Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Mussoorie is a hill station and a municipal board in the Dehradun District of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is about 35 kilometres (22 mi) from the state capital of Dehradun and 290 km (180 mi) north of the national capital of New Delhi. The hill station is in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range. The adjoining town of Landour, which includes a military cantonment, is considered part of 'greater Mussoorie', as are the townships of Barlowganj and Jharipani.

Mussoorie is at an average altitude of 1,880 metres (6,170 ft). To the northeast are the Himalayan snow ranges, and to the south, the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges. The second highest point is the original Lal Tibba in Landour, with a height of over 2,275 metres (7,464 ft). Mussoorie is popularly known as The Queen of the Hills.

Mussoorie was founded by Lt. Frederick Young of East India Company. Lt. Young came to these hills for the purpose of shooting game.

                          

Geography and climate

Mussoorie has an average elevation of about 1,300 metres or 4,270 feet. The highest point is 'Lal Tibba', at a height of about 5,000 feet or 1,520 metres, although the name Lal Tibba is now also used to describe a lookout point, a short distance from the peak.

                                           

Mussoorie has a fairly typical subtropical highland climate for the mid-altitude Himalaya. Summers are warm and very wet, with July and August averaging approximately 660 millimetres or 25.98 inches of rain per month due to orographic lift of the extremely moist monsoonal air. The pre-monsoon seasons in April and May is warm to very warm and generally dry and clear, giving way to heavy rainfall from mid-June, while the post-monsoon season is also dry and clear but substantially cooler. In winter, rainfall is a little more frequent than in the pre-and post-monsoon seasons, and the general weather cool and partly cloudy. Mussoorie usually receives a few spells of snowfall in December, January and February, although the number of snowy days has come down in recent years due to a combination of local and global factors, such as deforestation, construction activity and global warming.

                                     

Landmarks

Tourism is the most significant segment of Mussoorie's economy.

It has a 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. The road contains hotels and motels, and a cemetery is about mid-way on the loop. There is "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 above Mall Road and is undergoing restoration.Company Garden a tourist attraction, has a large collection of flowers and plants.

At Happy Valley is a small Tibetan temple, constructed in 1960 by the Tibetan refugees, the first Tibetan temple to be built in India.[citation needed] Lal Tibba is another Mussoorie tourist attraction with views of the Himalayas, and is situated above Mussoorie in the cantonment area of Landour.

Nahata Estate

Previously known as "Childer's Lodge", Nahata Estate is a property of more than 300 acres (120 ha), owned by the Harakh Chand Nahata family. It is the highest peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba with mountain views, 5 km (3 mi) from the Tourist Office.

Gun Hill

A honeymooning couple on Gunhill in Mussourie

Gun Hill is the second highest point of Mussoorie, at an altitude of 2,024 m (6,640 ft)

Kempty Falls

The Kempty Falls are on the hilly tracks of Uttarakhand, India, 15 km (9.3 mi) from Mussoorie along Kempty Fall Road. This place is nearly 1,364 m (4,475 ft) above sea level at 78°-02’ East longitude and 30° -29’ North latitude. The curious name of this waterfall is derived from the words ‘camp-tea’, which was popularised by British tea parties here during the colonial era. The falls are also a popular swimming and fishing destination in Mussoorie.

                            

                                            

Lake Mist

About 5 km (3 mi) before Kempty Falls on the Mussoorie-Kempty road is Lake Mist, through which flows the Kempty river with its numerous small waterfalls. The resort of Lake Mist provides accommodation, restaurant facilities and boating.

Municipal Garden

The Municipal Garden provides an artificial mini-lake with paddle boats. It is 4 km (2.5 mi) by road transport and 2 km (1 mi) via Waverly Convent School road on foot.

Mussoorie Lake

The newly developed Mussoorie Lake was built by City Board and Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority.The lake, providing pedal boats and views of Doon Valley and nearby villages, is 6 km (3.5 mi) from Mussoorie on the Mussoorie-Dehradun road.

                                 

Bhatta Falls

Bhatta Falls are 7 km (4.5 mi) from Mussoorie on the Mussoorie-Dehradun Road near the village of Bhatta. The falls are 3 km (2 mi) by foot from Bhatta.

Jharipani Fall

Jharipani Fall is 8.5 km (5.5 mi) from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Jharipani road.

Mossy Fall

Mossy Fall is surrounded by a dense forest and is 7 km (4.5 mi) from Mussoorie, and is accessed via Barlowganj or Balahisar.

Sir George Everest's House

At Park Estate are 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 (3.5 mi) from Gandhi Chowk and a scenic walk from Library Bazaar, although accessible by road transport to at least Haathi Paon. The place provides a view of Doon Valley on one side and a panoramic view of the Aglar River valley and the peaks of the Himalayan ranges on the other. It is a scenic walk from Library Bazaar.

