Mussoorie – 1550nm Laser Diode K15D15F-3.00W – Red diode laser K65S09W-0.50W
History
Mussoorie, distant view, 1865
Mussoorie – houses and clock tower
The history of Mussoorie dates back to 1826 when Captain Young, an adventurous British military officer, together with a Mr. Shore, the resident Superintendent of Revenues at Dehradun explored the present site and jointly constructed a shooting lodge. This laid the foundation of this holiday resort which now has few rivals. In 1827 a sanatorium was built at Landour, which later became a large cantonment .
Colonel George Everest built a home here in 1832. His original intention, as Surveyor General of India, was to terminate his great survey from the tip of India in Mussoorie. Although unsuccessful, he wanted to have the new office of the Survey of India based in Mussoorie. A compromise was to have it in Dehradun, where it still located.
By 1901 Mussoorie’s population had grown to 6461, rising to 15,000 in the summer season. Earlier, Mussoorie was approachable by road from Saharanpur, 58 miles (93 km) away. Accessibility became easier in 1900 with the railway coming to Dehradun, thus shortening the road trip to 21 miles (34 km).
The name Mussoorie is often attributed to a derivation of ‘mansoor’, a shrub which is indigenous to the area. The town is in fact often referred to as ‘Mansoori’ by locals.
The main promenade in Mussoorie is called, as in other hill stations, the Mall. In Mussoorie, the Mall stretches from Picture Palace at its eastern end to the Public Library (shortened to ‘Library’) at its western end. During the British Raj, signs on the Mall expressly stated: “Indians and Dogs Not Allowed”; racist signs of this type were commonplace in hill stations, which were founded ‘by and for’ the British. Motilal Nehru, the father of Jawaharlal Nehru, deliberately broke this rule every day whenever he was in Mussoorie, and would pay the fine. The Nehru family, including Nehru’s daughter Indira (later Indira Gandhi) were frequent visitors to Mussoorie in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, and stayed at the Savoy Hotel. They also spent much time in nearby Dehradun, where Nehru’s sister Vijayalakshmi Pandit ultimately settled full-time.
In April 1959, after fleeing Chinese occupation of Tibet, the Dalai Lama established the Tibetan Government in Exile in Mussoorie. The Government of Tibet in exile eventually moved to Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh. The first Tibetan school was established in Mussoorie in 1960. Tibetans settled mainly in Happy Valley in Mussoorie. Today, some 5,000 Tibetans live in Mussoorie.
Now, Mussoorie suffers from over-development of hotels and tourist lodges, given its relative proximity to Delhi, Ambala and Chandigarh, and has serious problems of garbage collection, water scarcity and parking shortages, especially during the summer tourist season. Landour, Jharipani and Barlowganj have fewer such problems.
The Himalayas from near Char Dukan in Landour, upper Mussoorie
Geography
Mussoorie is located at 3027 7805 / 30.45N 78.08E / 30.45; 78.08. It has an average elevation of about 1,825 metres (5,990 ft). The highest point is Lal Tibba, at a height of about 7500 ft (although the name Lal Tibba is now also used to describe a lovely lookout point, a short distance from the actual peak).
Demographics
As of 2001 India census, Mussoorie had a population of 26,069. Males constitute 56% of the population and females 44%. Mussoorie has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 73%. In Mussoorie, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Himalayas at dusk from Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.
Accessibility
Mussoorie is conveniently connected by road to Delhi and major cities. It is called the “Gateway” to Yamunotri and Gangotri Shrines of Northern India. The closest rail station is Dehradun. Taxis are easily available for Mussorie as are buses at regular intervals.
The best time to visit is from mid-March to mid-November though the downpours could be an inhibiting factor in the monsoon months of July to September.
Institutions
From the days of the Colonial Empire, Mussorie has housed various schools, instituted for the children of British government officers and army personnel. Many of these institutes now house Indian students and retain the values as ascribed years before.
These schools include St. George’s College (1853), Woodstock School (1850’s), Oak Grove School (1888), Wynberg-Allen (1888), Guru Nanak Fifth Centenary (1969).
Facade of St. George’s College, Mussoorie, estb. 1853
St. George’s College, Mussoorie (founded in 1853) is amongst the oldest and most reputed schools in the country. It has been run by the Patrician Brothers since 1893. Spread over 400 acres (1.6 km2), the school is also popularly referred to as ‘Manor House’. Over the years, its alumni have made distinguished contributions in several fields, especially in serving the armed forces of the nation. The school’s imposing facade stands out as one of the main architectural attractions of Mussoorie.
Woodstock School’s campus
Woodstock School is a Christian, international, co-educational, residential school located in Landour, a small hill station contiguous with the town of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India. The school traces its origin to the 1850s when a group of English ladies were enlisted by British officers and American missionaries to provide a Protestant education for girls.
