Mussoorie

Mussoorie, with its green hills and varied flora & fauna, is an incredible hill resort. Imparting a wonderful view of extensive Himalayan snow ranges to the north-east, and glittering views of the Doon Valley, Roorkee, Saharanpur and Haridwar to the south, the town presents a fairyland atmosphere to the tourists. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Mussoorie gets its name from the Mansur shrub that is commonly seen in the hill resort.

History
Mussoorie, like other hill resorts in India, came into existence in the 1820s or thereabouts, when the families of British colonials began making for the hills in order to escape the scorching heat of the plains. Its history dates back to 1827 when Captain Young, an adventurous military officer, explored the present site and laid the foundation of this holiday resort which now has few rivals.

Shopping
The Mall of Mussoorie offers several items. Right from the imported goods and Tibetan metal ware, books, antiques, hand-carved walking sticks, cane baskets, embroidered wall hangings, dry pinecones, hill jewelry, garments, knick-knacks and curios you may take your pick.

Places of Interest in Mussoorie Lal Tibba
This place is highest point in Musoorie. Lal Tibba is located in Landour area which is the oldest inhabited place in Mussorie.

Gun Hill
Gunhill is second highest point in Mussoorie. From Gunhill Mussoorie appears to be changing colors every other minute. Each moment a different scene appears before your eyes. There are many shops on the hill top so one can have a small little picnic here.

Municipal Gardens
The municipal or the Company gardens was previously (before independence) was also known as Botanical gardens of Mussoorie. These gardens were laid by famous geologist Dr. H. Fackner in the last century.

Kempty Falls
Kempty Falls are located 13 kms from Mussoorie. This place was developed as a tourist destination by John Mekinan after 1835.

Nearby Attractions from Mussoorie
Dehradun
Located 29 Kms. from Mussoorie, Dehradun is a must visit place.

Rishikesh
Rishikesh is known as the Tapo Bhumi or the place for meditation of the Gods. Rishikesh is one of the popular pilgrimage for the Hindus. At this place the Ganges leaves the mountains and prepares herself to begin a long journey through the plains.

Haridwar
Gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttrakhand region, is located on the foot hills of Shivaliks.

Nag Tibba
55 kms from Mussoorie is very good place for trekking. Nag Tibba, as it is called, is the highest place around Mussoorie. It is surrounded by thick dense forests. The actual trekking for Nag Tibba starts some 21 kms away from the place. The 34 kms journey from Mussoorie is done on Taxi or Bus and the rest is covered on foot. This trek has its own charm and fun. The trek starts at Thathyud. 7 kms from here there is the forest departments rest house. To stay in the rest house reservations have to be done with Divisional Forest officer, Mussoorie.

Sahastra Dhara
Located 14 km from Dehradun is the famous picnic spot called as the Sahastra Dhara. Noted for their astounding beauty the medicinal sulphur waterfalls are a great attraction.

Trekking
Mussoorie-Nagtibba
Nagtibba offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks. One can return via Panthwari Nainbagh and Kempty covering a total distance of 62 kms.

Mussoorie-Bhadraj
About 15 kms. From Mussoorie, it is an ideal spot for trekking via Park Toll-Clouds End, Dudhli. Situated on the extreme western region of Mussoorie town, Bhadraj offers a commanding view of the Doon Valley , Chakrata ranges and the Jaunsar Bawar area of Garhwal Himalayas. Bhadraj temple dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra, brother of Lord Krishna, is situated on top of the hill.

Mussoorie-Dhanolti
On this trek which is about 26 kms, one comes across some breath taking views of the Himalayan peaks and the valley.

Mussoorie-suwakholi-Sahastradhara
One can drive upto Suwakholi, 11 kms. From Mussoorie and from there one can trek down to Sahastradhara and take a bus for Dehradun.