Mussoorie: The Honeymoon Capital Of India

Popular as the Honeymoon Capital of India, Mussoorie is romance redefined in earthly terms. Located in the lap of hills in Uttaranchal, this is one hill station with a never-ending charm of commanding snowcapped peaks, giant cascading waterfalls and everywhere eyes are set, there is beauty and only beauty. At a height of 7000 ft, it offers breath taking views of snow capped peaks in the north east and the beautiful sprawling green Doon valley towards the south. The envy of other hill stations, no one escapes here from the magic spell of the queen.

Unlike other hill stations, Mussoorie hasn't got a rich history. It wasn't the summer capital of British but the charm of Mussoorie lies in the soul of the place itself. Mussoorie's date with fame came after an adventurous British military officer Captain Young came here in 1827, after that the popularity of this hill station grew with the British. Since then tourists haven't stopped pouring in here. Never on official records of then British government, the air of informality stayed in Mussoorie. It was as if it is left for the 'affairs of the heart'. And it was not long after that Mussoorie had to its credit, the title of 'Honeymoon capital of India', where romance flutters everywhere.

The busiest of all hill stations, Mussoorie has a hectic social life, the malls, shops, tourists all this makes sure that the place does not have a dull day in calendar through out the year. Being so popular Mussoorie is a highly developed hill station. It has all the facilities to cater to domestic and foreign tourists.

 Attractions in Mussoorie

Gun Hill

This is the second highest peak in Mussoorie(2122 mts). Either one can take a 30 minute slightly uphill walk or go by the ropeway. There are few eateries here and some souvenir shops, but the best thing about Gun hill is the view. Gun Hill offers a panoramic view of the Himalyas, Banderpunch, Gangotri, Pithwara, Srikantha among the few. Looking down from here one can see Mussoorie bustling and further down is Dehradun. With the exceptional view Gun Hill also offers respite from the milling tourist crowds of Mussoorie as very few people come here making Gun hill a much peaceful and calmer place.

Kempty Falls

Fifteen kilometers from Mussoorie is the pride of Mussoorie, Kempty Falls. It is the star attraction of Mussoorie. The biggest waterfall here, it is located lower than Mussoorie, nestled among a cluster of cliffs from all sides. Waters come cascading down from a height of 4,500 ft, hitting the rocks on its way and getting split into five streams. Many people make a splash here under the waterfall and in the pool for fun and enjoyment, mainly so in summers. There are many shops, eateries changing rooms around the falls that it looks like one big market around the place.

Camel's Back Point

The name is Camel's Back Point, because of a life size rock here actually resembling a camel. One can see this rock from the Mussoorie Public school. The road starts from Rink in Kurli bazaar and goes up to Library Bazaar, a 3 kilometer long stretch. Taking a pony ride here is a memorable experience. The place is also famous for the sunset view from here in the Himalayas. Many a couples and foreigners come here for taking a break from the crowd at mall.

Shopping and Entertainment

Mussoorie, as said, is the most popular hill stations, and it has been developed accordingly. Shopping is as prospering a tourist activity here as any other thing.

The Mall or the Mall road is the hub of tourists. At no time round the year, the place would be dull. It is the center place and the most developed. Over a period of time, many hotels have come along the way and they take pride in being situated close to the Mall. From rosy cheeked Tibetens selling woolens, fabric wall hangings and Tibetan metal-ware, to different eateries offering everything from Chinese food to tibetian dim sums and momos, there is no end to tourist bonhomie here.

When to go: The best seasons to visit Mussoorie are between April to June and again during September to November.

 Getting There

By Air :The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun (50 Km). Indian Airlines connect Dehradun with Delhi.

By Rail: Railway station closest to Mussoorie is in Dehradun (50 Km). The Northern railway terminus is connected via rail to Delhi, Mumbai, Howrah, Lucknow, Varanasi, Amritsar, Saharanpur, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Allahabad, Ujjain, Indore, Kathgodam, Okha.

By Road: Uttaranchal State Transport Corporation run buses between Delhi and Mussoorie. Other imporetant places for where buses are available are Barkot (89 Kms), Dehradun (35 Kms), Hanuman Chatti (129 Kms), Nanital (355 Kms), Saharanpur (110 Kms), Srinagar Garhwal (135 Kms) and Old Tehri (76 KMS)