5 Places To Visit In Mussoorie

Located 35 kilometres from Dehradun, Mussoorie is a picturesque hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The hill station is located at the foothills of the Garhawl Himalayan ranges, and is also known by its nickname “The Queen Of Hills”. The place is also known as the gateway to the “Gangotri and “Yamunotri” shrines. The best time to visit the place is between mid-March to mid-November as the rains during monsoons and cold during the winters make it pretty inaccessible. Here is a list of top ten places to visit in Mussorie:

1.Kempty Fall

The Kempty falls are surrounded by high mountain ranges and are situated at an altitude of approximately 1,364 meters above sea level, thus giving it a wonderful surrounding to just sit and listen to the sound of the water which falls on the rocky bed of the water below among the lush green vicinity.

2. Lal Tibba

The highest peak in Mussoorie, with an altitude of over 2,290 meters above sea level and provides some amazing and never seen before views of the mountains that house the holy shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath. To give its visitors a clearer view of the picturesque surroundings a Japanese telescope has been installed at the edge of the cliff also the place is highly preserved from most commercial activities.

3. Happy Valley

The centre of the Tibetan settlement in Mussoorie, happy valley is situated at a short distance from the mall road. This is the place where Tibetans first arrived in India when they fled from Lhasa in 1959, led by their spiritual leader dalai lama before he moved to Dharamshala. The place is lined with oaks and deodars and has several small hotels and cafeterias and as you walk further into the town, you will get to experience calm like no other.

4. Camel’s Back Road

The road takes its name from the rock which is shaped like a camel’s hump on its back and stretches around a distance of about 3-4 kilometres from Kulri bazaar to the Library Chowk in Mussoorie. The road is ideal for a walk as one can get amazing views of the valley and the mountains from here. The place is great for the photographers who are looking for great shots to capture of the valley and the mountains that surround Mussoorie.

5. Gun Hill

The second highest point in Mussoorie, the place’s name is derived from the event of firing cannon from this place to tell what time is it to the people during the British colonization hence giving it the name ‘Gun Hill’. The place lies at an altitude of 2,024 meters above sea level and offers some majestic views of the surroundings.

Chai And The World: An Introduction To Indian Tea

As the second largest producer of tea in the world, India is renowned for chai, that milk-infused, sweet-spicy drink that has gained immense global popularity over the years. While international café chains such as Starbucks and Costa offer fancy concoctions such as chai latte, chai frappuccino, and the unfortunately named dirty chai, most people in India swear by the humble roadside variety. Here’s a look at how this beloved beverage came to be, and the cultural hot spot it’s brewing up.

Origins

Like any great history, the origins of chai are steeped in legend and contradictory accounts. But the general consensus seems to be that this rejuvenating drink originated as a healing concoction, brewed with herbs and spices beneficial to the body. In fact, the early ‘chai’ did not contain any tea leaves, and recipes differed according to the seasons and available ingredients.

When the British came to India, they established tea plantations as an alternative to the expensive Chinese tea they were habituated to consuming. In order to tap into the local market, tea was initially dispensed free of cost to the Indian population, and soon, masala chai was born, a hybrid of Indian and British tradition.

Variations

While masala chai is the perhaps the most loved and widely consumed form of Indian tea, there’s no end to the variations available. In fact, different parts of the country are known for their unique brews, with some of the most popular options being Mumbai’s cutting chai, the rich Irani chai of Hyderabad, and the delicate pink Kashmiri chai.

Masala chai itself can contain different spices depending on the region and the season, with popular ingredients being cardamom, cloves, ginger, and fennel.

Then, of course, there is the method of preparation, which truly determines the quality of the brew. Roadside stalls are an excellent place to watch the art of thickening the chai to just the right consistency and boiling it long enough for the flavors to really steep.

Chai Culture

No matter where you are in India, you’re probably not very far from a chai stall, little roadside shacks that go by different names in different parts of the country. Tea sold at these humble outlets is often the cheapest and most delicious, the ideal refreshment in every kind of weather.

Even in homes, chai is the ultimate conversation starter, served to anyone who visits. Most people have at least two cups a day, once with breakfast and again in the late afternoon, much like the British.

