Mussoorie

Mussoorie: the quintessential footing

If the clouds are blocking your view of the stars, the hills, illuminated with lights, will add their twinkle to the inky night sky. During the day, the same hills will hold up the heavy, white clouds of the region. Forests grow here, people flourish here, and you will find peace of mind. This is Mussoorie – the hill station of heaven.

So, forego the busy schedules and the grind of daily life, Mussoorie tourism gives you the perfect balance between city life and a breath of fresh air.

Highlights of Mussoorie: Explore the wilderness

Nature and parks

If you want a break from the influx of tourism that Mussoorie gets every year, head to the quieter Dhanaulti. Located 32 kms away from the hill station, this place has an Eco Park which has rides and open spaces for children. It is one of the most famous places to visit in Mussoorie for kids. If you are looking for some leisure time with your family, The Company Garden will surely amuse your children. Bordered by magnificent mountains, the garden is laden with colourful flowers and counts as the perfect picnic spot. The only sound in the garden would be that of your grumbling tummies, for which the garden has a food court! Another place to visit especially if you are in the hill station during the summer season would be the Kempty Falls. Take a dip into the cold water as sheets of crystal-clear water pound the rocks. The natural pool at the bottom looks untarnished by mankind, even though it’s the most popular leisure spot in Mussoorie.

Cuisine

Visiting during the winter season? Do not miss out on a bowl of piping, hot spinach curry locally known as Kafuli/Kapaa. This could probably be Popeye the sailor man’s favourite dish! You could savour this dish in a bowl, just like soup or maybe with some jeera rice. If the simple ghar ki roti is what you want, then you must try Chainsoo, a dish made of a variety of pulses with spices added to it. The masala that is used is local giving the dish an earthy flavour and tastes best with roti. If you are a hard-core non-vegetarian, then you must try the fresh off the grill kebabs near Mall Road. These kebabs are best had with naan, bread or chutney. Another popular dish doing the rounds on the streets of Mussoorie is chilli chicken. You could either have this dish as a starter or with fried rice and noodles.

Explore and shop

This charming little hill station is well known for its scenic beauty. However, you can take a piece of Mussoorie home with all the souvenirs that it has to offer. You will find home décor lamps, woollen sweaters and wooden items. Head to Mall Road to kickstart your shopping spree! It is one of Mussoorie’s most famous places to shop in. With the streets laden with colourful woollen clothes and items, you will be tempted to take along with you some adorable little doll like show pieces for your homes. Kulri Bazaar is the next best place to shop at if you are looking for some funky fashion apparels, trendy handicrafts and artefacts. You will also get modish footwear for yourself. If you have a sweet tooth, you will get to relish scrumptious sweets and fluffy cakes.

Churches and temples

As you explore Mussoorie further, you will realise its architecture represents the city’s history. With the hill station being under the colonial rule of the British, you will find many churches as you make your way to Mussoorie. Head to the oldest church in the Himalayan region, The Christ Church. Built by the British in 1836, this church has gothic architecture but still has a bright feel to it with its creamy colour and a tint of yellow on its walls. Located in the middle of the bustling Library Road, this church will take you back to the colonial era. Not too far from the Mall Road is the Union Church, which is around 150 years old. Sombre in grey, this church is also a school for the local children - from kindergarten to the eighth grade. You could visit the Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple is 40 kms away from the hill station. This cave temple is located on the outskirts of the city and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The festival of Shivratri brings with it many devotees visiting the temple.

Interesting facts about Mussoorie: A breath of fresh air

• This hill station is also home to our favourite childhood author, Ruskin Bond. He visits the Cambridge Book Depot in Mall Road every Saturday from 3:30-5:30. You could get your book signed personally by the man himself and maybe have a little chat over some coffee!
• Once upon a time, this hill station was a refuge for the British and European creme de la creme.
• A tea enthusiast? You must visit the Char Dukan. These four tea stalls serve you pancakes, paranthas and sandwiches with steaming cups of chaai. You will also find Ruskin Bond’s books here and perhaps the man himself! Mr. Bond is a frequent visitor of this place. 
• Mussoorie was a no-entry zone for Indians and dogs. The Britishers had placed signboards instructing the same!

Location

This charming and quaint hill station is in the state of Uttarakhand, a short drive away from Dehradun city. This little hamlet is burrowed in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range.

Click here to view Mussoorie on Google Map

Timings: Best time to visit

The pleasant weather of this hill station makes tourism in Mussoorie possible throughout the year. However, as per what you wish to do, let us guide you as to when you should visit this perpetually chilly hill station. Be it adventure sports or reading a book under the sun, the months of March to June are fit for both. The temperature soars up to 37 degrees Celsius, but the air will still be comfortably chilly. If you are a solo traveller and looking to enjoy the pitter patter of the raindrops amidst the drenched and lush green hills, you must visit during the months of July to September. The hill station is bathed in sheets of snow in the winter season, offering you awe-inspiring sights unlike any other season. If you are a photography enthusiast, do visit during these months to capture some beautiful shots.

How to get to Mussoorie: the Lap of Nature

By Road - Mussoorie is well connected to various nearby cities such as Dehradun, Delhi and towns of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. There are state government and private buses available from and to Mussoorie.

By Rail - The nearest railway station to Mussoorie would be the Dehradun Railway station located 36 kms away from the hill station. There are buses and cabs easily accessible from the station to reach Mussoorie.  These trains are well connected to cities such as Delhi, Amritsar, Kolkata and Jammu.

By Air - The nearest airport to Mussoorie is the Jolly Grant airport which is 59 kms away from the popular tourist spot. Flights are available to and from Dehradun to cities such as Delhi and Mumbai. However, you could go to the Delhi International airport if you wish to travel to and from other major cities in India.

History of Mussoorie: The romantic getaway

This hill station is locally addressed as Mansoori, with only shepherds living in Mussoorie before the coming of the British. The name Mansoori comes from an indigenous shrub known as Mansoor. The shepherd’s animals would graze on this plant – making it vital feedstock for the sea. As the years passed by, the crème de la crème of the European and Indian army shifted to Mussoorie followed by a few more humble residents. However, the hill station did fall into the clutches of racism with the Britishers putting up signs such as ‘Indians and dogs not allowed.’ However, regardless of these signboards, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru walked freely on the streets of Mussoorie after which the signboards were finally removed. Today, the hill station is less contentious and more comfortable. Lush green leaves whisper tales of love to each other, making it the perfect romantic retreat.

The bountiful nature, scrumptious local food and forget-me-not souvenirs to take back home are what Mussorrie tourism will gift you.