Mussoorie Hill Church is a historic and elegant church that is located on a small hill above the Kasmanda Palace in Mussoorie, a famous hill station in Uttarakhand. It is also known as Christ Church, and is the first Catholic church in the entire Himalayan region. It was built in 1836 by the British community who resided in Mussoorie at that time.
It is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, with stained-glass windows, frescoes, and an organ. It is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, who come to admire its beauty and seek solace. Here are some of the details you need to know about this church. Visit during Mussoorie Local sightseeing.
Overview of Mussoorie Hill Church
Mussoorie Hill Church was established in 1836 by Dr John Harkness, an officer of the East India Company. He donated the land and funds for the construction of the church, which was designed by Captain Rennie Tailour of the Bengal Engineers. The church was initially named Lord’s Church, but later changed to Christ Church. The church was consecrated by Bishop Daniel Wilson of Calcutta on 1 May 1837.
The church has witnessed many historical events, such as the visit of Princess of Wales in 1906, who planted a deodar tree near the church, and the earthquake of 1991, which damaged some parts of the church. The church has been renovated and restored several times over the years, and still retains its original charm and grace.
Location of Mussoorie Hill Church
Mussoorie Hill Church is located in Mussoorie, a hill station in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. It is easily accessible by road from various parts of India, such as Delhi (290 km), Chandigarh (200 km), Haridwar (85 km), and Dehradun (35 km). You can also reach Mussoorie by air or rail, as the nearest airport and railway station are Jolly Grant Airport (60 km) and Dehradun Railway Station (35 km) respectively.
Best Timing/Entry Fees Mussoorie Hill Church
Mussoorie Hill Church is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit it depends on your preference and purpose. If you want to enjoy the pleasant weather and greenery, you can visit Mussoorie Hill Church from March to June or September to November.
These are also the peak seasons for tourism in Mussoorie, when the weather is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, if you want to witness the snowfall and winter activities, you can visit Mussoorie Hill Church from December to February. However, be prepared for freezing temperatures and road closures due to heavy snowfall.
There is no entry fee for visiting Mussoorie Hill Church, but you may have to pay for parking your vehicle at designated spots.
How to Reach Mussoorie Hill Church
The easiest way to reach Mussoorie Hill Church is by walking from the main market or any nearby hotel in Mussoorie. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach Mussoorie Hill Church on foot. However, if you are coming from a far-off place or have luggage with you, you can also hire an auto-rickshaw or rent a cab from any of the top car rental companies in Mussoorie. The fare may vary depending on the distance and time of travel.
Things to Do/Must See Mussoorie Hill Church
There are plenty of things to do and see near Mussoorie Hill Church. Here are some of the most interesting ones:
- Praying: Praying is one of the main activities that visitors can do at Mussoorie Hill Church. You can enter the church and admire its interior, which has stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Bible, frescoes depicting angels and saints, and an organ that dates back to 1889. You can also join the regular services that are held at the church on Sundays and other occasions.
- Photography: Photography is another activity that visitors can do at Mussoorie Hill Church. You can take some beautiful shots of the exterior of the church, which has a Gothic style architecture with a spire and a cross. You can also take some photos of the surrounding scenery, which includes a deodar tree planted by Princess of Wales in 1906, a cemetery dating back to 180 years, and a view of the Doon Valley and the Himalayan peaks.
- Shopping: Shopping is another activity that visitors can do near Mussoorie Hill Church. You can find various shops and stalls near the church that sell local handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes, jewellery, books, and other items. You can also buy some natural products such as honey, herbs, oils, and spices that are made from the plants and flowers of the region. You can also bargain with the vendors and get some good deals.
Significance of Mussoorie Hill Church
Mussoorie Hill Church is one of the most significant places in Mussoorie, as it reflects the historical and cultural heritage of this hill station. It is a place where you can experience the history and culture of Mussoorie, as well as enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature. It is a place where you can have a memorable and pleasant time in Mussoorie.
FAQ’s
- Q: Is Mussoorie Hill Church suitable for children?
- A: Yes, Mussoorie Hill Church is suitable for children, as it has a lot of attractions and activities that are fun and educational for them. However, parents should supervise their children at all times, and ensure that they do not wander off or get into trouble.
- Q: How much time does it take to visit Mussoorie Hill Church?
- A: It depends on your interest and pace, but generally it takes about 1 to 2 hours to visit Mussoorie Hill Church. However, if you want to explore other nearby places or indulge in other activities, you may need more time.
- Q: Can I take photos or videos at Mussoorie Hill Church?
- A: Yes, you can take photos or videos at Mussoorie Hill Church, but you have to be careful of your safety and respect others’ privacy. You should also avoid using flash or loud noises that may disturb the wildlife or the locals.
Conclusion
Mussoorie Hill Church is a historic and elegant church that is located on a small hill above the Kasmanda Palace in Mussoorie, a famous hill station in Uttarakhand. It is also known as Christ Church, and is the first Catholic church in the entire Himalayan region. It was built in 1836 by the British community who resided in Mussoorie at that time. It is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, with stained-glass windows, frescoes, and an organ. It is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, who come to admire its beauty and seek solace. It is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the charm and beauty of Mussoorie