Despite its link to a painful history of British imperialism, chai is the ubiquitous Indian drink, its consumption transcending all lines of class and status. It takes practice and patience to brew or even find the perfect cup, but when you do, there’s nothing else quite like it.

Source: http://theculturetrip.com/

What are some interesting facts about Uttarakhand?

Uttarakhand is an amazingly diverse state, with some of India’s best  trekking, yoga schools, holiday towns and wildlife-watching all tucked  into one little corner of the country. It is also known as Devbhoomi,  due to the numerous temples scattered all over the state. It has  something to offer for every kind of visitor - be it adventure,  pilgrimage or relaxation.

Here are some amazing things about Uttarakhand..Check out 10 Reasons Why Uttarakhand Must Be On Your Bucket List.

Haridwar
According  to The Imperial Gazetteer of India, an outbreak of cholera occurred at  the 1892 Mela at Haridwar, which led to the rapid improvement of  arrangement by the authorities and the formation of Haridwar Improvement  Society, and in 1903 about 400,000 people attended the fair. Ten  million people gathered at Haridwar for the Kumbh on April 14, 1998. 

Robber's Cave
Robber's Cave (locally known as Guchhupani) is a river cave formation  located approximately 8 km from Dehradun City. The cave is about 600  metres long, divided into two main parts. The cave has a highest fall of  about 10 metres. In the central part there is a fort wall structure  which is now broken. It consists of an extremely narrow gorge formed in a  conglomerate limestone area on Doon Valley's Dehra plateau.

Tungnath- Highest Shiva Temple
Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world and is one of the  five and the highest Panch Kedar temples located in Uttarakhand. The  Tunganath (literal meaning: Lord of the peaks) mountains form the  Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys. Located at an altitude of 3,680 m  (12,073 ft), and just below the peak of Chandrashila, Tungnath temple  is the highest Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is  believed to be 1000 years old and is the second in the pecking order of  the Panch Kedars. It has a rich legend linked to the Pandavas, heroes of  the Mahabharata epic.

Bharath Matha Mandir, Haridwar
Bharat Mata Mandir is a multi-storey temple dedicated to Bharat Mata (Mother India). Bharat Mata Mandir was inaugurated on 15 May 1983 by Indira Gandhi on the banks of the river Ganges in Haridwar. It is situated adjacent to the Samanvaya Ashram, and stands eight stories tall to a height of 180 feet (55 m). Each floor depicts an era in the Indian history, from the days of Ramayana until India's independence.

On the first floor is the statue of Bharat Mata. The second floor, Shur Mandir, is dedicated to the well renowned heroes of India. The third floor Matri Mandir is dedicated to the achievements of India's revered women, such as Radha, Mira, Savitri, Draupadi, Ahilya, Anusuya, Maitri, Gargi etc. The great saints from various religions, including Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism are featured on the fourth floor Sant Mandir.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Dehradun

Known for its natural resources,Dehradun is the capital city of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Located in the Doon Valley at the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun is bordered by the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers of India. 

The city is known for its pleasant climate and provides a gateway to the popular hill stations like Nainital, Mussoorie etc. and pilgrim sites like Haridwar and Rishikesh. The city receives high amounts of rain during the monsoon season and get really cold during the winters. Being a part of the Princely Garhwal State the local customs of the Garhwali people have influenced the culture in the city. Here are the top 10 places that you must visit on your trip to Dehradun.

1. Sahastradhara

The name Sahastradhara literally means ‘The Thousand Fold Spring’ is a popular tourist destination in Dehradun. It comprised of waterfalls, caves and steppe farming lands and provides a totally marvelous and rejuvenating experience to its visitors. The name is due to the water that drips from the limestone stalactites in the caves and its waterfalls.

2. Tiger Falls

Located at a height of 1400 meters above sea level, the Tiger Falls are 50 meters high waterfalls. The waterfalls are situated amidst a picturesque setting of dense forests at the foothills of the Himalayas. The water converges into a small pond which provides a perfect setting for an outing with friends and family.

