Indian Military Academy

Located in Dehradun, the Indian Military Academy is an institution that trains men who officer the Indian Army. The Indian Military Academy became functional from 1st October 1932 with batch of 40 Gentlemen Cadets. Brigadier L.P. Collins was its first commandant.

The first course, christened as 'Pioneers', had on its roll great soldiers like Sam Manekshaw, Smith Dun and Mohammad Musa, all of whom went on to become chiefs of armies of their respective countries namely, India, Burma and Pakistan.

For the purpose of Indian Military Academy, the government acquired the estate of erstwhile Railway College at Dehradun which had the appropriate buildings and a large campus, enough to meet the upcoming academy's needs.

The beautiful main building of IMA is called Chetwode Building. It is named after Field Marshal Sir Philip Chetwode, who was at the time of IMA's inception, the Commander-in-Chief of India and had also inaugurated the new academy.


Indian Military Academy is located at 8 Km on Dehradun-Chakrata road. It is adjacent to Forest Research Institute, another premier institute of the country. The majestic main building of the Indian Military Academy is a sight to behold. The well maintained campus of IMA with nicely done up gardens and training fields reek of sheer class and high standards of discipline that the institute upholds.

Interesting Places To See In IMA
* Museum
* War Memorial
* Shooting Demonstration Room
* FRIMS Golf Course (18 Holes)

Attractions in Dehradun

Dehradun is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Uttarakhand, mostly as a brief stopover en route Mussoorie. Located on the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range Dehradun is a striking yet serene place. It is thought to be one of the oldest (read as ancient) cities in India.Indications of Dehradun are available in the Epic Mahabharata as the city ruled by Rajguru Drona. It is quiet natural that this mountainous place has many tourist attractions.

These tourist places include Sahastradhara, Malsi Deer Park, Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani), Lachhiwala, Tapkeshawar Temple, Laxman Siddh Mandir, Tibetan Mindroling Monastery, Sai Darbar and Santala Devi Temple. Though this list may not be exhaustive, it helps in short listing the important and must-visit places in the Doon valley. There are a lot of comfortable and cheap guest houses and hotels providing outstanding lodging for the tourists. Read on to know more about these tourist destinations in detail.

Indian Military Academy

The Indian Military Academy is where the blue-blooded men who officer the Indian Army, second largest army in the world, are trained. IMA is one of the most prestigious institutions of India. It was inaugurated by Field marshal Sir Philp Chetwode in the 1932. The first batch IMA, known as 'pioneers' had on its role, great soldiers like Sam Manekshaw, Smith Dun and Mohd. Musa all of whom later became chiefs of their respective armies. The academy has a beautiful campus, just adjacent to the campus of FRI and even boasts of an 18-hole golf course. There is also a military museum in Chetwoode Hall which can be visited after obtaining prior permission from the Commandant of IMA.

Forest Research Institute (F.R.I.)

Forest Research Institute, spread over an area of about 2000 acres, was established in 1906. This beautiful estate is home to some of the largest and the best forestry research establishments in the world. The majestic main building of F.R.I. is an architectural marvel in itself. Built in Greco-Roman colonial style, this building includes six forestry related museums (on social forestry, pathology, silviculture, timber, non-wood forest products and entomology) which are very popular amongst the tourists. The estate also has a Botanical Garden which, with its sprawling lawns and colorful flowers, is a great spot for a day picnic. Also, located within this beautiful estate is Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy that trains probationer-trainees of the Indian Forest Service.

Assan Barrage

Bird SanctuaryAsan Dam Wetland, also known as Dhalipur Lake, was created in 1967. This is a popular tourist attraction around Dehradun offering great opportunities for birding, water-skiing, boating and casual outings. Located by the water's edge is also a refreshment café run by GMVN. Besides, Dehradun is also home to other prestigious institutions like Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII). While WIHG is involved in conducting a host of researches in the Himalayas, WII regularly conducts researches and training courses on wildlife.

Also nearby is, the famous Rajaji National Park that boasts of a variety of flora and fauna. Rajaji National Park can be entered through its Ramgarh (14 Km) Gate or Mohand Gate (25 Km).

Dehradun

Dehradun is the capital city of the state of Uttarakhand. It is a well known tourist destination for a long time. Besides being a travel destination, the city is also known for public schools, IMA and other national institutes. The entire district is surrounded by the mighty Himalayas in the North, aging Shivalik Hills in the South, the River Ganga in the East and River Yamuna in the West.

