DISCLAIMER – This is not just a blog on “Things to Do in Mussoorie.”
I have literally lived & breathed these spots in Mussoorie as a resident, during my 30 days stay. I have tread on these roads in the most beautiful weather & have relished the sheer beauty of this hill. Here are some “not – so – touristy” places to see in Mussoorie, all on foot. If you happen to be one of those who eternally cherish the solo walks & nature, this one is for you! Here is your Day 1 solo guide.
DAY 1:
1.) Welcome to Spring Road.
So today if you are in Mussoorie & have hopped off at the Gandhi Chowk bus stand, grab your rucksack & here we go! Walk straight on the uphill road & crossing the Gandhi statue towards the day, enter Spring road. Spring road is a purely residential area & hosts some of the finest spots for nature lovers. I happened to live here for a month-long journey & have made this my eternal home. It is someplace I travel to, even in my mind.
Coming back to these hidden spots, walk for about 3 km on Spring road, you will find yourself somewhere like this.
2.) Nau Manzila Mandir
The tall pointed roof you see in the above picture is “Nau Manzila Mandir”, (Temple with 9 floors) adorning the views from The Spring Road. The temple has an ancient feel to it, while the access to all the floors is prohibited now, the temple stands for an invigorating spirit which stays with you even if you don’t enter the premises. And if you are looking for a short tea break, there are several quick food joints on Spring road. Also, to cater to your accommodation requirements The Spring Road hosts a number of hotels that can be booked online.
From Hotel Kahkashan, which could be a good option for accommodation, take the uphill road & keep your eyes glued on the right hand for an old gothic structure.
3.) Kapurthala Estate
And now you have reached The Kapurthala estate, a French architect’s magnificence, built for the Maharaja of Kapurthala in 1898. This Chateau is the summer residence of Army officer, Jagjit Singh, a descendant of the Royal family in Kapurthala. The intricate French architecture gets all eyes on it since it’s banned for outsiders, it turns out to be a thing only to be looked at from a distance. However, once you reach the gate with two silver emblems of a horse & an elephant confronting each other, you will feel that the royalty left its mark right on the street. The rusty brown gates open to a huge driveway/ walkway which leads to the mansion.
Under this citadel & its intricate architecture, a caretaker lives with his family ensuring that it is not a property to be barged into. But here’s a look at the gate & when you are here, you can stretch your glare for as far as you want, until you catch a sight of the caretaker approaching! *RUN*
4.) Radha Bhawan
Once you have taken a good glance at the Kapurthala estate, keep walking uphill until you come to the crossroads & ask the local shop owners the way to Radha Bhawan. There is a possibility that nobody gives out any information, for it is considered to be a haunted place & a solitary hidden spot.The haunted stories about Radha Bhawan, float amidst the locals & you’d be sure of some paranormal activity there once you cross structures like these on way.
Walk further after you see this cottage on your left & trek uphill until you see a gate that says “Trespassers will be prosecuted”. Well, well. Keep walking. Nothing is going to happen on a misty day with not a soul on the road.:P The walk after the gate till the view of Radha Bhawan is about half a km long & looks like a vast endless circle of life. Its a nerve silencing walk for those who like their lone time and once you see a structure in visibility you will realize it was all the more worth it.
History has it that in 1880, the ex-Amir of Afghanistan, Yakub Khan, was put under house arrest in the Bhavan which was formerly known as Bellevue Estate. Later, at the same place, McKinnon’s brewery was established & post 90’s this became a disputed area. The government has now put cameras for surveillance around this desolate property. But for those who manage to shun away all the haunting stories, are sure to take back a new view of Mussoorie & its heritage. Tracing back the same path you can call it a day at Spring Road.
At night, if you do not want to tread too far amidst the hustle-bustle of the Mall road. Walk for 10 minutes along the Spring road & take a seat at Cafe Library to order some coffee & snacks. The peaceful ambiance here will be a good way to conclude your night in the company of your newly achieved peace. To see what your next day looks like, click on the link below.
Day 2 – https://samikshakhanduri.com/2020/01/19/day-2-circular-road-hike-hidden-spot-in-mussoorie/
