Perched in the misty hills of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, lies Happy Valley, a name that evokes images of joy, serenity, and cultural richness. Here, history melds seamlessly with breathtaking natural beauty with a historic refuge for the first Tibetan settlers in India.
Walk Through Happy Valley
Happy Valley – Mussoorie pic.twitter.com/fSFPb0uGRA
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All of Mussoorie’s tourist attractions that purport to offer panoramic views of the Himalayas are either disappointing or deceptive. Thank goodness, one location has managed to maintain its individuality while also providing the quiet that a hill station should bring. Happy Valley, as the name implies, is the happiest place in Mussoorie.
In 1959, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama chose Mussoorie as the initial haven for Tibetan refugees. Happy Valley became the first Tibetan settlement in India, symbolizing a new beginning for a distressed community. Only 3 kilometres northwest of town, this is a lovely outlying district of Mussoorie. The spiritual leader stayed for a year before moving the exiled Tibetan administration to Dharamsala.
As you stroll through the valley today, it’s easy to forget the struggles that marked its inception. The community has since flourished, transforming it into a vibrant Tibetan culture and spirituality hub.
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What To Do Here?
Sunday afternoon at the Buddha Temple/Dalai Hill, Happy Valley, Mussoorie. This is where the Dalai Lama first settled in India as a refugee from Tibet. There's still a large Tibetan community here.
You might hear the Cricket World Cup final – everyone was listening on phones! pic.twitter.com/OawGEggR9K
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Happy Valley, in the largely commercialised city of Mussoorie, has managed to hold onto its old-world charm because of its ambiguity. The photographers, hawkers, and endless lines of cars won’t be in your line of sight, nor will the maddening crowd. The lush green surroundings, cool mountain air, and panoramic views of the Himalayas create an idyllic setting that immediately puts visitors at ease. The valley does not necessitate any long hikes or climbs. Gentle slopes and properly paved, traffic-free roads provide for a pleasant stroll.
The twisting paths led to the Shedup Chopelling Temple, often known as the ‘Buddhist Monastery of Mussoorie’. Its intricate architecture, with vibrant murals and sacred artefacts, offers a glimpse into the spiritual life of the Tibetan community. Dalai Hill, located near to the Monastery, can only be reached on foot. It’s a one-kilometre trek from the monastery’s grounds to the summit of Dalai Hill via an approved trail. Prayer flags fill the whole walking trail, adding to the Hill’s already stunning beauty. It appears as a burst of vivid colours against the green and blue background of trees and sky. The summit of Dalai Hill is flat with a border around it. On the summit, there is a large golden Buddha statue that is around 20 feet tall.
The Buddhist Temple, Happy Valley, Mussoorie pic.twitter.com/rA5GL3kTA6
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On clear days, the view is nothing short of spectacular, with the rolling hills and verdant valleys stretching out as far as the eye can see. These mountains are arid, with just small patches of vegetation on them. The brown mountains, blue sky, and white clouds hanging in like cotton candies provide a nice refreshing contrast.
What sets Happy Valley apart is its ability to preserve its old-world charm amidst the rapid commercialisation of Mussoorie. The valley’s ambiguity has shielded it from the overwhelming influx of tourists, allowing it to maintain a sense of authenticity and tranquillity.
Cover image credits: Wikimedia Commons