Hill Stations of India - a unique way of spending your
holidays in India. The picturesque
Hill stations are
popular as resorts among both Indian and foreign visitors, providing a
relaxing and salubrious retreat from the heat and dust of the plains.
Mussoorie is located in the
Garhwal hills. Due to its immense natural beauty, Mussoorie is
known as the queen of hill stations. In 1820 Captain Young from the British
army was influenced by the beauty of this place and made this place his
residence. This marked the foundation of a hill station called Mussoorie.
The name, Mussoorie, is derived from plants of 'Mussoorie' which were found
in abundance here. After its discovery, this hill station gradually
developed as a center of education, business, tourism and beauty.
The
lifeline of the hill resort of Mussoorie is undoubted ably the Mall.
The Mall besides the series of shops offers wondrous vistas of the
surrounding hills and the Doon Valley below. You must be at the Mall while
in Mussoorie especially as the evening falls. The tourists come together to
enjoy the spectacular sunset. The sunset is followed by the view of the
twinkling lights that shine one by one in the valley below. You just can't
skip the Kulri Bazaar and the Library Chowk of the Mall. The Kulri Bazaar
offers several items of Indian fare.
From the Mall you may take
a ropeway and visit the Gun Hill. The Gun Hill derives its name from the
fact that in the old days a gun was kept atop the hill and was fired at
mid-day to denote the time. From the Gun Hill you can experience the magical
view of the great Himalayan peaks and a bird's eye view of Mussoorie.
 Major
Attractions of Mussoorie |
 |
Mussoorie Lake : This lake is located some
seven kilometers on the highway to Dehradun. The gateway of this lake
appears to be welcoming tourists from Dehradun. The entry charge to this
lake is Rs. 15. One can enjoy boating at this lake. One also gets a very
good view of the Dun Valley from this lake. The villages surrounding
Mussoorie can also be seen from here.
Gun
Hill Trekking :Gunhill is the second highest point in Mussoorie. To
access Gunhill, there are two ways. The first one is to begin trek from
court complex on the Mall road. This path takes you to Gunhill in about 20
minutes.
Kempty Falls : Kempty Falls, located
15 kms from Mussoorie are the biggest attraction of the place. With water
cascading down from an altitude of 4,500 feet and splitting further into
five cascades, Kempty Falls offers a panoramic view.
| Places
to Stay in Mussoorie |
|
Mussoorie, one will feel shortened of accommodation options,
except may be in the peak season and the variation include luxury, economic
and budget hotels. There are tourist lodges and cottage accommodation also
available over here.
| Shopping
in Mussoorie |
|
Mussoorie is famous for wooden decorative and gift items. But
one can also bargain brass statues and ceramic vases. Some good showrooms
are located on the Mall where one can look for wooden boxes, brass statues,
Tibetan Prayer wheels and vases. The hand carved oakwood walking stick are
also popular among tourists. In the markets, photographs can be clicked
wearing a dazzling Garhwali Dress. To be photographed in Garhwali garb
against a painted Himalayan range makes a wonderful picture.
| How
to Get there |
|
Air : Near by airports are at Kochi (130
kms) and Madurai (142 kms).
Rail : Nearest
railway stations are at Kochi and Kottayam.
Road :
The place is well connected by a well developed network of road
transport.
Destinations
