Mussoorie, the "Gateway" to Yamunotri and Gangotri Shrines of Northern India. Often referred to as the "Queen of the Hills", Mussoorie is a charming hill station situated above sea level in the beautiful Gharwal Hills. Today, Mussoorie is famous not only for its scenic beauty but it has also developed into an important centre of education and business.It is abundantly adorned with the legacy and heritage which is about to complete 200 years of existence. Most of the buildings and structures date back to the times of the pioneer settlers of Mussoorie.It became a popular holiday resort and a hill station because of its undying charm of its beauteousness .Mussoorie, like any hill station, experiences unpredictable and sudden changes in weather.
Mussoorie of churches, cemeteries, flea shops crammed with collectibles and a community of writers, teachers and other retired folk who live in quaint cottages tucked away among the oak and deodar copses.
Major festivals include Uttarani or Kale Kaua, Basant Panchami, Samvastar Pareva, Phooldeli, Bikhauti, Hariyala, Gheeya Sankranti or Olgia, Autumn Festival, Summer Festival, The Bhadraj Fair, Shravan Mela, Kunjapuri Fair, Nanda Devi Mela, Hatkalika Fair, Surkhanda Devi Mela, Mata Murti Ka Mela, Tapkeshwar Fair, Lakhawar Village Fair and so on.
Mussoorie is a cosmopolitan city of deep cultural and traditional values. Also known as City of temples:
Nag Devta Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to God of Snakes, is situated on the Cart Mackenzie Road. Located 6 km from the city centre, the temple is frequently visited by devotees as well as tourists. Every year, the temple is decorated beautifully on the occasion of Nag Panchmi.
Jwala Devi Temple is situated on the top of the Benog Hills, which is located at an altitude of more than 2,100 metres. Dotted with thick forests of pine and deodar, the path to the temple begins from Cloud's End.The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and has a stone idol in the inner sanctum. Besides devotees, the shrine also attracts nature lovers for its beautiful surroundings and pleasant atmosphere.
TapkeshwarMahadev Temple is located at a distance of around 40 km from the city centre. Situated at the outskirts of the city, the popular cave temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on the banks of a seasonal river.According to the popular legend, it is believed that from this cave Lord Shiva made milk flow for Ashwathama, the son of Rishi Dronacharya. Apart from this, the temple is surrounded by sulphur springs, which are believed to have medicinal values. Therefore, these springs are ideal dipping points for devotees as well as tourists visiting the temple.The temple is thronged by number of devotees during the festival of Shivaratri, so as to participate in the holy marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
ShedupChoepelling Temple, also known as Tibetan Buddhist Temple, is one of the famous Tibetan temples located in the destination. Situated on the Happy Valley Road, the temple is surrounded by snow capped mountains.It is believed that Dalai Lama took refuge in Mussoorie after fleeing from Tibet. Since then, this land was granted to him as Dharamshala by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Housing many Tibetan literature and books, the temple is beautifully adorned by clay lamps in the lamp house and the prayer flags.