Mussoorie is a hill station located in the Dehradun District of Uttarakhand. It is about 35 kms from the state capital of Dehradun. It is situated at an altitude of 2,005 metres above sea level, making the climate here a bit cooler than cities in the lower areas. It is also known as the Queen of Hill Stations, with its varying views of the Doon Valley, Roorkee, Saharanpur and Himalayan Ranges. Mussoorie is a popular holiday destination due to its pleasant climate all-year round. Legend and History of Mussoorie The name Mussoorie came from the shrub called Mansoor in the region. You can find this shrub in abundance in the hill station. Over time, Mansoor was changed into Mussoorie. But you can still find some locals referring to the hill station as Mansoori. Historically, though, Mussoorie has quite an interesting past. The Gurkhas under the guidance of Umer Singh Thapa first captured some parts of the hill station during the year of 1803. However, by the year 1814, the British Raj conquered the areas established by the Gurkhas. By 1819, Lt. Frederick Young of the East India Company conquered Saharanpur. From there after, flocks of British soldiers and their families have discovered the hill station and made it their summer destination due to its pleasant climate. In the year 1901, the hill station has attracted the most elite Indians and British soldiers. The hill station has also experienced some great developments and progress during this time. Hot However, many local Indian families were banned from joining events, even signages and fees were imposed to restrict them. The Nehru Family protested against this discrimination and went to the hill station despite the fees imposed. After the independence, Mussoorie continued to be known as the favoured summer destination of tourists. Also, the 14th Dalai Lama used to live here before he settled in Dharamshala. During the 1960, the first Tibetan School was also established here. Now, about 5,000 Tibetans live in Mussoorie. Getting There 1. By Air - The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is about 59 kms from Mussoorie. This is the nearest airport to Mussoorie. Here are some flight schedules from Delhi: Indigo 6E-644 - Departs at 13:00 and arrives at 13:55. Flight journey is about 55 minutes. Fare is at Rs. 2,387. Jet Airways 9W-2743 - Departs at 12:05 and arrives at 13:10. Flight journey is about 1 hour and 5 minutes. Fare is at Rs. 2,862. Spice Jet SG-2327 - Departs at 15:15 and arrives at 16:10. Flight journey is about 55 minutes. Fare is at Rs. 2,976. From Dehradun, there are many buses going to Mussoorie from the Dehradun Bus Station, near the Dehradun Railway Station. 2. By Bus - There are direct buses from Delhi to Mussoorie: Uttarakhand Transport Corporation - This is the state run bus service of Uttarakhand, also referred to as UTC. They depart from Delhi during these times: 11:00 am and 10:00 pm. Arrival times are 7:30 pm and 7:00 am respectively. Private Buses - There are a few private buses operating from Delhi to Mussoorie. One of them is Blue World Tourist. They have an AC Seater Bus which departs at 9:00 pm and arrives at 8:30 am. Fare is at Rs. 700 per passenger. Alternatively, there are also buses from Delhi going to Dehradun: Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation - They have several buses operating from Delhi to Dehradun. Some of the timings are : 2:00 pm, 9:00 pm, 10:00 pm, 10:15 pm and 10:45 pm. Journey time varies but it's between 6 to 8 hours. Fare also varies between Rs. 281 to Rs. 750 per passenger. From Dehradun, just board these buses going to Mussoorie: Uttarakhand Transport Corporation - Bus timings are 6:45 am, 7:00 am, 7:15 am, 11:00 am, 11:45 am, 1:00 pm, 1:15 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 4:45 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm and 6:45 pm. 3. By Train - Mussoorie doesn't have its own railway station. The nearest railway station is at Dehradun, which is about 33 kms from Mussoorie. Some train timings from Delhi to Dehradun Railway Station are: Dehradun Express Train No. 19019 - Departs daily at 5:06 and arrives at 17:35. Dehradun Shatabdi Train No. 12017 - Departs daily at 6:45 and arrives at 12:40. Dehradun Jan Shatabdi Train No. 12055 - Departs daily at 15:20 and arrives at 21:10. Then from Dehradun, you can ride a bus going to Mussoorie. 