Happy Valley

Happy Valley, Mussoorie

At Upbeat Valley is the IAS Academy, Tibetan sanctuaries and the Municipal Garden. The range of the valley lies on the western side of Library Point and prompts the Cloud's End, a place where land fringes of Mussoorie end.

Nag Devta Temple

The ancient Nag Devta Temple is dedicated to Snake God Lord Shiva, It is on Cart Mackenzie Road about 6 km (3.5 mi) from Mussoorie on the road to Dehradun. There is vehicular access to the temple, which provides a view of Mussoorie and the Doon Valley.

Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill)

At an altitude of 2,240 m (7,350 ft), this temple is in the 9 km (5.5 mi) west of Mussoorie. It is at the top of Benog Tibba (Hill) and contains an old idol of Goddess Durga. There is a view of the Aglar River valley. The temple cannot be accessed by vehicle although a motor road goes most of the way from Mussoorie.

Cloud End

Cloud End is surrounded by thick deodar forest. The bungalow, built in 1838 by a British major, was one of the first four buildings in Mussoorie and has been converted to a hotel.

Van Chetna Kendra

Van Chetna Kendra is 11 km (7 mi) to the south of Library Point, and is a sanctuary established in 1993, and covers an area of 339 hectares (840 acres). It is significant for the extinct bird species Mountain Quail (Pahari Bater), which was last spotted in 1876.

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

This one is about 11 kilometers from Library Point but still interesting for those who like bird watching and the wildlife. Old-cedar trees and many medicinal plants growing in abundance along with pine trees will give a lot of happiness to a nature lover's heart. Plus there are chances of spotting The White Capped Water Redstart and the Red Billed Blue Magpie, or a panther, leopard, deer, bear and Himalayan goats f you are very lucky.

Mall Road

The Mall is a renowned shopping district situated in the heart of Mussoorie. It is dotted with shops, cafes and a host of colonial remnants that point to Mussoorie's past glories. There are several video game parlours and skating rinks here for travellers to revel in entertainment activities. The Mall also has a Methodist church and the Tibetan market place nearby makes for a diverse cultural mix.

                                             

Lal Tibba

Lal Tibba is the highest point in Mussoorie and offers a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings. The place is famous for a Japanese telescope which was placed here in 1967. One can view Badrinath, Kedarnath, Banderpunch and other Himalyan ranges from this telescope. Lal Tibba is also called Depot Hill due to the presence of a military depot here in earlier times.

                                           

Transport

Mussoorie is connected by road to Delhi and major cities. It is called the "Gateway" to Yamnotri and Gangotri shrines of Northern India. The nearest Airport Jolly Grant in Dehradun is 60 km away from the city The closest rail station is Dehradun. Within Mussoorie are taxis and buses.

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You can go to Mussoorie by road I m sure you will have amazing experience of road trip.

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About Diu Island

                            Diu Island

                               
                     Diu Island is an island off the Southern coast of Gujarat's Kathiawar peninsula, separated from the mainland by a tidal creek. It has an area of 40 km², and a population of 44,110 (2001 census).

It belongs to Diu District and lies 5 km to the east of Diu Head. Diu is part of the Union territory of Daman and Diu. Both Daman and Diu share the same member of parliament.


Map of Diu, 1729 (G. Child Sculpt., engraved by G. Child)
The town of Diu and Diu Fort are located on the island. There is also a domestic airport, Diu Airport.

1 Churches
            1.1 St Paul's Church
            1.2 St. Thomas Church

                                   
2 Forts
            2.1 Diu Fort
            2.2 Fortim do Mar

Churches
St Paul's Church
The construction of this church was started in 1601 and was completed by 1610. The Church is dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception in 1691. Illuminated by flood lights (by night time), the main façade of the church is perhaps the most elaborate of all Portuguese churches in India. In architectural style, the is Gothic and resembles Bom Jesus Church at Old Goa. The wood - panelling of the church is rated one of the best in church craftsmanship. The church adorned with curiously treated volutes and shell - like motifs and the magnificent wood carving.


St. Thomas Church
Now a museum, the old St. Thomas Church houses antique statues, various stone inscriptions of the earlier rulers, wooden carvings and idols. The huge edifice in gothic architecture was built in 1598. A part of it has been converted into a museum - an archaeological treasure house. The artifacts displayed date back to the 16th century and beyond. In evening, multicolored fountains and special lighting of the imposing building fascinate everyone.

Forts

Diu Fort

The Diu Fort, is located on the west coast of India in Diu, a Union Territory, administered by the Government of India. The fort was built by the Portuguese during their colonial rule of the Diu island. The Diu town is located to the west of the fort. The fort was built in 1535 subsequent to a defense alliance forged by Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat and the Portuguese when Humayun, the Mughal Emperor, waged war to annex this territory. Some additions made in 1541 and the fort was strengthened over the years, till 1546. Portuguese ruled over this territory from 1537 (from the year they took control of the fort and also the Diu town fully) until 1961. They were forced to quit only in December 1961 (even though India became an independent country in 1947) during a military action called the Operation Vijay launched by the Government of India, whereafter Diu was merged with India and became a centrally administered Union Territory.

