Overview of the destination
For a city slicker (currently) but born a 'pahari', I love the hills of Uttaranchal and Garhwal. My 6th visit to Mussoorie, after a gap of almost 12 years and it is neater, cleaner, poignantly beautiful in the monsoons. If drizzle and pouring rain, the mist rolling in, tall deodar pines and rhododendrun trees in the hillsides of Landour (where Woodstock School, Char Dugan, Sisters Bazaar are located) are what you love (not just 'like'), and you enjoy a good walk up undulating paths, past Ruskin Bond's house, in the rain armed with just an umbrella, then Mussoorie is a must visit. Fabulous to go in the non-tourist season! Lots of eating joints, and beautiful views.Food, sight-seeing and shopping
Try walking around...up the roads, down the valleys, rather than driving around in Mussoorie. The tibetan monastry (temple) in Happy Valley is worth a dekho, and walk up the small hillock where the prayer flags are. Serene place. Take a drive however to Dhanaulti. The views along the road are worth the drive and so is the 800 rupees you spend to hire the taxi. You may get a chatty driver like I did, fend off nosy questions with true lies. Shopping? I stuck to sightseeing and eating. Activities & things to do
I am sure there must be plenty to do...but the walking alone was all the activity I needed. Phew! Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
Delhi-Dehradun by Shatabdi train. Taxi to Mussoorie cost me 500 rupees. Hotel Shiva Continental cost me 1250/day and as I did not get a room with a view, shifted to a basic but really cute hotel Luxmount on the Mall road, with probably the best views in town. Check the pix. Oh, room cost was 500/day -bed, wardrobe, dresser, coffee table, 2 armchairs, TV, attached bath with hot and cold water. (No housekeeping service ofcourse!) Perfect for a budget traveller. For meals, visit the nearby restaurants and Coffee Cafe Day. |
.gif){kind=small}
