Chardham Yatra
Mussoorie
Mussoorie, the proverbial Queen of Hill stations, as professed by the British gentry who evaded hot, desultory summers ofDelhiand Kolkata by spending time here.Being at an average altitude of 2,000 metres (6,600 ft), Mussoorie, with its green hills and varied flora and fauna, is a fascinating hill resort. Commanding snow ranges to the north-east, and glittering views of theDoonValleyand Shiwalik ranges in the south, the town was once said to present a 'fairyland' atmosphere to tourists. The highest point is Lal Tibba with a height of over 2,290 metres (7,500 ft).
Mussoorie, 300 kilometers north ofDelhi the capital ofIndia, is among the more popular hill stations ofIndia, and is called the Queen among the hill stations. It overlooks the sprawling Doon valley and the city ofDehradun, the gateway to Mussoorie and infact to the entire Garhwal region of the Himalayas.
Spread over a ridge, 2000 meters above sea level, Mussoorie offers distant views of the holy and mighty river Ganga from one end of the ridge, and of the famous river Jamuna from the other; a stretch of around 19 kilometers all.
Mussoorie was never an official summer capital unlike Shimla - a hill station in the state of Himachal pradesh which was the summer capital of the British Indian government-and even unlike Nainital -the summer capital of the united provinces government inBritish India. Mussoorie always remained unofficial - for the affairs of the heart. It has always been a gossipy place - with an air of informality and a tradition of romance - The Honeymoon capital ofIndia.
The hill station of Mussoorie also serves as the gateway to Yamunotri and Gangotri, much popular Hindu shrines in northIndia. The shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath make up the Char Dham Yatra, four highly sacred destinations of the Hindus.
The weather is generally bright and clear - except during the three months ( June to August) of Monsoons.Then mists envelope the mountain slopes and paints the sky a faint mauve. The woods around - of pine, cedar, birch, oak, rhododendron and deodar - glow green. There usually is a bright Christmas and the breath taking view of the snowclad Mussoorie gives it the name - the Queen among hill stations.
There are popular picnic spots in and around the town -KemptyFalls in the west and Dhanolti, further up beyond the town.
Places to Visit in Mussoorie :- The Queen Of Hills Stations
Kempty Fall :- 15 kms from Mussoorie on theYamunotri Road is the most fascinating and the biggest water fall, Kempty located in a beautiful valley of Mussoorie.
Camel’s Back Road :- The place offers a picturesque view of the sunset and a life like resemblance of a sitting camel. One can also enjoy long walks and horse riding here.
Lake Mist :- About 5 km before Kempty falls on the Mussoorie-Kempty road is a developed good picnic spot with accommodation and restaurant facilities, boating is also available. The place showcases nature in an exquisite manner. With the Kempty river flowing through it, Lake Mist has many small but beautiful water falls made by the river. Thus, this is a gem in the queen of hills.
Gun Hill :- One can enjoy a thrilling ropeway ride to Gun Hill, the second highestpeak ofMussoorie(2122 mts). The peak offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges.
Cable Ride :- Enjoy a Ropeway ride to the second highestpeak ofMussoorie. It can also be negotiated by bridles path which forks-off fromMall Road near Kutchery and to reach takes about twenty minutes. The Ropeway distance is only 400 mtrs. And the sheer thrill of the ride is memorable.
Mussoorie Lake :- A newly developed picnic spot situated on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. The lake is situated at 6 km on Mussoorie-Dehradun road having a facility of pedaled boats. It offers an enchanting view of Doon Valley and nearby villages. View during Night is marvelous.
Nagtibba :- 34 kms from Mussoorie one reaches Thatyur. 7 Kms further is devalsari and a 14 kms further trek to Nagtibba is an ideal spot for trekking.
Surkanda Devi :- Situated at an elevation of 3030 mts above sea level near village Kaddukhal thetemple ofSurkanda Devi is 33 kms from Kaddukhal and one has to trek about 2 kms. Thetemple ofSurkanda Devi is situated on the top of the mountain and is of great religious significance. A fair is held every year on “Ganga Dussehra” during May-June in which thousands of people participate.
Lakha Mandal :- Lakha Mandal is situated on the Yamunotri road, pastKemptyFalls. There are hundred of idols of archaeological importance which have been preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. According to the legend, the Kaurvas made a shellac house and conspired to burn the Pandavas alive here.
Bhatta Fall :- About 7 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. Access by car or bus upto Balta village from where the fall is 3kms by car or foot. An ideal spot for bathing anf picnics.
Jharipani Fall :- About 8.5 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie- Jharipani Road. Visitors can go by bus or by car upto 7 kms to Jharipani from where the fall is 1.5 kms, on foot.
Van Chetna Kendra :- At a distance of about 2 kms on Tehri bye pass road, this place is developed as a picnic spot and has a park surrounded with pine forest and flowering shrubs, and is approachable by foot or taxi/car. The main attraction is the wildilife of the park like Ghurar, Kanankar, Himalayan Peacock, Monal etc.
Bhadraj Temple :- About 15 kms from Mussoorie, it is an ideal spot for trekking via Park Toll-Clods end, Dudhi. Situated on the extreme western region of Mussoorie town, Bhadraj offers a commanding view of theDoonValley. Chakrata ranges and Jaunsar Bawar areas can be viewed from here.BhadrajTemple is dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra, brother of Lord Krishna.
Municipal Garden :- A perfect picnic spot the garden with its artificially created lake with paddled boating facility. It is located at a distance of 4 km by rickshaw cycles, pony or by a car and 2 km via Waverly Convent School road on foot.
I had the pleasure of dining at Green Restaurant when visiting Mussoorie, and I must admit that their commitment to environmental consciousness really amazed me. Their meal is great, but what's even more delightful is knowing that they promote sustainability."
ReplyDeletegreen restaurant mussoorie