Mussoorie, The Queen of the Hills
Welcome to the queen of hill stations, Mussoorie! Be ready to be dazzled, amazed, and bewitched, all at once! It is located in Dehradun District and is nestled regally in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Situated at a height of 1,880 meters, Mussoorie sits prettily atop a hill. Moreover, there’s an old-world charm to the hill station – giving you glimpses of the typical British colonial era with architecture reminding of archetypal English. Whether it’s lush valleys, cozy cafes, or the bustling markets, you can enjoy every aspect of a hill station here…and more!
Why Visit Mussoorie?
Sitting amongst the lush greenery of the hills, with a majestic backdrop of the surrounding mountains, Mussoorie serves as an oasis for people seeking refuge from the harsh summers. Moreover, it is also considered a boon for nature lovers, peace seekers, and outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
And on top of that, it has numerous sites of interest like – Mussoorie Lake, Lal Tibba, Adventure Park, Gun hill point, Christ church and Bhadraj temple, among other classic tourist attractions.
Apart from the obvious scenic beauty and undeniable serenity, Mussoorie also offers an opportunity to gain some peace of mind and leave all the chaos of city life behind!
What is Mussoorie Famous For?
Mussoorie is famous for a number of places like: Kempty falls, Soham heritage and art centre, Nag Devta Mandir, Mussoorie waterfall, George Everest’s house, Himalayan adventure institute, Lal Tibba point, Mussoorie Lake, and several other sites. Don’t forget to add these to your itinerary!
History of Mussoorie
The eventful history of Mussoorie dates as back as 1823! It was Lt. Frederick Young who first took an interest in these hills and decided to build a hunting lodge here, right where Camel’s Back Road is now. He is also credited with establishing the first Gurkha Regiment here. Moreover, he also did some potato farming, a first in the hill station!
Places to See in Mussoorie
Add the following to your itinerary and enjoy an enriched tour!
Mussoorie Mall Road
Always bustling, always lively, this is the busiest road you’ll find in Mussoorie. Stroll here and discover the myriads of eateries, video game parlours, and modern shops. Buy souvenirs while taking in the beautiful views of the Doon Valley and the surrounding Himalayas! Your shopping experience just can’t get any better!
Lal Tibba
Lal Tibba is one of the highest points and oldest inhabited places. This 20-meter-high tower has a telescope atop it, letting you enjoy close-up views of the Himalayas. While you’re there, also savour vistas of Kedarnath peak, Nilkantha peak, and the whole Bandarpunch range.
Camel's Back Road
You must be thinking, why does this road have a name like that? Well, get this, it’s because it’s shaped like a camel's hump! Stretching as far as 4 km, it’s also a popular spot for horse riding and trekking. The sunrise and sunset views are also beautiful here.
Gun Hill
It serves as a popular viewpoint of the hill station. This is also the second-highest peak of Mussoorie. It offers picturesque views of the Himalayan range. It’s known for providing an enchanting view of the Himalayas!
Kempty Falls
Watch gushing water fall in cascades from a great height. Developed over 150 years ago, it serves as one of the most touristy sites of the entire Mussoorie!
Things to Do
There is no lack of places worth visiting when you are in Mussoorie. However, lying just a few kilometres away from the main hill station, there are plenty of sites that beg for a place in your itinerary, and rightly so! To name a few, Cloud End, Lal Tibba, Nag Devta Temple, Sir George Everest House, and Jharipani Falls are a few of the lovely must-visit places.
- Lake Mist is about 10 km from Mussoorie as you travel towards Kempty Falls. This is a lovely picnic spot that has facilities for staying and for boating on the lake.
- About 7 kilometres away, you will find Bhatta Falls with several small lakes and ponds, making it an ideal picnic spot.
- Jharipani Falls is about 8.5 kilometres from Mussoorie and it is charmingly spectacular – a must-visit place.
- Sir George Everest House, named after Sir George Everest, the First Surveyor General of India, is about 6 kilometres away and offers a lovely view of the Doon Valley as well as the Himalayas and the Yamuna Valley.
- Jwalaji Temple is about 9 kilometres away and is located at a height of about 2100 meters, on top of the Benog Hill, leading to a lush forest.
- Nag Devta Temple is a Shiva temple, dating back hundreds of years and you find it on your way to Dehradun.
- Cloud End is a much-visited spot, located about 8 kilometres from the city centre. Home to a resort, it offers views of the Yamuna down below and the Himalayas in the far-off distance. Overall, it’s a lovely spot for a picnic and admiring the view.