3. Robber’s Cave

The 600 meters long river cave (Robber’s Cave) is known by the locals asGucchupani. The cave is divided into two main parts with its highest fall being 10 meters long. The place is known for its unique natural phenomenon known as the disappearing stream. The place was believed to be used by the robbers to hide during the British Raj hence owing to its name.

4. Tapovan

Tapovan is known to be the place the Guru Dronacharya performed his penance according to the Hindu epic Mahabharatha. The place is located on the banks of the River Ganges and is considered to be a major pilgrim spot. Tapovan is also known for its amazing meadows known as Nandavan which are trekked by various pilgrims and trekkers.

5. Mindrolling Monastery

Founded in 1965, The Mindrolling Monastery houses the Ngagyur Nyingma College which is one of the largest Buddhist learning centers in India. The monastery is a re-established facility of the original Mindrolling Monastery and was established by Khochhen Rinpoche. The well maintained gardens and a 60 meters high stupa and contains various rooms which are decorated with murals and house various relics and a 35 meters high statue of Lord Buddha in Gold.

6. Tapkeshawar Temple

Tapkeshawar Temple is considered to be the oldest Shiva temple in Uttarakhand and is located at the banks of the Nandi River. The Temple is located within a cave which is characterized by naturally dripping water over the Shiva lingam placed here. The cave is also the site to the shivratri festival that happens every year.

7. Rajaji National Park

Spread over a massive 820 sq kilometers of land, the Rajaji National Park falls in a region shared by 3 districts, Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal in the state of Uttarakhand. The reserve consists of subtropical and tropical moist broadleaf forests that house a plethora of wildlife, birds and fish species. It is also a major habitat of the Asian elephant and the Bengal Tiger in India.

8. Forest Research Institute

The premier research institute of forestry in India is located in Dehradun. The Forest Research Institute was established in 1906 as the British Imperial Forestry Service. The site also contains a museum for forestry with six main sections that are Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Silviculture Museum, Timber Museum, Non-Wood Forest Products Museum and Entomology Museum.

9. Asan Barrage Water Sport Resort

Developed by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam at the Asan barrage, the water sports facility was opened in 1994. Located at the Dhalipur Lake the Asan Barrage Water Sport Resort offers various types of water sports facilities like boating, kayaking, canoeing and is also known as a shutterbug’s delight for its various migratory birds.

10. Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology

Previously known as the Institute of Himalayan Geology, the facility is one of the best centers of Himalayan Geology in the country. The best attraction here is the museum that displays the diverse geographic locations of India and visitors often get to know a few stunning facts about the geology of different regions in India.

The 10 places mentioned above comprise of the major places that are not to be missed on a trip to Dehradun. Being the capital city of the mountain state of Uttarakhand, most of thetourist places in Dehradun have rich Garhwal culture and is a major tourist attraction in the country.

10 Interesting Facts about Mussoorie You must know

If you have a little interest in Mussoorie, you must read the hilarious facts about the city Mussoorie which is often referrer as Queen of Mountains. The beautiful city Mussoori is situated at a height of 1,880 metres (6,170 ft) with green hills & a fresh environment, with a distance of 34 KM from Dehradun.

Being a Doonite, I am a regular visitor of Mussorie & needless to say that the situation is similar with you guys. But did you ever try to know the facts of Mussoorie. Undoubtedly it is an awesome place with fresh air and pure but cold environment. We’ve tried to collect almost each & every fact about Mussoorie for that you were unaware of, read them below:

Undoubtedly it is an awesome place with fresh air and pure but cold environment. We’ve tried to collect almost each & every fact about Mussoorie for that you were unaware of, read them below:

