Kasmanda PalaceOne of the oldest buildings in the hill station of Mussoorie, the Kasmanda Palace was originally a part of the Christ Church complex built in 1836 by Captain Rennie Tailour of the Bengal Engineers. This gleaming white stately mansion built in the Anglo-French style served as a sanatorium for the British armed forces and then as a school (one of the first in Mussoorie) before finally becoming the summer retreat of the Kasmanda Royal Family. While it has remained in this family, it is now run as a Heritage Hotel. The grandeur and stateliness of this Palace is only matched by its spectacular setting.
Leisure Activities
The Mall is central to the town of Mussoorie and cars are not allowed to ply here during the crowded peak tourist season. The Library is to the west, while Kulri to the east is the main transport centre. The Kulri Bazaar is stocked with shops selling souvenirs, video game arcades and India's largest indoor skating rink built in an old British theatre. 5 km further is the old cantonment area of Landour with its quiet winding roads and large bungalows reminiscent of colonial days. There are several cafes at the top of Landour which serve as a popular meeting point. 3 km west of the Library is the Happy Valley Tibetan settlement where the Tchechencholing Gompa overlooking the Doon valley well deserves a look-see The Bhadraj temple, dedicated to the elder brother of Lord Krishna (incarnation of Vishnu), is worth visiting for its views of the Doon valley and Chakrata range.
Gun Hill, a curious flat-topped hill is the second highest peak of Mussoorie. It can be accessed either by foot or on a pony or yet again by a 400 metre ropeway that affords a wonderful view on the exciting journey. In colonial times, a gun placed on the summit used to fire at mid-day for locals to adjust their watches.
Clouds End, the 1838 English chateau is about 8 km from the Library.
Childer's Lodge, the highest point in the area with fabulous views, is 5 km from the Tourist Office and can be reached by foot or on pony. Alternatively, Camel's Back road, a 3-km road encircling the base of Gun Hill is also a good place to view the breathtaking Himalayan sunset. 8 km from the centre of town is the house where Sir George Everest, the first Surveyor General of India lived and worked. Nag Tibba, the highest peak around Mussoorie at 10,000 ft. is on the Sir George Everest Estate and the ancient temple of Surkhanda Devi is to be found here.
There are several picnic spots at different heights and trekking trails, varying from easy to arduous, in the area. Other activities include whitewater rafting, paragliding, bird watching and horse safaris.
Business Services
* Courier facility
* Doctor on Call.
* Internet access
* Money Changer.
Recreation
* Fitness Centre.