- Camel’s Back Road stretches from Kulri Bazar to the Library Bazar, covering a distance of 4 kilometres. If you wish to stretch your legs, go for a stroll here and enjoy a lovely sunset.
- The Ropeway ride is one of the high points of visiting Mussoorie so do not miss it; the view is simply marvelous.
- The Mall is a crowded marketplace but is typically British in ambience. It is like you have transported yourself to a village in England.
- From Mussoorie, you can also go to New Tehri, Kanatal and Chamba. This hill station is also the starting point for trekking expeditions, if you like it.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mussoorie is hands down in April to June. Get a cool, crisp, pleasant weather, ideal for performing outdoor activities. The autumn and winter are other contenders for your holiday calendar, depending on whether you like uncrowded, chilly atmospheres. Here’s a further breakdown of the seasons:
Summer Season (April to June)
The weather is pleasant during this season, and the region witnesses a horde of tourists arriving, seeking to escape the summer heat. The maximum temperature may rise up to 30 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature can go as low as 10 degree Celsius. The cool weather makes for an excellent time for sightseeing and hiking. In addition, this is also a high time for witnessing and enjoying the local festivals.
Winter Season (October to March)
Enjoy this shoulder season, which is ideal for those who like their vacation to be uncrowded and rather peaceful. Enjoy a much more relaxed outing while temperatures swing between 1°C and 20°C. While the autumn pleases you with its post-monsoon lush greenery, winter spoils you with its chilly yet charming winters. You also get the chance to bask in the views of soft snow covering the entire valley!
Monsoon Season (July to September)
The entire region experiences extremely heavy rainfall during this season. Although there’s the lure of verdant valleys, the roads and trekking paths are unsuitable for functioning owing to potential landslides and avalanches. It’s always advised against to visit in this season.
How to Reach
There are all three modes of transport, using which you can reach the wonderful hill station of Mussoorie. Here’s a quick summary:
- By Air – The closest airport to Mussoorie is situated in Dehradun – Jolly Grant Airport. It receives flights from almost all the major Indian cities, with Delhi as its main stopover. In case, you are not travelling from Delhi, then you will be required to make a stop at Delhi.
- By Rail – The nearest train station to Mussoorie is situated in Dehradun. It receives numerous trains from all the key cities of India.
- By Bus – Once you arrive in Dehradun via train or flight, you will be required to take a bus ride for 1 and a half hours, which will drop you inside the main town of Dehradun. In case you are planning on going to Mussoorie from Delhi, then the bus journey will be of almost 9 to 10 hours.
Accommodation
Mussoorie is dotted with numerous hotels and resorts. One can find their kind of accommodation, regardless of the budget. From cheap hotels and home stays to luxury hotels and resorts, Mussoorie caters to travellers of every type. Being perched on a hilltop, Mussoorie has plenty of stays which provide absolutely marvellous views of its picturesque landscapes.
Here are some top-rated lodges:
- The Brigadiers Cottage
- Country Inn Premier Pacific Resort
- Hotel Vishnu Palace
- Hotel Mussoorie Heights
- The Palm Aryan Mussoorie
Mussoorie Food Guide
Mussoorie, being a welcoming host for tourists from all around the world, offers a variety of cuisines – from local to Tibetan to even Italian, in addition to North Indian, of course. You can also enjoy Goan, Thai, Moroccan, and other global food. In addition, do enjoy cakes and muffins in their cozy ‘cafes with an ambiance’!
And it goes without saying that you got to try the lip-smacking local dishes. Whether it’s the spicy Aloo ke Gutke, the nutritious green-leafy Sisunak Saag, or the sweet delicacy Janghora ki Kheer, you’ll sure be left wanting for more!
Interesting Facts about Mussoorie
- The hill station was named after a shrub that grows here in large numbers – Mansoor! However, the British pronounced it as Mussoorie, and the name stuck.
- The famous author Ruskin Bond lives here. You can even spot him at Cambridge Book Depot, especially on Saturdays.
- You can observe here the elusive Winterline phenomenon, visible only from a very few parts of the world. As the sun sets in the evening, the sky gets filled with various shades of yellow above a grey band. This gives a sense of a false horizon. Tourists flock to see this rare natural gem.
- It’s a favourite spot for Bollywood too! Movies like Lakshya, Student of the Year, and Koi... Mil Gaya were shot here.
- Before climate change, Mussoorie used to get snowfall every year.
Whether you’re a honeymooner looking forward to romantic times amidst the valleys or just a typical tourist out for a weekend getaway, you’re sure to have a good time in Mussoorie!
