Mussoorie is a name in every traveller’s bucket list. With its incomparable scenic beauty and opportunities for adventurous activities, it is rightly regarded as one of the best hill stations of India. Only 35 km away from Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, Mussoorie is easily accessible as well. Surrounded by the Shivalik range of Himalayas, it is situated at an altitude of 1,880 metres above sea level.
From honeymoon to family trip or an adventure tour with friends, Mussoorie is a perfect fit for all kinds of holidays. Walk at the Mall Road or indulge in shopping at Landour, enjoy the ropeway at Gun hill, admire the view of majestic Himalayas from Camel’s Back Road or trek to shimmering waters like Bhatta Falls or Jharipani Falls- the hill station of Mussoorie will keep you pleasantly occupied throughout the tour.
Plan a Mussoorie tour to bask in the serenity of nature’s best, breathe the fresh air of mountains and capture few of the most stunning and rare glimpses of Himalayas as well as lakes and waterfalls.
1. Landour
One of the most visited sightseeing places in Mussoorie, Landour is located at the eastern end of the hill station. Named after a village in southwest Wales- Llanddowror, it is associated with the British Era in India. There are still various buildings which draw their names from the novels of Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, such as Woodstock, Kenilworth, Ivanhoe and Waverly.
Offering a soothing atmosphere and spectacular sceneries, it stands slightly taller at an altitude of 980 feet above Mussoorie town. If visiting on a clear day, Landour will welcome you with rare views of Himalayan peaks of Gangotri, Yamunotri and Kedarnath.
2. George Everest House
Dating back to 1832, Sir George Everest’s House is also known as Park Estate. The place now holds the remains of his home, laboratory and observatory. Sir George Everest also has the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest named after him.
Located only 6 km away from Gandhi Chowk, it can be reached via taxi or auto rickshaw. However, the best way to explore this estate is by walking from Library Bazaar. View of the Aglar River valley, Himalayan range and the townscape as a whole leaves every visitor spell bound.
3. Bhatta Falls
Situated on the Mussoorie-Dehradun road, at a distance of around 8 km from the hill station, Bhatta Falls makes an essential part of every Mussoorie tour. Popular for picnics, it is a man-made waterfall, which has been created by diverting water from a stream in Bhatta village.
There is also a small freshwater pond where tourists can dip their feet or take baths. One can reach this waterfall through a ropeway from Bhatta village. Peaceful surroundings and rich greenery makes it an ideal location to spend a few hours of relaxation.
4. Jharipani Falls
Around 7 km away from the central part of Mussoorie, Jharipani falls are located in the Jharipani village. The name Jharipani is derived from combining two words, ‘Jhari’ that means a cascade, and ‘pani’ meaning water. As located on the Dehradun-Mussoorie Road, these falls can be accessed via taxi or bus. However, after a point, tourists are required to walk for about 1.5 km to reach near the falls.
Once at this natural waterfall, one cannot resist being blown away by its magnificence, accompanied by the thunderous sound of water. Shivalik range around the waterfall and the colourful flowers that bloom around the area makes it worth capturing.
5. Company Bagh
Popularly known as Municipal Gardens, the Botanical gardens of Mussoorie is maintained by the Garden Welfare Association of Mussoorie. Located only 3 km away from the Mall Road, Company Bagh is one of the most visited places in the town. Open from 9 AM to 8 PM, this garden is often frequented by picnickers and families, looking for some quality time amid nature.
A small lake inside the garden also offers the facility of boating with a minimal charge of Rs. 75 per person. There is also a small market and food court inside the garden. Along with this, you will also find a telescope to get a better view of the Himalayas from here.
6. Camel’s Back Road
A stretch of 3 km, Camel’s back road is perfect place where you can have a relaxed walk while adoring the views of the sunset and sunrise in the Doon Valley. A unique rock formation in the shape of a sitting camel can be seen from here. As the road is open to vehicles, it is better to go for a walk in the morning or after 5 PM.
There are no eateries located on the road, so better to carry a few snacks and water for the walk. If not willing to walk 3 km, one can also take an exit from the Picture Palace and enter Mall road. There is also an option of horse riding here.
