Mussoorie, Queen of the Hills, located some 290 km north of New Delhi, is among the most popular hill stations of the country. It is a captivating paradise for leisure travellers and honeymooners. A perfect summer resort and a major educational and cultural centre has been rolled into one hub. Located on a 15 km long horseshoe ridge with the grand Himalayas as a backdrop, the colonial hill resort of Mussoorie spreads across at a height of 2,005.5 m above sea level. From this vantage point, Mussoorie offers superb scenic view of peaks of the Himalayas in western Garhwal. Mussoorie boasts of some of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas. Hill ridges, irregular in shape and partly wooded, form layer after layer to the horizon, where snow capped mountain peaks are visible as though you can touch them. From West to East, the mighty peaks of Bandar Poonch, Srikantha, the Gangotri group and the Chaukhamba present a mesmerizing panorama. 34 km from Dehradun, Mussoorie overlooks the majestic Doon valley to its south and the impressive Himalayas up north. The mountains beckon climbers, trekkers and adventure sport enthusiasts. Trekkers begin their journey into the popular trekking area of Hari-ki-Doon with its snowscapes and verdant-forested slopes from Mussoorie. The holy River Ganga is visible from one end of the ridge and Yamuna from the other, a stretch of around 20 km in all, from Cloud’s end in the west to Jabarkhet in the east.

One of the most easily accessible hill stations in Northern India, during the peak tourist season, Mussoorie becomes a bustling resort with hordes of holiday-makers ambling down the central Mall. The suburban area of Landour, about 300 m away from the main town, is quieter and has managed to retain some of its old colonial charm. Surrounded by lush wooded expanses and winding lanes, it offers exclusive opportunities for quiet walks. It overlooks the sprawling Doon valley and the city of Dehradun, the gateway to Mussoorie and to entire Garhwal.

Best Season / Best time to visit

• The climate is cool and pleasant all through the year but the best time to visit is from September to June.

• Winter (October to February) are of freezing weather and snow. Night temperature can touch to subzero levels and roads get blocked by snow and snowfall is common from December till mid of February.

• Summer (March to June) are very pleasant with average temperature around 37°C and is good time for sightseeing and adventures. It is in fact great months for Mussoorie tourism.

• Monsoon (July to mid-September) are medium and can cause landslides, making it difficult for travelling. Mussoorie is a popular cool summer retreat in India where summers are the best times to have trekking, rock climbing and camping. Winters are cold and are dominated by snowfall. Couples always prefer booking honeymoon packages in Mussoorie during this period. Post monsoons during September to November are ideal months for those seeking to enjoy water rafting.

PLACES TO VISIT

Gun Hill

Gun Hill is the second highest peak of Mussoorie. The Mall is the starting point for the cable car towards the summit of Gun Hill. The thrill of the ride is memorable and offers beautiful views of the Himalayan Ranges.

Mussoorie Lake

The artificial Mussoorie Lake is situated about 6 km short of Mussoorie on the way from Dehradun. The Mussoorie Lake is a delightful spot where paddle-boats are available. It commands an enchanting view of Doon valley and nearby villages.

The Mall

The Mall is the main shopping area in Mussoorie. The Mall Road connects the two bazaars, Kulri and Library. It is the heart of the town. Alongside the Mall is the tourist office, rows of Tibetan trinket and sweater vendors and shops selling walking sticks and cane items. Cycle rickshaws can be seen here, plying down the Mall. The Mall is the starting point for the cable car towards the summit of Gun Hill, 2142 m above sea level. On clear days, the peaks of Kedarnath, Badrinath and Nanda Devi can be seen from this hill clearly.

Camel’s Back Road

Camel’s Back Road is suitable for horse riding, walking and beautiful sunset views of the Himalayas. A superb rock formation, with a life-like resemblance to a sitting camel can be seen from this spot.

Lal Tibba

Lal Tibba is the highest hill and situated at an altitude of 2438m above sea level. The view to the north and the snow-capped peaks is stunning and best at sunrise.

Jwalaji Temple

The Jwalaji Temple is situated on the top of the Benog Hill and has an idol of Mata Durga. The temple is surrounded by the thick forests and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, Doon valley and Yamuna valley.

Kempty Falls

Kempty Falls is located about 15 km away on the Yamunotri road. It is a popular and picturesque waterfall, located in the beautiful valley surrounded by the high mountains. The bath at the foot of the falls is refreshing. From Kempty Falls, the area west to the Yamuna gorge is being declared as a sanctuary. This sanctuary is rich in bird life, and also has some wildlife including leopards.

Bhatta Fall

Bhatta Fall is beautiful & natural fall amidst most serene environment, 8 km. from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. A fall has different ponds for bathing and amusement, making it an ideal place for picnic – a picnic spot with a difference. Accessible by car or taxi up to the fall itself.

Lakha Mandal

Lakha Mandal is on the Yamunotri road, past Kempty Falls. There are hundreds of idols of archaeological importance that have been preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. According to the legend, the Kauravas made a shellac house and conspired to burn the Pandavas alive here.

Dhanaulti

If you walk past the clock tower and look between the plains and the rising slopes of Landour, you’ll see a road that leads to the green meadows and deodar forests of Dhanaulti, 24 km away. There’s both a forest bungalow and a tourist bungalow at Dhanaulti and it’s a delightful place to spend a quiet weekend.

HOW TO VISIT

By Flight

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant at Dehradun (82 km). Taxis are available from the airport.

By Train

The nearest railhead is Dehradun (68 km).

By Road

Dehradun is well connected by roads. Take the Tehri bypass from Mussoorie and drive down the Mussoorie-Chamba road.