The soil of the region is very fertile and most plants and trees grow quickly and bear bountiful fruits. Dehradun has a Sub-Tropical type of weather with chilly winters, humid and crisp springs, scorching summers and a strong monsoon. Dehradun has premium educational and research institutes such as Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing and Indian Institute of Petroleum. Excellent schools like the Doon School, Welham School for Girls & Boys, Army School and Rashtriya Indian Military College are also present there.

Attractions

Dehradun is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Uttarakhand, mostly as a brief stopover en route Mussoorie. Located on the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, Dehradun is a striking yet serene place. It is thought to be one of the oldest (read as ancient) cities in India.

Chakrata

Chakrata is a small town near Dehradun which served as an infantry base during the British rule. It is especially known for tranquil, beautiful and pollution free surroundings. The hill station is positioned between the Rivers Tons and Yamuna at an altitude of 5,500-6,500 ft.

Dakpathar

Strategically positioned near the banks of mighty River Yamuna, Dakpathar in Dehradun has recently been developed into a leisure spot. The brainchild of the GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam), Dakpathar is naturally exotic surrounded with forests and bejeweled with lush green lawns and gardens.

Places to See Near Dehradun

The capital city of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is famous for its scenic grandeur and beautiful surroundings. Dehradun and its surrounding places are adorned with the beauty of the Himalayas. There are several historical places, temples, natural springs, parks, picnic spots in the city's vicinity, which are surely worth a visit.

Sahastradhara

Its name deciphered as the ‘Thousand Fold Spring’ in English, Sahastradhara is one of the most beautiful and serene picnic spots in Dehradun . It is very popular amongst both the locals as well as the tourists coming to the city. Its name emerges from the fact that the water literally drips down from limestone stalactites numbering thousands.

Guchhupani & Lachhiwala

Dehradun is a beautiful place with lots of picnic spots. Two of these are quite famous, namely Robber’s Cave (also known as Guchhupani) and Lachhiwala. Though they have different attractions to entice people, both these places are ideal examples of the treasures of nature in Uttarakhand.

How to Reach

Dehradun is a captivating place situated amidst the foothills of Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. This article will guide you on the various ways of reaching this beautiful city which is linking point for Haridwar and Rishikesh. Dehradun is well connected with direct trains to important towns.

Things to Do in Dehradun

Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, is nestled amidst the thickly forested valley of the Shivalik ranges. Known for its salubrious climate, natural beauty and proximity to Mussoorie, the city was once a major base of the Garhwal kings. Today, it counts amongst the major cities of India, from tourism point of view as well as otherwise.

Malsi Deer Park

Malsi Deer Park, located in the outskirts of Dehradun, equally enthralls both the adults and children. It is one of the major tourist attractions in the city and also acts as a savior of natural environment from unnecessary business propositions. It falls on the way to Mussoorie (with a little diversion of course), another highly rated tourist spot.

Mindroling Monastery

The Mindroling Monastery has a long history. Mindroling (pronounced as Minh-dro-lyng) literally means a ‘Place of Perfect Emancipation’ in Tibet and is a place of worship for the Nyingma sect of Buddhism. This sect has a total of six monasteries in Tibet, including the one in the Lhasa region of Tibet, on the south side of the Tsangpo River.

Tapkeshwar Temple

Dehradun is full of legends but so is the state of Uttarakhand it is situated in. The entire region was once supposed to be submerged under a lake but environmental changes made it a terrestrial heaven. There is a lot to see in the Doon Valley (as it is locally called), especially temples and the rivulet forests.

Weather

The geographical location of Dehradun is mainly responsible for the ever-changing but pleasant weather of Dehradun. Dehradun has a sub-tropical climate with cold winters, warm and colorful springs, humid and hot summers and an elongated monsoon.

Indian Military Academy

Located in Dehradun, the Indian Military Academy is an institution that trains men who officer the Indian Army. The Indian Military Academy became functional from 1st October 1932 with batch of 40 Gentlemen Cadets. Brigadier L.P. Collins was its first commandant.

Shopping

Shopping in Dehradun, Uttarakhand's capital city, with well stocked markets and shopping complexes, is an absolute delight. When you happen to visit Dehradun, don't forget to look for traditional Dehradun basmati rice which is world famous for both, its aroma and taste. Also the delicious Chakarata Rajma is available in the markets here that you can take home.