Woodstock is among the more well-known boarding schools of the Indian Subcontinent, especially among those with significant numbers of expatriate students and teachers. (Others are the Kodaikanal International School and the Hebron School, Ooty, both in South India). The school has a campus spread over an area of about 250 acres (1 km2), and is located in a forest region with a variety of flora including pine, rhododendron, and oak. The terrain of the campus has an altitudinal range of 350 meters from its lowest point to the highest point. Classes at Woodstock begin from ECP (Early Childhood Program) and follow up to grade 12.
Oak Grove School – Junior Wing
Oak Grove School stands out from the other notable institutions of Mussoorie because of two reasons – first of all, it is affiliated to the CBSE, New Delhi, which is rarity amongst the residential schools of Mussoorie. Secondly, it is a secular government aided school, run by Northern Railway. The school was founded in 1888 by East Indian Railway (EIR), and passed to the Indian Railways when railways were nationalised after Independence. It has three separate semi independent wings, and is situated on two hills in Jharipani, 8 km from Mussoorie town, near the famous Jharipani fall.
A view of Wynberg Allen School
Wynberg Allen School, established in 1888, is a well known school which ranks amongst the finest in the country. In Kanpur, during the year 1887, a group of friends, Mr. Alfred Powell, Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Foy and Brig. J H Condon met and decided to set up a school in Mussoorie. The school was built at Jabarkhet along the Tehri road and was later shifted to the present Wynberg Estate. The object was to provide for and give to children, wholly or partly of European descent, an education based on Protestant Christian principles; to maintain such children and to give them an academic and practical training conducive to economic welfare and happiness. It now accommodates students of all descents.
The school consists of two branches – the Junior branch (Wynberg) and the Senior branch (Allen) and accommodates around 700 children. The school has four houses – Allen, Powell, Foy and Condon. A student from the institution is referred to as an ‘Allenite’.
Guru Nanak Fifth Centenary School Mussoorie (GNFCS) is one of the well known schools in Mussoorie and one of the best boarding schools in India like many other Mussoorie schools. Founded in the sacred memory of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, on the occasion of His 500th birth anniversary, celebrated in November 1969. The girls are housed at Shangri La situated at 6,750 feet (2,057 m) above sea level on an 11-acre (45,000 m2) plot, wooded with cypress, cedar and oak, on the south and west, facing the snow clad Himalayan peaks, to the north. The boys are at Vincent Hill, it is situated 3 km from the Library Chowk. Surrounded by picturesque scenery, Vincent Hill comprises a campus spread over 45 acres (180,000 m2). The GNFCS prepares students in accordance with the 10+2 formula for school education, for the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (10 year course) examination and the Indian School Certificate (12 year course) examination.
Other schools in Mussourie include Mussoorie International, Tibetan Homes, CST Mussoorie, St Clares Convent School and the ‘Convent of Jesus and Mary Waverley’, an all girls school, one of the oldest convent school in India.
A look at LBSNAA at night.
Mussorie also has the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration , the premier training institute for officers of the Indian Administrative Service and other civil services. This unique institute is located about 2 km from Gandhi Chowk.
The library area also houses the premier academy of the Indo Tibetan Border Police Force, an elite central Police organization of Government of India. It is a venerated institute for dispensing comprehensive training for ITBP officers recruits patrolling the porous borders.The Academy was moved to this location in 1978, consequent upon reorganization of the force and located at two separate patches of land known as Cainville Estate (Adm wing) and Astel estate (combat wing) The Academy has grown over the years so as to take even friendly foreign countries officers as its trainees. State of the art facilities have been established here in order to provide latest modern training to its trainees. Academy has a helipad, synthetic tennis courts, modern computer labs and simulators besides one of the best library in town. The Academy also serves the local inhabitants as the first responder in any major or minor rescue and relief work. Be it the traffic Accidents, or the cable car mishap, ITBP has provided much needed relief immediately. They have also been instrumental in assisiting local administration in preserving the green cover of this exotic hill station.Academy is headed by Sh Rajiv Mehta, IG, at present, with Sh Prakash Dangwal as Commandant adm.
Places of interest
Mussoorie – A view down from the famous Gunhill. Cable cars can be seen commuting up and down
Mussoorie has a beautiful nature walk known as “Camel’s Back Road”. This road takes its name from a rocky outcrop in the shape of a camel’s hump. Along the road, a beautiful cemetery is located about mid-way on the loop. There is also “Gun Hill” where a cannon was used to sound out midday for many years. Gun Hill is accessible by the cable car on the Mall road. The oldest Christian church in the Himalayas, St Mary’s, is situated above Mall Road, and is currently undergoing restoration. Kempty falls is a nice picnic spot. Company Garden is popular tourist destination. During season, the Company Garden has beautiful collection of flowers and plants. Happy Valley has a small Tibetan temple. This was the first Tibetan temple built in India. The temple was constructed in 1960 by the Tibetan refugees. Lal Tibba is another tourist spot of Mussoorie. Beautiful Dhanaulti is about 24 kilometres from Mussorie. Mussoorie also had India’s largest roller skating rink.
