Company Garden Mussoorie: A Peaceful Retreat Amidst Nature in Uttarakhand

Introduction

Mussoorie, affectionately known as the "Queen of the Hills", is famous for its misty peaks and bustling streets. Company Garden in Mussoorie is rich in greenery and colorful flower gardens. It is a true blessing for a nature-lover.

📌 Company Garden, Mussoorie: At a Glance

Also Known As:Municipal Garden / Company Bagh.
Official / New Name: Atal Udyan.
Location: Happy Valley Road, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand (approx. 3 km from Mall Road).
Distance From Kempty Falls:Nearly 45-minute drive on the ghat road.
Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Approximately ₹25 per person (separate charges for boating, rides, wax museum entry, and food court)
Main Attractions: Vibrant flower beds, artificial waterfall, mini lake with paddle boating, wax museum, food court and an amusement park for kids.
Ideal for: Families, couples, nature-lovers, photographers, and children.
Best Time to Visit: May to September when the flowers are in full glorious bloom.

Journey from Kempty Falls to Company Garden

25th April 2023: Day 3 itinerary of our Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh tour began with a a visit to Kempty Falls in Mussoorie.

After a roaring and misty spray experience of Kempty Falls, we were too exhausted and looked for a place to relax and immerse ourselves in nature. The cab driver told that Company Gardens in Mussoorie, a 45-minute scenic drive from Kempty Falls, is the perfect place.

We drove towards Company Garden, enjoying beautiful mountain and valley views along the way. On the way I captured the view of Kempty Falls from a long distance, in my mobile.

View of Kempty Falls from a distance

On the way at a view point there were some tourists busy capturing the captivating Himalayan beauty of nature in their cams. We too stopped at the viewpoint to admire the valleys covered with houses perched on mountain slopes. The scenery was breathtaking and offered wonderful photographic views.

The Colonial History of Company Garden

The origin of this lush paradise dates back to the British colonial period. It was laid by the geologist and doctor, Dr.H.Fackner in the early 19th century. And this was the first established Botanical Gardens of Mussoorie. It served as a important place for studying unique Himalayan plant species.

Till recently, it was locally popular as Company Garden / Company Bagh or the Municipal Garden. Recently, the Mussoorie Municipality officially renamed it as Atal Udyan in memory of our former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji. The well-maintained garden surrounded by scenic mountains and serene atmosphere continues to attract visitors every year.

View point on the way to Company Garden

First Impressions: A Garden Full of Serenity

After taking entry tickets at the counter, as we entered the Company Garden, we found it captivating with serene atmosphere and a perfect green escape rich in British-period charm. We walked leisurely along the walkways with vibrant flowers on either side. The beautifully trimmed plants, colourful flower beds lining the pathways, towering trees, and fresh mountain breeze created a peaceful and relaxing ambience.

Central Fountain at Company Garden in Mussoorie

Central Fountain at Company Garden, Mussoorie

Unlike other crowded tourist sports, Company Garden in Mussoorie welcomes the visitors with serene ambience, floral walkways, fountain, waterfalls with rustic wooden bridge (photo point), a small artificial lake, and the unique weaver bird nests hanging from the tree. There was a kind of rustic beauty here which I liked the most.

Attractions Inside Company Garden

1. Flower Gardens: A Botanist's Paradise

The central walkway with lush green lawns and towering mountain trees is spellbinding. The vibrant garden with nearly 800 species of flowers and a spectacular display of Dahlias, Begonias, Pansies, and Petunias makes it a real paradise for a botanist.

2. The Waterfall with Rustic Wooden Bridge Captured Our Hearts

As we walked along the walked, we came across a central fountain which enhanced the beauty of the place. As we walked deep inside the walking paths we came across a charming waterfall with a rustic wooden bridge in front of the falls. There was a log of wood that served a seating place. The tourists were busy capturing memories sitting on the log with the waterfall as the backdrop.

Waterfalls with rustic wooden bridge at Company Garden in Mussoorie

Waterfalls with wooden bridge in Company Garden, Mussoorie

This is one of the most delightful spots in the garden. I am not sure whether the waterfalls is natural or man-made, but this enchanting corner soaked in beauty and serenity created a perfect setting for photography.

