Mussoorie Travel Guide

Mussoorie is a hill station, situated on a horse-shoe shaped ridge in the Shivalik mountain range on the foothills of the Himalayas, about 2,500m above sea level. It is one of the most beautiful cities in India. Due to its immense natural beauty, Mussoorie is known as the queen of hill stations. The name, Mussoorie, is derived from plants of 'Mussoorie' which were found in abundance here. After its discovery, this hill station gradually developed as a center of education, business, tourism and beauty.

Mussoorie is famous for its serenity and scenic beauty, and it is well know for it’s colonial era feel that it’s maintained over the years through its architecture. Mussoorie is also famous for its world renowned educational institutions and training institutes, like the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) and Indian Police Services (IPS). Mussoorie also boasts Ruskin Bond the popular author as one of its famous residents.

Places to see in Mussoorie:

• Gun Hill
Gun Hill is the second highest point in Mussoorie and offers the best view of the valley below. The ropeway ride from the Mall to this hill (Rs 25) is sheer exhilaration. A bird's eye-view of Mussoorie town, Doon Valley and the Bunderpunch, Srikantha, Pithwara and Gangotri group of the Himalayas can be seen from here. One can also approach Gun Hill from a pathway, which forks off from the Mall Road near Kutchery. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the top.

• Municipal Gardens
The municipal or the Company gardens was previously (before independence) was also known as Botanical gardens of Mussoorie. These gardens were laid by famous geologist Dr. H. Fackner in the last century.

• Cloud’s End
18 km away from Mussoorie, this is the most appropriate place for honeymooners. Originally a bungalow built in 1838 by a British Major, Cloud's End has now been converted into a hotel. The resort is surrounded by lush forests and houses a wide variety of flora and fauna, besides offering a panoramic view of snow clad Himalayas and the Yamuna River.

• Tibetan Temple
This temple is located in Happy valley area of Mussoorie. Both Company gardens and Tibetan temple can be seen in one day. They are located one kilometer from Lal Bahadur Shastri National Administrative Academy. The Tibetan temple is evidence to rich Tibetan cultural heritage. This temple is sure to attract attention of tourists.

• Bhadraj Temple
About 15 kms. from Mussoorie, it is ideal spot for trekking via Park Toll - Clouds end, Dudhi. Situated on the extreme western region of Mussoorie town, Bhadraj offers a commanding view of Doon Valley. Chakrata ranges and Jaunsar Bhabar area can be viewed from here. Bhadraj temple is dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra, brother of Lord Krishna.

• Nag Devta Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Snake God Lord Shiva and is situated on Cart Mackenjee road is about 6 kms from Mussoorie on way to Dehradun. Vehicles can go right upto the temple. Place provies a enchanting view of Mussoorie & Doon valley.

• Childer's Lodge
Take a horse to the highest peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba. Only about 5 km from Mussoorie, you could even take a leisurely walk up to the top. The breath-taking view from up here is worth the climb.

Shopping in Mussoorie
Mussoorie is famous for wooden decorative and gift items. But one can also bargain brass statues and ceramic vases. Some good showrooms are located on the Mall where one can look for wooden boxes, brass statues, Tibetan Prayer wheels and vases. The hand carved oakwood walking sticks are also popular among tourists. In the markets, photographs can be clicked wearing a dazzling Garhwali Dress. To be photographed in Garhwali garb against a painted Himalayan range makes a wonderful picture.

Climate in Mussoorie
Mussoorie is a hill station which has pleasant climate around the year. It is a very cool place with greenery at its full bloom during September to November. The best seasons to visit Mussoorie are between April to June and again during September to November. When the plains of North India experience heat waves, Mussoorie provides a welcome break. September - November is spring time here. During this season Himalayas are clearly visible. It is better to avoid monsoons as the roads to Mussoorie are in bad shape. Same thing applies for the winter when roads are blocked due to snowfall.

How to reach there:

By Air
Indian Airlines has five flights a week from Delhi to the Jolly Grant Airport. Airport: Jolly Grant is the nearest functioning airport, at a distance of 59 km.

By Rail
Dehradun is connected to major cities with super-fast trains such as the Mussoorie Express, the Bombay Doon Express, Calcutta-Howrah-Doon Express and Gorakhpur-Doon Express. The Shatabdi Express leaves New Delhi every day except Thursdays. Railway station: Dehradun, 34 km away, serves as the railhead for Mussoorie.

By Road
There are several buses from Delhi to this hill station, both private and state-run. From Dehradun to Mussoorie, one can hire cabs or take any of the buses plying from just outside the Dehradun Railway Station. If travelling from Jammu, Saharanpur is the convenient place to catch a bus directly to Mussoorie. The road from Delhi is well maintained and the 269 km journey can be completed in six hours.