Mussoorie

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.

• By Air : The nearest Airport is Jolly Grant at Dehradun (82 km). Taxis are available from the airport.
• By Rail : The nearest Railway Station 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.

• Hotel Garhwal Terrace (The Mall) : Ph 0135-2632693
• PWD I/H : Ph 0135-2632746
• CPWD I/H (Mussoorie): Ph 0135-2653579

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.

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.

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.

Landour : Landour is situated at the east end of town, situated at an altitude of 2270 m above sea level. Landour is an Indian style bazaar. Woodstock School, an international school which has a sister school in Kodaikkanal in South India, is also located here. The Convent Hill and Happy Valley are also situated here where the Tibetan refugees have settled.

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.

Sir George Everest House : The George Everest House is the estate of Sir George, the surveyor General of India. Sir George had his office and residence here. The Mount Everest, the highest peak of the Himalayas was named after Sir George.

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.

Tibetan Temple : This temple is located in Happy valley area of Mussoorie. Both Municipal gardens and Tibetan temple can be seen in one day. They are located one kilometer from Lal Bahadur Shastri National Administrative Academy. The Tibetan temple is evidence to rich Tibetan cultural heritage.

Cloud's End : A British major had a building constructed in 1838. This beautiful building was converted into hotel and was named Cloud's End. It got the name because it appears that the clouds have ended here. From this place one can have a good view of the valley. Cloud's End is located some eight kilometers west of Mussoorie hills. Due to its location, at the end of horizon, it is very popular among the Honeymooners and Foreign tourists.

Municipal Gardens Or Company Bagh : The Municipal Gardens or the Company Bagh was previously (before independence) known as Botanical gardens of Mussoorie. Famous geologist, Dr. H. Fackner laid foundations of these gardens in the last century.

Lake Mist : This place is 7 km on way to Kempty Falls. Lake Mist offers a perfect resting place for tired and weary tourists. One has to pay Rs. 25 to enter Lake Mist. There is provision for accommodation as well.

Nag Devta Temple : It is an ancient temple situated on cart Mackenzie Road, about 6 km from Mussoorie. Vehicles can go right up to the spot. It provides a charming view of Doon Valley as well as of Mussoorie.

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.

Surkhanda Devi Temple : Surkhanda Devi Temple is the highest point in the area, located at a height of 3021 mt on the top of hill. It is situated about 35 km from Mussoorie and 11 km from Dhanaulti. It is an important pilgrimage centre. The temple offers extensive view of the snow ranges and exclusive experience one can never forget.

Mossey Falls : It is 7km from Mussoorie via. Balahisar or Barlowganj. It is a beautiful fall surrounded by a dense forest.

Jharipani Fall : It is 8.5 km from Mussoorie. Visitors can go by car upto Jharipani (7 km.), from where the distance to the fall is 1.5 km. by foot.

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.

• Best Season : Sep to June.
• Summer Weather : 24 to 35°C,
• Winter Weather : 1 to 22°C