Mussoorie Trip ’09

 MUSSOORIE TRIP ’09

Day 1: Delhi Darshan

Cooling glass

 

 

Travelling Mumbai – Delhi by the Rajdhani was a long cherished dream that came true this day. The pic shows how cool the journey was in the sweltering heat of Mumbai beating on the window.

 

 

Hot seat

 

Just four halts on the way and in the morning I opened my eyes to see Delhi! The little orange bench was the only place free at the Delhi station (probably because it was out in the scorching sun)

Red Fort (Delhi)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No fancy pictures of Delhi. All I could capture was the tower of the Red Fort, while taking an auto ride from Delhi station to ISBT

 

 

Home Sweet Home

 

 

From the hustle and bustle outside it’s great to rest in the warmth of a home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2: Monkeying around  

 

 

 

Monkey bond

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social grooming

Meditative

Woke up early the next day, only to find that the macaques were out there earlier than anybody else.

 

 

 

 

 

 

While some choose to bond with their babies, others take the more traditional path of social grooming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was one though just stood apart (probably the more meditative kind ;))

 

Along Mall Road

Evening saw us going down for a walk along Mall road, the shopping haunt of Mussoorie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View from the balcony (click for larger view)

 

Day 3: Spring break

Song of the bird

How can a morning be complete with the sounds of the birds. These were even ready to strike a few poses for the camera.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Freshwater

 

 

Mussoorie is known for its freshwater springs and here is a pic of one such little known one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tiny

 

 

 

All along the path were these tiny flowers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunset through the pines

 

 

 

The end of another beautiful day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 4: Shahastra dhara

Everyone to whom I mentioned I was going to Mussoorie said: “You have to go to Shahastra dhara.” Why! It’s even described in great detail in the Lonely Planet guide. If you like crowds, this is the place to be. I on my part would not have any bit of those flowing waters wash me!

Sahastra dhara Ad

Double bubble

 

Got caught in a strong hailstorm on the way back—and to prove I am not exaggerating… here is a sample!

Hailstones

 

For the ones who like skies, here is a feast to the eyes

Heaven???

 

 

Day 5: Bhatta falls

Bhatta falls Panorama (click for larger view)

 

Two of the famous waterfalls in Mussoorie are Bhatta and Kempty. I jumped to the idea that Bhatta had lesser of the crowd and I was amply rewarded. Not only is the water crystal clear, but there is so much of wildlife around, you need to spend a day out there! Kudos to the people for keeping it clean!

The other side of Mussoorie

 

Beauty is two sided… this is the underbelly of Mussoorie which I was lucky to witness.

Fidgety bird

 

Zoologists, help me here. This is one bird that just can’t sit still for a second.

EVENING WALK panorama (click for larger view)

 

Day 6: Dhanaulti

Welcome to Dhanolti

“What is there in Dhanaulti? It’s a small stretch from here to here. There is some eco-park out there but nothing else.” If I were to heed this advice and change plans of going to this place I would have to kick myself! Nature or noise, you make a choice. I chose the first and that made all the difference.

Here’s a sampling of the beauty of Dhanaulti. (Botanists, feel free to provide the names of the flora)

Elaichi tea / Lemon tea

 

Dhanolti Panorama (click for larger view)

Give me red!

Honey time

Paper flower 1

Paper flower 2

There was an old man, who lived in a wood...

Vanishing point

Up close

Slinky

The Bold and the Beautiful

After a refreshing hour’s drive back from Dhanaulti to Mussoorie, it was time to learn the ropes. The ropeway at Mussoorie takes people up some really steep ravines to the Himalayan view point. It’s literally a walk in the clouds (and some with their own silver linings too!)

Himalayan View point

Old Mussoorie

Silver lining

 

Day 7: Yamuna bridge

River Yamuna

Is it a river? Is it a bridge? All that I know, is that it’s beautiful. Sat by the river for half a day, just taking in the sights and sounds. There was water-rafting too, but the idea was quickly shelved.

“You cannot leave Mussoorie if you have not seen the lights of Dehradun in the night.” And so, taking this warning very seriously, I braved the cold and got this panorama of the city lights.

Lights of Dehradun (click for larger view)

 

Day 8: Dehradun Drive

At the end of a week in Mussoorie-Dehradun, I consider myself a pro at the wheel. This is a pic of the Dehradun city from Mussoorie.

Dehradun from above! (click for larger view)

 

Snaky roads

 

Before leaving I spent some more time scouting around for the best panorama. Still can’t decide which of the too captures the soul of the place—all that I can do is, wonder.

Queen of Hills - Mussoorie

Blue Hills Panorama (click for larger view)

 

 

Day 9: Agra

The last halt of our journey was the Agra, with the sole purpose of seeing the Taj. No words can be wasted in describing the beauty of this monument. Reach there at the right time of the day and you will not be disappointed!

Taj Mahal Panorama (click for larger view)

Framed

Left gate (click for larger view)

Sunset over Agra

Rise of Taj

Sunset over Agra 2

 

Day 10: Punjab Mail

Where are we going?

AC compartments don’t really encourage photography, but I just could not resist.