Mussoorie Tourism

Visit Mussoorie, the Hill Station in Uttarakhand, known as 'The Queen of Hills,' to experience the scenic vistas of the Himalayas.

The pristine, snow-capped mountains complimenting the lush greenery of Oak and Deodar forests in one of Uttarakhand's most enchanting tourist destinations and hill stations, Mussoorie, undeniably justifies its title as "The Queen of Hills." Mussoorie is among the few places that cater to every type of traveler. This quaint town in the lower Himalayan region captivates the hearts of its visitors with mesmerizing panoramas of layers and layers of hills rising up until they are covered with pristine white crowns. Founded just 200 years back by British Lt. Fredrick Young, originally for exploring game-shooting opportunities, it soon evolved into a fashionable destination for couples and families.

Mussoorie boasts a plethora of extraordinary and unique areas to explore, making it a favorable destination for adventurers and explorers. Located a mere 290 kilometers from New Delhi, among all the tourist places, Mussoorie has also become a popular weekend getaway for residents of many northern Indian states. Mussoorie serves as a major stopover for Hindu pilgrims on the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, which encompasses four sacred destinations: Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. It not only serves as the gateway but also provides a breathtaking vantage point to behold mesmerizing mountain peaks such as Chaukhamba, Bandarpunch, and Gangotri. Mussoorie is also situated between two of India's holiest rivers, the Yamuna and the Bhagirathi (a tributary of the Ganges).

As a sanctuary for ardent nature lovers, Mussoorie offers a multitude of beautiful attractions, a deep connection with nature, numerous adventure opportunities, captivating Himalayan landscapes, lush forests, and a glimpse of the colonial era. Among all, here is the list of 5 best places to visit in Mussoorie that, once visited, leave you longing for a return visit.

Top Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in and Around Mussoorie

  • Kempty Falls
  • Lal Tibba
  • Mall Road
  • Gun Hills
  • Cloud's End

Kempty Falls

The most adventurous and playful tourist attraction of Mussoorie, Kempty Falls, is one of the major waterfalls in the town. Daily, thousands of people dip their heads in the chilled water, dropping from a height of 41 feet. The water collects in a small pond in which you can see people of all ages, either taking photos or trying to get to the point where the water is straight falling from the cliff. You can get to the fall by climbing down a lot of stairs leading you through a bustling market with shops selling many interesting things, toys, and souvenirs to buy for yourself. Besides the fall, there are a number of shops that provide the necessary things required to get into the water, like an extra pair of shorts, T-shirts, and waterproof mobile bags.

A ropeway near Kempty Falls is also a lovely activity which makes tourism in Mussoorie a pleasant experience. It will provide you with a scenic view of Mussoorie, captivating your soul.

Lal Tibba and Nature Walk

One of the most alluring destinations in Mussoorie is Lal Tibba, which never fails to amaze visitors every time they are in town. Lal Tibba is the highest point in Mussoorie and is located in a small cantonment area known as Landour. It stands at a height of 2,275 meters and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges that you can experience from anywhere in this hill station. Snow-capped peaks like Kedarnath and Badrinath are visible from the Lal Tibba viewpoints through the telescope, which was installed by the municipality back in 1967. However, despite its popularity, it remains untouched by commercialization activities, and its serene atmosphere envelops every soul in tranquility. The houses in the vicinity are built in the old British architectural style and are surrounded by lush greenery. Additionally, another charming tourist attraction in Mussoorie that you can enjoy on the way to Lal Tibba is Camel's Back Road.

Camel's Back Road, just 5 kilometers from Lal Tibba, is blessed with stunning landscapes and features an intriguing rock outcrop in the shape of a camel with a hump. The 3 km road leading to this attraction is a nature walk and offers picturesque sites and the serenity of nature. Many people take leisurely walks here in the morning and evening. The magnificent tree-lined canopies make it a best place for nature lovers to visit in Mussoorie.

Mall Road

The heart of the Mussoorie hill station, The Mall Road, is the place you should be to experience almost everything about the hill station. It is an almost 2 km road that runs parallel to the beautiful mountain ranges. There are a plethora of shops along the road where you can find a varied range of items of every kind. Shop here from woolen clothes to wooden handicrafts. The Mall Road is designed in colonial style and reminds of British architecture with lamp posts and benches where you can sit down, relax, enjoy the view, and take some memorable pictures. The road is also a heaven for the readers; plenty of bookstores not only will provide you with every book you want but are located in an environment ideal for reading some interesting stories and tales.

