Thursday, June 23, 2011

Mussoorie in the monsoon

In the hills, nature's hospitality eclipses all that man can ever do. The enchanting beauty of the Himalayas, their bracing climate and the soothing green that envelopes you, leaves nothing more to be desired," said Mahatma Gandhi. Though vacations to hill stations around summer might sound too cliché today, one definitely needs a reviving change to unwind.

If you are considering heading to a location that will take your breath away with misty mountains and spectacular view of the Himalayas, the place you need to stop by is Mussoorie. The hill station is situated in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges near the adjoining town of Landour, which includes a military cantonment that is considered to be a part of 'greater Mussoorie'.

Often called as the Queen of Hills, the place owes its foundation to the British where Captain Young of the British army decided to settle in a rather quiet place which is now considered to be the most sought-after spots for vacations. It will take about a six-hour drive from Delhi to Dehradun and reaching the undulating hills of Mussoorie by road takes hardly an hour.

The hotel we stayed at, Jaypee Residency Manor provided a spectacular view of the hills and the mountains. We were greeted with a deep-pink natural drink that is extracted from the burans flower, which is also the state flower. If you are looking at enjoying nature by your side and experience a walk in the clouds, the Titanic point in the terrace of the hotel would make for an ideal location.

Mussoorie, though a popular weekend getaway, especially for Delhiites, still seems to hold the old world charm unlike other tourist destinations. What's more, the place seems to be the central point for Hindu pilgrimage places like Rishikesh, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Haridwar to name a few.

This place also seems to be the hub for a number of boarding schools where popular institutions like St George's School, Woodstock School, Oak Grove School are located.

To wander around
The popular honeymoon spot has several places for sight-seeing. Lal Tibba, highest peak of Mussoorie, is where you find the misty mountains of Himalayas. You also have other spots like Bhatta Falls, Kempty Falls, Naga Devta Temple and several other churches that add more beauty to the place.

Not to forget, the Ivy Cottage at Landour Road that comes highly recommended. This very spot also plays home to one of Mussoorie's famous resident — author Ruskin Bond. However, it is a bit surprising to find how compact his house really is. Playing his neighbour is yet another famous actor, Victor Banerjee.

A few other places of interest are Sister's Bazaar and Mall Road — one of the more popular spots for shopping. Sister's Bazaar, which is named after the nurses who lived here has stores that are known for the yummiest peanut butter.

While a walk on the Mall Road, which starts from the Picture Palace and ends at the Public Library, has a host of shops that will leave you spoilt for choice. The Tibetan Market too has a number of shops where you can take your pick from the best of woollen wear you can find. And when you are done with shopping, or want to take a break, the roads are lined with restaurants and cafés where you can sit in to watch the world go by.

Post sunset, the view of the glittering Doon valley is simply spectacular. If you are looking at spending a good two to three days in a rather quiet ambience, then Mussoorie is the place to be.

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