7. Lal Tibba
Famed to be the highest hill in Mussoorie, Lal Tibba is a must visit, with its stunning vistas. Standing at an altitude of 2,438 metres above sea level, it is only 6 km away from the city centre. Its name, which means Red hill in English, emphasises the red hue that the sky takes during sunrise and sunset.
If visiting on a clear day, one can get a clear view of Kedarnath peak, Bandarpunch peaks, and Badrinath peak from here. There is also a telescope installed at the viewpoint. If lucky, one can also see Nanda Devi, the second-highest mountain in the country from Lal Tibba.
8. Cloud’s End
Marking the geographical end of Mussoorie, Cloud’s end is the place to visit for a cinematic natural setting. Surrounding landscape with a bewitching sky makes it the photographer’s paradise.
In the midst of thick forest with Oak and Deodar trees, this viewpoint promises an unforgettable and harmonious experience of an interaction with nature. Situated at a distance of 6km from the Library Road, it can be reached via a short trek from Hathi Paon Road.
9. Mussoorie Lake
Situated at Dhobi Ghat, around 6 km away from town centre, this lake is quite popular for the views of the landscape that it offers. Even though manmade, Mussoorie Lake is as beautiful as any other sightseeing places in the town. Paddle boating while watching the ducks swim by, should be tried by every tourist when visiting this lake.
The timing for boating is from 8 in morning till 7 in evening. Activities like zip lining and water zorbing are also available here. An array of souvenir shops and restaurants are also located around the lake.
10. Gun Hill
Around 2 km from the Mall road, Gull hill is the second highest hill peak of Mussoorie. Offering one of the best viewpoints of the hill station, it can be reached by trekking uphill for around 20-30 minutes. Another way to reach here is via ropeway from Jhula Ghar.
The peak got its name in 1865, when a gun was installed on the top of the hill by the Britishers. The picturesque view of Himalayan ranges such as Bandarpunch, Pithwara, Srikanta and Gangotri is entrancing from here. The 360 degree view of the townscape is also worth watching.
11. Kempty Falls
Flowing from an altitude of 1,364 metres, Kempty Falls enthral every visitor with its impressive view. Situated in the Ram Gaon of Tehri Garhwal District, Kempty Falls is also popular for picnics.
This location was developed for hosting tea parties by a British officer in the 1830s, resulting in its name- Camp Tea, which later became Kempty. People can be seen here, enjoying themselves at the clear and refreshing water of the pool, created under the waterfalls.
12. Library Bazaar
Located at the Mall Road, Library Bazaar is a popular shopping site in Mussoorie. Known for handcrafts, natural fabrics, jewelleries and cafes, it offers a perfect way to spend one’s evening after spending the day exploring the town’s various viewpoints. Not only for shopping and eating, this place attracts visitors with The Mussoorie Library, a Victorian styled building located here. Built in 1843, it is one of the oldest libraries in India.
13. Christ Church
Boasting of being one of the first churches to be built in Himalayan region, the Christ Church was established in 1836. Situated on a hill above the Kasmanda Palace, Mussoorie Christ Church is built in the style of Gothic architecture, displaying pre-Raphaelite glass windows, pointed arches and ribbed vaults.
The pipe organ, William Hill Organ, installed in 1911 is its major attraction. Another striking feature of the church is the Deodar tree in its courtyard which was planted in 1906 by the then Princess of Wales, who later became Queen Mary. It is open from 7 AM to 6.30 PM.
14. Lake Mist
A man-made reservoir, Lake Mist is another scenic location to visit in Mussoorie. Surrounded by lush greenery of forest, the shimmering waters of the lake appear exceptionally enticing. Located on Kempty Fall road, tourists can visit this lake on their way to the waterfalls. For those looking for a peaceful time amid nature, and away from the usual crowd, this lake is the best place to visit. Boating is also available here.
15. The Mall Road
No trip to Mussoorie is complete without walking at the Mall road. Whether you want to shop, eat or just sit and enjoy the view of the town and Himalayas around, Mall Road is the right choice. As vehicles are not allowed on this road, you can walk at leisure and explore it with ease.
