Encountering Langurs in Mussoorie

Mussoorie, the second Jewel of Uttarakhand with snow tipped mountains and lush green trees gives the real beauty of nature. This is a hill station where one can breathe the crisp air as well as flexible and smart moving langurs which are the inhabitants of the area. These owlish looking, silver bearded, piercing eyed bewhiskered fellows gracefully moving around are part and parcel of Mussoorie existence so much so that they form a perfect foil to the human activity.

The Langurs of Mussoorie

These Hanuman langurs frolic and play in Mussoorie’s luxuriant foliage while jumping from tree to tree; there fully black facial masks and long, slender tails are evident in the shade of greenery. These are gregarious animals, the langurs are, they live in fairly large parties whose behavior is a perfect example of a touch-let’s move-let’s touch pattern. Just to observe them is to be able to witness the conduct of nature, a mystery of birth and companionship.

Mother Langur with her baby : Art by Aahan Tiwari

Historical Significance

The langurs being the lords of the trees are royalty in the realm of Indian mythology. Popularly referred as the Hanuman’s, these creatures are mostly of religious importance and power symbolising devotion and strength. They are not mere animals; they are living characters of mythology, divine incarnate that bring the divine down to the mortal realm. In Mussoorie as well as in the different parts of India the langurs are preserved and esteemed as precious and this reflects the centuries old Traditions of the admiration of the nature in India.

Encountering Langurs in Mussoorie

Take a stroll on the narrow roads of Mussoorie and you could expect these agile silly monkeys. At Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary or at the pathway of Camel Back Road or near Kempty Falls, one can often sight the presence of these langurs. They laze on rooftops, dig fruits from trees and at other times, if the tourist looks strange, they get near this stranger.

But there are rules to this dance of coexistence:But there are rules to this dance of coexistence:

Do Not Feed Them: Food found in the human world poses a lot of scares to the natural diets and health of these animals.

Maintain a Safe Distance: Do not intrude or trespass into their area so that you do not cause them to get angry.

Avoid Flash Photography: Due to the rapidly flashing lights they can easily be frightened or stressed.

Conservation Efforts

So, for Mussoorie conservation is not a policy, but a kind of existence standard. As is true with many similar species across the globe, local governments and wildlife conservation agencies continue to intervene and try to save the langurs. Due to the educational campaigns, residents and tourists are aware of the rights balance of the industry on one hand and the preservation of wildlife on the other.

A Unique Attraction

There is always a gift for those who looking for adventure, the silent beauty of nature or to be one with the nature Musoorie has all to offer. The sympatric primates, which include the black-faced langurs, are most amusing and elegant animals to watch. If you are an ornithologist, a hiker, or just a nature lover these primates infuse your adventure with something magical.

Conclusion

Mussoorie has perhaps the best all round view and boasts of a cultural and historical significance that attracts visitors. The Garo people and the langurs are immersed in the web of its trees and, thus, represent the integration of man and the physical environment. Thus, as we enjoy the splendid country and behave as tourists, we need to ensure that their heaven – the trees hosting the langurs – stays like this.

Therefore, the next time you are in Mussoorie do not miss a chance to sit down and watch the langurs. See how they move- how they dance, how they sing and how they fit into this complex system. It is a testimony to life’s constant need for upkeep in this mystical hill station; a symbol of coexistence which is presumably possible between man and the environment.