Mussoorie – Queen of Hills

Mussoorie is renowned as the ‘Queen of the Hills‘, it is located in the state of Uttarakhand, about 35 kilometers from the state’s capital Dehradun.

Location: Uttaranchal
Altitude: 2005 mt above sea level
Languages: Hindi & Kumaoni
Best time to Visit: April to July & September to November

About Mussoorie

When Captain Young, a British Army Officer decided to turn this quaint village into a summer resort in 1827, he may not have been aware of the fact that in years to come the place will become an unrivaled tourist paradise. Sobriquet 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 Hindu holy 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 the summer season when tourists from all over the country start to gather at this pleasant heaven.

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. An interesting 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 rowboat and paddled boat facility.

Municipal Gardens

The lush Municipal gardens consist 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 center and can be accessed by cycle rickshaws or hired taxis.

Get-Aways

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.

Things to Do

Shopping

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 the library and landour. The mall is lined with umpteen small and large shops.

Dine Out

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.

Stay At

The ‘Queen of Hills‘, Mussoorie is replete with accommodation options that are created for absolute comfort and pleasure. Among the top-rated hotels in Mussoorie are Shilton Hotel (4 stars, 5 0 km from airport & 35 km from railway station), Hotel Green Castle (3 stars, 35 km from railway station & 1 km from bus stand), Hotel Ashoka Continental (3 stars, situated close to city center), Comfort Inn Fort Resorts (3 stars, situated on Palace Road, 5 km from bus stand), The Pearl (3 stars, situated at Kalsia Estate near bus stand), Country Inn Mussoorie (3 stars, situated close to city center), The Claridges Nabha (3 stars, situated on Burlowgunj Road,  4 km from bus stand) and Connaught Castle (3 stars, situated at The Mall, 2 km from bus stand).

Getting There & Around

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 center 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 the company through the entire route. Direct buses run by state transport corporation connects Mussoorie with all the major neighboring 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 Major Cities

• Dehradun: 35 Km

• New Delhi: 200 Km

• Nainital: 355 Km

• Barkot: 89 Km

• Hanuman Chatti: 129 Km

• Haridwar: 54 Km