Mussoorie Hill Station

Mussoorie, the proverbial Queen of Hill Stations, as professed by the British gentry who evaded hot, desultory summers of Delhi and Kolkata by spending time here.Being at an average altitude of 2,000 metres (6,600 ft), Mussoorie, with its green hills and varied flora and fauna, is a fascinating hill resort. Commanding snow ranges to the north-east, and glittering views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges in the south, the town was once said to present a 'fairyland' atmosphere to tourists. The highest point is Lal Tibba with a height of over 2,290 metres (7,500 ft).

Mussoorie, 300 kilometers north of Delhi the capital of India, is among the more popular hill stations of India, and is called the Queen among the hill stations. It overlooks the sprawling Doon valley and the city of Dehradun, the gateway to Mussoorie and infact to the entire Garhwal region of the Himalayas.

Spread over a ridge, 2000 meters above sea level, Mussoorie offers distant views of the holy and mighty river Ganga from one end of the ridge, and of the famous river Jamuna from the other; a stretch of around 19 kilometers all.

Mussoorie also has the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, the premier training institute for officers of the Indian Administrative Service (I.A.S) and other civil services. This unique institute is located about 2 km from Gandhi Chowk.

Places to see in Mussoorie

Gun Hill
Gun Hill Enjoy a Ropeway ride to the second highest peak of Mussoorie. It can also be negotiated by bridles path which forks-off from Mall Road near Kutchery and to reach takes about twenty minutes. The Ropeway distance is only 400 mtrs. And the sheer thrill of the ride is memorable.
Gun Hill offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges namely Bunderpunch, Srikantha, Pithwara and Gangotri group etc. and a bird's eye view of Mussoorie town and Doon Valley. During pre-independence days a gun mounted on this top used to be fired heralding mid-day to enable people to adjust their watches and hence this name.

Cable Ride :- Enjoy a Ropeway ride to the second highest peak of Mussoorie. It can also be negotiated by bridles path which forks-off from Mall Road near Kutchery and to reach takes about twenty minutes. The Ropeway distance is only 400 mtrs. And the sheer thrill of the ride is memorable.

Mussoorie Lake :- A newly developed picnic spot situated on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. The lake is situated at 6 km on Mussoorie-Dehradun road having a facility of pedaled boats. It offers an enchanting view of Doon Valley and nearby villages. View during Night is marvelous.

Municipal Garden
Municipal Garden A picnic spot having a beautiful garden and an artificial mini lake with boating facilities. It is located at a distance of 4kms by cycle rickshaw, pony or by car and only 2 kms on foot via Waverly Convent Road.

Childer's Lodge
Highest Peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba. It is about 5 kms from the Tourist Office and one can go on horse back or on foot. Snow view from this spot is exhilarating.

Camel's Back Road
It starts from Kulri Bazar near Rink Hall and ends at Library Bazar covering a total distance of about 3 kms. The main charm of this froad is horse riding and wlking. Sunset view of the Himalayas is superb. Camel's Rock with a life like resemblace can be seen from the spot near Mussoorie Public school.

Jharipani Fall
Municipal Garden 8.5 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie- Jharipani Road. Visitors can go by bus or by car upto 7 kms to Jharipani from where the fall is 1.5 kms, on foot.

Bhatta Fall
7 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. Access by car or bus upto Balta village from where the fall is 3kms by car or foot. An ideal spot for bathing anf picnics.

Kempty Fall
Kempty Falls 15 kms from Mussoorie on the Yamunotri Road having an altitude of 4500 ft. It has the distinction of being the biggest and prettiest waterfall located in a beautiful valley and is surrounded by high mountains. Bath at the foot of the falls is refresshing and enjoyabled for children and adults alike.

Nag Devta Temple
An ancient temple situated on Cart Mackenjie Road and is about 6 kms from Mussoorie. Vehicles can go right upto the spot. It Provies a charming view of Doon Valley as well as of Mussoorie.

Mussoorie Lake
Mussoorie Lake A newly developed picnic spot, situated on Mussoorie- Dehradun road and is about 6 kms from Mussoorie. It is a delightful spot. Pedal boats are availble. It commands an enchanting view of Doon Valley and nearby villages.

Vinog Mountain Quail Sanctuary :- 11 Kms to the south of Library Point lies an old sanctuary established in 1993 and covering an area of 339 hactares. It is famous for the extinct bird species, Mountain Quail(Pahari Bater), which was last spotted in 1876.

Van Chetna Kendra
At a distance of about 2 kms on Tehri bye pass road, this place is developed as a picnic spot and has a park surrounded with pine forest and flowering shrubs, and is approachable by foot or taxi/car. The main attraction is the wildilife of the park like Ghurar, Kanankar, Himalayan Peacock, Monal etc.

Sir George Everest House
Sir George Everest House 6 kms The Park Estate of sir George Everest, First Surveyor General of India, Who had his offce and residence here, is approachable by road. The highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, is named after him.

Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill)
9 kms 6to the west of Mussoorie and at an altitude of 2104 mtrs. Is the Jwalaji Temple. It is situated on the top of the Benog Hill and has an idol of Mata Durga in it. The temple is surrounded by thick forests and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, Doon valley and Yamuna valley.

Clous End
The bungalow built in 1838 by a British Major was one of the First Four buildings of Mussoorie. The bungalow has since then been converted into a hotel called Clouds End, and is situated at the extreme west of Mussoorie Hill, 8 kms from Library. The resort is surrounded by thick forest, offers a wide variety of flora and fauna besides a panoramic view of snow clad Himalayas, and Yamuna river. The most ideally suited resort for fireigners and honeymoon couples.

Getting There
Air - The Jolly Grant in Dehradun is the nearest Airport. At a distance of 58 kms from Mussoorie, it takes about one and a half hours to drive all the way up. Taxis from the airport to Mussoorie are easily available and cost Rs 1000 approximately.

Rail - The nearest railway station again is in Dehradun, 34 kms and a one hour drive away. Taxis charge Rs 400 to take you to Mussoorie in an hour.

Road - Good motorable roads and a variety of buses and taxis ferry people to and fro from Mussoorie. Much of the vehicular traffic comes through and from Delhi, it's 6 hours from here via sugarcane and mango plantations.