Jul 25, 2012 02:49 PM
15679 Views
After staying at Dehradun for a day which can be skipped we headed towards mussourie. We took a bus from the Dehradun Station to Mussourier. After travelling for an hour and a half on the winding roads we reached Mussourie by 11 am. The bus stand is ten minutes walk from the mall road and we got an agent who got us a good and clean budget room at Hotel Amar which is on the road adjacent to the mall road. After resting and ordering our lunch (which was very reasonably priced) we setout to explore.
We walked the entire mall road and reached the ropeway booking counter for Gunhill. They charge 75 per person (return fare) which is very steep considering it is hardly 400 mtrs. Gunhill is just a flat area atop the mountain which is surrounded from all sides by stalls, vendors and eateries. Hardly there are few areas from where you can watch the surrounding valleys. Besides having a view of various tall mountains which we could not make out much as it was very foggy, we could see Lal Tibba on the opposite mountain which is the highest peak at Mussourie. We enjoyed the games at the game stall including, shooting, arrow game, ring game, etc and took photos of ourselves in Kashmiri costumes. By the time we finished it was totally dark by rain clouds and it started pouring. The water was literally like ice drops falling on you. We waited till the rain stopped and took the return ropeway.
On our return journey again explored the mall road and did some shopping for wooden items which are comparatively cheap. The uphill road just opposite the ropeway ticket counter is good for shopping. The mall road is full of hotels, restaurants, shops and really a shoppers paradise. The climate had totally changed due to the rains and it was very cold outside.After doing some window and some actual shopping we had our dinner at the mall road and returned to our hotel.
Next day due to the chill we wore our sweaters and setout. After enquiring we got to know that for Kempty falls which is around 20 kms we have to start early at around 4 or 5 am as the road gets jam and you have to alight and walk for 5/6 kms to reach the fall. The fall is accessible by a ropeway which goes down till the fall. Buses are available for the falls but private vehicles were charging a hefty amount for the same. We dropped the idea and instead headed to the Municipal Garden (Company Bagh) which is 5 km away and we hired a cycle rickshaw from near the ropeway counter. They charge you Rs.60 per person one way but the road is a straight one without any slopes.
We felt pity for the puller of the rickshaw and even at the slightest incline we would get down and walk a bit but he assured us time and again that he has no problem in pulling us even on the upward slopes. That is their only source of income and we have to respect it. The surrounding view and greenery calms you.
The road to the garden is really beautiful and a peaceful one. After paying Rs.15/- as entry fee at the garden we entered the garden. The garden is a beautiful and well maintained one with lots of variety of flowers and various games for kids including a small boating pond. The view of the surrounding valley is great and makes you love the hill station. After spending around 2 hrs. we set out for return journey but opted to walk out the 5 kms. As the climate was also cool, we enjoyed the leisurely walk and reached mall road at lunch time. After having lunch we returned to our room.
Next day morning we checked out from the hotel and went to the bus stand. As we wanted to proceed to Rishikesh, we were informed that we will have to go to Dehradun and from there take a connecting bus to Rishikesh.
