Welcome to the Queen of Hills
Popularly recognized as the Queen of the Hills, Mussoorie is a magnificent place situated at a distance of 34 km from the town of Dehradun. It is one of the most prominent and sought after hill-stations in the state of Uttaranchal, located at the foothills of the Himalayas and at an altitude of 2000 m above the sea level. It offers a relaxing and impressive breather to the visitors who want to take a break from the hot and humid weather conditions of the plains. The name Mussoorie has originated from the local plants called Mansoor or Mussoorie which are found in abundance in this region.
The picturesque green hills, the delightful flora and fauna, an exotic view of the Shivalik Range and the Doon valleys are good enough reasons for the domestic as well as international tourists to visit Mussoorie. Besides, a few major Hindu pilgrimage destinations like the Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Rishikesh and Haridwar are located at a close range from this place.
Important places to visit:
Gun Hill: – The Gun Hill, the second-highest peak of Mussorie can be reached either by a bridles path that is connected to the Mall Road (near Kutchery) or by a ropeway ride. The Ropeway is not a very long one (about 400 m) and the thrill of commuting this way is going to be memorable. A wonderful panoramic view of a few Himalayan ranges can be sighted from the Gun Hill such as the Bunderpunch, Srikantha, Pithwara and Gangotri group.
The view of the Mussoorie town and the Doon valley from above the Gun Hill is just superb. During the pre-independence era, the gun which was mounted atop this Hill was used to be fired at the stroke of mid-day so that the local people could adjust the time on their watches correctly.
Lal Tibba: – It is the highest peak (2438.4 m) in Mussoorie. One can experience the exhilarating view of the snow-covered Kedarnath, Gangotri, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi and Sri Kanta peaks.
Municipal Garden: – This park is a good picnic spot that has an artificial mini lake with boating facilities for visitors. This beautiful garden is situated only 2 km from the Waverly Convent Road.
Jharipani Fall: – This fall is located on the Mussoorie-Jharipani Road at a distance of 8.5 km from Mussoorie. The first 7 km could be traveled on a bus or a vehicle and the rest 1.5 km needs to be covered on foot.
Bhatta Fall: – This fall is located on the Mussoorie-Dehradun Road near the Bhatta village. The Bhatta village could be reached by car or a bus; after which the rest 3 km needs to be covered on foot. This is an ideal spot for a picnic. There are a few ponds that add fun to the thrill of bathing in natural water.
Mussoorie Lake: – This place is situated at a distance of 6 km from Mussoorie on the Mussoorie-Dehradun Road. This is a newly emerging picnic spot maintained by the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority with modern facilities like pedaled boats. The evenings, particularly, at this place are fabulous.
The Mall: – This is the main shopping area in Mussoorie. Two bazaars namely the Kulri Bazaar and the Library Bazaar are connected by the Mall road. This is a very popular place for shopping since it is situated in the heart of the town. This place provides a unique shopping experience at a hill station with beautiful views of the valleys and the hills around. One should not forget to buy and devour the delicious local fruits sold in these Bazaars.
Chaar Dukaan: – These are the famous four shops in Mussoorie where one can access a variety of things like homemade snacks, cheese, pancakes, waffles etc. Celeb personalities like Sachin Tendulkar, Ruskin Bond, and Tom Alter have their homes in this area.
Besides these, there are a few more interesting hangout places, temples and shopping joints in Mussoorie. One can choose from dozens of activities to do while at Mussoorie. Be it trekking, mountain climbing, shopping, taking long walks in the natural terrains or exploring the mystic beauty lying beneath- this place is undoubtedly an unmatchable paradise of nature to visit, relax and unwind oneself.
Climatic conditions
The climate of Mussoorie is very pleasant. During the summers, the maximum temperature goes up to 30 c and the winters up to 10 c. Snowfall starts at the end of February and stays till mid-February. The annual rainfall is about 180 cm. During the summers, it is advisable that the visitors should carry light warm clothes while in the winter one should carry heavy woolen robes to wear.
The best time to visit Mussoorie is from March to June or from September to November.
Languages spoken: Kumaoni, Gorkhali, Garhwali, Hindi, English.
