North India

Heritage of Uttarakhand

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.

Mussoorie (Places to See) Gun Hill

Enjoy a Ropeway ride to the second highest peak of Mussoorie. It can also be negotiated by bridles path which forks-off from Mall Road near Kutchery and to reach takes about twenty minutes. The Ropeway distance is only 400 mtrs. And the sheer thrill of the ride is memorable. Gun Hill offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges namely Bunderpunch, Srikantha, Pithwara and Gangotri group etc. and a bird's eye view of Mussoorie town and Doon Valley. During pre-independence days a gun mounted on this top used to be fired heralding mid-day to enable people to adjust their watches and hence this name.

Municipal Garden

A picnic spot having a beautiful garden and an artificial mini lake with boating facilities. It is located at a distance of 4kms by cycle rickshaw, pony or by car and only 2 kms on foot via Waverly Convent Road.

Childer's Lodge

Highest Peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba. It is about 5 kms from the Tourist Office and one can go on horse back or on foot. Snow view from this spot is exhilarating.

Camel's Back Road

It starts from Kulri Bazar near Rink Hall and ends at Library Bazar covering a total distance of about 3 kms. The main charm of this road is horse riding and walking. Sunset view of the Himalayas is superb. Camel's Rock with a life like resemblace can be seen from the spot near Mussoorie Public school.

Jharipani Fall

8.5 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie - Jharipani Road. Visitors can go by bus or by car upto 7 kms to Jharipani from where the fall is 1.5 kms, on foot.

Bhatta Fall

7 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. Access by car or bus upto Balta village from where the fall is 3kms by car or foot. An ideal spot for picnic.

Kempty Fall

15 kms from Mussoorie on the Yamunotri Road having an altitude of 4500 ft. It has the distinction of being the biggest and prettiest waterfall located in a beautiful valley and is surrounded by high mountains. Bath at the foot of the falls is refresshing and enjoyable for children and adults alike.

Nag Devta Temple

An ancient temple situated on Cart Mackenjie Road and is about 6 kms from Mussoorie. Vehicles can go right upto the spot. It Provides a charming view of Doon Valley as well as of Mussoorie.

Mussoorie Lake

A newly developed picnic spot, situated on Mussoorie- Dehradun road and is about 6 kms from Mussoorie. It is a delightful spot. Pedal boats are also available. It commands an enchanting view of Doon Valley and nearby villages.

Van Chetna Kendra

At a distance of about 2 kms on Tehri bye pass road, this place is developed as a picnic spot and has a park surrounded with pine forest and flowering shrubs, and is approachable by foot or taxi/car. The main attraction is the wildilife of the park like Ghurar, Kanankar, Himalayan Peacock, Monal etc.

Sir George Everest House

6 kms The Park Estate of sir George Everest, First Surveyor General of India, Who had his offce and residence here, is approachable by road. The highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, is named after him.

Nainital

This hill station situated in the Kumaon region is situated around the lake Naini. Seven mountains or the Sapta Shring surrounds the city.Apart from its scenic beauty Nainital is famous for its scented candles. The hill station offers a wonderful holiday retreat from the hectic routine of the cities. The high-rising Himalayas, the tree-covered hillsides, beautiful walks and enchanting lakes memorize all the tourists who visit Nainital. Though overcrowded in summer, exploring this tourism resort in the off-season can also prove to be an interesting holiday. Travel to Uttaranchal to view the Snow View, a popular vantage point that offers an excellent view of the northern Himalayan ranges. The Naini Peak is a popular picnic spot and offers a panoramic view of the Nanda Devi and the mountains on the Tibetan border. Hanuman Garhi has a small temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The State Observatory is located near Hanuman Garhi on the top of a ridge.

Ranikhet

Ranikhet (The Queen's Field) has come to be known so because according to popular belief, this spot had won the heart of Rani Padmini, Queen of Raja Sudhardev and she choose this scenic spot to be her abode.To view nature & its elements in full harmony, the right place to be is Ranikhet. It is the place which wonderfully mirrors the best of the heavenly Himalayas offering excellent views of the snowcapped Nanda Devi (7817m), lush green forests, delicate plant life and attractive wild life.

At on altitude of 1829m, north of Nainital (61 km) and well connected to Almora (44km) & Kathgodam (83km), Ranikhet has emerged as a favoured all season destination. During the rains, flowers sprout up everywhere in rainbow colours, branches of trees stoop with ripened fruits & sunlight peeping through the mist & clouds endow an enchanting effect all across Ranikhet.

As winter comes, the softly falling snow flakes cover the environment in sheets of pure whiteness.The 1869 the land was bought by British from local villagers and a summer rest & recreation settlement was set for British troops. Today it is an important army town and the head quarters of the Kumaon Regiment.

Back