Mussoorie, The Queen of Hills is one of the most popular hill stations in India. Nestled in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range, Mussoorie offers spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks along with dense oak and pine forests. From adventure activities like trekking and rappelling to sightseeing at ancient temples and beautiful waterfalls. There is something for every kind of traveler in Mussoorie.
How to Reach Mussoorie
Reaching Musoorie is easy by air, rail or road. The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun located just 54 km away. Taxis and buses are easily available from Dehradun airport to Mussoorie.
The nearest major railway station is Dehradun. Mussoorie is located about 35 km from Dehradun railway station. Shared taxis and buses are available right outside the station that can drop you to Mussoorie in about 1.5 hours.
By road, Mussorie is well connected to major North Indian cities like Delhi (290 km) and Chandigarh (220 km) via national highways. Buses run frequently between these cities and Dehradun from where you can take another bus or taxi to reach Mussoorie in an hour.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Mussoorie is from March to June in summer to escape from the scorching heat in the plains. With its green hills and pleasant climate, it is a popular retreat during summer holidays.
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Winters (October to February) are cold with some snowfall in December and January. If you love snow, plan a trip between December and February. However, carry adequate warm clothing as temperatures can drop below freezing at night.
The monsoon season (July-September) receives moderate to heavy rainfall. Landslides may block the roads during the monsoon, so it is better avoided at this time unless you enjoy rains.
How to Get Around Mussoorie
Once you reach Musoorie, getting around is easy on foot, taxi or your own vehicle.
Walking is the best way to explore the main Mussoorie market area and points like Gun Hill and Jharipani Falls located close by.
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Taxis can be hired for about Rs.1000-1500 for half a day to visit farther sightseeing spots like Kempty Falls, Dhanaulti or the zoo.
Renting a scooter or bike is another convenient option for getting around Mussoorie and nearby areas. They can be rented for Rs.400-800 per day. Make sure to carry your license and wear a helmet.
Top Places to Visit in Mussoorie
Here are some of the must-visit places in Mussoorie for an enjoyable holiday:
Kempty Falls
Located 15 km from Mussorie on Yamunotri Road, Kempty Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the region. Falling from an altitude of 40 feet, these perennial falls are an excellent spot for a picnic with friends and family.
You can reach in just 15 minutes via ropeway or take a 45-minute uphill trek. Soak in the magical views of water cascading down the mountain against a lush green backdrop. Don’t forget to carry your camera!
Company Garden
Company Garden is a popular picnic spot and tourist attraction located about 3 km from the main town. Maintained by the Garden Department of Uttarakhand, it is filled with lush greenery and colorful flowers.
Stroll through the garden watching the heritage buildings, enjoy boating in the artificial lake or visit the Wax Museum within the garden showcasing history using life-size wax statues. There is also an amusement park for kids to enjoy rides and swings.
Gun Hill
At an altitude of 2024 m, Gun Hill is the second highest point in Mussoorie after Lal Tibba. The best feature is a scenic view of snow-clad Himalayan peaks like Banderpunch, Srikantha and Gangotri from a telescope mounted here.
Gun Hill can be reached via the ropeway or a 1.5 km trek. Spend an hour wandering through the trails, enjoying the panoramic views of Doon Valley and the River Yamuna below.
Jharipani Falls
Jharipani Falls is a beautiful waterfall located 7 km from Musoorie on Mussoorie-Jharipani Road. Cascading down from an altitude of 25 m, the surroundings make it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.
A 1 km downhill hike takes you to the base of the falls snaking through lush green forests. Carry a camera to capture the serene beauty of the falls with mist rising around it.
Camel’s Back Road
For a peaceful walk surrounded only by nature, take a stroll down the Camel’s Back Road starting from Kulri Bazaar near Gandhi Chowk. Named after a rock formation that resembles the hump of a camel, this zigzag road offers spectacular valley views.
