| The backbone of Mussoorie is the Mall,
where cars are not allowed during the peak tourist season. The Kulri Bazaar
is stocked with shops selling souvenirs, modern games arcades and India's largest indoor
skating rink. Gun Hill, a curious flat-topped hill to the side is the
second highest peak of Mussoorie. You can reach it on foot or pony by a bridle path from
the Mall. A 400 mt ropeway takes you up to the hilltop with great views of the Banderpunch,
Srikanth, Pithwara and the Gangotri peaks. In colonial times, a gun placed on the summit used to fire at
mid-day for locals to adjust their watches. Cloud's End, the English
chateau built in 1838, is tucked away about 8 kms from the Library. Now converted into a
holiday resort, the house is surrounded by dense forests with a view of snow peaks and the
Yamuna river.
Shops in the Landour market sell Raj memorabilia, silver jewellery and
books. At the top of Landour is a meeting point with small cafés, where you can relax
over a hot cup of tea and get filled in on local gossip. 3 kms west of the Library is the
Tibetan settlement called Happy Valley, marked by the Tchechencholing
Gompa overlooking the Doon valley. The Bhadraj Temple is worth
visiting for its views of the Doon valley and Chakrata range.
So come to Mussoorie and experience the special charm of this colonial hill station.
Getting to Mussoorie
Mussoorie is 34 kms from Dehradun, which is 250 km from Delhi (5 hours by road). The best
way to get here is by car from Dehradun (30 to 45 minutes). The nearest rail station for
Mussoorie is at Dehradun. There are regular buses and shared taxis from Dehradun, coming
in to the Library Bus Stand.
Best time to visit Mussoorie
The peak tourist season is in summer from May till July. But the town tends to get
overcrowded at this time and mid-season, around October- November, are great for a visit.
Bring woolens, rain protection and walking shoes.
Accommodation in Mussoorie
Mussoorie has a wide range of accommodation, mostly along the Mall. Budget, standard
class, and deluxe hotels abound. Rates fluctuate between peak tourist season and
off-seasons. |
