Mussoorie, Uttranchal

Mussoorie is popularly known as "Queen of Hills" and it is a fascinating hill resort. Commanding a wonderful view of Himalayan snow ranges to north-east, and glittering views of Doon Valley, Roorkee, Saharanpur and Haridwar to south, the town presents a fairyland atmosphere to the tourists. It is gateway to Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines of Northern India. It has an area of 64-25 sq km. Mussoorie is situated at an altitude of 2000 m. Town has a population size of 25,400 (approx).

Time to visit Mid-April to Mid-July and September to mid-November is the best season to visit Mussoorie.

How to reach there
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant at Dehradun,which is 24 km away.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Dehradun (35 Km), which is connected to Delhi, Varanasi, Howrah, Amritsar, Saharanpur, Rishikesh and Haridwar For transport to Mussorrie taxies and buses are available outside the Railway Station.

Road: Mussoorie is connected by regular bus services to all the major centres of tourist interest in the region. Direct buses are available for Barkot (89 km), Srinagar, Garhwal (135 km), Hanuman Chatti (129 km), Saharanpur (110 Km), Dehradun (35 km), Nainital (355 km), Tehri (75 km) and Delhi (290 km). UP State Transport Corporation Deluxe and Super Fast services are available for Delhi. Mussoorie has 3 bus stands :- Library, Masonic Lodge, and Tehri Bus Stand.

What to see

Clouds End: The bungalow built in 1838 by a British Major was one of the first 4 buildings of Mussoorie. The bungalow has since then been converted into a hotel called Clouds End. The resort is surrounded by thick forest, offers a wide variety of flora and fauna besides a panoramic view of Himalayas.

Nag Devta Temple: An ancient temple situated on Cart Mackenjie Road and is about 6 km from Mussoorie. Vehicles can go right upto the spot. It provides a charming view of Doon Valley as well as Mussoorie.

Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill): 9 km to the west of Mussoorie and at an altitude of 2,104 m is Jwalaji temple. It is situated on the top of the Benog Hill and has an idol of Mata Durga in it. The temple is surrounded by thick forests and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, Doon valley and Yamuna valley.

Municipal Garden: A picnic spot having a beautiful garden and an artificial mini lake with boating facilities. It is located at a distance of 4 km by cycle rickshaw, pony or by car and only 2 km on foot via Waverly Convent road.

Van Chetna Kendra: At a distance of about 2 km on Tehri bye-pass road, this place is developed as a picnic spot and has a park surrounded with pine forest and flowering shrubs, and is approachable by foot or taxi/car. The main attraction is wildlife of the park like Ghurar, Kanakar, Himalayan Peacock, Monal etc.

Skating Halls: Disco Sakting Hall. The Rink, Kulri. Tel : 632277

Appu Ghar: An amusement park at Wonder World Sylverton Ground, Kulri.

Ropeway Ride: Near Tourist Office, The Mall, Mussoorie. Ride is to and from Mall Road-Gun Hill.

Kempty Fall: 15 km from Mussoorie on the Yamunotri Road having an altitude of 4,500 ft. It has the distinction of being the biggest and prettiest waterfall located in a beautiful valley and is surrounded by high mountains. Bath at the foot of falls is refreshing and enjoyable.

Gun Hill: Enjoy a ropeway ride to the second highest peak of Mussoorie. It can also be negotiated by bridle path which forks-off from mall Road near Kuthchery and to reach takes about 20 minutes. The ropeway distance is only 400 m. Gun Hill offers a beautiful view of the Himalayan ranges namely Bunderpunch, Srikantha, Pithwara and Gangotri group etc. During pre-independence days a gun mounted on this top used to be fired heralding mid-day to enable people to adjust their watches and hence this name.

Childer's Lodge: Highest peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba. It is about 5 km from the Tourist Office and one can go on horse back or on foot via Waverly Convent Road.

Camel's Back Road: It starts from Kulri Bazaar near Rink Hall and ends at Library Bazaar covering a total distance of about 3 km. The main charm of this road is horse riding and walking. Sunset view of the Himalayas is superb. Camel's rock with a life like resemblance can be seen from the spot near Mussoorie Public School.

Jharipani Fall: 8.5 km from Mussoorie on Mussorie-Jharipani Road. Visitors can go by us or by car upto 7 km to Jharipani from where the fall is 1.5 km, on foot.

Bhatta Fall: 7 km from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. Access by car or bus upto Balta village from where the fall is 3 km by car or foot. An ideal spot for bathing and picnics.

Mossey Fall: 7 km from Mussoorie access via Balahisar or Barlowganj. A beautiful fall surrounded by a dense forest.

Mussoorie Lake: A newly developed picnic spot, situated on Mussoorie-Dehradun road and is about 6 km from Mussoorie. It is a delightful spot. Pedal boats are available. It commands an enchanting view of Doon valley and nearby villages.

What to Shop

Gandhi Chowk (Library), Kulri Bazaar, Landour Bazaar and Sister Bazaar are the main shopping and trading centres of Mussoorie

Around The City

Cloud End: Just 3 km out of Mussoorie, is this paradise for nature lovers, offering a good staying option in the lap of Himalayas. There is no running hot water, no electricity, but nature in all her glory. The feel of the place will take visitors back in the time with its uneven parquet floors, faded colonial furniture, game trophies, and pictures of 19th century Mussoorie. The generator installed at the place is turned on at dusk till people retired at night. Its peaceful environs and quiteness attracts tourists, irrespective of the fact that there is no cable television or electricity. The tariff is Rs 1500 per night (for huge room, smaller ones are cheaper) with food extra. Tourists can take a trek on horseback to the temple on the adjoining hill and walk in the woods behind the Bungalow to Echo point.

Yamuna Bridge: About 27 km from Mussoorie on Chakrata Barkot Road and is an ideal spot for fishing. Permits for fishing can be obtained from Divisional Forest Officer, Mussoorie. Tel :- (01362)-32335

Dhanolti: Located on Mussorie-Tehri Road at a distance of about 25 km from Mussoorie. On the way, Buranskhanda offers a captivating view of the Himalayas amidst pine and deodar forest. Dhanolti is an ideal place for quiet weekend. A Tourist Bungalow is available. There is also a Forest Rest House for which permit can be obtained from D.F.O, Mussoorie. Hotel Dhanolti Breeze also provides comfortable accommodation.

Surkhanda Devi: Situated on Mussorie-Tehri Road and is about 33 kms from Mussoorie and 8 km from Dhanolti. Visitors can go up to Kaddu Khal (Devas-thali) by bus or by car from where the temple is about 2 km on foot. The temple is situated at an altitude of 10,000 ft above sea level and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas. A visit to this top is an experience one can never forget.

Chamba (Tehri): About 31 km from Dhanolti. The drive is excellent as the road passes through the fruit orchards. During the season, apples are available in abundance all along the route. A Tourist Bungalow and few other hotels are available for a comfortable stay.

Lakha Mandal: It is 75 km from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Yamunotri Road. One can drive upto KUWA about 71 km and from there river Yamuna is to be crossed by motorable bridge. There are hundreds of idols of archaeological importance which have been preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. Legend has it that the Kauravas made a Shellac house and conspired to burn the Pandavas alive here.