Lake Mist
About 5 km before Kempty falls on the Mussoorie-Kempty road is a developed good picnic spot with accommodation and restaurant facilities, boating is also available. The place showcases nature in an exquisite manner. With the Kempty river flowing through it, Lake Mist has many small but beautiful waterfalls made by the river. Thus, this is a gem in the queen of hills.
Municipal Garden
It is picnic spot having a beautiful garden and an artificial mini lake with paddled boating facility. It is located at a distance of 4 km by rickshaw cycles, pony or by a car and 2 km via Waverly Convent School road on foot.
Mussoorie Lake
A newly developed picnic spot build by City Board & Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority, is situated at 6 km on Mussoorie-Dehradun road having a facility of pedaled boats. It offers an enchanting view of Doon Valley and nearby villages. View during Night is marvelous.
Childer’s Lodge
Highest peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba, it is situated at 5 km from the Tourist Office and one can go on horse back or on foot. The view of snow-clad mountains is exhilarating.
A honeymooning couple find some romantic moments on top of Gunhill, Mussourie
Bhatta Falls
7 km from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun Road near Bhatta Village. Accessible by car or bus up to Bhatta from where the fall is 3 km by foot. A fall with different ponds for bathing and water amusements, ideal place for picnic.
Jharipani Fall
Located at 8.5 km from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Jharipani road. One can go by local bus or car up to Jharipani from where the fall is about 1.5 km on foot.
Mossy Fall
The fall is surrounded by a dense forest and is 7 km from Mussoorie. One can go there via Barlowganj or Balahisar.
Sir George Everest’s House
Park Estate is where one can find the remains of the building and laboratory of Sir George Everest,the Surveyor-General of India from 1830 to 1843. It is after George Everest that the world’s highest peak Mt. Everest is named. . It is 6 km from Gandhi Chowk / Library Bazaar and is accessible by vehicle, although the road is very rough beyond Haathi Paon. The place provides an enchanting view of Doon Valley on one side and a panoramic view of the Aglar River valley and the snow peaks of the Himalayan ranges on the other. It is a wonderful walk from Library Bazaar and a beautiful spot for a picnic.
Nag Devta Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Snake God Lord Shiva and is situated on Cart Mackenzie Road about 6 km from Mussoorie on the way to Dehradun. Vehicles can go right up to the temple. This place provides an enchanting view of Mussoorie and the Doon Valley.
Mussoorie and Landour, 1860s
Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill)
Situated at an altitude of 2240 m, this temple is 9 km west of Mussoorie. It is situated on the top of Benog Tibba (Hill) and contains an old idol of Goddess Durga. There is a marvelous view of the Aglar River valley. It can not be accessed by vehicle although a motor road goes most of the way from Mussoorie.
Cloud End
This hotel is surrounded by thick deodar forest. The bungalow, built in 1838 by a British major, was one of the first four buildings of Mussoorie and has now been converted into a hotel. The place provides peace and calm and is full of flora and fauna.
Van chetna kendra
At a distance of about 2 km on Tehri bypass road, this place is developed as 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 wildlife of the park like Ghurar, Kakar, Himalayan peacock, Monal etc.
Benog Mountain quail sanctuary
11 km to the South of library point lies an old sanctuary established in 1993 and covering an area of 339 hectares. It is famous for the extinct bird species Mountain Quail (Pahari Bater), which was last spotted in 1876.
Mussoorie is a popular destination for honeymooning couples, mainly because of its relatively cool climes and calm and lovely environment.
Himalayan Weavers
Located 8 km. from Mussoorie on Mussoorie Dhanaulti Road is Himalayan Weavers, which produces hand-woven shawls, stoles, scarves and throws using only natural dyes and wool, eri silk and pashmina. Their aim is to produce high quality handloom products, popularize the use of environmentally friendly natural dyes and provide a market for craft products made in the Himalayan region.
Further reading
Mussoorie and Landour: days of wine and roses, by Ruskin Bond, Ganesh Saili. Lustre Press Pvt. Ltd., 1992.
References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mussoorie
^ Landour ^ Mussoorie ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Mussoorie
^ “Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)”. Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. http://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999. Retrieved 2008-11-01.
^ LBSNAA
^ Mussoorie, Places of Interest Official website of Dehradun city
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mussoorie
Mussoorie on official website of Dehradun district
Mussoorie Travel Guide
Mussoorie travel guide from Wikitravel
Travel Guide for Mussoorie
Mussoorie Home Page
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