Located in the heart of the town, this place is unmissable. It also houses the Cambridge Bookstore, which is often frequented by the internationally renowned author and a resident of Mussoorie, Ruskin Bond.
16. Jwala Devi Temple
Standing at a height of 2104 metres above sea level in Benog Hills, Jwala Devi Temple is one of the prominent Hindu religious sites in Mussoorie. It is around 8 km away from the town of Mussoorie. Dedicated to the Goddess Durga, this temple can be reached by trekking from Cloud’s End for 2 km. The path to the temple presents amazing views of the Shivalik ranges.
17. Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
Located at a distance of 11 km from the Mall Road, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is a must visit for every wildlife enthusiast. Spread over an area of more than 330 hectares, this sanctuary is home to mountain quails, leopards, red-billed blue magpie, deer and many rare species of birds.
With Pine and Cedar trees all around, this place is exceptionally scenic too. Benog Sanctuary promises an enriching time to everyone from birdwatchers to photographers. It opens from 7 AM to 5 PM.
18. Dalai Hills
Located above the Lal Bahadur Academy, Dalai Hills is another scenic place to visit when in Mussoorie. Offering a panoramic view of the Garhwal ranges, these hills are near to Happy Valley, which is another popular attraction of the town. There is a Buddhist temple on the hill, making the atmosphere all the more pious.
Statue of Lord Buddha and the Tibetan prayer flags hanging around the hill, make a visit to Dalai Hills unique in itself. It is popular among trekkers, especially for its sunset views.
19. Robber’s Cave
If looking for a unique experience, then plan a visit to Robber’s Cave. One of the less frequented tourist attractions, this place is not lesser to other sightseeing places of Mussoorie. It is a natural hideout, formed by two massive rocks. A thin creek between the rocks with a stream flowing through it, makes the Robber’s Cave. Located in Gucchupani, Malsi, this cave got its name from the fact that it used to be a hideout for robbers.
20. Soham Heritage Centre
Comparatively a new addition to Mussoorie attractions, Soham Heritage Centre was established in 2014, by Mr Sameer Shukla and his wife Dr Kavita Shukla. Situated on the Chamunda Peeth Temple Road, this heritage and art centre showcases the rich cultural history of Himalayan region.
One can understand the rich and varied history of the region through an extensive collection of murals, paintings, sketches, artefacts and frescoes. There is a souvenir shop with an antique collection of utensils, jewellery, musical instruments and equipment for visitors to choose from.
Sister Bazaar, Haunted Savoury Hotel, Lambi Dehar Mines, Disco Skating Rink, Kasamanda Palace, Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve, K Dev Bhoomi Wax Museum, Mossy Fall, Shedup Choepelling Temple, Snow Adventure Zone, Nag Tibba Peak, Kelog Memorial Church, Bhadraj Temple, Santura Devi Temple, Van Chetna Kendra, Happy Valley, Char Dukan, Nag Devta Temple, Surkanda Devi Temple in Kanatal are few more sightseeing places in Mussoorie that one can visit.
There are equally beautiful places to visit around Mussoorie as well. The hill station boasts of proximity with many popular tourist destinations which can be reached within a few hours of drive. Some of these are Kanatal (49 km), Dhanaulti (59 km), Haridwar (83km), Rishikesh (76 km), Chamba (62 km), Devalsari in the Aglar Valley of Tehri Garhwal (55km) and Tehri Dam (81 km). If staying for a longer duration, tourists can add one or two of these locations in their Mussoorie tour packages.
Apart from a varied range of tourist attractions, Mussoorie also presents an interesting combination of adventurous activities. Trekking and hiking are quite popular on the varied scenic trails of the hill stations. Zip lining, zip swings, angling, skywalk, rappelling, skiing and paragliding are few popular things to do in Mussoorie. Camping and watching the winter line are also worth experiencing. And before you end your trip, shop for souvenirs to remember your time at the hill station. Shopping at the Mall road, Kulri Bazaar and Landour Bazaar is a must when in the town.
Easily accessible by road, Mussoorie is only a few hours away from Jolly Grant of Dehradun and Dehradun railway station. It is well connected to the rest of the country via Dehradun.
