INDIA – The mighty Himalayas can be seen from different destinations. One such destination happens to be Mussoorie. A small hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, situated in the Garhwal Himalayan ranges. It can be reached from Dehradun District by traveling about 34 km by road. The place can also be reached from New Delhi (290 km).
The Queen of Hills:
Mussoorie is popularly called “The Queen of Hills.” It is situated at an altitude of 2003 Mt (approx. 6500 feet) above sea level. During winters there is a lot of frost due to falling temperatures. Heavy to moderate snowfall can be expected from December to mid-February. Chilly weather with almost a sub-zero temperature at night is seen during winters. Due to snowfall, travel becomes more difficult in the area. Ideally, the time to visit Mussoorie is during the summers (March to mid- June). During winter, one finds few people in the area. But, people who love snow and lanes glistening with frost will enjoy nature’s splendor.
Lal Tibba:
Lal Tibba, the second highest peak in the region, is also called Lookout point. It is at an elevation of 2275 Mts (7400 feet) at Landour Road.
Gun Hill Point:
Gun Hill Point is the second-highest point in Mussoorie at 2024 Mts (6600 feet). There is a famous cannon used by the English that can be seen here today.
Mall Road:
There is a central shopping area which includes a vriety of venues that sell everything from artifacts to clothing. The area exhibits wonderful colonial architecture. It has cafes and small restaurants. The valley and other mountain terrains can be seen below.
Kempty Falls:
It can be approached from the Kempty Fall Road and can be reached by car. It is a 12 meter (40 foot) waterfall. It is 1400 Mt (4500 feet) from sea level.
Lake Mist:
It is before Kempty-Fall Road, has small waterfalls, and some restaurants and boating facilities.
Mussoorie Lake:
Since Mussoorie also has a Municipal Board, they’ve developed a Lake with a pedal boating facility for locals and tourists alike.
Mussoorie Municipal Garden:
This is a huge garden with artificial lakes that provide a facility for boating. The natural setting is enjoyed by many tourists.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th Century American Philosopher and essayist, said that, “Nature is beautiful because it is alive, moving, reproductive. In nature, we observe growth and development in living things, contrasted with the static or deteriorating state of the vast majority of that which is man-made.”