The Mall Road is also famous for its mouth-watering street food and tea, which is the charm of this street. Savoring the snacks is among the top things to do at a hill station. Also, cars and cabs are not allowed on the road, which makes it pedestrians land to enjoy.

Gun Hills

The interesting fact is that there was a gun placed at this place, and it was fired every midday, an interesting thing that drags everyone to Gun Hill. Gun Hill is the second-highest point in Mussoorie and is 400 feet above the Mall Road. It offers a panoramic view of the Mussoorie and the Doon Valley. You will also get to witness a 360° view of Himalayan peaks from the top viewpoint. The amazing views and thrilling experience at the top of the town could only be experienced once you are there. Not just Gun Hill, but the Cable car ride to it is also much more enjoyable through its window pane. However, you can also do a 20-minute hike to reach the Gun Hill on foot.

If you can spot it, you will see varied Himalayan peaks from Gun Hill, including the Bunderpunch, Srikantha, Pithwara, and Gangotri. Besides the sightseeing tour on the hilltop, you can also have some tasty snacks or refreshing tea at the top; there are a couple of shops up there on Gun Hill.

Cloud's End

One of Mussoorie's most enthralling off-the-beaten-path destinations that adventure lovers never miss visiting is Cloud's End. The name derives from two aspects: one, the fact that this place marks the geographical end of Mussoorie's premises, and the other, that it is often wrapped in clouds and fog during the monsoon. Cloud's End is located 6 kilometers from the city center and offers an exhilarating experience to all who visit.

The small, peaceful trek to reach the viewpoint of Cloud's End is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of this hill station which is a enchanting part of Uttarakhand tourism. The tranquil environment amidst the surrounding Oak and Deodar forests compels you to momentarily set aside your worries and immerse yourself in the serenity of nature.

Additionally, there is an 1838 British-built bungalow at Cloud's End, which has been converted into a heritage hotel, allowing you to enjoy a stay in this historic setting.

Best Time to Visit Mussoorie

Mussoorie has a moderate altitude of 2000 metres and thus receives neither too hot nor too cold temperature and serves as a year-round destination; still, April to June is the ideal time to visit Mussoorie as the temperature is pleasant and prevents you from the scorching heat of plains of India.

However, to experience winter or snowfall, the best time to visit Mussoorie is from December to February.

The months of July and August are monsoon in Mussoorie and are not recommended for travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the best time to visit Mussoorie ?

The best time to visit Mussoorie is between April to June when the weather is pleasant and cool. However, if you enjoy the monsoon, July to September can be a beautiful, albeit rainy, experience. For snow lovers, December to February is the ideal time to enjoy a chilly holiday with occasional snowfall.

Q. How do I reach Mussoorie ?

Mussoorie is well-connected by road. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 54 kilometers away, and the closest railway station is also in Dehradun, about 33 kilometers away. Taxis and buses are readily available from these points to Mussoorie.

Q. What are the must-visit attractions in Mussoorie ?

Mussoorie has several attractions, including:
  • The Mall Road for shopping and dining.
  • Gun Hill for panoramic views of the Himalayas.
  • Kempty Falls for a scenic picnic spot.
  • Lal Tibba for the highest viewpoint in Mussoorie.
  • Nature walk at Camel's Back Road for a leisurely walk among beautifully greenery.

Q. What accommodation options are available in Mussoorie ?

Mussoorie offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets, from luxury resorts and heritage properties to budget hotels and guesthouses. Many offer stunning views of the Himalayan range and provide modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

Q. What types of adventure activities are available for tourists in Mussoorie ?

Mussoorie is a haven for adventure enthusiasts. You can indulge in:
  • Trekking to the nearby hilltops.
  • Rappelling and rock climbing.
  • Zip-lining and skywalking.
  • Paragliding for the thrill-seekers.
  • Nature walks and bird watching for a more serene experience.

Q. What are the must-try local cuisines in Mussoorie ?

Yes, when in Mussoorie, do try the local Garhwali cuisine. Some of the must-tries include Aloo ke Gutke (spicy potato cubes), Gahat (horse gram) soup, and Jhangora (barnyard millet) pudding. Additionally, Mussoorie is famous for its delicious Tibetan food, particularly momos and thukpa.

Q. What should pack for a trip to Mussoorie ?

Packing depends on the season. For summers, carry light woolens as evenings can be cool. During monsoons, waterproof clothing and umbrellas are essential. For winters, heavy woolens, jackets, and thermal wear are recommended due to the cold weather. Comfortable walking shoes are a must in any season due to the hilly terrain.

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