Name: Gun Hill
Rating: 4.2

Gun Hill, Mussoorie Overview

Said to be an extinct volcano, the Gun Hill is the second-highest point in Mussoorie, situated at an altitude of 2024 meters. The scene from the top of this hill is a panoramic view of the snow-clad Himalayan ranges right beside the widespread Doon Valley and a full view of the hill station of Mussoorie. The Gun Hill, located 400 ft above the Mall Road, is a popular attraction, especially amongst the photographers and nature lovers.

The highlight of Gun Hill is the ropeway which provides a scenic view of the Himalayan ranges. The hill was named so because of the presence of a gun at these hills during the pre-independence days. The gun was fired during the day to enable people to adjust their watches during those days.

Tourists can easily get up to the Hill by getting aboard the ropeway; one gets to travel in a cable car for about 400 m from Jhula Ghar. The ride offers an excellent bird’s eye view of the surrounding Himalayan ranges like Shrikanta, Pithwara and Bunderpunch and of colourful wildflowers. It is also a great opportunity to take some photographs of the natural beauty all around. In fact, one also has the option to get off the ropeway somewhere midway for a few minutes to simply soak in the views. Once at Gun Hill, it is often possible to see Gangotri through a telescope on a clear day.

Historical Significance of Gun Hill

During the period that the British had invaded India, the colonists of the area had gotten fed up with the British dominance. To fight them, the colonists brought a canon to the top of the hill and fired it at the British. Post this event, the hill which is now part of Woodlawn Cemetery, started to be known as Gun Hill. The road that leads to the hill, previously known as Kingsbridge Road, is now called Gun Hill Road.

Another story that is associated with the Gun Hill is that the British brought up a canon on the hill in 1857, and the canon was shot every day at noon to guide the locals to their watches to the time accordingly. The British had brought a large firing gun over to the hill during the Sepoy Mutiny. Even though the gun was removed in the 70s, the name stuck.

Gun Hill Ropeway

Since the Gun Hill is situated 400 ft above the Mall Road it is accessible by cable cars. The ropeway cable car round trip costs INR 75 per head and undoubtedly offers a picturesque view during the climb of the distant hills and green landscapes.

The timing for ropeway is as follows:
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (January to December),
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM (May to July and October),
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (August to September and late November to April)

Tips

1. Do find time to indulge in the little games that the small activity shops offer- balloon-shooting, ring-throw, etc.
2. There is also a merry-go-round for kids to enjoy.
3. A look from the telescope of the view of Gun Hill is enthralling. Be sure to try it.
4. Steaming hot Maggi and pakoras are available here too, and you must give them a shot.

How To Reach Gun Hill

The Gun Hill is 34 km away from the Dehradun Railway Station, which is closest to it. It is approximately a 1 hr 20 min drive. It is actually only 1.7 km from the Library Bus Stand, Cart Road and the Mall Road. Buses and taxis ply these quite frequently. Since the distance is not that long and the surrounding is breathtaking, walking to the attraction is not only a feasible but also a favourable choice.

You can also opt to trek up to the top of the Gun Hill. It is only a 20-minute trek, but will surely be a lasting memory. Maneuvering through the tall dense trees as the leaves on the ground crackle under your steps is an experience to cherish. The climb is not very steep, so can be completed by kids too. However, it is not recommended for senior citizens.