Mussoorie Weather

Mussoorie is known for its healthy and pleasant weather. This attractive hill station has always been tourists most favored destination away from the heat of the plains. Situated at an altitude of approximately 7,000 feet above the sea level, it abounds in natural beauty and scenic splendor. The ideal period for visiting Mussoorie is either between April and May or between September and November, when the temperature is extremely pleasant and the lush green flora has covered the hill top completely. Let us get some information on the weather and climate of Mussoorie.

Summer

The summer season in Mussoorie lasts from April to June, during which period the hill resort experiences pleasant climatic conditions. Around this time, the maximum temperature is somewhere around 30o C, while at night, it might dip to as low as 10o C.

Winter

In Mussoorie, winter starts in late October and stretches on till mid-February. In the day, the temperature hovers around 10o C, while the nights usually see it plummeting to 0o C. The hill resort might also experience snowfall in the winter season.

Monsoon

The monsoon in Mussoorie falls between the months of June/July and September, usually followed by spring time. In this season, the hill resort abounds in natural beauty, with lush green vegetation all around. Mussoorie experiences heavy drizzling around December also.

Kempty Falls

Kempty Falls are one of the most beautiful water falls in not only Uttarakhand, rather the whole of India. Enveloped by high mountain cliffs and situated at an altitude of about 4500 feet above the sea level, the falls present an awe-inspiring view as the water falls down from a high altitude and then splits into five streams. The water falling down from Kempty Falls appears to be doing a somersault before it hits the ground. Situated on the Mussoorie-Dehradun Highway, this popular tourist location attracts crowd from all over the country.

Kempty Falls was developed as a picnic spot by the British officer John Mekinan, around 1835. It is believed that, the name ‘Kempty’ is a derivation of the ‘Camp-Tea’, the tea parties that the British used to organize here. Situated on the hilly pathway of Uttarakhand, Kempty Falls are strikingly beautiful. They prove to be the perfect place for picnic or for spending a couple of hours listening to the sound of the water-falls, amidst lush green vegetation.

Generally, Kempty Falls is crowded with tourists, but after stepping across the lines along the flow of the stream, your may found a secluded rocky corral formed naturally by the streams. The sacred river, Yamuna is not too far from the falls. After 12 km, down the hill on crossing the Aglar River, the waters of Kempty meet Yamuna. Fishing here is very popular. However, permits are to be taken from Divisional Forest Officer, Mussoorie, before fishing at Kempty Falls.

Shopping

Mussoorie, also called the 'Queen of Hill stations' in India, is one of the most visited hill stations and has thus developed accordingly. Mussoorie has a well stocked market place where you can shop around for just about anything you need.

The Mall road or the Mall is the hub of tourists in Mussoorie which has shops selling all kinds of products, besides a host of interesting eating joints. At all times during the year, this thriving market place at Mall road is seen crowded with shoppers.

Here you can find retail outlets of most of the famous brands - for clothes and apparels, electronics and so on. Besides, a little ahead is another busy commercial center of Kulri. Here too you can look for anything you want.

Through out these markets in Mussoorie you will frequently encounter Tibetans selling imported products at very reasonable prices. You can also find with them, fabric wall hangings and woolen clothes, Tibetan metal ware, lots of wooden items like walking sticks, trays, bowls, cane baskets, jewellery etc., all at descent prices.

Things to Do in Mussoorie

When we talk about the tourism in Uttaranchal, Mussoorie is one of the first destinations that come into mind. Towering over the Doon valley, the hill station has been named after Mansur shrub, which can be seen growing commonly in the area. Often touted as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’, Mussoorie is not only known for its natural beauty, but also the plethora of adventure activities that it offers to the tourists. In this article, we will tell you all about what to do and see in Mussoorie.

Fun Activities to Do in Mussoorie

Nature Walks

If you go to Mussoorie and do not indulge in nature walks, consider your trip incomplete. From the Mall area of the hill station, you will find diversions to several interesting walks, bringing you right into the lap of nature. Some of the most popular options are:
* Along the road below Savoy Hotel, from the Library head to Happy Valley

* From Valley view to Clouds End

* Towards Kapurthala Chateau and Waverly Convent, on to Company Bagh

* In the hillsides of Landour

* The Barlowganj area

Boating

If you are one of the water enthusiasts coming to Mussoorie, do not forget to explore the joys of boating in the hill resort. Mussoorie Lake, one of the most popular picnic spots in the area, offers you boating facility, with marvelous view of surrounding valleys forming the backdrop. Then, you can also go for boating in Lake Mist, a newly developed picnic spot that is situated about 5 km before the Kempty falls, on the Mussoorie-Kempty road.

