Mussoorie – Queen of the hills

Mussoorie is located in Garhwal hills, in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India. It towers at an altitude of 2500 m above sea level overlooking the Doon valley. Delhi, the capital city of India is 290 km away. Mussoorie is called as the “Queen of hill stations” and “Honeymooner’s Paradise”

History:
In the year 1827, this hill station was founded by a British Army Captain called Young. Along with Mr. Shore, the Superintendent of Dehradun, he built a shooting lodge in this site. This was the first building in this place. In 1959, the Dalai Lama established the Tibetan Government of Exile in this region. Later this Tibetan government was moved to Dharmasala in Himachal Pradesh. In 1960, first Tibetan school was established in Mussoorie.

Mussoorie Lake:
It acts as a gateway for Mussoorie. It lies seven km away beside the Dehradun highway. Tourists can have a panoramic view of Dun valley from this lake. They can also hire boats.

Lal Tibba:
Situated in Landour, the oldest habitat of Mussoorie contains the highest point of this hill station. It is called as Lal Tibba.

Tibetan Temple:
This temple is the best sample for Tibetan heritage and temple architecture. It is one km away from Lal Bahadur Shastri National Administrative Academy in the happy valley area.

Kempty Falls:
Tourists, who really want to drench themselves in the shower of mountain fresh water, must visit Kempty falls. It is 14 km away from Mussoorie. This perennial cascade flows through boulders and rocks before it rushes down to a sandy base. A snack bar and a bridge are situated near the falls.

Lake Mist:
This lies seven km on the way to Kempty falls. Tourists can escape from the hustle and bustle of city life in this peaceful and calm area. Lots of accommodations are available here.

Cloud End:
This was the beautiful building constructed by a British major in 1838.  Now the building is converted as a hotel. Tourists can have a spectacular view of the valley from this hotel. The hotel is nine km away from Mussoorie. It was named so since the clouds appear to end here.

Nag Tibba:
Trekkers can include this place in their Mussoorie tour itinerary. It is a high place in this hill station. It is 55 km away. Travelers can cover the first 35 km by buses or taxis. The rest, some 21 km is covered on foot.

Dhanolti:
In Landour, after passing the clock tower, one can see a path between the plains and raising slopes. This path leads to Dhanolti where tourists can walk through thick deodar forest and green meadows. It is 24 km away.

Shopping:
Mussoorie is famous for shopping. There are antique Jamawar shawls, wooden decorative artifacts, brass statues, gift items, hand carved oakwood walking sticks and ceramic vases. Noted shopping areas are Gandhi Chowk, the mall, kulri bazaar and landour bazaar.

Nearest airport to Mussoorie is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun (36 km). The hill station is well connected by road to other parts of India. Also the nearest railhead is located in Dehradun, from where tourists can take the Mussoorie Express to reach Delhi.