2 HOURS IN MUSSOORIE: A Quick Stroll on Mall Road

2 days or 2 weeks itineraries are for real but just 2 hours in Mussoorie can be unbelievably weird (but fun too). I bet you are wondering ‘Who goes to one of the gorgeous hill stations of India for only a few hours?” Well, not many but sometimes when you are badly pressed for time, you have no choice. Many a times we are not able to spend a wholesome holiday or as much time as we would have love to in a touristy destination but its okay to make the most of whatever you can do. All experiences are worth it, like this one. A stroll around mall road was enough to catch up with the vibes of the ‘Queen of the hills.’ And I also said a small prayer so that next time I get to spend a lot of time there. Uttarakhand is one of my favorite state. I love its quaint villages as well as all its touristy offerings. Do you know about its red and white Aipan art?

DEHRADUN TO MUSSOORIE

The hill stations of North India are unmatchable. Mussoorie has always been one of my favorite. So this time when I had a couple of hours, I did not shy from making the most of it. I was in Dehradun for four days to attend a friend’s wedding. Despite a packed schedule, we squeezed in some time on the mehndi day. Mussoorie is only 32 kilometers away from Dehradun and it takes 1 and a half hours to reach by road. We had hired a local taxi. Apart from the 3 hours of ascending and descending the mountainous terrain, we hardly had a little more than an hour. The picturesque views of the hills on a lovely November afternoon, a stroll on the Mall road and some quick local treats made the 2 hours in Mussoorie absolutely worth it. And it was a great feeling to be back after 11 years. Last time, I had taken a long vacation in Mussoorie, with my parents in the year 2010.

MALL ROAD IS THE HUB OF MUSSOORIE

With sprawling views of picturesque mountains, wandering clouds in tow, colonial style architectural structures, old shops, eating joints, Mall road is nothing less than the heart of Mussoorie.

Mussoorie Library is the building to look out for. It overlooks the crossing at Gandhi Chowk and is one of the heritage properties there. It is nearly as old as the hill station itself. It was built 17 years later when Mussoorie came into existence.

Mussoorie was founded by captain Frederick Young. He had made a house there and gradually it evolved as one of the favorite places of the British. Many schools, houses, markets and a library came up there. If someone is keen on getting introduced to the history of Mussoorie, must begin with a walking tour of Mall road. Even with respect to photography, its a vibrant place.

Mall road is the place to be for shopping and bingeing on local treats. As you will walk, you will see corn sellers, ice cream, momos, chaat to entertain your taste buds. Also, the bakery treats of Dehradun and Mussoorie are great. Walnut brownies are yum!!

THINGS TO DO IN MUSSOORIE

For those who are due for a long holiday to the hills, Mussoorie is a great option. There is lots to do if you love to do the little things.

• A walk on the Mall Road
• Woolen shopping or general shopping around Library bazaar on Mall road.
• Digging in Maggi, steamed momos and boiled Corn
• Brunch or Dinner at the local eateries
• You got to indulge in hot chocolates, ice-creams and brownies
• Lal Tibba, one of the highest viewpoints in Mussoorie
• A visit to Mussoorie Library, the iconic building from the year 1843
• Boating on Mussoorie Lake
• A visit to Kempty Falls
• A stroll in the lap of nature in Company garden
• Trekking to Gun Hill Point ( A cable car ride is also fun)
• A visit to Sir George Everest’s House
• A stop-over at Bhatta falls on the way to Mussoorie

HOW TO REACH MUSSOORIE BY AIR AND ROAD?

The closest railway station is Dehradun railway station. The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun-Rishikesh border). A road trip from Delhi takes 8-9 hours.

SHIMLA is a also a popular hill station of India.