Mussoorie is a hill station situated in the foothills of the Himalaya ranges in north Indian state of Uttaranchal. It is also known as "Queen of Hills".

Having an altitude of about 2000 meters, 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 presents a fairyland atmosphere to the tourists.

Mussoorie is conveniently connected by road to Delhi and major cities. It is called the "Gateway" to Yamunotri and Gangotri Shrines of Northern India. The closest rail station is Dehradun. Taxis are easily available for Mussorie as are buses at regular intervals.
 

Mussorie also has the Lal Bahadur Sastri National Academy of Administration, the honing ground for young bureaucrats of India, who carry the destiny of India. This picturesque institute is located about 7kms away from the Mall Road.

The best time to visit is from mid-March to mid-November though the downpours could be an inhibiting factor in the monsoon months of July to September.

Mussorie has a beautiful nature walk known as "Camel's Back Road". This road takes its name from mountain outcrop in the shape of a camel's hump. There is also "Gun Hill" where cannons were kept for the defence of Mussorie. The oldest Christian church in the Himalayas, St Mary's, is situated above Mall Road, and is currently undergoing restoration.

A Cable car goes to the top of Gun Hill from the town centre. Kempty falls is a nice picnic spot. Lal Tibba is another tourist spot of Mussoorie.

Honeymooner’s Paradise
Although Mussoorie, as a hill station was established only as back as in 1823, it has quite an intriguing past. Mussoorie was never an official summer capital unlike Shimla - a hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh, which was the summer capital of the British Indian Government and even unlike Nainital - the summer capital of the united provinces government in British India. Mussoorie always remained unofficial - for the affairs of heart. It has always been a gossipy place - with an air of informality and a tradition of romance - The Honeymoon Capital of India.

An idyllic stroll through any of the meandering mountain roads of the town on a clear and sunny day will bring you to some of the well known and not so well known spots - each having its own tales to tell - Landour Bazaar, Chaar dukaan, Lal tibba, Gun hill, the Camel Back Cemetery, the Mussoorie Library, and of course the Hotel Savoy - an historical edifice in itself.


PRIME ATTRACTIONS OF MUSSOORIE

The Mall & Camel’s Back
Rickshaw rides down the Mall, and around the wooded road of Camel's Back with its timeless views of the northern ranges of the Himalayas, are a pleasure which is virtually unique to Mussoorie. Younger, and younger-at-heart, people prefer to amble down the Mall. And, in keeping with our informal atmosphere, it is fashionable to eat roasted peanuts while you amble. These are bought from barrows and little roadside vendors who keep them around little terracotta Gharras - pots filled with glowing, smoking, faggots. One of the barrows offers a bonus; it stands beneath a hoarding depicting Mussoorie's attractions so that you can get the lay of the land while you crack-crunch-relish.


Tibetan Temple
This temple is located in Happy valley area of Mussoorie. Both Company gardens and Tibetan temple can be seen in one day. They are located one kilometer from Lal Bahadur Shastri National Administrative Academy. The Tibetan temple is evidence to rich Tibetan cultural heritage. This temple is sure to attract attention of tourists.


Lake Mist
This place is seven kilometers on way to Kempty. Lake mist offers a perfect resting place for tired and weary tourists. There are good accommodation facilities available here.


Mussoorie Lake
This lake is located some 7-kms on the highway to Dehradun. The gateway of this lake appears to be welcoming tourists from Dehradun. One can enjoy boating at this lake. One also gets a very good view of the Dun Valley from this lake. The villages surrounding Mussoorie can also be seen from here.

Lal Tibba
This place is highest point in Mussoorie. Lal Tibba is located in Landour area which is the oldest inhabited place in Mussoorie.

Charlieveli Hotel
This was the first hotel in Mussoorie. Charlieveli Hotel was only hotel in India which was under Queen Mary, who later became Queen of Britain. Since the last century till independence this hotel was very famous both in India and abroad.

Cloud End
A British major had a building constructed in 1838. This beautiful building was converted into hotel and was named Cloud End. It got the name because it appears that the clouds have ended here. From this place one can have a good view of the valley. Cloud end is located some 8-kms west of Mussoorie hills. Due to its location, at the end of horizon, it is very popular among the Honeymooners and foreign tourists. Good place to take break from crowd.

SHOPPING IN MUSSOORIE

The main shopping centres in Mussoorie are Gandhi Chowk, the Mall, Kulri Bazaar and Landour Bazaar. Mussoorie is famous for wooden decorative and gift items. But one can also bargain brass statues and ceramic vases. Some good showrooms are located on the Mall where one can look for wooden boxes, brass statues, Tibetan Prayer wheels and vases. The hand carved oakwood walking stick are also popular among tourists. In the markets, photographs can be clicked wearing a dazzling Garhwali Dress. To be photographed in Garhwali garb against a painted Himalayan range makes a wonderful picture. Pure Ladakhi Shawls are bit costly but are worth a good purchase here. The antique Jamawar Shawls are expensive, but they are worth having a look if not being purchased. Nowadays modern techniques are being applied in weaving these shawls so buyers can get them on a reasonable price.

Nirankari Cottage Industries, at the library end of The Mall, has carved wooden boxes, brass statues of Hindu deities and Buddhas, Tibetan prayer wheels, ceramic Chinese vases and hand-carved wooden walking sticks made from oak. Queen Mary, then the Princess of Wales, took the last of these away with her as a souvenir of her visit to Mussoorie.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air The closest airport is the Jolly Grant but it does not have regular flights.

Rail  The closest railway station is Dehra Dun which is 36 kms from Mussoorie. Dehra Dun is connected by rail to all the metropolitan cities. From Dehra Dun to Mussoorie one can go by bus or taxis.

Road From Dehradun one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mussoorie. The queen of hill stations is well connected with roads with other major cities. There are regular bus services from various metros and other tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh as well as from out side the state. Bus services are provided by State transports. There are conducted tours to Mussoorie too.