4. By Taxi - Fare varies between Rs. 4,141 to Rs. 8,249, depending on what type of taxi you hire. 5. By Private Vehicle - The distance between Delhi and Mussoorie is about 322.6 kms. You can reach Mussoorie in about 6 hours or more. Here are the routes you can take: Route No. 1 via NH44 - Delhi > Sonipat > Panipat > Karnal > Jagodhri > Mussoorie. Route No. 2 via SH57 - Delhi > Sonipat > Baraut > Shamli > Saharanpur > Dehradun > Mussoorie. Mussoorie Quick Facts Destination Type: Hill Station State: Uttarakhand District: Dehradun Local Language: Hindi, Garhwali and English Altitude: 2,005 Metres Above Sea Level Attractions: Temples, Waterfalls, Peaks, Bazaars and Gardens Best Time to Visit Mussoorie Generally, Mussoorie has three seasons: summer, monsoon and winter. Summer season is from March to June, which is also the peak season. Highest temperature is at 37°C and the climate is just pleasant for sightseeing. Make sure you book well in advance because hotels might be fully booked at this time. From July to September, this is the monsoon season. The region experiences medium to heavy snowfall. It's not a great time to visit Mussoorie as landslides can occur and can be quite dangerous. You won't be able to do some sightseeing as well because of the rain. However, you'd find that a lot of accommodations lower their prices during this time. The months of October to February are the winter months. If you'd like to see snowfall, this is the best time to visit Mussoorie. Temperatures can go as low as 0°C especially during night time. From the end of December to February, road blocks can occur due to heavy snowfall. If you're visiting during this time, make sure that you bring your jackets and other winter clothes. Tourist Attractions in Mussoorie : Temples Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple - This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in a forest. Its main shivalinga is inside a cave. This cave was once a home to Dronacharya, which is why it was named Drona Cave. You'll see the water from the cave dripping into the shivalinga, which is quite a spectacle and pilgrims all over the country visit the temple to witness this. This is about 9 kms away from the ISBT of Dehradun. Nag Devta Temple - This is about 6 kms from Mussoorie's city centre. It's a temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva as well. The temple is most visited during the festival of Nag Panchami. During this festival, the temple is exquisitely decorated and images of snakes are are revered in a grand pooja. Perhaps the most unique thing about this festival is the the devotees offer milk to live snakes. Jwalaji Temple - This is 9 kms to the West of Mussoorie, near the Benog Hills. This temple is dedicated to the Mata Durga and is believed to grant the wishes of the devotees. From the temple, you can view the Mussoorie, Doon Valley, River Yamuna, Yamuna Bridge, Himalayan Ranges and Yamuna Valley. Surkanda Devi Temple - This is in Dhanaulti, a few kilometres away from Mussoorie. It is a temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati. This is also one of the Shakti Piths, where Sati's head fell when Lord Shiva was doing his tandav dance. A local festival during the month of June is held here which attracts pilgrims all over the country. Bhadraj Temple - This is about 15 kms away from Mussoorie. This is a temple dedicated to the Lord Bal Bhadra, brother of Lord Krishna. To reach the temple, you'd have to trek for a bit in Bhadraj. En route, you'll be attracted by the views of the Doon Valley and Chakrata Ranges. Shedup Choepelling Temple - This is also known as the Tibetan Buddhist Temple. This temple is close to the Happy Valley. Since the Dalai Lama seek refuge in Mussoorie first, this is where he resided. The land was given to him by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The temple houses many Tibetan books and literature. Waterfalls Kempty Falls - This is about 13 kms from the city centre of Mussoorie. It is about 1,364 metres above sea level. The water falls from a great height and then divides into five streams. It is believed that British officer John Mekinan was the first to discover the falls in the year 1835. You can also find various shops selling Tibetan crafts around the falls. Jharipani Falls - This is about 6 kms from Mussoorie's city centre. To reach the falls, you need to trek for about 1.5 kms. All around the falls, you'll find dense forestry, flowers and wild plants. You can also see the Shivalik Ranges from here. Bhatta Falls - This is about 7 kms from the main city of Mussoorie. The stream itself from the waterfalls is filled with algae. But you'll find a nearby pond which is more suitable for swimming. There's also a nearby Children's Park that kids can enjoy. Peaks Gun Hill - This is the second highest peak in Mussoorie. This is about a 20-minute walk from The Mall. It offers picturesque views of the Himalayan Ranges and the Doon Valley. You can also opt to ride the Ropeway Cable to enjoy the scenic views from above. Lal Tibba - This is the highest peak in Mussoorie. This is about 4.5 kms from the city centre of Mussoorie. There's a telescope at the peak which tourists can use to view the Himalayan Ranges. This area is mostly untouched by commercialisation which is why it attracts a number of tourists. Cloud's End - This is about 7 kms from the city centre of Mussoorie. From here, you can enjoy scenic views of the mountains and valleys below. There's also a heritage home here in which tourists can opt to stay for the night for a fee. Gardens Municipal Garden - This garden is also known as Company Bagh. This garden is surrounded by natural greenery and at the centre, there's a fountain. There's also a few other attractions here: a lake, a waterfall and a nursery. You can even enjoy boating in the lake. For the younger ones, the ferris wheel here is a popular attraction for them. It is also just about 4 kms away from Mussoorie's city centre. Hathipoan and Park Estate - This was the residence and office of the first Surveyor-General of India, Sir George Everest, from whom Mount Everest was named after. Now, it's a popular picnic destination for friends and families in the region. There's also some shops nearby selling Tibetan handicrafts. Lakes Mussoorie Lake - This lake is about 6 kms from Mussoorie. Recently, this was developed by the government and has become a popular picnic spot for tourists. Aside from that, there are boating facilities here that tourists can enjoy. Lake Mist - This is just nearby the Kempty Falls. All around the lake, it's surrounded by lush greenery. There are a few accommodation options and eateries around too. You can also enjoy a boat ride along the scenic lake. Shopping The Mall - This is locate right at the heart of the city. Here, you'll find colonial houses, shopping areas, eateries and even skating rinks. It is basically the main commercial area of the city of Mussoorie. You can even find souvenirs to take home from the shops in this area. Library Bazaar - This is also known as Gandhi Chowk. There are numerous shops here selling handicrafts, souvenirs and clothes. Aside from that, the Savoy Hotel is also around this area. You can also spot the statue of Mahatma Gandhi here. Landour Bazaar - The town of Landour is just about 2 kms from Mussoorie. You can spot it easily as the Clock Tower stands tall in its city centre, which is supposed to separate Landour from Mussoorie. Landour Bazaar is mostly well-known for their leather shoes and sandals. Wildlife Benog Wildlife Sanctuary - This is a part of the Rajaji National Park. It is about 11 kms away from Mussoorie's city centre. The sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers as various rare species of birds can be spotted here. The Mountain Quail or the Pahari Bater was also spotted here in 1876, although it's extinct now. Tiger View Jungle Camp - This is located in the Goolar Khalla Village, a few kilometres away from Mussoorie. You can enjoy a wildlife safari here and if you're lucky, you might be able to spot the rare Indian tiger. There are also some accommodation options in the camp itself. Others Happy Valley - This is the home to about 5,000 Tibetan monks in Mussoorie. This is a community, with houses and even a Buddhist Temple in the vicinity. This valley also offers amazing views of the Jaunpur Ranges. Camel's Back Road - This is a 3 kms road, shaped like a camel, hence the name. It starts from Library Point to Kulri Bazaar. You can also find the 180 year old British Cemetery located here. You can also opt for a camel ride or horse ride if you're