St. Paul's Church (CNI) — Attraction in Uttarakhand

Foremost, thanks a lot to Google. I am visiting vicariously Char Dukan, Mussoorie, and its surroundings after 1995 when I moved out of Mussoorie. I am writing this from Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada. Iqaluit is the capital of Nunavut province and it is a small town that is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean. The next thing in the north of this town is the North Pole. But the first time I visited this Church was on a Sunday with my cousin late Zafar Agha in Aug 1985. I was then working as a Scientist C with DRDO in Dehradun and both of us were spending our weekend around Aug 15, 1985. We were staying at the Himalaya Hotel, the Guest House for DRDO employees at the Picture Place location. Being a Sunday both of us decided to trek up to Landor, ITM of Min of Defense and the Cemetery, about which the locals informed us, taking us to be the tourists. When we reached Char Dukan the bells for the Sunday Mass were ringing. So, both walked into the Church and attended the Mass. We both attended again a Sunday mass after several years. The last was in Allahbad at the beautiful All Saints Cathedral, which is built at a circular crossing island and it too is a marvel of Gothic architecture! After the Mass, we both were advised to visit the Cemetery almost adjacent to the Church. We both walked up to the Cemetery and at its entrance was a board informing us the Administrative in-charge of the cemetery was the famous Actor Victor Banerjee. And on entering the cemetery there was a huge very tall Pine/Deodar Tree that was planted by the Prince of Wales back in 1800 (I do not remember the year given on its plaque) when he visited Landor. No doubt the entire Landor is a very serene area. Though after 6 years in 1991 I got posted as Head of NICTU at LBSNAA, Mussoorie. Then too I visited Char Dukan trekking with the probationers till Lal Tibba. And again as an invited speaker to address the DRDO executives at the ITM while working at the IAS Academy in 1994 and 1995. Certainly this Church is historic. Its stained glass windows are a marvel to see and experience when sun light comes into the church through them. Its wooden benches reminded me of the gone by members who attended the mass here on every Sunday. It is not the Jhoola Ghar, or by watching the mountain peaks through the telescopes available at the Tank Top above the Civic Hospital, Mussoorie rather one would get an experience of the Devine presence all around visiting Landor's Char Dukan area. It is this Church, its ambience of sitting inside, and the calmness around with misty clouds in Landor. In my ex-wife's allotted house of the Mussoorie Civil Hospital (she being the lady doctor posted there), we used to see this church, the Woodstock school, and its tall green trees while sitting outside having tea in sunshine, in the court yard of that house, seeing this Church...

Looking for a slice of heaven amidst the misty mountains? Look no further than St. Paul's Church in Mussoorie! 🏔️

🌲 Ambiance like no other: Step into a world of tranquility surrounded by the majestic deodar trees. The atmosphere is simply magical, transporting you to a serene haven.

🌳 Nature's Embrace: Nestled among the deodar trees, this church is a sight to behold. Its well-maintained exterior blends seamlessly with the lush greenery, creating a picturesque setting.

⛪️ Aesthetic Marvel: St. Paul's Church is not just a place of worship; it's a masterpiece of architecture. Its intricate design and timeless beauty make it one of the most stunning churches I've ever seen.

🙏 Serene Sanctuary: Whether you're seeking solace in prayer or simply soaking in the ambiance, this church offers a cozy vibe like no other. You can sit inside for prayers and feel the peace enveloping you.

☁️ Enchanting in Misty Weather: Picture this: mist rolling in, the church looming amidst the fog – it's like stepping into a fairytale wonderland. The ethereal beauty of St. Paul's is truly unmatched, especially on misty days.

🇬🇧 A Touch of History: Built in the British era in 1839, St. Paul's Church exudes a charming British vibe. Fun fact: Jim Corbett's parents tied the knot here, adding an intriguing historical dimension to this already fascinating place.

🕰️ Open Doors: Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, St. Paul's welcomes visitors from 10 AM to 5 PM daily. It's a must-visit for anyone exploring Mussoorie's rich cultural heritage.

🌿 Nature's Call: Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, it's the peace and stillness of places like St. Paul's that beckon us to reconnect with nature's vastness.

Overall, St. Paul's Church is more than just a place of worship – it's a sanctuary for the soul, a testament to beauty, and a must-visit destination for anyone craving a dose of serenity in the lap...

Just a stone’s throw away from Char Dukan, nestled quietly among tall pine trees, lies the beautiful St. Paul’s Church—a peaceful reminder of Landour’s colonial past. Built in 1839, this Anglican-style church is one of the oldest in the region and continues to hold a quiet charm that captivates every visitor.

As you walk up to the church, the architecture immediately transports you to another era. The grey stone walls, arched windows, and simple wooden interiors reflect an old-world charm. The stained glass work inside is subtle but beautiful, especially when the sunlight filters through it during the day.

What sets this church apart is the serenity of the surroundings. With hardly any noise and very few crowds, it's the perfect spot to pause, reflect, or just sit quietly for a while. Even if you’re not religious, the calm vibe of the place is sure to leave a peaceful impact on you.

Visitors often pair their trip to Char Dukan with a few moments at St. Paul’s Church—making it a soulful experience of good food and inner peace.

Rating: 4.7/5 Best Time to Visit: Morning or just before sunset Vibe: Quiet, spiritual, and photogenic Don’t Miss: The peaceful garden and old memorial plaques...