1. The Name Mussoorie: The name Mussoorie is taken from the word Mansoor which is a shrub which is indigenous to the area. You may still notice many people calling Mansoori instead of Mussoorie.
2. Discoverers: Who discovered Mussoorie: Mussorie was discovered jointly by a young but brave British military officer Yung and Mr. Shor a doonite & superintendent.
3. Mall Road: very popular road among youngsters, the name Mall road was kept because of a famous place Mall at Mussorie.
4. Adjust your watches with GunFire: During the colonial rule, Gunhill had a gun mounted on top of it. Everyday at mid-day, the gun was fired from atop the hill so that people could adjust their watches accordingly.
5. Population Growth: In 1901, the total popular of Mussoorie was 6,461 which increased by 400% in 100 years, reporting a total population of 26,069 in 2001.
6. Highest Place: If you even wondered to know the highest point at Mussoorie, let me inofrm you that a Place Lal Tibba is the highest point in Mussoorie with an enormous height of 2,290 metres (7,510 ft). You should visit this place for once.
7. Indians NOT Allowed: Don’t get shocked, i am telling you the past here. During the British region, Indians were not allowed to visit Mussoorie. Racist  signs on the Mall expressly stated: “Indians and Dogs Not Allowed”. But Motilal Nehru (Father of JawaharLal Nehru) frequently broke the rule almost everyday. However these signs have later been removed from the walls.
8. The Addiction of Nehru Family: It was the favourite tourist place for Nehru family & they were a frequent visitor to Mussoorie (during 1920-40s), they use to stay at Savoy Hotel. Even the house of Vijayalakshmi Pandit, sister of Nehru is located nearby in Dehradun.
9. Dalai Lama in Mussoorie: In April 1959, when Tibetan guru Dalai Lama were deported by China, He came here to make a Tibetan deported govt, later transferred to the Dharmshala of Himachal Pradesh. Still more than 5000 tibetan are living in Mussoorie valley.
10. First Choice for celebrities: The beauty of this valley has always been addictive to everyone & even celebrities are not untouched of it. Mussoorie was the most favourite place of former bollywood actor Devanand & even he has got a home here.Cricket master blaster Sachin Tendulkar visit here every year on regular basis.

Mussoorie-Dhanualty Attraction

ECO-Park : It is the main attraction of Dhanaulti. There are two Eco-parks, "Amber" and "Dhara" about 200 m apart. It has been developed recently by the Forest Department of Uttarakhand with the help of local youth. About 60 local youth, both male and females are employed as Guides, Gardeners, Service providers, Ticket Collectors, Information Providers etc. It houses a protected patch of small forest containing Deodar Trees.There is an entry fee of Rs 15 For Adults and Rs 10 for Children. Mussoorie Forest Department is running Eco-huts for the tourists come to enjoy serene landscapes of Dhanaulti. These are built by green technology and are Eco-friendly.

Mussoorie : Situated 24 kms from Dhanaulti Mussoorie, the proverbial Queen of Hill stations. Being at an average altitude of 2,000 metres (6,600 ft), Mussoorie, with its green hills and varied flora and fauna, is a fascinating hill resort. Commanding snow ranges to the north-east, and glittering views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges in the south. Mussoorie offers distant views of the holy and mighty river Ganga from one end of the ridge, and of the famous river Jamuna from the other; a stretch of around 19 kilometers all.

Benefits Of Going To The Spa

The times we live in make us want to escape into another world every so often, even if it's just for a few hours, to shut off from external stimulation. This urgent need to 'get away', especially in the urban scenario, is becoming an increasing reality.

So what do you do? This is where a day spa can be a blessing, a place that helps you indulge in some much-needed 'me' time, to switch off and relax, recharge, reflect, detox and beautify. Modern-day spas cater to a range of health-promoting experiences. The healing powers of touch therapy have been expounded on since ancient times. Spas and touch therapies are thus intrinsically connected. The nurturing touch of a skilled therapist's hands on one's body has benefits that go beyond the realm of the physical. So here's my list of  benefits you can achieve through Spa massages.

• A massage session is a break from your job, your family, friends... to slow down and de-stress.
• - A massage improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
• - Massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body's waste products.
• - It has been proved that massage releases a hormone called Serotonin that enhances the body and mind's "feel good" state. When you receive a spa service, your mind, body and soul are in harmony.
• - Professional athletes and fitness freaks, along with physical pampering, experience great relief in easing muscle tensions and cramps through trained therapists and relax every part of their body through deep tissue massages.
• - Pre-natal and post-natal benefits for women is one of the most important factors for experiencing a massage.
• - Massage therapy can help with pain management in chronic conditions such as arthritis, sciatica and muscle spasms.

