Situated away in the Garhwal mountain regions of the Himalayan Range, Mussoorie—arguably named the “Queen of Hills”—is a peaceful little village. Mussoorie, in Uttarakhand, has long been a popular destination for weekend trips from Delhi, equally appealing to fashionable honeymooners and families. In the extreme Indian summer, the town is an appropriate getaway due to its consistently pleasant, even when chilly, weather.
Because of the area's popularity under the British Empire, it exudes a charming past era. One of the many hill stations in the country where the Raj has left its mark is Mussoorie! The famous Mall Road, the historic hotel and church architecture, and even the smallest features of the historic colonial era are certain to be brought to life by lamp posts.
About Mussoorie- The Queen of Hills
Ooty, Darjeeling, Mussoorie, and Shimla all compete to be the Queen of Hills. Given that I originate from Shimla, I would say that Shimla (the original Summer Capital of India, you guys!!!) wins handily.
This farmstead is the ideal weekend escape for families from Delhi because it is 285 kilometers far away. However, one visit here and in the surrounding area would never be enough because there is so much to see and do. A popular destination for a variety of neighboring hikes in the Uttrakhand region is Mussoorie.
The town turns a beautiful shade of green during the rainfall! With the clouds above lighting the valley, the town offers an ideal chance to be on your feet. and discover the beautiful small regions of this world! As long as you're ready to deal with the crowd of tourists, winter also offers a whole other landscape.
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie
The best months to visit Mussoorie are April through June, but the city is wonderful throughout the year. While it may not be the best time to drive through the landslide-prone Himalayan peaks, the rainy season is easily saved.
But December through February will be the best months to visit if you appreciate the bitter cold or want to see snowfall. The summertime high in Mussoorie is recorded at 25–35 degrees Celsius in May and June. The winter low is recorded at 0–4 degrees Celsius in December and January.
I must warn you, though, that the city experiences tourism during both the summer and the winter. If you're seeking some peace, you should consider visiting during low-traffic times. I would suggest going from mid-February to April if you want some privacy from the rush.
How to Reach Mussoorie from Delhi
Mussoorie has excellent road connectivity. You must travel to Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, to get to Mussoorie. If it's possible, I would suggest having your car and driving up to Mussoorie because local taxis in Mussoorie are usually really expensive. If not, don't worry as there are many routes to get to the town.
By Air:
The closest airport is 60 kilometers from Mussoorie at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Driving the distance will take you about two hours, and you can even reserve a cab online.
By Train:
Dehradun, which is around 35 km from Mussoorie, is the closest train station. Here you can hire or share a taxi as well. A set price of INR 1000 is charged. There's also a bus service available. Many trains run that run between Dehradun and Delhi.
Shatabdi is the most convenient route, departing at 6:45 AM and arriving in Dehradun at 12:50 PM. Nanda Devi AC Express is an excellent alternative that departs at 11:50 PM and arrives in Dehradun at 5:40 AM.
By Road from Delhi
The Best driving way from Delhi to Mussoorie is:
Delhi – Mohan Nagar – Modi Nagar – Khatauli – Muzaffarnagar – Roorkee – Dehradun – Mussoorie
Driving takes about seven hours for the entire trip.
Places to Visit in Mussoorie
In Mussoorie, there aren't many places that remain undeveloped due to how simple it is to get to this hill station. If you're traveling during peak season—that is, the summer and winter—be ready for crowds at every place you plan on visiting.
However, it does not mean that the vacation won't be enjoyable. Because of the beautiful landscape and romantic atmosphere of the area, Mussoorie is frequently referred to as a honeymooner's paradise. Yes, the view of the far-off snow-capped mountains and the green vegetation of the Garhwal hills is quite wonderful.
- The Mall Road
But the Mall Road continues to be the hub of all the attractions. A must-do is the nature stroll along Camels Back Road, which offers amazing views of the hill station. The ideal experience of Mussoorie is created by the lakes, gardens, historic churches, Tibetan influence, and the number of little cafés and temples.
