Location : Uttaranchal
Altitude : 2005 mts above sea level
Languages : Hindi & Kumaoni
Best time to Visit : April to July & September to
November
About Mussoorie
From a quaint village to a wonderful summer resort, the hill station of
Mussoorie owes its credit to Captain Young, a British Army Officer, who
developed it in 1827. He may not have been aware of the fact that in the
years to come the place will become an unrivalled tourist paradise. Famously
known as the 'Queen of Hills', this fairyland destination with its verdant
hills and snow covered mountain peaks is always flocked by tourists. The
city boasts of numerous tourist attractions and also acts as the gateway to
the much known holy Hindu shrines of Gangotri and Yamunotri. And if you are
stuck in the extreme summer heat of the plains then Mussoorie is just where
you need to go. The place comes to life with the onset of summer season when
tourists from all over the country start to gather in this pleasant heaven.
Major Tourist Attractions in Mussoorie
The hill station of Mussoorie in Uttaranchal has a number of tourist
attractions in store for you. The hill station has wonderful vantagepoints,
falls, lakes and gardens. Given below are some of the most visited tourist
attractions in Mussoorie.
Gunhill
The second highest mountain peak in Mussoorie, Gun Hill affords a panoramic
view of the surrounding valley and the snow covered Himalayan peaks. It is
said that during British rule, a gun placed on the hill was used to be fired
to alert people. Since the time, the place came to be known as Gun Hill.
Aninteresting way to reach the place is via the ropeway.
Kempty Falls
Situated just 15 km from Mussoorie on the way to Yamunotri, the beautiful
waterfall is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mussoorie.
Numerous tourists can be seen gathered and having a bath below the cool
water of the falls, especially during the summers. The surrounding areas
make a good picnic spot.
Mussoorie Lake
The shimmering waters of the Mussoorie lake and the surrounding areas make
a good picnic spot. Located just 6 km from the city on the
Mussoorie-Dehradun Road, the lake offers row boat and pedal boat facility.
Municipal Gardens
The lush Municipal gardens consists of numerous variety of flowering plants
and trees. The place is an excellent spot for relaxation and a gentle walk
on the green grass. The garden is situated at a distance of just 4 km from
the city centre and can be accessed by cycle rickshaws or hired taxis.
Popular Getaways from Mussoorie
During your trip to Mussoorie, you have a wonderful opportunity to explore
some worth-exploring getaway options. Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar are
famous getaways from Mussoorie in the state of Uttaranchal.
Dehradun
Situated 35 km from Mussoorie, Dehradun is a charming place nestled amidst
thickly forested valleys, more famous for its tourist attractions and
educational institutes. The place served as an important getaway for the
British during the raj era and presently serves as the base of the IMA
(Indian Military Academy). Tourist attractions in Dehradun include Dak
Pathar, Forest Research Institute, Rajaji National Park, Robbers Cave and
Tapkeshwar Temple.
Rishikesh
One of the holiest Hindu pilgrimages, Rishikesh is situated on the banks of
river Ganges, just 44 km from Mussoorie. Besides being an important
pilgrimage, Rishikesh offers exciting opportunities for water and adventure
sports. The place also serves as the starting point for the holy 'chardham'
pilgrimage of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Haridwar
Haridwar or the gates of heaven is a holy Hindu pilgrimage and a dip here
in the holy waters of river Ganges is believed to lead one to salvation.
Major attractions at Haridwar include Har ki Pauri, Chandi Devi temple,
Mansa Devi temple, Sati Kund, Bhimgoda Tank and Piran Kaliar.
Popular Shopping Centres in Mussoorie
Shopping in Mussoorie can be a unique experience with a lot of unique stuff
available for grab that you may not find elsewhere. Must buys on a shopper's
list include wooden showpiece, exotic Tibetan prayer wheels, hand made
woolen garments and objects crafted out of oak wood. The major shopping
promenades in Mussoorie include the bazaars of library and landour. The mall
is lined with umpteen small and large shops.
Eating Out in Mussoorie
Mussoorie boasts of a number of hotels and restaurants which serve cuisine
from all parts of the world. Yet, you should not miss out on some sumptuous
Tibetan and north Indian food that is sure to make you lick fingers. Momo's
Cafe is famous for its fried mutton momo's while the Rice Bowl, situated on
The Mall is known for sumptuous 'thukpas' and 'khoutom' served amidst a
charming ambiance.
Mussoorie Travel (Airport/Railway/Road)
Information
By Air : Jolly grant airport is the most convenient air
connection, situated just 24 km from Dehradun. Taxis are available for hire
just outside the airport while state transport corporation buses also ply
regularly from the front of the airport gate to Mussoorie. Air Deccan flies
daily between Delhi and Jolly Grant.
By Rail : Dehradun is the nearest railhead connected with
all the major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Amritsar,
Kathgodam etc. Major trains between Delhi and Dehradun are the Mussoorie Exp
and Dehradun Exp. The railway reservation centre is located near the State
Bank of India. For online reservation, visit the official site of Indian
Railways at http://www.indianrail.gov.in
By Road : Road journey is probably the most interesting
way to reach the place with plenty of natural beauty and picturesque views
for company through the entire route. Direct buses run by state transport
corporation connects Mussoorie with all the major neighbouring cities. Buses
can be boarded from four locations around Mussoorie, the Library Bus Stand,
Masonic Bus Stand, Tehri Bus Stand and Kempty Bus Stand.
Local Transport : Local buses can be boarded from Masonic
Bus Stand and the seasonal bus stand near Kempty falls, operational between
May and October. Taxis can also be hired for sightseeing from the taxi stand
at Rs. 6.50/Km. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam operates conducted tours
starting from the bus stand near Kempty falls for all the major attractions
around the city. Bookings for the same can be made from the tourist office
near ropeway or the booking counter near the library bus stand.
Distance from Mussoorie to Major Cities
- Dehradun : 35 Km
- New Delhi : 200 Km
- Nainital : 355 Km
- Barkot : 89 Km
- Hanuman Chatti : 129 Km
- Haridwar : 54 Km
