Located 35 kilometres from Dehradun, Mussoorie is a picturesque hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The hill station is located at the foothills of the Garhawl Himalayan ranges, and is also known by its nickname “The Queen Of Hills”. The place is also known as the gateway to the “Gangotri and “Yamunotri” shrines. The best time to visit the place is between mid-March to mid-November as the rains during monsoons and cold during the winters make it pretty inaccessible. Here is a list of top ten places to visit in Mussorie:
1. Kempty Falls
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Waterfalls, Nature, Photography.
- Tickets: No entry fee. Extra charges for water related activity.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from sunrise to sunset.
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
About Kempty Falls
The Kempty falls are surrounded by high mountain ranges and are situated at an altitude of approximately 1,364 meters above sea level, thus giving it a wonderful surrounding to just sit and listen to the sound of the water which falls on the rocky bed of the water below among the lush green vicinity.
Things to Do at Kempty Falls:
- Picnic.
- Visit the water park.
2. Lal Tibba
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Nature, Peaks, Photography.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from 8am to 7pm.
- Duration: 30 mins.
About Lal Tibba
The highest peak in Mussoorie, with an altitude of over 2,290 meters above sea level and provides some amazing and never seen before views of the mountains that house the holy shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath. To give its visitors a clearer view of the picturesque surroundings a Japanese telescope has been installed at the edge of the cliff also the place is highly preserved from most commercial activities. Things to Do near Tibba Peak:
- Trekking.
- Sunset & sunrise views.
- View the nearby peaks.
3. Happy Valley
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Tibetan culture, Buddhism, Viewpoints.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days at daytime.
- Duration: 2-3 hours.
About Happy Valley
The centre of the Tibetan settlement in Mussoorie, Happy valley is situated at a short distance from the mall road. This is the place where Tibetans first arrived in India when they fled from Lhasa in 1959, led by their spiritual leader dalai lama before he moved to Dharamsala. The place is lined with oaks and deodars and has several small hotels and cafeterias and as you walk further into the town, you will get to experience calm like no other.
Things to Do at Happy Valley:
- Eat Tibetan cuisines.
- Shop for souveniers.
- Visit the Buddhist monestary.
- Volunteer at the schools here.
4. Camel’s Back Road
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Nature, Adventure, Photography.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days at daytime.
- Duration: 1 hour.
About Camel’s Back Road
The road takes its name from the rock which is shaped like a camel’s hump on its back and stretches around a distance of about 3-4 kilometres from Kulri bazaar to the Library Chowk in Mussoorie. The road is ideal for a walk as one can get amazing views of the valley and the mountains from here. The place is great for the photographers who are looking for great shots to capture of the valley and the mountains that surround Mussoorie.
Things to Do at Camel’s Back Road:
- Trekking.
- Pony Rides.
- Shop for souvenirs.
5. Gun Hill
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Nature, Adventure, Photography.
- Tickets: No entry fee. Ropeway ride is chargeable at 75 INR per person.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from 10 am to 6 pm.
- Duration: 1 hour.
About Gun Hill
The second highest point in Mussoorie, the place’s name is derived from the event of firing cannon from this place to tell what time is it to the people during the British colonization hence giving it the name ‘Gun Hill’. The place lies at an altitude of 2,024 meters above sea level and offers some majestic views of the surroundings.
Things to Do at Gun Hill:
- Ropeway.
- Trekking.
- Sunset and sunrise views.
6. Mussoorie Lake
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Lakes, Nature, Serenity.
- Tickets: 15 INR entry fee with extra charge for boat rides.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from 8am to 7pm.
- Duration: 2 hours.
About Mussoorie Lake
Located at 6 kilometres on the Mussoorie-Dehradun road, the lake was recently developed as a picnic spot by the city board and the Mussoorie Dehradun Development authority. A nice small lake, which is created by a natural waterfall, while going down from road to lake in the way very good small waterfall is there , you can see duck swimming in lake, you can ride a paddle boat here as well and enjoy the amazing surroundings.
Things to Do at Mussoorie Lake:
- Picnic Spot.
- Boat Riding.
- Shop for souvenirs.
7. Christ Church
- Famous for: Architecture, History.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Monday to Saturday (7 am to 6:30 pm) & Sunday (8 am to 6:30 pm).
- Duration: 1 hour.
About Christ Church
Christ church was built in 1836 and is considered to be the oldest churches in the Himalayan ranges by the British during the British colonization in India. Possessing Gothic design and architectural styles, the stained glass windows in the Church represent the events in the life of Jesus Christ. Apart from this, the high altar in the Church presents the sufferings of Jesus Christ. The walls and interiors of the church are beautifully decorated to grab attention of visitors.
Things to Do near Christ Church:
- View the Doon Valley.
- Visit the Kempty falls.
8. Sir George Everest’s House
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Nature, Trekking.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days.
- Duration: 2 hours.
About Sir George Everest’s House
Built in the year 1832, the house belonged to the famous surveyor and geographer, Sir George Everest, after whom the world’s highest peak is named. He stayed in Mussoorie for around a good 30 years and the house showcases some interesting facts about the famous personality. It is 6 km from Gandhi Chowk / Library Bazaar and is accessible by vehicle, although the road is very rough beyond Haathi Paon (elephant’s foot).
Things to Do near Sir George Everest’s House:
- Picnic spot.
- Eat at the eateries around.
- Visit the Mall Road.
- See the Doon Valley and Himalayas.
9. Jwalaji Temple
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Pilgrimage.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from 7am to 6pm.
- Duration: 1-2 hours.
About Jwalaji Temple
The temple is located at a distance of around 9 kilometres west from Mussoorie atop Benog hill at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. The place enshrines a centuries old idol of the Hindu deity Goddess Durga, the manifestation of supreme beauty and deadly power in the Hindu mythology.
Things to Do near Jwalaji Temple:
- Take a trip to Mussoorie Lake.
- Pay a visit to Christ Church.
10. The Mall
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Shopping, Tourist attractions.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days at all times.
- Duration: 30 mins to 1 hour.
About The Mall
Also famously known as the Mall road, it is a total shopper’s delight with everything in the same location. The Mall is like the lifeline of Mussoorie with almost everything located on this very stretch. Be it attractions, hotels, restaurants, shops – The Mall houses them all.
Things to Do at Mall Road:
- Shopping.
- Try out the local delicacies.
- Stroll and enjoy the views.
- Visit the Company Bagh.
Other places of attractions around Mussoorie are Bhatta Fall, Adventure Park, Mossy Falls and Himalayan Adventure Institute.
To mention just 10 places out of the many attractions in “The Queen Of Hills” is definitely based on our experience and opinion. However, we have tried our best to mention the places we thought, were a must visit. In case we have left out any place that you think needed to be mentioned, please feel free to mention the places in your comments.
Some Other Places To Visit In Uttarakhand:
Very nice nature in Uttarakhand
Thanks for providing this great valuable information…..
It’s god gift!
Its toooo good!
Nainital is very beautiful place in India
Good information for the tourists. I like walking on camel’s back road. I stayed at Hotel Kishna Palace by Vira Holidays. It’s a very nice hotel located at camel’s back.