Tourist Spots

 

Mussoorie

Popularly known as the Queen of Hills, this charming hill station, 34 kms from Dehradun is situated at an altitude of 2003 mts in the Garhwal hills. above sea-level. Mussoorie is one the beautiful hill stations in India and the most frequently visited. It provides excellent respite to people who want relief from the hot sultry conditions of the plains, especially since it is close enough to the capital to make just weekend trip. Also, major Hindu pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Haridwar, Rishikesh are not far from this place. 

 

In 1820, Captain Young of the British army was influenced by the beauty of this place and made it his residence. 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 centre of education, business, tourism and beauty.

 

Lal Tibba (Depot Hill)

The highest point in Mussoorie, Lal Tibba gives you splendid view of the landscape around. Located in Landour, it is the oldest inhabited area of the place. Old British architectures adorn the place and impart it an antique charm. From here, one can have clear views of the snow capped Himalayan peaks and places like Badrinath and Kedarnath dotting the horizon. 

 

Camel's Back Point / Camel's Back

Road The road borrows its name from a large rock here that looks like a camel's back. One can see the rock from the 'Mussoorie Public School'. The road starts from Kurli Bazaar and goes up to the Library Bazaar. Thick deodar trees girdle this 3 km long stretch. The atmosphere is very serene and ideal for pony-riding and watching the sun playing 'hide and seek' in the Himalayas. 

 

Gun Hill

At a height of 2122 m, this is the second highest peak of the town. During the colonial era, a gun was placed atop the hill and fired exactly at mid-day to announce the time. Thus, the place derived its name as 'Gun Hill'. One can have stunning views of the landscape and other Himalayan Ranges from the place. A 400 m ropeway connects the Mall to this place. Walking is another alternative.

 

Mussoorie Lake

This newly made lake is situated on the Dehradun road, at a distance of 6 km from Mussoorie. Developed by the city board and the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority, this lake is a famous picnic spot of the place. With a beautiful backdrop, the place is also famous for its pedal-boating facilities. The lake also offers enchanting view of Doon Valley and the surrounding places. 

 

Kempty Fall

Located 15 km from Mussoorie, the Kempty Falls lie amidst a mass of hills. Sparkling water gushes down from a height of 4,500 ft and further segregates into five different falls (40 ft each) at this place. Originally, the British conducted tea-parties here. Thus, the colloquial name 'Camp-Tea' earned it the name 'Kempty'. The falls remain open to public from March to July. 

 

Municipal Gardens

Located about 3 km from Mussoorie, this beautiful picnic spot is easily accessible by a pony, rickshaw or car. Housed amidst bamboo and deodar trees, it was earlier known as the 'Company Garden'. The place has an artificial lake that provides boating facilities. Varieties of exotic flowers are also found in the gardens. One can also reach the place on foot, via Waverly Convent Road.

 

Jwalaji Temple

This famous Hindu temple is located at a distance of 9 km from Mussoorie. Dedicated to Goddess 'Durga', this temple is situated atop the Benog Hill, at a height of 2100 m. Enveloped by thick forests from all sides; the temple poses a striking picture. Moreover, one can have breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks, Doon Valley and the Yamuna valley from this site. 

 

Surkanda Devi

Situated at an elevation of 3030 mts above sea level near village Kaddukhal the temple of Surkanda Devi is 33 kms from Kaddukhal and one has to trek about 2 kms. The temple of Surkanda 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.

 

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 the Doon Valley. Chakrata ranges and Jaunsar Bawar areas can be viewed from here. Bhadraj Temple is dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra, brother of Lord Krishna.

 

Van Chetna Kendra Covered 

with a thicket of undulating pine trees and varicolored shrubs, Van Chetna Kendra is a popular picnic spot of the place. It is located at a distance of about 3 km from Mussoorie, on the Tehri Road (by-pass). Thus, it is easily accessible from Mussoorie by a vehicle or even on foot. The place is also popular for exotic wildlife delights like Ghurar, Kankar and Himalayan Peacock.