Mussoorie : Queen of the Hills & Dehradun City

Mussoorie, often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills,” is a picturesque hill station nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Situated approximately 35 kilometers from Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, Mussoorie is perched at an altitude of around 2000 meters (6000 feet) above sea level.

This charming hill resort is renowned for its verdant hills, diverse flora and fauna, and captivating landscapes. Visitors are enchanted by the lush greenery, refreshing mountain air, and panoramic vistas that Mussoorie offers. The town’s elevation affords breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayan snow-capped peaks to the northeast, while the sparkling expanse of the Doon Valley stretches out below, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

Mussoorie’s serene ambiance, pleasant climate, and scenic beauty make it an ideal destination for honeymooners seeking romance and tranquility. Couples can enjoy leisurely strolls along the winding paths amidst the verdant hills or indulge in romantic picnics amidst nature’s splendor.

Aside from its natural allure, Mussoorie boasts colonial-era architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant local culture, adding to its charm. Visitors can explore landmarks such as the iconic Gun Hill, Camel’s Back Road, Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba, and the historic Christ Church.

Adventure enthusiasts can partake in thrilling activities like trekking, paragliding, zip-lining, and mountain biking amidst the scenic surroundings. The town also offers a variety of accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors.

Overall, Mussoorie’s enchanting beauty and tranquil ambiance make it a beloved destination for nature lovers, honeymooners, and travelers seeking an escape to the mountains. Whether it’s for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure-filled retreat, Mussoorie promises an unforgettable experience amidst nature’s splendor.

Sightseeing Highlights:

Bhatta Falls: Located 7 kilometers from Mussoorie, Bhatta Falls in Bhatta Village offers a refreshing retreat with a stimulating 3-kilometer trek through motorable roads.

Jharipani Falls: Situated 8.5 kilometers from Mussoorie, Jharipani Falls can be reached via motorable roads followed by a 1.5-kilometer trek, offering awe-inspiring views.

Cloud’s End: Positioned 8 kilometers from the Library, Cloud’s End, situated at the western extremity of Mussoorie, provides a tranquil environment amidst lush surroundings.

Camel’s Back Road: Stretching 4 kilometers from Kulri Bazar to Library Bazar, Camel’s Back Road offers a picturesque view of the sunset, resembling a sitting camel.

Lal Tibba: Located in the Landour area, Lal Tibba is the oldest inhabited place in Mussoorie, offering scenic vistas.

Gun Hill: Second highest peak in Mussoorie, Gun Hill offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and Doon valley. It can be accessed via a ropeway.

The Mall Road: The bustling Mall Road takes tourists back to the colonial era with its array of restaurants, hotels, and shops. The Methodist church, around 100 years old, is also situated here.

Lake Mist: A newly developed scenic spot located 5 kilometers before Kempty Falls, Lake Mist offers boating facilities and accommodation options.

Kempty Falls: Positioned 15 kilometers from Mussoorie, Kempty Falls is surrounded by lush green mountains and offers a serene ambiance at an altitude of 4500 ft.

Dhanaulti: Situated 25 kilometers from Mussoorie amidst dense Alpine forests, Dhanaulti offers tranquility and peace, making it an ideal getaway.

Additionally, Mussoorie is home to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), established in 1959, which provides training to members of All India Services and Central Services (Group A), including professional training to Indian Administrative Service (IAS) recruits.

Accommodation 

Besides the tourist rest house (GMVN) there are many hotels and lodges to suit every budget.

For more information please visit www.gmvnl.com & www.uttarakhandtourism.gov.in

How to Reach

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport situated 60 kms. from Mussoorie.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Dehradun.

By Road: Mussoorie is well connected to all important towns.

DEHRADUN

Dehradun is located in the Doon Valley in the foothills of the Himalayas nestled between two of India’s mightiest rivers, the Ganges to the East and Yamuna to the West. Dehradun is famous for its picturesque landscape and pleasant climate and is a gateway to the surrounding region.

The city of Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand and the headquarters of Dehradun district.

Sightseeing

Tapkeshwar Temple: Tapkeshwar Shiv Temple is an ancient place of worship and is situated on the banks of a rivulet in the Garhi Cantt. It is named Tapkeshwar as water droplets originating from a rock, fall on the Shivling placed in the shrine. People in large numbers participate in the fair organized on the occasion of Shivratri.

Laxman Siddh Temple: 12 kms. from Dehradun towards Hardwar is a famous temple known as the Laxman Siddh. Legend has it that a sage underwent penance here. The temple is visited by a large number of people especially on Sundays.

Santala Devi Temple: About 15 kms. from Dehradun is the famous temple of Santala Devi. The temple stands as a symbol of the faith people have and has a great cultural and religious significance. Santala Devi, along with her brother, on realizing that they would not be able to face the Mughal Army, abandoned their weapons and began to pray. A light flickered and within moments they both were transformed into stone

images. It is within the fort that the shrine was built and Saturdays mark the transformation of the Goddess into stone.

Malsi Deer Park: 10 kms. From Dehradun, enroute to Mussoorie is situated a beautifully developed tourist spot lying at the foot hills of the Shivalik range. Malsi Deer Park is a mini zoological park comprising of a children’s park enveloped by beautiful natural surroundings. Along with attractive environs, the availability of refreshments makes the place an ideal sightseeing cum picnic spot.

Robber’s Cave (Guchhu Pani): An ideal place for a picnic, Robber’s Cave is just 8 kms. away from the city bus stand. Local bus services are available up to Anarwala Village from where it is a one km trek.

Mindroling Monastery: Mindroling Monastery is located in Clement Town area of Dehradun. It is locally called the Tibetan Monastery area also. The Stupa in the Mindroling Monastery was inaugurated on 28th of October 2002 and constructed for World Peace. Also called the Great Stupa, it is about 185 feet tall and 100 square feet in width. These dimensions make it one of the world’s largest Stupas famous for Buddhist art and architecture. A two acre lush green garden surrounds this magnificent Stupa.

The façade of the Stupa is decorated with the colorful and spiritual paintings of Maitreya or the future Buddha and Shakyamuni (the present Buddha) descending on the steps. This shrine has many floors, each one with one elaborate Tibetan Buddhist school of Art mural over other. Many sacrosanct relics are also to be found in the Stupa.

Guru Ram Rai Darbar, Jhanda Mohalla: Built by Guru Ram Rai, son of Guru Har Rai, it attracts many Sikh pilgrims from the nearby state of Punjab. Admission is free and non Sikhs are also welcome.

Clock Tower: Built by the British, this remains the icon of the downtown area.

Where to Stay

Besides the tourist rest house (GMVN) there are many hotels and lodges to suit every budget.

For more information please visit www.gmvnl.com & www.uttarakhandtourism.gov.in

ACCESS
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Dehradun city. It is situated 25 kms. from Dehradun. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi by daily flights.

By Rail: Dehradun is well connected to major cities of India.

By Road: Dehradun is well connected with all major destinations.