Mussoorie is indeed among the most beautiful and peaceful cities that India has. This Queen of hills is located around 292 kilometers away from New Delhi towards the northern part of the nation. It is at an average altitude of 6578 feet. Mussoorie has the Himalayan snow ranges to its North Eastside, and to the south is the Doon valley and Shivalik ranges.
One gets engrossed in the beauty of this city, hanging over the Doon valley and the deep and dark forest of pine are few things and places that Mussoorie offers you to experience. Mussoorie offers some mesmerizing views of the high peaks of the Himalayas in the Western Garhwal region. Trekkers often choose Mussoorie as their destination due to the popular trekking area which is known for its snowscapes and verdant forested slopes where the holy River Ganga is visible from one end and the Yamuna from the other, deep forests of pine and chilling yet wonderful climate. It is a captivating paradise for honeymooners, trekkers, and travel lovers. The name of this city ‘Mussoorie’ itself is derived from a shrub named ‘Mansoor’ which is indigenous to this area. The first Tibetan school was established in Mussoorie itself. This place generally offers bright and clear weather except during the monsoon session of June to August, when the mountains are covered with mists and the sky is painted with dark shades of grey and purple. It’s a must-visit place for everyone who enjoys the greenery of nature, snowfalls, peace and beautiful sceneries.
Best places to visit in Mussoorie
1) Lake mist
Famous for- The natural lake, greenery, picnic, photography.
This extremely beautiful lake mist is covered with green lush trees all around itself. After walking a bit from Lake mist, you will be able to find a small beautiful stream as well. One would love this place. And if you are in a ‘picnic’ mood or are finding a peaceful and beautiful place, you should visit the lake mist. The water springs and stream waters are of the major attractions of this place, offering you a good amount of peacetime for yourself, as this place is completely away from the busy streets of the main city.
2) Jwala Devi temple
Famous for – religious place, photography, mythology, heritage.
It is located just 9km away from Mussoorie. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga from the Hindu mythology. This place is situated at an altitude of 2250m thereby giving you a beautiful look at the natural environment around you. You’ll find this eternal flame present in this temple which symbolizes Jwala mata. This is among the most famous temples dedicated to a goddess.
Also Read: Mussoorie – Queen of Hills
3) Happy Valley
Famous for- photography, geographical location, tourist destination.
Happy Valley is an area located within the hill station of Mussoorie in the Dehradun district. It has a library, prestigious IAS academy of the nation, famous Tibetan Temple, the Municipal Garden, Hathipaon park estate and few more local tourist attractions places. The area of this valley leads to the cloud’s End where basically the geographical borders of Mussoorie come to an end. It has George Everest’shouse on one side and the great Himalayan ranges on the other. The happy valley has been home to about 5000 Tibetan refugees.
4) Mussoorie’ Lake
Famous for- photography, adventure, boating, picnic.
This beautiful man-made lake is surrounded by the huge and beautiful hills of Mussoorie. It is famous for its beauty and as a picnic spot used by tourists, families, couples, and youngsters. This lake offers boating to make your experience more memorable.
5) Christ Church
Famous for- religious value, architecture.
This church is believed to be the oldest church in the Himalayan region, which was constructed back in 1863 that has Gothic design architecture.
6) Lakha Mandal
Famous for- archeological value, historic, photography.
This place is an ancient Hindu temple complex that is located in the jaunsar- Bawar region. This temple is particularly dedicated to Lord Shiva and is very popular among the Shakti Cult. A twin statue of Dhanav and Manav which are said to be as ‘dwarpals’ (doormen) are located here, beside the main shrine.
7) Gun hill
Famous for- trekking, nature, photography, ropeway.
The gun hill is located approximately about 400ft above the mall road which has been a popular attraction for the tourists, photographers, trekkers and nature lovers. Gun hill is said to be an extinct volcano and is the second-highest point of Mussoorie.
How to reach Mussoorie
By Airways:
The jolly grant airport which in Dehradoon is the nearest airport to Mussoorie. You can directly board a flight from Mumbai, Delhi or any major city to Dehradun. Once you reach Dehradun, there are local taxis or buses which are available at the airport itself that can be hired to reach Mussoorie from Dehradoon directly.
By roadways:
There are several Local as well as state-run government buses that are available which connects Mussoorie with major cities like Dehradoon, Delhi, etc and other towns as well of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. So choosing a roadway is another option for you to directly reach Mussoorie.
By railways:
The nearest railway station to Mussoorie is the one in Dehradoon which is around 36 km away from the main city of Mussoorie. Several trains across the nation including Kolkata, Jammu, Delhi, etc connect to Dehradun city. Once you reach Dehradoon, you can take it. Local taxi, cab or bus to reach Mussoorie.
