Mussoorie a Hill Resort

Mussoorie, a hill resort at a height of around 7000 ft above the sea level, straddles a ridge in the Garhwal Himalayas - a region which is developing into a major tourism destination. The holy and mighty river Ganga is visible from one end of the ridge and another famous river Jamuna from the other, a stretch of around twelve miles in all, from Cloud's end in the west to Jabarkhet in the east. This hill station, situated in the foothills of the Himalaya ranges, is also known as the Queen of the Hills. The adjoining town of Landour, which includes a military cantonment, is considered part of 'greater Mussoorie', as are the townships of Barlowganj and Jharipani.

Mussoorie is conveniently connected by road to Delhi and major cities. It is called the "Gateway" to Yamunotri and Gangotri Shrines of Northern India. The closest rail station is Dehradun. Taxis are easily available for Mussorie as are buses at regular intervals. The weather is generally bright and clear - except during the three months ( June to August) of Monsoons,- when mists envelope the mountain slopes and paints the sky in a mauvish glow and the woods around - of pine, cedar, birch, oak, rhododendron and deodar - turns greener. There usually is a bright Christmas and the breathtaking view of the snow clad Mussoorie gives it the name - the Queen among hill stations. The best time to visit is from mid-March to mid-November though the downpours could be an inhibiting factor in the monsoon months of July to September.


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 of interest


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 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.


Lal Tibba:

Lal Tibba is the highest point in mussoorie at 2,438 m,five km from the centre of the town. 15 kms from mussoorie,along the Chakrata road are the famous Kempty Falls which are a popular tourist site. The stretch of land from the Falls to the Yamuna gorge,which houses gorals (mountain goats),a few leopards,and a teeming avianfauna population,is being called a sanctuary.



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.


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.


Travel Information:
By Air: The nearest airport is at Dehradun which is 50 kms from Mussoorie.

By Rail: The nearest rail head is at Dehradun (30 kms). 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.

By Road: UP Roadways operates regular bus - trips from Simla,Haridwar and Delhi to Dehradun; from Dehradun to mussoorie. 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.