Wildlife Sighting

The areas in and around Mussoorie are home to a rich and varied wildlife. If you are a nature lover, do not forget to visit Van Chetna Kendra, situated amidst pine forest and flowering shrubs, and have a look at the Ghurar, Kakar, Himalayan Peacock, Monal etc. Benog Mountain Quail Sanctuary is another place that you must visit on a trip to Mussoorie. Apart from the usual birds and animals, it also boasts of extinct bird species like Mountain Quail.

Trekking

Mussoorie serves as the base for a number of interesting treks, to the nearby areas. For instance, you can trek up to the Gangotri, Yamunotri, the Black Peak, Har-ki-Doon and other treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. Then, there is the option of explore the trekking trails in the nearby Himachal Pradesh as well. The closest place from Mussoorie, for indulging in trekking expeditions, is Barlowgunj, approximately two and a half kilometers away.

Roller Skating

The youngsters will love to explore the numerous skating rinks in Mussoorie. The resort Jaypee Residency Manor houses an open air skating rink. Then, there is ‘The Rink’ in Kulri Bazaar and ‘Disco Skating Rink’ behind the Tourist Office in Mussoorie.

Trout Fishing

If you are willing to drive to a few kilometers from Mussoorie, in the search of adventure, then Aglar River and Yamuna River would provide you with ample opportunities for trout fishing. However, you will have to take permits from the Divisional Forest Officer of Mussoorie beforehand.

Paragliding

Want to soar high in the sky and look at earth from miles above it? If yes, then on your next trip to Mussoorie, do make sure to indulge in paragliding. Mussoorie Lake, apart from boating and picnics, offers you the opportunity to go paragliding as well (if the weather and air permit).

How to Reach Mussoorie

Mussoorie, also known as the ‘Queen of Hills’, is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters above the sea level. With a lovely weather and enormous tourist places to visit, it is amongst the most visited hill stations in India. Adorned with natural vistas, scenic beauty and numerous gushing waterfalls, it is the perfect destination for all kinds of tourists. Traveling to Mussoorie by road is pleasurable sight in itself, with the all-surroundings natural beauty following you throughout. In the following lines, we have provided complete information on how to reach Mussoorie, a hill resort in Uttarakhand.

Traveling to Mussoorie

By Air

The nearest airport from Mussoorie is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 58 km away from the hill station. Regular flights operate between Dehradun and Delhi as well as other major cities. After reaching the airport, you can board a taxi or take a bus.

By Rail

Dehradun railway station is the nearest railhead to Mussoorie. From the station, the tourists can either book a taxi or board a bus to reach Mussoorie. From Dehradun, you can get regular train services to all the major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur etc.

By Road

Mussoorie is well connected with major destinations of the region, like Dehradun (34 Km), Delhi (269 Km), Haridwar (90 km) and Rishikesh (77 km). By road, from Delhi, one has to take NH 58 to Roorkee and from there NH 72A to Dehradun. A 34 km drive from Dehradun will bring you to Mussoorie. You can easily get buses as well taxis from Delhi, Haridwar and Dehradun, for reaching Mussorie.

Places to See Near Mussoorie

Mussoorie is, in itself, an extremely beautiful town. Adding to its charm are exhilarating surrounds and beautiful excursions. In the radius of 25 km around the hill resort, everything seems to have been beautifully carved and skillfully finished. In fact, the enchanting surroundings of Mussoorie add to its beauty and also increase its tourism prospects. In the following lines, we have listed some of the most famous excursions around Mussoorie, a hill resort in Uttarakhand.

Tourist Places to See Near Mussoorie

Kempty Falls

Kempty Falls, 15 Km from Mussoorie, make up an extremely beautiful waterfall, enveloped between Garhwal mountain ranges. Situated at an altitude of 4500 feet, the falls present an overwhelming view of the surrounding vista. As you look at them, it feels as if they are doing a kind of somersault before they hit the ground. This is a perfect picnic spot for all the nature lovers.

