Mussoorie
Gun Hill: Time-Keeping, The Traditional Way
A charming place with a quirky history, Gun Hill is just a short hike from the Mall road. It has a carnival-like atmosphere where Mussoorie comes out in all its glory.
Do you remember that there was a time when the sun and the moon acted as the official timekeepers for everyone? Watches were a luxury back then and only a privileged few had one. Even so, they had a tough time adjusting the watches constantly to keep the correct time.
The British administrators in Mussoorie came up with a brilliant plan to address the problem. They set up a gun at the highest point, atop a hill, and fired it at a pre-decided time so that everyone could adjust their watches once they heard the shot. And that is how Gun Hill got its name.
But those days are long gone, and nobody needs a gunshot to tell time anymore. But tourists visit this place today for its quirky history and the panoramic view it offers. The hill is just a short 20-minute hike from the Mall Road. Or you can take the cable car from Mall Road.
Once at the top, visitors are greeted with a fair-like ambience. Rides for children, fast food joints and games keep the place abuzz. But if you are looking for some peace, you can walk to the edge of the hill and soak in the splendid view of the Himalayan peaks.
Good to know :
Location: 3.5 km from Sterling Mussoorie
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: As applicable
Other Attractions
Kempty Falls : Afternoon Tea with a View
3hrsA picturesque waterfall near Mussoorie, Kempty Falls is a treat for the eyes! Known to be a favourite amongst the British gentry, the beauty of the falls is ethereal.
Cambridge Book Depot : Where Mussoorie comes alive for the Book lovers
3hrsMussoorie is home to Ruskin Bond. At Cambridge Book Depot, a nondescript bookstore on Mall Road, you’ll find everything about what inspired this prolific author of children's literature, and a chance to meet him!
Kandi Lodge: Witness India 's Checkered Colonial Past
3hrsKandi Lodge and Punishment Point are completely off the tourist beat. Just a short walk away from Sterling Mussoorie, these places hold dark secrets of the British Raj.
Lal Tibba: The Blushing Peak of Mussoorie
3hrsThe climb up to Mussoorie's highest peak, Lal Tibba, is a quiet walk past cemeteries, churches, old cottages and thickets of pine.
Landour: When it was Meat Instead of Potatoes
3hrsLandour is the original British settlement, which expanded into Mussoorie. Charming stone cottages, old churches and schools are still in good shape as is the spirit of the place.
Lambi Dehar Mines: A Trek into the Haunted Past
3hrsA haunted mine where you can supposedly hear the cries of 50,000 dead mine workers. Defintely not for the faint-hearted.
FLIGHT OF FANCY
1hrTread with care! This flight of stairs is embellished with traditional ‘Pahadi’ Art developed by the weavers of the Bhutia community over several centuries.
CARRY ON DANDY
1hrPull on a costume from the bygone era and click a memorable experience of being carried in a private ‘Dandy’, surrounded in the backdrop of the majestic Garhwal ranges of Mussoorie.
THE WAR OF 1814
1hrDid you know the Anglo-Nepalese War or the ‘Gurkha War’ led to the then British Army recruiting a regiment of Gorkhali and Kumaoni warriors into the Armed services? This is one ‘bloody’ history story you wish you knew.
FEEDER ON WHEEL
1hrSpeckled Piculet, Brown-Headed Barbet, Coppersmith Barbet, Himalayan Flameback, Lesser Yellownape are some of many feathered guests staying with us. Meet them here!
FABLES OF MUSSOORIE ON THE PRAYER WHEELS
1hrSpin the prayer wheels to read about some lesser known legends and fables from the land of Dev Bhoomi.
THE VINTAGE WALLS
1hrWelcome to ‘Mansuri’. Join us in a visual walk into its history and memories captured over time. Let’s flashback to the 1800’s!
LEOPARD ON A TREE
1hrIn a world of people, the skin can be black, white and Leopard. Know more about this majestic feline and don’t forget to say Cheese. Click! Click!.
FAMOUS CUBES
1hrRe-arrange the cubes and get to know the ‘Who and What’ about these famous locals.