This massive, fairly well-preserved Portuguese fort with its double moat must once have been impregnable. But years of sea erosion and neglect are leading to its slow collapse. Cannonballs litter the place, and the ramparts have a superb array of cannons. The lighthouse is Diu’s highest point, with a beam that reaches 32 km in every direction. There are several small chapels, one holding engraved tombstone fragments. Part of the fort also serves as the island’s jail.

                                   
Fortim do Mar
Built right at the mouth of the creek, the fortress of Fortim do Mar (Sea Fort or Pani-Kotha) is a magnificent stone structure in the sea. Approximately one nautical mile (1.852 km) from the Diu jetty, it also has a light house and a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea. The fortress creates a beautiful view whether seen from the jetty, from the villages of Ghoghla or from Diu proper, or from the Fort itself. Again, special light effects at night give it mesmerizing beauty.

Naida caves, Diu are located outside the city wall of the Diu Fort, which was constructed by the Portuguese. The caves feature a big network of tunnels with square hewn steps, which is yet to be fully explored. It is believed that the Portuguese during their reign hacked building materials from these caves. You can reach Naida caves in Diu through Delwada which is the nearest railway station. The place is also well connected by road. 

                                             
                                                                    Naida Caves, Diu

Short Tour of Diu Island

How to Reach

Una is the nearest railway station, which is 12 km from Diu. The nearest rail head of Diu is located at Veraval (90 Km) connected to Ahmedabad, which is 370 km. It is also well connected to the other cities of the country. It is an hour journey from Mumbai to Diu.

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Dwarka, Gujarat

MY VISIT TO DWARKA IN GUJARAT

Dwarka is one of the most pious places in hindu religion. LORD Krishna selected this area as his home and kingdom after leaving mathura. This is the place where krishna’s friend sudama came to meet him for help. I visited this place on diwali for my religious trip. We had started from SOMNATH at 6.30 am in aG.S.R.T.C bus ( 110 rupees)and took the scenic route of somnath -harshad- porbandar-dwarka. On this route road runs parallel to the sea and we see many windmills on this scenic route.

windmills on somnath to dwarka road

& A treat to watch are various birds nestling in water. The road brings out the romantic in you even though we were traveling in a not sooo romantic but comfortable bus. While my husband was dozing off i watched few trailers full of pink lobsters caught freshly from sea being taken to the nearest cold storage. The wind mills are quite lot in number and very near to the road….

nageshwar jyotirling, dwarka

dwarka is 150 kms from jamnagar

dwarka is 250 kms from rajkot

dwarka is 100 kms from porbandar

dwarka is 260 kms from somnath

Various trains and pvt buses ply to and fro from rajkot, porbandar, jamnagar,ahmedabad,somnath,vadodara,surat.

DWARKA has the famous Dwarkadhish temple for VAISHNAVS.  It is in a very sad state of condition. There is a lack of cleanliness, order, planning, security and respect for a place of worship. the pujaris keep on spitting in the mandir campus itself. Another famous place of worship is the NAGESHWAR JYOTIRLING at 16 kms from dwarka. The mandir has a large statute of Lord Shiva.

this place has been redesigned by T-SERIES company at a cost of 5 crores.but the sad part is there are stall right inside the mandir selling stuff at high price in the name of god. the chowpaty area is in pathetic condition with lack of cleanliness and stall selling food items throwing there rubbish into the sea directly.

  

dwarka beach and light house

there are various places to stay in dwarka but if u are visiting with family ( old aged people and quiet children) then KOKILA DHIRAJ DHAM  ( Rs 300 for a 2 bed non ac room) run by reliance industries is a great place to stay. Its near to good eating places in dwarka. The only difficulty at KDD is tat u cant get rooms easily and need to book it in advance and shorts are not allowed in the campus. FAMILIES with quiet children are given preference as it has lots of  VIPs staying in the permises.

Sea here is very turbulent and not so safe for swimming. various sea shells and coloured stones are avaiilable for collectors and aquarium owners.

Bet dwarka is good juzz for the boat ride..otherwise the island is cramped with shops. dwarka municipality rund 2 trips daily 8 am to 1 pm  and 2pm to 7 pm daily for tourists( 50 rupees).  This trip covers nageshwar temple, gopi talav, bet dwarka,rukmani temple. priests at all the temples keep hogging you for money.. i am a gujarati and its a sad condition to see in my own state.

sadhus at rukmini temple

horse cart ride

U can definately enjoy dwarka more on a horse cart….its cheap too but make sure u have a strong back cozzz the roads are real bad…..and the people of dwarka are waiting for a visit from Mr. Chief Minister so that the roads will be paved again….relaince industries have helped in renovating the various  ghats on RIVER GOMTI.

In all when viewed from a pilgrim’s eye it is a pious land but from a tourist’s eye it isnt so.

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