.
The 3 day stay at Mussoorie is unforgetable and would definitely like to refresh this experience in future whenever feasible.
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Welcome to Ciao. This is a very good review of Mussoorie and should really posted under the category for that destination (http://travel.ciao.co.uk/Mussoorie__5766895). As a review of "General:India" a Very Helpful rating is stretching it, but have one anyway.
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twinkle88888 19.02.2004 (02.03.2004)
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Review of General: India
Oct 3rd, 2009
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