Kanatal

Kanatal is one of the most beautiful hamlets near Mussoorie. Located on the Mussoorie-Chamba road, in the district of Tehri Garhwal, it is the perfect destination for those who love to have a rendezvous with the unspoiled and untamed nature.

Chamba

Chamba is small hill town, about 67 Km from Mussoorie, located in Tehri district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 1676 m. It is an unexplored, unscathed, serene destination, approximately 60 km from Mussoorie. It is an excellent place to relax, amidst the beautiful hills and snow-clad mountains. This place offers several scenic vistas of the snow clad ranges of the Himalayas and the beautiful views of river Bhagirathi. The place is famous for its beautiful orchards as well.

Jharipani Falls

Jharipani, located at a distance of 6 Km downhill from Mussoorie is connected through motorable road with Mussoorie. A road leading down from famous St. George's School of Mussoorie will take you to Jharipani Main Market. From here, the falls are about 30 minutes walk. This is an ideal spot for picnicking.

Nagga Tibba

Nagga Tibba is a peak situated around 55 km from Mussoorie. Towering at a height of around 10,000 feet, it is credited with being the highest peak around the hill resort. Covered by thick forests, it is the perfect spot for trekking, open for trekkers all around the year. Nagga Tibba provides magnificent scenic vistas of Garhwali villages, dense forests and the Himalayan ranges.

Lal Tibba

One of the most beautiful excursions around Mussoorie, Lal Tibba is the place where you get to sense the British origin of this hill station. From this point, you can see the mountain ranges of Badrinath, Kedarnath and Banderpunch, through the Japanese telescope installed here in 1967.
Dhanaulti Unspoilt, unscathed, unexplored forests of Dhanaulti are a great relief from the polluted and overcrowded cities. It is a beautiful place, about 30 km from Mussoorie, with vast green meadows, pasture lands and dense deodar, pine and oak trees. In Dhanaulti , there are beautiful orchards and natural streams appearing from here and there. This area provides magnificent views of snow-clad mountains as well. In short, it is the perfect destination for those who love to be in the vicinity of nature.

Surkhanda Devi

Surkhanda Devi is an ancient temple near Dhanaulti , located at an altitude 10,000 feet. This temple is dedicated to Shankar's consort - Sati and has to be reached through 2 km long trek. Mythologies say that Lord Shiva brought Sati's dead body, on his trishul, to Surkhanda Devi, from Haridwar. The top of this temple provides an awe-inspiring, 360 degree view of the area.
Lakha MandalLakha Mandal is an ancient temple situated at the heart of Lakha Mandal village, in Dehradun District. It is situated at a distance of 75 km from Mussoorie. The presiding deities of this temple are Shakti, the Goddess of Power, and Lord Shiva, the God of Destruction. The place is also linked to epic Mahabharta. There are two statues in the temple, which are said to be of Bhima and Arjuna, the Pandav brothers.

Yamuna Bridge

Yamuna Bridge, situated on Chakrata-Barkot Road, is an ideal spot for trout fishing. However, before going there, permissions need to be taken from the Forest Department at Mussoorie.

Mussoorie Tourist Attractions

Popularly known as the ‘Queen of Hills’ in India, Mussoorie is a hill station in Uttarakhand, situated at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters above the sea-level. With its pleasant weather and attractive flora and fauna; it is one of the most visited hill resort in India. Mussoorie is named so because of ‘mansoor’, a shrub indigenous to this area. Adorned with attractive snow ranges on the north-east and glittering views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges in the south, the town almost
looks like ‘a paradise’. Let us explore information on
the tourist attractions in Mussoorie.

Places to Visit in Mussorie

The Mall

Situated in the ‘heart of the city’, Mall is the main shopping place in Mussoorie. It runs from the old Picture Palace cinema spot, right down to the Library. It is famous for the antique shops at the clock tower. The middle section ‘kulri’ of the mall is famous for shops, restaurants and video parlors.

Kulri Bazaar

Kulri Bazaar, lying on thje eastern end of the Mall road, is a lively market place. At Kulri Bazaar, you will find a number of holets, tourist guest houses and lodges along with a host of eateries offering cuisine that ranges from Tibetan and Chinese to Mughlai and continental. Coffee shops like Café Coffee Day and Barista are also located here. This is a well stocked market where you will find what ever you seek - Jackets, Shawls, Branded Clothes, Audio and Video CDs and so on. There is an interesting landmark here, Picture Palace. It was once the biggest cinema in India, but is now defunct.