Lined with pine and deodar trees, it is one of the most scenic routes in Mussorie best explored early morning or in the evening to admire colourful sunsets.
Mussoorie Lake
Mussoorie Lake is an idyllic spot located 6 km from the Mall Road perfect for boating, picnics and watching breathtaking sunsets. The lake was formed after the 1901 earthquake led to the formation of a natural dam.
Pedal boating facilities are available at the lake. Surrounded by lush greenery and food stalls nearby, spend a couple of hours marveling at the pristine natural beauty of Mussoorie Lake.
Best Places to Eat in Mussoorie
Mussorie offers plenty of dining options from budget eats to fine dining restaurants. Here are some good restaurants to try local cuisine:
- Kalsang Friends Corner – Tibetan restaurant serving delicious momos, thukpas and Tibetan dishes in Kulri Bazaar
- Imperial Square – Multicuisine restaurant with scenic valley views, popular for continental fare and Indian dishes
- Little Llama Cafe – Quaint cafe for coffee, sandwiches, shakes and desserts with a great ambiance
- Emily Restaurant – Family-friendly restaurant along Mall Road specializing in Chinese and North Indian cuisine
- Kasmanda Palace – Elegant restaurant with royal interiors offering a diverse menu and great service
Best Shopping in Mussoorie
Mussorie is a shopper’s paradise with numerous options ranging from woolen clothes to wooden artifacts and souvenirs. The best shopping areas in Mussoorie are:
- Mall Road – The main shopping area is lined with stores selling woolen garments, accessories, handicrafts, decor items and souvenirs.
- Tibetan Market – Located near Library Chowk, find Tibetan handicrafts, wall hangings, jewelry and Buddhist souvenirs.
- Landour Bazaar – Quaint colonial-style bazaar to shop for freshly baked goods, vintage items and second-hand books.
Camel’s Back Road – Roadside stalls sell aromatic herbal oils, homemade fruit preserves, honey and wood-carved walking sticks.
Municipal Market – Market place selling fresh fruits and vegetables sourced from local farms along with daily household essentials for locals.
Best Budget Hotels in Mussoorie
Here are some comfortable and affordable stay options in Mussorie:
- Hotel City Council – Located 500m from Mall Road, offers rooms for Rs.1500-2000
- Sterling Mussoorie – Hotel near Picture Palace in Mall Road with rooms starting from Rs.2000
- Hotel Honeymoon Inn – Budget hotel 5 min from Mall Road providing rooms for Rs.1500-2000
- Hotel Rajpur Heights – Well-appointed rooms equipped with modern amenities starting at Rs.2000
- Vinayak Resorts – Resort-style property 1 km from Mall Road, rooms available from Rs.1800
How to Plan a Mussoorie Trip from Delhi
Here is a suggested 3-day Mussoorie itinerary you can plan from Delhi:
Day 1 – Leave Delhi early morning by train or bus to reach Mussoorie by afternoon. Check into your hotel and freshen up. Evening visit Mall Road, Gun Hill and Company Garden. Enjoy sunset views from Gun Hill before returning for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2 – Start day early and drive to Kempty Falls. Spend 2-3 hours enjoying the falls and scenic views. Drive back to Mussoorie for lunch. Afternoon visit Jharipani Falls and Mussoorie Lake for boating. Visit the Tibetan market and Buddha Temple. View the sunset from Camel’s Back Road.
Day 3 – After breakfast, leave for Dhanaulti located 32 km from Mussoorie. Spend the day exploring Dhanaulti’s natural attractions like Surkanda Devi Temple, Eco Park and Deer Park. Return to Mussoorie by evening. Take a walk on Mall Road, shop for souvenirs and enjoy dinner before returning home the next day.
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With its green mountain slopes, colonial architecture and tranquil ambiance, Mussoorie is truly the Queen of Hills. Follow this Mussoorie travel guide to plan your holiday exploring the best of this charming hill town. Let us know about your favorite attractions and experiences in the comments!
