Mussorie - Once again

That's right, Mussorie called again this year. A call I could not resist. Who can? When the hills call?
Before the drive to Dehradun and Mussorie, I had my hair trimmed (call it vanity at this age) and visited Aikotaan Kali bari's Durga Pujo in Dwarka, New Delhi. After quite some years.

On our way to Dwarka.

After hair salon visit.

Aikotaan Pujo in Dwarka.

Ma Durga with her four children.

A few days later off to Dehradun and Mussorie. The drive took nearly nine hours from Haryana to Dehradun. Not at all recommendable when travelling with children Honestly. so by the time we reached Dehradun it was beyond the check-in time for my grand daughters into their boarding. However, in they went with sad faces. I thought it was fortunate that the long drive had made them so tired that soon they would have dinner and be dreaming sweet dreams. And the next morning, their daily discipline and activities would take care of any left over home-sickness. It did.   

 The reception of the school - Raja Rammohan Roy Academy/Cambridge School. The photo above us  is that of the founder - late A.C.Deb, my father's mejda. 

That night we put up at one of OYO chosen hotels, named Benison. Clean, airy, courteous; the morning sun welcomed us as we could practically see the sunrise from our balcony. And the air! Unbelievably clean and refreshing. We, who live in the big cities breathe in poison in lieu of living in so-called metros. 

The drive to Mussorie took about less than a couple of hours. Actually, it takes less time but our driver was from the plains, so we were a little cautious. The hotel on the Mall road was a disappointment. My sister had booked online through MakeMyTrip.com. We were appalled when we saw the room. It was a poor cousin compared to the room shown on the travel agent's site - what a comedown. We had no choice except to put up in that hotel, since the payment had already been done. However, we insisted on seeing some other rooms and shifted to a more respectable room. Lesson learned - best to come, check and then book a hotel room, not online unless you are splashing on a five-star or a seven-star accommodation. Such high-end hotels cannot risk losing their reputations.  The Mall road is choc-a-bloc with hotels and we soon discovered very cosy and comfy accommodations at a lesser price! May be next time - if there is a next time for me. 

If you come in your own car to Mussorie you should know that no cars are allowed inside the Mall road between 4-10 p.m. So the first day we drove around and by the time we were back it was beyond 'curfew' time, so the car had to stay outside the Mall road. Now the parking that side is not completely on flat ground and the driver was asked to stay with the car till 10 p.m. when he could drive on and then rest in his room. We were told that heavy trucks etc keep going up and down which puts parked cars at a risk of rolling down the hill. So someone has to babysit till 10 p.m. That was sad but unavoidable. I can imagine the driver sitting out there in the cold, even though inside the car waiting for the clock to strike ten. Hope the fresh climate and other drivers helped him pass the time cheerfully.  Another thing about the Mall road - every car getting inside has to pay 150 rupees at the gate. Each time you get in. Nice.

Next morning we took a local cab - I knew him from my last year's visit. He is young, well-known, friendly and can give you a rundown on the hill station and its residents - old and new. In fact, We saw Victor Banerjee say hi to him as we were standing outside a shop. For the uninitiated, Victor Banerjee is a popular and well-known Bengali and English film actor from Calcutta. He has his own place in Mussorie and probably prefers staying there instead of Calcutta. So as I said earlier, Jagat, the cab owner/driver is pretty popular in the Queen of the Hills. The taxi fares are pretty steep here and if the cab has to get inside the Mall road to pick you up from the hotel, that is 200 rupees at the gate. So if you can walk long distances and climb uphill, be sprightly and energetic then there is nothing like exploring Mussorie on foot.   

At Char Dukaan.

The paneer pakora is superbly delicious here. You must have some when you come here.

The famous church here.

And the chilli chutney - mmmmm.... we had 2-3 refills. 

Here I am with Jagat at the entrance of Mudcup Cafe, just down the Landour road. If you ever visit this place ask for ginger-lemon-honey tea. It was worth the wait - each flavour was so distinctive. Hats off to the dedication in making the tea. and the tea was definitely of a superior quality. The taste and flavour still lingers on. 

Inside the Cafe.

Prior to this Jagat took us to Sisters Bazaar, where I once again met Parul who runs a small curio shop in her home. she has items which are quaint, not-to-be-found elsewhere stuff. Parul and her mother give you that fast disappearing warmth to strangers. And Parul, a young woman, is enlightened, aware, compassionate and loving person. It was a delight discussing politics, weather, religion and so much more with this ex-student of Wynberg-Allen School. Parul is an awesome beauty, too.  She told us to stop by at Mudcup Cafe for a certain reason and in the bargain I discovered the "tea".

How did I miss this last time? Goodies galore! I remember last time while Mataji and I were shopping and chatting with Parul, just a few houses down this road, Pavitra got a call from Jerome. He had arrived in Mussorie and was waiting to meet us. Especially, Mataji, so we sped past the bakehouse and went down to Sameer's place, near the Shiva statue.. 

Sister's Bazaar

Sister's Bazaar.

On our way back to the hotel, we visited the Tripathis. Met Chand Didi, the eldest of them, who was in the middle of her classical singing class. With a roomfull of students Chand didi was playing the harmonium and we interrupted her for a brief moment. How could I visit Mussorie and not pay the Tripathis a visit? Chand didi, Naveen Bhai, Minto and his wife Kiran were such out-of-this-world hosts to my son and myself last year. Yes credit goes entirely to Mataji. How I missed her this time! Chand didi was very loving and told us if you are not happy with your hotel you are most welcome to come stay with us. Can you believe it? Where do you find such open, loving, honest hospitality. God bless them. No photos this time. 

Mataji called the day we were driving uphill. I told her I was on my way to her summer hometown. Pat came the reply - Tutu I am not there now. Hehehe! Of course I knew I would not meet her this time.  Next time.