On the slope by the cinema theatre, there's a skating rink in Silverton. Other beautiful buildings of imperial era include the SBI building which during British Raj was Imperial Bank of India, and Methodist Church.

Company Bagh

Renamed as Municipal Garden, this beautiful garden is still popular as Company Bagh. It is located at a distance of 2 Km from the Library on the Happy Valley Side. This garden is often found crowded with families having a joy time either boating or simply picnicking on the lush green grass.

Camel's Back Road

Camel's Back Road can be a good place for people who want to spend some time in peace and solitude. The 4-km camel’s hump-like stretch, overlooking the hills near the Library end of town, offers horse rides and rickshaw rides as well.

Library Bazaar

Library Bazaar has been so named because of the 19th century Victorian-style Library at the end of the Mall. In British era, people of the town would gather here to listen to their famous musical bands.

The Walks

From the Mall area, there are several diverts that may take you to interesting places in Mussoorie. Known as the walks, they present an interesting option to people who love exploring ancient places and like being in the lap of the nature.

* Along the road below Savoy Hotel, from the Library head to Happy Valley

* From Valley view to Clouds End

* Towards Kapurthala Chateau and Waverly Convent, on to Company Bagh

* In the hillsides of Landour

* The Barlowganj area

Gun Hill

Situated 400 feet above the mall, it is said to be an ancient volcano. The Gun hill provides excellent commanding views of the valleys and mountains and is also an interesting place with lots of restaurants and cafes.

The Churches

There are a number of magnificent churches in Mussoorie. Amongst the most prominent ones are Methodist Church (in the Mall), Christ Church (near Kasmanda Palace), Old Union Church (near Landour) and Kellog's Memorial Church (on the route to Lal Tibba, in the Landour).

Lake MistLake mist is a newly developed picnic spot, 5 km before the Kempty falls, on the Mussoorie-Kempty road. It is an attractive place, with several restaurants, hotels and a lake with boating facility.

Mussoorie Lake

Mussoorie Lake is a beautiful picnic spot-cum-boating spot, developed recently, on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. It provides marvelous view of surrounding valleys and villages, especially during nights.

Sir George Everest House

The lab and building of the first Surveyor-General of India, Sir George Everest, is also an interesting place to visit in Mussoorie. Situated 6 km from Gandhi Chowk, the place provides becharming views of Doon Valley on one side and Yamuna Valley and snow-covered Himalayan ranges, on the other.

Cloud End

Cloud End is a wonderful resort in Mussoorie, surrounded by dense deodar forest. It is one of the first four buildings of the hill resort, built by British Major and now been converted into a hotel. The place provides peace and calm and is full of flora and fauna.

Van Chetna Kendra

Surrounded by pine forest and flowering shrubs, Van Chetna Kendra is a beautifully developed tourist spot. The main attraction of the park is its wildlife, comprising of Ghurar, Kakar, Himalayan Peacock, Monal etc.

Benog Mountain Quail Sanctuary

Benog Mountain Quail Sanctuary was established in the year 1993 and is a must visit for those who love nature and its various creations. The sanctuary houses, amongst others, extinct bird species like Mountain Quail.

Mussoorie

Mussoorie is one of the most beautiful hill stations not only in Uttarakhand, but the whole of India. It is named after Mansoor, a shrub which is indigenous to this area. Popularly known as the 'Queen of hills' in India, the place seems like a 'virtual paradise' on earth. Lush green forests and lofty mountains adorn the scenic town. With a panoramic view of snow-capped mountain ranges in the north-east, and sparkling views of the Doon Valley and Shivalik ranges in the south, the hill resort offers its visitors real scenic delights.

Mussoorie was discovered in 1827, by Captain Young, an adventurous British military officer, along with Mr. Shore, the resident Superintendent of Revenues at Dehradun. They were captivated by this extraordinarily beautiful place and jointly constructed a shooting ridge here. Today, Mussoorie has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The salubrious weather of the town is a pleasant change from the heat, humidity and dust of the plains. Mussoorie also acts as the gateway to the holy shrines of “Gangotri” and “Yamunotri”.

With cascading waterfalls, lush green forests, mystic Himalayas, grassy slopes and awe-inspiring valleys, Mussoorie offers its visitor the real experience of being in the lap of nature. The city's raw and unhampered beauty has a majestic aura about it. It seems as if nature has blessed this city with everything required for becoming a visitor's paradise. A summer tour to Mussoorie will indeed be an enchanting experience for any tourist.