3. Family Entertainment and Paddle Boating in the Lake

After spending much time at the waterfalls, we walked further along the walkway halted at yet another awesome serene place, a small artificial lake.

Artificial lake at Company Garden

It was too cool and relaxing at this place. We don't even know how much time we spent here relishing the feast of our eyes. Some tourists were enjoying a paddle boating in the lake. We didn't go on a boat ride but just relaxed watching others.

Tourist enjoying boat ride in the lake at Company Garden

Some tourists enjoying a boat ride in the lake

These paddle boats are on rental basis, priced at Rs.50 to Rs. 150 depending on the season.

4. Weaver Birds' Nests and Childhood Memories

While we were strolling on the walkway along the lakeside I felt nostalgic when I noticed a number of intricately woven, discarded nests of weaver birds hanging from the trees.

Weaver birds' nests hanging from a tree

These nests fascinated me and took me back to my childhood days, when I used to eagerly rather closely watch these weaver birds skillfully making their nests on a berry tree in our backyard. Standing there amidst nature, reliving those cherished memories, was one of the most emotional moments of the trip, I had.

Other Attractions

Other attractions inside the garden include Dev Bhoomi Wax museum, a small amusement rides like toy train, columbus ride etc for children. As our main purpose was to relax, wWe did not visit these attractions.

Food Court

After spending a leisurely time, we headed to the food court. We ordered light snacks like bhelpuri and had the famous refreshing kulhad chai (tea in a clay cup) still admiring the mountain view from the window.

We had a wonderful time in the calm atmosphere with cool weather, and colourful surroundings which made our experience even more memorable.

What Makes Company Garden a Must-Visit Place in Mussoorie?

Ideal for relaxing amidst nature.
The beautiful flower gardens and scenic mountain views are a feast to the eyes.
A perfect family-friendly destination.
Less crowded compared to many other tourist attractions.
An excellent place for photo and videography.
Ideal for peaceful walks.
Perfect combination of recreation and nature walk.

Key Takeaways

Company Garden is one of the most peaceful tourist attractions in Mussoorie.
The waterfalls, lake and flower gardens are the highlights of the garden.
A serene walk and paddle boating in the lake is suitable for families.
Company garden is a real refreshing break from the busy tourist areas.

Company Garden Mussoorie Photos

Here are Company Garden photos to enjoy:

The Rustic Walkway in Company Garden, Mussoorie

Nature Walk in Company Garden

Waterfalls in Company Garden

Flowers in Company Garden

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the new name of Company Garden in Mussoorie?
The garden was officially renamed Atal Udyan by the state government in honor of our late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji. However, locals and travel maps still refer to it as Company Garden or Company Bagh.

2. Where is Company Garden located in Mussoorie?
Company Garden is located about 3 km from Mall Road in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.

4. What are the Company Garden timings?
Company garden timings: Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

5. Is boating available in Company Garden?
Yes there is paddle boating in the artificial lake inside the garden.

6. Is there an extra charge for activities inside the garden?
Yes. Basic park entry fee is Rs.50 and individual activities are charged separately.

7. Is Company Garden suitable for children?
Yes it is suitable for children. There is paddle boating, amusement rides, toy trains, and open spaces and wax museum and is an excellent family destination.

8. Which is the best season to visit Company Garden?
March to June is considered the best time to enjoy the blooming flowers and pleasant weather.

Concluding Note

Our visit to Company Garden, Mussoorie was an enchanting, peaceful mountain escape. It was not just an adventure or sightseeig but it was slowing down and connecting with the nature. Strolling past the centuries-old botanical layout, sipping hot kulhad chai (tea in earthen cup) and admiring the colourful flowers, waterfalls, the calm lake, the rustic wooden bridges makes it a place not to miss on one's Mussoorie's itinerary. Relaxing the mind and body at Company Garden in Mussoorie was one of the most cherished and memorable experiences of our Uttarkhand and Himachal Pradesh tour.

A Family Travel Story by Sobha Kalyani

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