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Dinesh Kukreti
If there is relief from scorching heat in the plains, then come to Mussoorie. The fickle air that touches the body on the surfy road amidst oaks, burans and pine trees making waves from the clouds makes the mind satisfied. The scene is as if a painter had painted the paintbrush with the best painting of his life. It is not that Mussoorie is suitable only for the villagers, its color is unique even in the winter.
The history of Rani Mussoorie of the mountains situated at an altitude of 6600 feet above sea level in the Shivalik range of the Himalayan ranges is not very old. In the year 1825, Captain Young, an English officer, searched for this place. Jayprakash Bhardwaj, a history expert of Mussoorie, says that Captain Young liked the climate here and he built a bungalow here. It is said that the plant of Mansoor was in abundance, hence the name Mussoorie. After this, the first sanatorium was formed in Mussoorie in the year 1827, today this area is known as Landour Cantt. A few years later Sir George Everest, the first Surveyor General of India, also made Mussoorie his home. The highest peak in the world is Mount Everest after him.
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The geographical location of Mussoorie is such that this city looks like the crown of Dehradun. The peaks of the Himalayas in the northeast and the bird's eye view of the Doon Valley in the south creates a magical attraction.
Dalai Lama came in 1959
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The Tibetan religious leader Dalai Lama first came to Mussoorie in 1959 after being deported from China-occupied Tibet. It was here that the first exile government of Tibet was formed. He later shifted to Meklodganj near Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh.
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Every building in this city, established by the British, has a British mark on it. For the visit of British officers, the entry of Indians was at that time on Mall Road. Historian Bhardwaj says that Pandit Moti Lal Nehru, a freedom fighter fighter and father of the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, often visited Mussoorie. He traveled here on Malrod breaking the ban on entry to Indians. Apart from this, Pandit Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi were also very fond of the nature of Mussoorie.
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Came to Mussoorie and did not see Gun Hill. This place situated on the peak shows the snow-capped peaks of Himalayas Bandarpunch, Srikanta, Pithwara and Gangotri Himalayas. The bird's eye view of Mussoorie and Doon is also its special attraction. Actually, during the British period, a cannon was fired on this peak. People used to match their watch with the sound of the shell being fired at 12 noon. Hence the peak was named Gun Hill. The adventure of the ropeway can also be taken to reach here. The four hundred meter long ropeway takes about 20 minutes to reach the peak. While climbing this peak, you can also enjoy trekking. Baggage rental is available for tracking.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy
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This academy, created to train probationers selected in the Indian Administrative Services, is special in itself. Although tourists cannot enter here, it is the pride of Mussoorie.
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The school built in the British era is one of the major attractions of Mussoorie. The famous building of St George's School, built in Roman Catholic style, attracts tourists. It was founded in the year 1853. Also special is the Woodstock established in 1850. It was founded by a group of British officers.
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In the year 1842, famous scientist Dr. H. Fakanar established a garden in Mussoorie. Planting trees of different species in the garden. It was then named Company Garden after the East India Company. It is now known as Municipal Garden or Botanical Garden.
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The three-kilometer long road is from Kulri Bazar to Library Bazar. It is my own pleasure to walk on this road. From here one can have a beautiful view of the sunset in the Himalayas. From afar, this area looks like a camel's hump.
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The waterfall on Yamunotri Hive, 15 km from Mussoorie, is known as Campti Fall. Bathing in the foothills of a waterfall surrounded by high mountains from all around is a refreshing feeling. It is said that British officials often used to come here for a T-party on holiday. Similarly, Bhatta Fall, a waterfall on the route to Dehradun, nine kilometers from Mussoorie, also attracts tourists a lot.
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It is one of the oldest power projects in North India. The foundation stone of the project was laid in October 1907 and its construction took five years. Electricity supply was started in December 1912. Musari is one of the few cities in the country that were lighted for the first time at that time. Even today this power house is producing 5.4 million units of electricity.
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Sachin likes omelets made of four shops
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Although North and South Indian cuisine is easily available in Mussoorie, but there is something more about Char Shop in Landour Cantt. Sachin Tendulkar, who is said to be the God of cricket, does not forget to eat omelets made of four shops whenever he comes to Mussoorie. Why Sachin, Bollywood star Arshad Warsi loves tea here, while late actor Tom Alter also loved snacks here. The four shop owners are brothers Anil Prakash and Vipin Prakash. He says that the tourists visiting here like his shop's parathas, maggi, dal pakoda, bun omelette and pizza.
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If you came to Mussoorie and did not taste the corn, then what is the fun of traveling. You will find roasted and boiled corn on the Mall Road from place to place and tourists also enjoy them.
Mussoorie in the eyes of Ruskin
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Mussoorie has also been the workplace for writers and artists. Famous actor the late Tom Alter started the theater in school days from here, and Mussoorie lives in the world of world famous litterateur Ruskin Bond. Ruskin says, "The natural view and wonderful peace here inspires the creation of literature." Although the population has increased a lot today, but Mussoorie is Mussoorie. I am proud that I am a citizen of Mussoorie.
Relax moments in Dhanaulti
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If you want to spend some time away from the noise, then Dhanaulti is a better option for you. Dhanaulti is surrounded by a dense forest of deodar just 30 km from Mussoorie. The view of snow-clad peaks from here is enchanting to the mind. Here, guest house of Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, guest house of Forest Department and Bambu Huts and hotel facilities. It is not crowded like Mussoorie.
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If you are fond of camping, then Kanatal, 45 km from Mussoorie, is waiting for you. Spending a few days in cottages, gardens and huts under the shade of cedar trees is nothing short of a divine feeling. Close to beautiful weather and nature, what else is needed to spend the holidays. What other place would be better for camping.
Surakanda Devi
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Siddhpeeth Surkunda Devi temple is about 33 kilometers from Mussoorie and Dhanaulti on Mussoorie-Tehri road. Situated at an altitude of ten thousand feet above sea level, this temple situated at an altitude of ten thousand feet above sea level gives a panoramic view of the Himalayas.
Chamba
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Chamba town located in Tehri district, just 56 km from Mussoorie, is famous for its natural beauty. Traveling on the serpentine road passing through a fruit orchard is also thrilling as well as thrilling. The view of the Himalayas emerging from the backdrop of the gardens fascinates anyone.
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Lakhmandal is a mythological site located 75 km from Mussoorie passing through Campfire. It is believed that this is the place where the Kauravas tried to burn the Pandavas in the Lakshagraha. The sculptures unearthed in the excavation are also proof of historical importance here.
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How to reach
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Nearest Airport Jolligrant - 60 km
Nearest railway station Dehradun - 35 km
Mussoorie can be reached by taxi and bus from Dehradun.
