Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Mussoorie: The Queen of the Hills
Mussoorie, fondly known as the Queen of the Hills, is a mesmerizing destination that captivates both seasoned travelers and first-time visitors. Nestled at the base of Uttarakhand’s Garhwal mountain ranges, this hill station offers a plethora of attractions that cater to all kinds of tourists. From dense forests of deodars and cedars to serene rivers and waterfalls, Mussoorie is a haven for nature lovers. If you’re planning a short getaway, here are some must-visit tourist places in Mussoorie, including the enchanting Dalai Hill.
How to Reach Mussoorie
By Air
The nearest airport to Mussoorie is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is well-connected to Delhi and Mumbai. From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mussoorie. Alternatively, you can fly to Delhi, the second nearest airport, which offers excellent air connectivity with the rest of the country.
By Road
Mussoorie is well-connected by road to nearby towns like Delhi, Dehradun, and other important places in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. State-run and private buses frequently ply to Mussoorie, making it a convenient travel option.
By Rail
Mussoorie is approximately 36 km from the Dehradun Railway Station. Numerous trains connect Dehradun to cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Jammu, and Amritsar. Upon arriving in Dehradun, you can take local taxis or buses to reach Mussoorie.
18 Best Tourist Places in Mussoorie
Mussoorie Lake
One of the most beautiful places in the city, the artificially constructed Mussoorie Lake has recently become a popular tourist destination. Maintained by the City Board and Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority, this lake offers a relaxing retreat surrounded by mesmerizing natural beauty. Besides boating, you can also enjoy water zorbing and ziplining.
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Mussoorie Mall Road
Mall Road is the hub of activity in Mussoorie. This colonial relic is lined with benches, lampposts, video game parlours, little shops, and skating rinks. It’s also where you might spot the legendary author Ruskin Bond browsing the Cambridge Bookstore. Take a stroll or relax in one of its famous bakeries or cafes.
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Kempty Falls
Kempty Falls is one of the most popular picnic spots in Mussoorie. Situated at an altitude of approximately 4,500 ft above sea level, it is surrounded by high mountain cliffs. The pool at the bottom of the falls is perfect for swimming and bathing. The name “Kempty” is derived from ‘camp and tea’, indicating that elaborate tea parties were once held here.
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Landour
Escape the busy lanes of Mussoorie and head to Landour, an idyllic town surrounded by dense Deodar forests. Offering beautiful views of the Himalayas, Landour is perfect for scenic walks and photography. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera!
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Company Garden
Located about 3 km from Mall Road, the Company Garden is a top Mussoorie attraction. Designed by Dr. H. Fackner and maintained by the Mussoorie Garden Welfare Association, this garden features a variety of fountains, lush greenery, colorful birds, and flowers. There’s also an artificial lake for boating.
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Dalai Hill
Dalai Hill, near Happy Valley, is one of the most beautiful locations in Uttarakhand. Known for its Tibetan prayer flags and Buddha statues, this spot offers stunning views of the Garhwal ranges. It’s perfect for catching the sunset, picnicking, camping, and photography. Refreshments are available at nearby food stalls.
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Jharipani Falls
Jharipani Falls is a must-visit for adventure seekers. This waterfall offers breathtaking views of the Shivalik Range and various water activities. It’s a popular destination throughout the year, except during the monsoon season.
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Devalsari
Located in Tehri Garhwal in the Aglar Valley, about 55 km from Mussoorie, Devalsari is a natural paradise. With lush meadows and mountains, it attracts tourists seeking peace and adventure. It’s home to over 60 species of birds and 70 species of butterflies. Devalsari also serves as a basecamp for trekking to Nag Tibba, also known as the Serpent Peak.
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Camel’s Back Road
Camel’s Back Road is a popular tourist attraction where you can enjoy walking amidst nature. This 3 km stretch of road resembles the hump of a camel and is best explored in the morning and evening.
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Gun Hill
Gun Hill, located at an altitude of 2024 meters, is an extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the snow-covered Himalayan ranges, the Doon Valley, and Mussoorie. The ropeway ride to Gun Hill provides stunning views of the Himalayan range.
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Jwala Devi Temple
Perched atop Benog Hill, the Jwala Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Situated at an altitude of 2104 meters, the temple is accessible via a 2 km uphill hike. Besides pilgrims, nature lovers visit the temple to admire its surrounding thick green forest, the Shivalik range, and the Yamuna River.
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Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
The Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is home to endangered species like leopards, mountain quails, deer, and the red-billed blue magpie. It offers a pleasant walk along pine-covered slopes nestled among Himalayan peaks, making it ideal for bird watching and enjoying views of Bandarpunch and Chaukhamba peaks.
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Char Dukaan
Char Dukaan, hidden from the hustle and bustle of Mall Road, is a row of quaint restaurants serving delicious food. Tourists flock here to enjoy pancakes, wai-wai, pakoras, and shakes after an exhausting walk through Mussoorie. A visit to Char Dukaan is a must for foodies.
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Mussoorie Adventure Park
Since 2003, the Mussoorie Adventure Park has been delighting adventure enthusiasts with over a hundred activities, including rappelling, rock climbing, parallel rope, trekking, and zip lining. The park is supervised by highly trained staff and offers panoramic views amidst natural beauty.
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Mussoorie Christ Church
Nestled on a little hillock along with Kasmanda Palace, the Mussoorie Christ Church is India’s first Catholic church. Built in 1836, this Gothic church is an exemplary example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture, evoking a sense of nostalgia with its colonial charm.
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Mossy Falls
Mossy Falls is a well-kept secret among Mussoorie’s mountains and forests. Located 7 km away on Bala Hisar Road, these mesmerizing cascade falls are named after the moss-covered rocky outcroppings surrounding them.
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White Water Rafting
Mussoorie is a popular destination for white water rafting. The clear and rapid waters make it a thrilling sport, and under the strict guidance of professionals, the activity is safe, memorable, and enjoyable.
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Rock Climbing and Rappelling
Mussoorie offers a variety of adventure activities, including rock climbing and rappelling. These activities, considered the most adventurous of all time, are conducted with safety harnesses and are perfect for thrill-seekers.
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Conclusion
Mussoorie, with its enchanting beauty and diverse attractions, is a perfect getaway for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re exploring the serene Dalai Hill, enjoying the vibrant Mall Road, or seeking adventure at the Mussoorie Adventure Park, this hill station has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of Mussoorie!