not up for walking the entire stretch. Accommodation Options in Mussoorie Budget Hotels in Mussoorie Hotel Savera Bhaijee Residency - Their Standard Room on EP is at Rs. 1,150 per night. Rooms have a comfortable bed, sofa set, attached bathroom and television. You can look out the windows and see the views of the mountains and the valleys below. The hotel is just about 900 metres from the Library Bus Stand. Their address is: Library Chowk, Spring Road, The Mall Road, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 248179. Their contact number is: +91 74095 03688. Hotel Ashirwad - Their Standard Room on EP is at Rs. 1,000 per night. It has cable television, running hot/cold shower in bathroom, tea/coffee maker and wardrobe cabinet. The hotel also has a swimming pool, spa, restaurant, gym and WiFi on public areas. Their address is: 231, Near Clock Tower, Landour, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 248179. Their contact number is: +91 82712 63193. Mid-Range Hotels in Mussoorie Hotel Ratan - Their Deluxe Room is at Rs. 2,850 per night. It comes with free WiFi, television, sofa sets, room heating, attached bathroom with 24 hours hot/cold shower and a comfortable bed. They also have a restaurant in the hotel premises. Their address is: Gandhi Chowk, Near Mall Road, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 248179. Their contact number is: +91 135 263 2719. Hotel Padmini Nivas - Their Standard Room is at Rs. 3,450 per night. It has its own bathroom, television, comfortable bed, seating area and windows overlooking the mountains. The hotel also has a vegetarian restaurant, cafe, library, play ground and nursery. Their address is: Near Library, The Mall Road, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 24817. Their contact number is: +91 135 263 2793. Luxury Hotels in Mussoorie Fortune The Savoy - Their Savoy Chambers is at Rs. 11,899 per night. It has its own bathroom and a private balcony with the views of the mountains. Other amenities include: television, work desk, elegant bed, sofa set and lamps. The hotel also have a recreation zone, business centre, restaurant and wellness centre. Their address is: Library Bazaar, Gandhi Chowk, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 248179. Their contact number is: +91 135 263 7000. Rokeby Manor - Their Rustic Room is at Rs. 8,000 per night. Rooms have different designs that are quite appealing and inviting. They also come complete with amenities like a huge bed, attached bathroom, lamps, native style furniture and television. They also have an in-house restaurant. Their address is : Rajmandi, Landour Cantt, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 248179. Their contact number is: +91 135 263 5604. Local Cuisine in Mussoorie Majority of the dishes in Mussoorie have influences of two cuisines: Garhwali and Tibetan. Here are some of the most popular Garhwali dishes in Mussoorie: Aloo Ke Gutke - Simply put, the Aloo Ke Gutke is just spicy pan toasted potatoes. You can find this in most street food stalls. It's best paired with Kheera Ka Raita. Bal Mithai - This is a popular dessert in the state of Uttarakhand. Somehow, the version of Mussoorie restaurants is quite unique in a good way. You can find several sweets shops in Mussoorie selling this sweet delicacy. Gul Gula - These are sweet, mini doughnuts, perfect for snacks. You can find food stalls selling this bread delight. Then, here are some popular Tibetan dishes in Mussoorie: Tsampa - Tibetans usually eat this dish three times a day. It is just roasted flour, either barley or wheat, mixed with salty Tibetan butter tea. Momos - This is a steamed bun with some stuffing inside. The stuffing can be vegetables, meats or tofu. You can find several food stalls and restaurants in Mussoorie selling this delicious Tibetan dish. Do you have any experiences to share about travelling to Mussoorie? Maybe some tips for our members. You can share it here.
I have been there and the highlight of the trip was actually kempty fall. Also, this falls comes before you reach the city and therefore, you would be able to explore it easily and just below it is a lake as well in case you want to go for boating. With that being said, if you go in winter that is October to January, the weather alone is worth going. Definitely a place to visit.
