Exploring the Queen of Hill Stations
By: Peer Mohammad Amir Qureshi
As the culmination of my postgraduate examinations loomed on the horizon signaling the impending departure from the city of Dehradun, in the heart of Uttarakhand, I along with my friends resolved to embark on an exhilarating escapade to the illustrious hill station of Uttarakhand, none other than the resplendent Mussoorie-also known as the Queen of the hill stations.
The location was exactly 34 kms away from our beloved city were we spent two beautiful years of our life? We were accompanied by a congenial local youth, a mutual acquaintance, who graciously provided two motorcycles. Our expedition commenced as we embarked on the meandering path leading to the hill station of Mussoorie, with the excitement of our journey propelling us forward.
As we embarked on our journey, we chose the scenic old road, a smooth path adorned with lush forests and enchanting mango orchards. Our progress was met with a warm embrace from iridescent and shimmer butterflies and a diverse array of moths.
As we continued, the road gracefully wound its way, leading us higher and higher in a zig zag manner I couldn’t stop to compare Mussorie to the majestic beauty of Kashmir’s Naranag Ganderbal seemed apt, for just as the River Sindh meanders amidst the mountains there, here in Mussorie, the Yamuna River flowed with passionate clarity.
It felt like a homecoming to my beloved district of Ganderbal, as the surroundings resonated with a comforting familiarity. As we ascended to greater altitudes, we encountered the dwindling groves of the rare Mansuri shrubs.
Regrettably, these botanical treasures are teetering on the brink of extinction. A local lad enlightened us, revealing that the very name “Mussoorie” finds its origin in the once-abundant Mansuri shrubs, now facing imminent demise. Amidst this ecological narrative, a profusion of flourishing Aloevera plants graced the landscape. Furthermore, alongside the majestic Yamuna River, torrents of cascading waterfalls added to the enchantment of the scenery.
Amidst the ever-shifting colors of nature’s palette, the Himalayas unfurled their mesmerizing diversity, a spectacle beyond compare. The sight of Cadres Deodars in Uttarakhand left me spellbound, reminiscent of the majestic sentinels that grace the roads leading to Kashmir’s famed tourist destinations.
My senses were entwined in a whirlwind of perplexity and fascination, as if transported to the verdant valleys of Kashmir itself. It was a joyous revelation to encounter these grand arboreal giants in this unexpected corner of the world.
Our amazement deepened at the unexpected presence of bakerwalls, tending to both goats and buffaloes, guarded by vigilant dogs, yet conspicuously lacking horses. Upon reaching Kempty Falls, it became evident that the government and tourism department had harnessed every conceivable opportunity.
A cable car project and water boating facilities beckoned adventure seekers. Descending towards the falls,I was captivated by the impeccable cleanliness and an array of shops displaying exquisite wood art from Mussoorie, along with charming toy shops and virtual gaming stations. For a mere thirty rupees, one could rent clothing to embrace the rejuvenating bath of the mighty Kempty Falls.
The remarkable aspect was the fair pricing with fixed rates and an absence of haggling, despite this being a bustling tourist hotspot. Folks were reveling in the refreshing waters of Kempty Falls, striking poses for selfies, and basking in the vibrant energy injected by the cable car project, breathing new life into this destination!
As in Kashmir, various rental services cater to tourists, allowing them to adorn themselves in traditional Kashmiri attire, providing an avenue to experience the profound cultural heritage. A similar opportunity presents itself in the charming kemptyfalls where a range of garments can be rented, enabling visitors to embrace Himachali, Garhwali, and other regional styles, fostering a deep exploration of India’s rich cultural diversity.
Amidst the scorching heat in the cities of Dehradun, people from neighboring towns seek refuge in the majestic hill station known as the “Queen of Mountains.” However, the journey to Mussoorie is not without its challenges. The roads leading to this serene retreat are in a state of disrepair, with narrow passages in certain areas due to heavy rainfall causing the deposition of stones and mud on the roadways.
Some sections of the road have even sunk, resulting in frustrating traffic congestion. Nevertheless, diligent repair work is underway to address these issues. The Airtel Bharti Limited network experienced sporadic outages in various locations, while the Jio network stood out with its reliable performance. It’s worth noting that many signboards exclusively feature Hindi script, which may pose a challenge for those who do not read the language.
VisitingMussoorie was truly a remarkable experience, with its refreshing climate allowing visitors to witness the ethereal beauty of clouds up close. The sunset vistas were nothing short of mesmerizing, adding to the overall enchantment of this charming destination.
Indeed, Mussoorie is an absolute must-visit for nature enthusiasts. The memories of my trip to this splendid destination have left an indelible mark on my heart. I yearn for another opportunity to return and bask in its beauty, perhaps even staying overnight to further savor the experience. It was truly an exceptional journey.
(The writer is a columnist. He tweets @peermohdamir and can be reached at ehsaanamy133@gmail.con)
