Mussoorie

Mussoorie - Queen of the Hills

Mussoorie, also known as Queen of the Hills, is among the most popular hill stations of the country. A Britisher, Captain Frederick Young, accompanied by an official named FJ Shore, had climbed up the hill from the Doon valley in 1827 and found this ridge offering great views and a salubrious climate. This visit laid the foundation for this grand hill station.

A captivating paradise for leisure travellers and honeymooners, it is a perfect summer resort. Located on a 15-km-long horseshoe ridge with the grand Himalayas as a backdrop, Mussoorie spreads across at a height of 2,000 m above sea level. From this vantage point, it offers scenic views of Himalayas peaks in Western Garhwal.

Many famous personalities have made Mussoorie their home – most notable being authors Ruskin Bond and Bill Aitken. Filmstar Victor Banerjee resides in Mussoorie while deceased filmstar Tom Alter was born and brought up here. In the 1960s filmstar Prem Nath had his house here while the son of Dev Anand studied in Woodstock school. Cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are frequent visitors to this hill resort.

Best time to visit Mussoorie

The best time to visit Mussoorie is during summers, as it offers respite from the scorching summer heat. However, if you are looking for a secluded holiday, come here during winters to witness the snowfall.

Places to visit in Mussoorie

• Surkhanda Devi Temple: Surkanda Devi Temple can be reached after a 2 km trek from the village Kaddukhal. A trekker's paradise, the view from the temple is mesmeric. According to local legends, when Lord Vishnu was destroying the physical self of Sati while Lord Shiva did tandav, Sati's head fell on this place, hence the temple is called the Shri Surkanda Devi Temple. These places (51 sites) are called Shakti Peeths. The temple is one of the most popular Shakti Peeths of India.
• Landour: Situated at the east end of town, Landour is a British-era cantonment named after Llanddowror, a remote village in southwest Wales. But not just its name, the pretty town has several links to the UK: many houses in Landour are inspired by Scottish author Sir Walter Scott’s novels, with names such as Kenilworth, Ivanhoe, Waverly and Woodstock (now a famous school). Landour was home to several Indian royal families as well, before Independence. The Landour Bazaar is a very popular shopping area.
• George Everest House: At Park Estate are the remains of the building and laboratory of Sir George Everest, the Surveyor-General of India from 1830 to 1843. It is after George Everest that the world's highest peak Mt Everest is named. It is 6 km from Gandhi Chowk and a scenic walk from Library Bazaar, although accessible by road transport to at least Haathi Paon. The place provides a view of Doon Valley on one side and a panoramic view of the Aglar River valley and the peaks of the Himalayan ranges on the other. The tourism department is developing this house as a museum.
• Bhatta Falls: Bhatta Falls is beautiful and natural and is set amidst a serene environment. Located about 8 km from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun road, it has different ponds for bathing.
• Jharipani Falls: Located about 9 km from Mussoorie, you need to cover the last 1.5 km on foot to reach Jharipani Falls. It is also a great place for picnicking.
• Kempty Falls: Located about 15 km on the Yamunotri road, Kempty Falls is a popular and picturesque waterfall, located in the beautiful valley surrounded by high mountains.
• Municipal Gardens Or Company Bagh: Known as Botanical gardens of Mussoorie in pre-Independence era, the Municipal Gardens or the Company Bagh has a variety of beautiful flowers and an amusement park too.
• Camel's Back Road: It is suitable for walking and offers 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.
• Christ Church: Built in 1836, it is considered to be among the oldest churches in the Himalayan ranges built by Britishers. There is a Deodar (Cedrus deodara) tree in this church garden that was planted by the Princess of Wales – who later became Queen Mary - upon her visit to Mussoorie.
• Lal Tibba: Situated at an altitude of 2,438 m above sea level, Lal Tibba is the highest hill in Mussoorie. The view to the north and the snow-capped peaks is stunning and best at sunrise.
• Mussoorie Lake: The artificial lake developed recently about 6 km on the way from Mussoorie, on Dehradun road watch ducks swimming, ride a paddle boat and enjoy amazing views of Doon Valley. 
• Mall Road: t is the main shopping area in Mussoorie. Located in the heart of the town, Mall Road connects the two bazaars, Kulri bazaar and Library Chowk. You will find various shops selling everything from winter wears and toys to gift items and souvenirs.
• Gun Hill: This is the highest point on the Mall road, you need to take a cable car ride to reach the summit of Gun Hill. The thrill of the ride is memorable, and the peak offers majestic views of the surroundings. A gun was installed atop this hill by the British in 1865, which used to be fired daily at noon to indicate the time and hence the name “Gun-hill”.

How to reach Mussoorie

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

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