Mussoorie

Mussoorie, the queen of the hills, is one of the most popular and fascinating hill resort of northern India. Its green hills and varied fauna and flora make it a colourful and picturesque hill station, commanding a wonderful view of extensive Himalayan snow ranges to the North-East, and Panoramic view of the Doon valley to the south.

The place came to be known as Mussoorie due to unlimited growth of a bush locally known as Mussoorie. The town presents fairyland atmosphere to the tourists. Its history dates back to 1811 when the place was purchased by an European Major Hearsey from the local land lord. Later he sold it to the East India Company in the year 1812. In 1812, the next-door township of landour was made a sanitorium and convalescent depot for troops. In 1827 Captain Young, an adventurous British Army officer, explored the present site and laid the foundation of this holiday resort with the opening of shooting box on Landour hills. In 1832 Col. Averest then Surveyer General of India opened his office in Mussoorie. In 1880, it became the residence of Afghan detenue Yakub Khan, the Ex-Amir of Afghanistan for summer with winter residence in Dehradun. However, later it remained the summer residence of their Royal Highness, the Duke and Duches of Conn aught. Development of Mussoorie started after rail link was established between Haridwar and Dehradun in 1890.

Metalled road between Dehradun and Mussoorie was constracted in 1926-31. In 1901 total population of Mussoorie was 4471, which included 78 per cent Britishers. Later in 1951 refugees from Pakistan also settled here. The Indian Academy of Administration was established at Mussoorie in 1958-60. The aerial ropeways was installed in 1970.

General Information

Area: 64.25 Sq. km. Population. 16323 (1981 census). Altitude: 20002400 m.

Temperature: Summer 7.2 C to 31.7 C and Winter 1.0 C to 7.2 CRainfall. Max in Aug. 764.9 mm to Min in Nov. 5.1 mm.

Clothing: Summer-Light Woollen and Winter: Heavy Woollens.

Language spoken: Hindi, English and Garhwali.

Best season to visit: May to July and September to October.

How to Reach

Air: The nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Air Strip (64 kms) on DehraDun - Rishikesh road which is connected by Air service to Delhi.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Dehra Dun (35 kms). Dehra Dun is connected with Bombay, Calcutta, Amritsar. Delhi, Lucknow, Allahabad, Ujjan, Varanasi, Indore and Gorakhpur by direct trains.

Road: Mussoorie is connected by metalled road to all the major centres of tourist's interest in this region. The important road connections are: Delhi (260 kms), Dehra Dun (35 kms), Haridwar (87 kms), Shimla (276 kms). Chamba (50 kms).

Bus stands: Library Bus Stand. Masonic Bus Stand and Kingrage.

Taxies: Private Taxies are available for visiting all the place of tourist's interest.

Local Transport: Hand-pulled rickshaws and Ponies are available for sight seeing in Mussoorie.

What to see in Mussoorie

Gun Hill (3142 m) : During British Raj a Gun used to be fired from this hill top to herald mid-day thus enabling people to adjust their watches. It had therefore been named as Gun Hill, which is now connected by a Ropeway (400 m) as well as a kilometre long bridle path leading from the Mall Road near Hakman's Hotel. The sheer thrill of the Ropeways ride is memorable. Gun Hill offers beautiful panoramic view of the Snowclad Himalayan ranges namely BandaI' Poonchh, Sri Kata, Pithwara and Gangotri group etc. and and bird's eye view of Mussoorie town and Doon Valley, particularly at night twinkling with lights as if the sky has come down on earth.

Sir George Everest's House: 2 km and 20 minutes walk from Library. Also known as Park estate which was residence and office of the first Surveyor General of India, Sir George Everest, after whom the highest mountain Everest is named. The place is of great historical and architectural importance though lying in ruins. The place, however, provides grand view of the Doon Valley as well as the Himalayas.

Municipal Garden (4 kms) : A picnic spot having a beautiful garden and an artificial mini Lake with boating facility surrounded by Deodar and Pine trees. Visitors can reach there by hand-pulled rickshaw or private taxies or a pony. A cafeteria with well laid out children’s park is the special attraction of the Municipal garden.

Camel's Back Road (3 km.) : It starts from Kulri Bazar near Rink Hall and ends at Library Bazar. The main attraction of this road around the hill is horse riding and walking. Sun-set view of the Himalayas is superb. Camal's back, having camels like resemblance, can be seen trom the spot near Vivekanand School.

Lal Tibba (5 Km) : Lal Tibba (2438.4 m) is the highest point of Mussoorie. There is a high power binocular kept here which provides a close and magnificent view of snow covered Gangotri, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi and Sri Kanta peaks. A television tower, which is at Lal Tibba, has been relaying television programme from Delhi since 12th August 1979.

In addition to the above tourists may visit Benong Hill (7 km.), Depot Hill, Hathi Paon (6 km), Clouds End (7 km.), Mossey fall and Bhatta fall (10 km).

Exursion Visit To

Yamuna Bridge: 27 km on Mussoorie - Chakrata-Barkot Road is an ideal spot for trout fishing. Permit for fishing can be obtained from DFO Mussoorie.

Nag Tibba : 57 km from Mussoorie. Bus Service is available upto Thatyur (34 km.) and thereafter by trekking upto Nag Tibba (3049 m). It is the highest point around Mussoorie covered by thick forest. It offers big game and small game for hunting. Permit can be obtained from DFO Yamuna Division Mussoorie. About 7 km away trom Thatyur, Forest Rest House is available.

Dhanolti : 24 kms and 2400 m above sea level on Mussoorie- Tehri Road. It offers a captivating view of the Himalayas in the midst of Pine and Deodar forest and is ideal for a quiet weekend. A Tourist Bungalow is available at Dhanolti. There is also a Forest Rest House for which permit can be obtained from DFO Mussoorie. Chamba is 31 km away from Dhanolti. The Road trom Mussoorie to Chamba runs along the ridge with fruit orchards and providing wonderful view of the valley on either side of the ridge.

Surkhanda Devi : 35 km on Mussoorie-Dhanolti-Chamba road and takes about an hour by Bus. Visitors can go up to Kaddu Khal by Bus or by car passing through the fruit belt of apples and apricot, from where the temple is about 3 km on foot. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3048 m and offers panoramic view of the Himalayas.

Kempty Fall: (1371 m) 15 kms away on Mussoorie-Chakrata road is the most popular place which attracts a large number of tourists every day. During summer the water faJIs only on Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays. On other days of the week water is diverted for irrigation to the terraced fields in the surrounding areas. Regular bus and taxi service is available to visit Kempty fall where eatables, soft drinks and small snacks bars are available. Bath at the Kempty fall, on a sunny day, is refreshing and enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Trekking: Trekking can also be undertaken trom Mussoories to Nag Tibba, Hari-Ki-Doon, Chakrata and even to Yamnotri-Dodital.

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