Mussoorie, named as the Queen of Hills is 34 kms from Dehradun. It is situated at an altitude of 2003 mts above sea-level. Pine-covered mountain slopes and snow clad peaks – experience the beauty of Mussoorie. Mussoorie is a popular tourist destination for honeymooners because of its cool climes and beautiful natural environment. The shepherds let their cattle graze on this shrub and this place is still referred to as Mansoori by the local people. It consists snow ranges to the northeast, and glittering views of the Doon Valley and Shivalik ranges in the south. Captain Young, a British military officer and Mr. Shore, the resident Superintendent of Dehradun explored this famous hill resort in 1826. The name, Mussoorie is derived from plants of ‘Mussoorie’ which were found in abundance here. After its discovery, this hill station gradually developed as a centre of education, business, tourism and beauty.
The highest point in Mussoorie is Lal Tibba with a height of over 2,290 metres (7,510 ft) is a lovely lookout point, a short distance from the actual peak. The Mall is one of the most happening places in Mussoorie that stretches from Picture Palace at its eastern end to the Public Library at its western end. It is called the “Gateway” to Yamunotri and Gangotri Shrines.
view of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India
Gun Hill, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India
view of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India
Camel's Back Road, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India
Kempty Falls Mussoorie, Uttaranchal India
Places to See around Mussoorie :
Municipal Garden: A picnic spot having a beautiful garden and an artificial mini lake with boating facilities. It is located at a distance of 2 kms on foot via Waverly Convent Road. This garden was laid by the renowned Geologist, Dr.H.Fackner in the preceding century. It houses a small artificial lake and boating facilities are also available.
Gun Hill : The “Gun Hill” point is the second highest point of Mussoorie, at an altitude of 2124 meters, offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and a bird’s eye view of Mussoorie town and Doon Valley. During pre-independence days a gun mounted on this top used to be fired heralding mid-day to enable people to adjust their watches and hence this name.
It is accessible by the cable car on the Mall road. It can also be negotiated by bridles path which forks-off from Mall Road near Kutchery and to reach takes about twenty minutes. The Ropeway distance is only 400 mtrs. And the sheer thrill of the ride is memorable.
Childer’s Lodge: It is also known as “Nahata Estate”. It is a huge property of approximately 300 acres, owned by the Harakh Chand Nahata family. This is the highest peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba. You may enjoy the view of snow-clad mountains from this point. It is about 5 kms from the Tourist Office and one can go on horseback or on foot.
Camel’s Back Road: Mussoorie has a great nature walk known as “Camel’s Back Road” since it has a rocky outcrop in the shape of a camel’s hump. There is a beautiful cemetery along the road that is located mid-way on the loop. It starts from Kulri Bazar near Rink Hall and ends at Library Bazar covering a total distance of about 3 kms. The main charm of this road is horse riding and walking. Sunset view of the Himalayas is superb.
Jharipani Fall: 8.5 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie- Jharipani Road. Visitors can go by bus or by car upto 7 kms to Jharipani from where the fall is 1.5 kms, on foot.
Kempty Fall: 15 kms from Mussoorie on the Yamunotri Road having an altitude of 4500 ft. It has the distinction of being the biggest and prettiest waterfall located in a beautiful valley and is surrounded by high mountains. Bath at the foot of the falls is refreshing and enjoyable for children and adults alike.
Bhatta Fall: 7 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. Access by car upto Balta village from where the fall is 3kms by car or foot an ideal spot for bathing and picnics. It is fall with different ponds for bathing and water amusements that are ideal place for picnic.
Nag Devta Temple: . An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on Cart Mackenzie Road about 6 km from Mussoorie on the way to Dehradun. It Provides a charming view of Doon Valley as well as of Mussoorie. It is easily accessible by road.
Mussoorie Lake: A newly developed picnic spot, situated on Mussoorie- Dehradun road and is about 6 kms from Mussoorie It commands an enchanting view of Doon Valley and nearby villages. It offers exciting views during night.
Van Chetna Kendra: At a distance of about 2 kms on Tehri bye pass road, this place is developed as a picnic spot and has a park surrounded with pine forest and flowering shrubs, and is approachable by foot or taxi/car. The main attraction is the wildlife of the park like Ghurar, Kanankar, Himalayan Peacock, Monal etc.
Sir George Everest House: 6 kms The Park Estate of sir George Everest, First Surveyor General of India, Who had his office and residence here, is approachable by road. The highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, is named after him. It is located 6 km from Library Bazaar and a wonderful walk from there that is accessible by road although the road is rough beyond Haathi Paon.
Clous End: It was the bungalow built by a British in 1830. It is one of the oldest buildings of Mussoorie. located at the edge of a cliff, with a sheer drop, which gives the house an impression of being at the end of the clouds, hence the name. The bungalow has been converted into a hotel called Cloud’s End that is one of the heritage hotels. The resort is located at a distance of 8 kms from the Library and surrounded by dense forests. It offers impressive view of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks and the Yamuna River flowing through the Doon Valley.
Landour Bazaar: This is the oldest bazaar of Mussoorie around 150 years old and served as a recreation place for British soldiers. Famous for silver nose rings, earrings, bracelets and anklets etc.
Vinog Mountain Quail Sanctuary: This is a bird sanctuary established in 1993. Spread over an area of 339 hectares and lies 11 kms from the Library Point. It is famous for the Mountain Quail, a bird species thought to be extinct and last spotted in 1876.
Nag Devta Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on Cart Mackenzie Road about 6 km from Mussoorie on the way to Dehradun. It provides excellent view of Mussoorie and the Doon Valley.
Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill): It is at an altitude of 2240 meters. It is situated on the top of Benog Tibba (Hill) and contains an ancient idol of Goddess Durga. You may enjoy marvelous view of the Aglar River valley. It is not accessible by road.
Dhanolti: It is located 24 kms from Mussoorie on the Mussoorie-Tehri Road. You may enjoy nature at its best in Dhanolti. You may go for long walks in the wooded hills, enjoy a breathtaking view of the hills and plains.
Naga Tibba – The highest peak around Mussoorie is located around 55 km and forms an idyllic place for trekking. It is 10,000 feet high and is covered with dense forests.
Best Time to visit Mussoorie
The best seasons to visit Mussoorie is between April to June and during September to November. September – November is spring time here. During this season Himalayas are clearly visible. It is better to avoid monsoons as the roads to Mussoorie are in bad shape. Same thing applies for the winter when roads are blocked due to snowfall
How to reach Mussoorie:
By Air
The nearest airport to reach Mussoorie is the Jolly Grant Airport, located 24 km from Dehradun. Daily flights connect Mussoorie to Delhi. You can easily board a bus/ taxi/ private car from the airport to reach Mussoorie.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is located in Dehradun, 34 km from Mussoorie. It connects Dehradun to important cities like Delhi, Bombay, Amritsar, Varanasi and Lucknow.
By Road
Well maintained and motorable roads connect Mussoorie to all the major cities nearby. Delhi is 269 km from Mussoorie. Various buses of ‘Uttaranchal State Transport’ shuttle between Delhi and Mussoorie.
Quick Facts of Mussoorie
Area : 65 sq km
Altitude : 2005.5 m
Temperature in Summer : 31.2°C(max);7.2°C(min)
Temperature in Winter : 7.2°C(max);1.1°C(min)
Languages : Hindi and English
Best Time to Visit : April-June and September-November
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