Hotel Beechwood Mussoorie, it is now renovated with all the luxurious amenities that a modern day travelers looks for and more as it is large enough to be a great location for large groups yet small enough to be perfect for an intimate holiday.

Char Dham Yatra - Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Char Dham

In Hindu Religion, Char DhamYatra Is Considered To Be The Most Sacred Hindu Pilgrimage. This Yatra Go Through Four Sacred Spots Namely Badrinath, Yamunotri, Kedarnath And Gangotri. All The Sins Will Be Washed Away By Taking Char Dham Journey In Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Here Is The Opportunity For Pilgrims To Release From Birth-Death Cycle And Emerge As The Purest Heart And Soul. Complete This Sacred Journey And Get Heavenly Feeling Of Completeness

Hilly Garhwal Ranges Are Well Thought-Out As The Most Sacred Himalayan Ranges Of India. People Are Considered Fortunate Who Take Birth Or Die At This Holy Place As It Is The Belief Of People That Heaven And Earth Unite Here. The Proper Way To Complete This Char Dham Yatra Is To Visit From Left To Right I.E Starting At Yamunotri, Moving To Gangotri Then Kedarnath And Finally Terminating The Yatra At Badrinath Which Will Complete The Parikrama Considered By Hindu Tradition.

Suitable Time To Visit Char Dhams:
You Can Join The Journey Of Char Dhams From May (First Week) To November According To Climate Conditions In Nearby Area. From December To April, The Four Dhams Remains Closed As There Is Heavy Snowfall During These Months.

People You Meet At A Hotel

View From Hptel Beechwood Mussoorie

Here are a few such people you are bound to meet at your hotel.

1.The Happy Couple: Once they check-in they will not let the other out of their sight. They share a private joke and all you hear is a whisper followed by shrill giggles. Well, you can try but you can’t get mad at a happy couple who’s in luurvee. 

2. The Solo Backpacker: The one who loves travelling alone. Only the bravest traveller can do this. So cut them some slack if they fall asleep in random places like the lobby or the restaurant. They carry their whole world in a bag; packing tips for them are golden. 


3. The Group Of Friends: The group of people who look like they have no care in the world. They are bound to be the loudest people you meet and if you are looking for some quiet time, say goodbye to it. You could join them if you have no plans for the day because they definitely do.

4. The Professional: This person has nothing to say to anyone, except then to yell out unusual numbers on the phone. They may come across as rude, wouldn’t you be if you were at an amazing destination and had to work? 

5. The Family Travelers: Your love for this group will depend on whether you love kids or not. If you love kids you won’t mind the noise and the running across the hotel. If you don’t, then you’re about to be tested by fire.

6. The Night Life Person: The one who prefers to operate at night. He’s the one who calls reception at night with requests and food orders. With one of these around you should not have a problem on your vacation. Unless, of course, they are psychopaths. 

Hotel Beechwood Mussoorie is now a home for travelers to Mussoorie who are looking for some peace, quiet and beauty in this ever growing hill station. The building sits on the top of the hill and boasts spectacular views of the surrounding valley. Retaining its traditional architecture, it is now renovated with all the luxurious amenities that a modern day travelers looks for and more as it is large enough to be a great location for large groups yet small enough to be perfect for an intimate holiday.  
Hotel Beechwood Mussoorie has been serving the souls in search of eternal peace for two decades now. Our philosophy of "value hospitality" has found flavors with people from all walks of life.

WE ARE AVAILABLE FOR BUSINESS,LEISURE,DESTINATION

The Hotel is located at a very short distance of 300 mtrs. from the Library chowk and exactly located in main mall road Mussoorie. An easy accessibility to the market place and a panoramic views of the Dehradun valley. You can experience best in hospitality at Hotel Beechwood Mussoorie. With well furnished rooms, great amenities and interesting facilities, this hotel is a perfect place to stay during your vacation. It is close to many tourist destinations, making it an ideal place for all travelers.