
MUSSOORIE TOUR HIGHLIGHTS -
Mussoorie also known as Queen of the Hills is a popular hill station for honeymooners and also leisure travelers. The name Mussoorie is derived from a shrub called ‘mansur’ which is indigenous to the place hence the locals also call it Mansuri. A British military officer Captain Frederick Young along with FJ Shore an official from Dehradun had climbed up the hill from the Doon valley in 1827 fell in love with the place and built a first ever resort thus making Mussoorie a hill station. Mussoorie is situated at a height of 2,000 m above sea level thus offering scenic views of Himalayan peaks. Mussoorie is home to many famous people notably authors Ruskin Bond and Bill Aitken. Film star Victor Banerjee resides in Mussoorie while deceased film star Tom Alter was born and brought up here.
The best time to visit Mussoorie is from February to April where the temperatures are very comfortable. The peak season where a lot of tourists appear are March to May due to holidays in India and as it provides respite from the city heat.
Winter in Mussoorie is usually from November to February with the region receiving snowfall in December and January offering breath taking views though the amount of snowfall has drastically reduced as compared to before owing to global warming. The average temperatures during winter range from 3–12-degree C.
In summers the temperature ranges from 11- 20 degree C thus providing a perfect weather to travel.
Between October to February a rare phenomenon is visible called ‘Waterline’ which is a false horizon seen from very few places in the world, Mussoorie being one of them. At dusk as the sun sets below the Shivalik ranges, the western horizon visible from Mussoorie is filled with various shades of yellow, red and orange above a grey, or mauve coloured strip.
KEMPTY FALLS – situated 13 kms from Mussoorie Kempty Falls is one of the main tourist attraction where it falls from a height od 4500 ft before splitting into 5 other cascades before hitting the bottom.
CAMEL’S BACK ROAD – a 3km long stretch of road between Kulri Bazzar and Library Chowk is a perfect spot for calming walk in amidst nature esp during sunrise or sunset with views of rock formations in the shape of a camel’s back.
LAL TIBBA – situated 6 km from city centre at an altitude of 2275 mts from sea level Lal Tibba is the highest peak in Mussoorie. The name Lal Tibba means Red Hill which is due to the red hues of sky during sunset and sunrise. With the help of a telescope place there on a clear day one can get a clear view of Kedarnath peak, Bandarpunch peaks, and Badrinath peak and if lucky one can also see Nanda Devi, the second-highest mountain peak.
GEORGE EVEREST HOUSE – situated 6km from Mussoorie overlooking the Doon valley it’s a perfect picnic spot was the home of Sir George Everest on whom the mighty Mt Everest is named after.
LANDOUR - a twin town to Mussoorie, the views offered from this quaint town is unmatched. Its name is derived from a village in southwest Wales- Llanddowror when India was ruled by the British. It’s the history and architecture of the buildings which draws the tourists. While visiting Landour one must visit the famous Landour Bakehouse for their mouthwatering desserts.
COMPANY BAUG – Located only 3 kms from mall road this is also known as municipal gardens is a perfect picnic spot for families with an option to do some boating and take in the mesmerizing views from a telescope provided there.
CLOUDS END – a short hike from Hathi Paon road and 6 kms from Library Road is Clouds End which marks the geographical end to Mussoorie. With surrounding Oak and Deodar trees this is a perfect spot for all nature lovers and especially photographers.
Another 2kms from Clouds End is Jwala Devi Temple dedicated to goddess Durga a prominent Hindu temple.
GUN HILL – situated at about 2000 mts above sea level and 2kms from Mall Road it’s the second highest peak in Mussoorie which can be reached via a short hike or via a ropeway from Jhula Ghar. The 360-degree views of the entire town offered from the top is worth visiting.
MUSSOORIE LAKE – an artificial lake situated on the Mussoorie Dehradun highway a perfect place to do some paddle boating, feeding the ducks and enjoying a picnic with your loved ones. One can also do zip line and water zorbing.
BHATTA FALLS – located nearly 7kms from the city this newly developed picnic spot is relatively less crowded tourist attraction. U can take a ropeway to reach this natural cascading waterfall, take a dip and enjoy some food at the nearby cafes too.
SOHAM HIMALAYAN CENTRE – this privately developed space provides with in-depth knowledge of the rich Uttarakhand Himalayan culture and heritage through art, crafts, murals and more.
As Mussoorie is a major tourist destination it is very well connected by major cities like Dehradun which is only 35kms away and around 290 kms from New Delhi.
BY AIR - The nearest Airport to Mussoorie is Dehradun Airport which is approximately 60 kms away and the nearest International Airport is New Delhi International Airport which is approximately 300kms away.
BY RAIL – Dehradun Railway Station is the closest railway station to Mussoorie approximately 36kms away. Dehradun is connected is well connected by trains from all over India.
BY ROAD – Mussoorie is well connected by roads to various Indian cities like Dehradun, Delhi, Chandigarh etc with frequent private and shared taxi services.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CARRY –
CLOTHING – Travelling during winters one will require to be dressed in warm yet comfortable clothing. Layering your clothes hence becomes important and practical.
Wearing thermal tops and bottoms is a must esp. when travelling during winter months along with some woolen or thermal socks. Over the thermals one can wear layers of other clothing items to keep warm.
A woolen cap or a beanie will keep one warm especially when winds are strong.
A waterproof jacket, gloves and shoes are very important while undertaking outdoor activities like skiing, trekking etc.
If travelling in summer season than a simple yet comfortable jacket will be sufficient.
Important thing to note is that shorts, miniskirts, night suits and torn jeans aren’t allowed inside some temple hence it would be better if they are avoided.
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS – a government id proof such as Aadhar card, passport or driving license is required at all hotels or guest houses while you check in. Additionally, some permits might be required while visiting some national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
MEDICINES – if you are on any lifelong medicines definitely carry those. Along with it one can carry a few basic medicines for fever and pain relief and some basic first aid stuff like band aids, antiseptics and ointments.
MISCELLANEOUS – other items like umbrella, raincoats, sturdy backpack to keep some raincoats etc and sunscreen can be carried too.
FAQs ABOUT MUSSOORIE
Q – HOW MANY DAYS ARE IDEALLY REQUIRED TO VISIT MUSSOORIE?
A – By itself a minimum of 2-3 days is required to enjoy the sights in Mussoorie. But for a more wholesome travel experience one can combine it with Rishikesh, Dhanaulti or Kanatal.
Q – WHEN CAN ONE EXPEREINCE SNOWFALL IN MUSSOORIE?
A - Usually one can experience snowfall in late December or early January but owing to global warming the time and degree of snowfall can vary.
Q – Whats the best time to visit Mussoorie?
A- Best time to visit Mussoorie is between March and June where the weather is pleasant and not too cold.
TESTIMONIALS –
Says Mrs. Jain – we visited Mussoorie in February and it was a perfect honeymoon destination for us with an amazing weather.
Says Mr. Mehta – we clubbed Mussoorie with Rishikesh and it was a perfect holiday for our family.
BOOKINGS –TOURS AND PACKAGES CAN BE CUSTOMIZED ACCORDING YOUR NEED AND SPECIFICATIONS.