Mussoorie
Mussoorie, famous as the Queen of Hills is the most beautiful tourist hill station of Uttrakhand. Charming hills and tranquil environment make it perfect tourist destination. You would be swayed by beauty of snow capped Himalyas and lovely crystal clear waterfalls here. There is constant rush of visitors thronging to this hill station.
The town Mussoorie is considered to be one of the most attractive hill station on earth and it is also mentioned as heaven on earth. It is to be found at an altitude of nearly 6,600 feet above sea level.
The most excellent walk where you feel you can experience nature at its best is famous by the name of Camel's Back Road. The other places of attraction here are the Kempty Falls which is a well-known picnic spot and is for all time filled with travelers all the year round. There is an additional picnic destination called the Company Gardens and has a lovely collection of flowers and plants and is also very popular with the children because of the several rides there.
Places to visit Mussoorie
Nag Devta Temple : The journey could begin with a peaceful mind by visiting this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated 6 kms from Mussoorie on your way to Dehradun.
Jwalaji Temple : This also known as Benog Hill, situated at an altitude of approximately more than 2000 mtrs above sea level, providing an absolutely breath- taking view of the Yamuna valley.
Kempty Falls : Situated 15 kms from Mussoorie, Kempty Falls lie within lush green hills. The sparkly water gushes down 4500 mtrs approximately, ghettoizing into 5 different water falls of approximately 40 ft. each. It was informally a place for the British to conduct tea parties and entertain people and hence the name 'Camp-tea' which translated into Kempty later.
Camel's back : This is a 4 km stretch that starts from Kurli bazaar and ends at Library bazaar with a rock formation which resembles that of a camel back. This place offers a divine view of the sunset over the Himalayan range where one can see many shades of the evening melt into one.
Cloud End : This is 8 kms from the library and at the extreme west of Mussoorie. Cloud end was one of the first four bungalows in Mussoorie dating back to early 1800's and now it has been converted to a famous resort called Clouds End.
Bhatta Falls and Jharipani Falls : Two major waterfalls of Mussoorie, they are located at a distance of 7 kms and 8.5 kms respectively from Mussoorie. Bhatta falls is an ideal place for a picnic offering small beautiful lakes and ponds and Jharipani is well known for its tranquil beauty.
Lal Tibba : Also known as the Red hill or Depot hill, this provides the holiday goers with the most exemplifying view of the Himalayan range from a 20 ft. tower constructed atop the cliff of a hill. Situated in Landour, this is oldest occupied place in Mussoorie and also the highest point in Mussoorie.
Gun Hill : Set at more than 2000 mtrs; this is the second highest peak in Mussoorie. During the British Era a gun was placed on top of the hill fired at exactly mid-day to announce the time and hence the derived name of Gun Hill. Besides road, a 400 mtr ropeway also connects the Mall road with this hill providing a very charming view of the hills.
Mussoorie Excursions
Naga Tibba : Uppermost place in Mussoorie is Nag Tibba approximately 55 kilometers from this place. While all the other treks become tiring and unapproachable in winter months due to snow, Naga tibba has no such problems and its very well-liked with trekkers. A drive of nearly35 kms followed by a 22 kilometer of trek will get you to Naga Tibba. Deep and dense forests, Garhwali villages' on the way, and some grand views of Himalyas are what this trek guarantees.
Dhanaulti : Barely 20 kilometers from Mussoorie is Dhanaulti. Placed in the forests of oak, connifer and deodar, it is a feast for the trekkers. The destination is full of tranquillity and ideal for getting away from the busy life of tourists in Mussoorie. Treks to regions in Tehri Garhwal are initiated from here. The greatest and finest thing about Dhanaulti is that it is a spot that can be visited round the year.
Surkhanda Devi : Just about Thirty five kilometers from Mussoorie, balanced on a hill top is the temple of Surkhanda Devi. A complicated two kilometer sharp walk from Kaddulkhal will get you here. The temple pulls thousands of devotees each year, particularly during the months of May and June when Ganga Dusshera mela takes place over here.
Jwalaji Temple : Located about 9 km from the city center, this temple is built over the Benog Hill. Also serving as a wonderful viewpoint for the entire valley, the temple is surrounded by dense greens. Last 2 km distance to the temple is to be covered on foot, which is actually a fun. This way, one can explore the divine natural beauty of the region as well.
How to Reach Mussoorie
By Air : The closest airport is Jolly Grant airport that is in the capital city Dehradun. Indian Airlines link Dehradun with Delhi.
By Rail : Railway station that is very close to Mussoorie is in Dehradun. This particular railway terminus is linked via rail to Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, Howrah, Lucknow, Varanasi, Saharanpur, Kanpur, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Allahabad, Ujjain, Indore, Kathgodam, Okha.
By Road : Uttarakhand State Transport Corporation run buses between Delhi and Mussoorie on regular intervals. People are also commuting by their private vehicles also as it is easily accessible and even the roads are very good.