The tourism sector of Mussoorie is well developed. Food, lodging and transportation are available in accordance with all kinds of budgets. The city also offers tourists spots for all kinds of tourists. From Children's lodge to ancient temples and parks to vantage points, Mussoorie has it all. Other than the local market and attractions, you can also look around Mussoorie for some wonderful excursions, like Chamba and Kanatal.

Bird House - Dehradun

Its just that Robert Frost never got to Sinola Malsi, a serenic beautiful hamlet in the Shivaliks ranges in the Himalayas. Through the history, the desire for peace and tranquility has obsessed humanity yet it eludes everyone as there are wars, floods, Tsunamis, Katrinas, bombings, flight delays, work stress and the human society continues to strive hard to attain its objectives. Amidst all this mayhem, the nature provides the balm of harmony; the picturesque timeless beauty of the hills, the sheer silence of tranquility of the woods, and the opportunity to experience nothingness is what makes the Bird House an experience so unusual.

This exotic part of the hill state of Uttaranchal, India, hidden in the subtlety of its surroundings of lychee orchards, amidst the chirps of more than a 1000 varieties of birds, has often been the abode of the rich and famous from around the country. Bird House, a charming, two storeyed abode located right in the middle of the woods, just metres away from the main national highway, takes you closer to God with a 180 degree view of the forest and an exotic view of the Mussorie hills. Once home to north-eastern royalty and famous ornithologists, the place offers gracious hospitality. The rooms have been luxuriously furnished and maintained by the hosts who have lived in the Spanish city of Barcelona for many years yet provide a traditional homely comfort to the peace and tranquility seekers. A wonderfully unusual mix of Mediterranean and Indian touch has been given to the building and the décor. The beautifully landscaped gardens and colonial verandahs offer days filled with laze and relaxation. Ideal for people with taste who prefer something different, the in-house Chef is delighted to cook culinary delights to tickle your appetite.

Bird House is a private property and the owners take the pleasure in extending an invitation to the all who love nature the way God has given it to mankind and believe in preserving its sanctity.

The owners take pride in keeping the Bird House clean, green and one with the enviornment. The guests are requested to make all efforts in maintaining it that way.

Important : The owners reserve the right to refuse entry to unacceptable people and also ask the guests to leave the property immediately if their conduct is not socially appropriate.

How to Reach Bird House

By Car—A morning 5-6 hours drive of around 250 km from Delhi on the national highway to Dehradun-Mussorie takes you to Bird House for lunch. A similar but more picturesque drive from Chandigarh-Mussorie highway takes you to Bird House for lunch.

By Air—A less than an hour’s flight from New Delhi to Dehradun takes you to Bird House for a late lunch.

By Train—An Express Train journey of around 6 hours from New Delhi to Dehradun takes you to Bird House for lunch.

About Dehradun

Dehradun, the city, headquarters of the district is visited by a large number of tourist every year, many of them en-route to Mussoorie. The climate of the city is temperate. Even during summer, it is not so warm at Dehra Dun as in the district south of it. The Forest Research Institute which is world famous for its research work in forestry and is the only institution of its kind in Asia is situated here. Besides, headquarters of the important establishment like the Oil and Natural Commission; Survey of India etc., the Military Academy are also located here. The Gurudwara built by Guru Ram Raj during the reign of Aurangzeb in the Dhamanwala locality o the town is a religious place of eminence. The other places of importance is the Robber's cave, situated at a distance of about 8 kms from Dehra Dun. The cave is a natural picnic spot surrounded by hills where water suddenly disappears from sight and goes underground only to reappear after a few yards in the form of a stream. The city has many beautiful rest houses and good hotels to provide accommodation to the tourist. For many years, it has been one of the best known educational centres in northern India. Dehra Dun is well linked by rail and road with Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Lucknow and Varanasi.

Monuments and Sight Seeing Places and spots in Dehradun:TapkeshwarTemple

The temple is situated on the banks of a rivulet, in the Garhi Cantt. Area 5.5 kms. from the city bus stand, the temple is well connected by road. It is named Tepkeshwar as water droplets, originating form a rock, fall on the Shivling placed in the shrine. People in large numbers participate in the fair organised on the occasion of Shivratri and pay their obeisance to the deity.