- Lal Tibba
Situated on the tallest hill in the area, Lal Tibba offers a peaceful relief from the traffic and noise of Mussoorie's Mall Road. Mostly used by adventure seekers, this area serves as the starting point for many challenging hikes in Uttarakhand. From Lal Tibba, on a clear day, you can see the far-off Tibetan boundaries covered with snow.
- Visit Clouds End
True to its name, Clouds End is regarded as the most beautiful mountaintop. It is all accessible to tourists and is across 2000 acres of amazing, beautiful nature. Many come here to hike the nature trails and find calm.
- Visit the Mussoorie Cemetery
The Mussoorie cemetery is the perfect spot to get some chills throughout the day. Situated between a peaceful setting of pine forests, this ancient and beautiful place stands on the sloping hill's slopes. Out of all the tombs, the majority date from the 1800s and are from the British era.
Take a peaceful afternoon here and observe the sun setting over the hills on the other side. You might even be able to tell your friends some ghost stories!
Accommodations or Place to Stay in Mussoorie
Many beautiful hotels in Mussoorie offer a sense of historical grandeur. There are plenty of options available, ranging from 5-star hotels to hostels!
JW Mariott is a particularly lovely house with amazing settings and views.
The Fortune Resort and the Welcome Hotel-The Savoy (ITC Hotels) are two more luxurious places to stay. A suitable alternative hotel with lower rates is the Country Inn.
Bunkostel is a great option for lone travelers and backpackers on a tight budget. This place only has dorm beds. Each bed costs about 500 Indian rupees.
Must Visit
Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba, Happy Valley, Gun Hill, Mussoorie Lake, Christ Church, Sir George's Everest House, and of course the library are must-see tourist destinations! Additionally, using the cable car from Jhulaghat to Gun Hill is a fun experience!
Naturally, there are many shopping options because the area is popular with tourists, particularly The Mall!
Offbeats Things to do in Mussoorie
From ziplining to skywalks, from mountain biking to mountain climbing, from ATV rides to paragliding. Take a chance at fishing and reel in that magical Trout Fish, or journey a little further and explore the Benog Sanctuary or the Jabarkhet Wildlife Sanctuary, which offer plenty of chances for hiking and wildlife observation.
Food Options in Mussoorie
This location is a foodie's dream come true, with a wide range of food options. My favorite thing to do in Mussoorie is to explore new locations by wandering around Mall Road. However, here are a few of my absolute must-see locations:
1. Lovely Omelette Centre
This restaurant, which is located on Mall Road, has some of the best omelets. Additionally, the store has appeared in several magazines. It's impossible to miss this location, which is constantly bustling with both locals and visitors. Observing the two cooks demonstrate their skill at creating omelets is a wonderful sight.
2. Café de Taverna
Wonderful spot to hang out with delicious meals. This restaurant has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere that will remind you of traditional English pubs. Have to try the Red wine Sizzler.
3. Friends Corner at Kalsang
A restaurant with two stories located on Mall Road that offers a wide variety of delicious and real Chinese food. The food is amazing; their momos are a must-try, and I like their Thupka. It is also fairly priced!
4. Little Llama Café
Another hidden gem with fantastic meals and the bonus of an incredible view. The café is a comfortable space with lots of choices for light meals and continental food.
5. Café by the way
This is a little, creative café that serves delicious shakes and coffee. located additionally on Mall Road. The Nutella cake will brighten your day, and the desserts are extremely delicious!
6. Chic Chocolate
Often associated with Mussoorie, this charming café/restaurant serves some delicious traditional pizzas and amazing handmade chocolates. Their Sticky Jaw toffees are a delightful gift to bring back home.
ATM Availablity in Mussoorie
There is no issue with Mussoorie's ATM frequency. The majority of stores and restaurants accept credit card payments as well. In addition, a wide range of online payment choices such as Paytm, Mobikwik, and others are becoming increasingly popular as payment methods.
Conclusion
The "Queen of the Hills," Mussoorie, attracts with its fascinating natural beauty, colonial charm, and a wide variety of activities. Mussoorie has it all, whether you're looking for peaceful surroundings, exciting experiences, or a journey through history. Plan, prepare for changing weather, and take in both popular and less well-known attractions to make the most of your trip. You'll travel from this beautiful hill station with priceless memories if you respect the environment and the local way of life.
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