Mussoorie
Situated on the foothills of Garhwal Himalayan ranges, Mussoorie with its lush green hills, pure and invigorating air, varied flora and fauna and splendid views is a fascinating and one of the most frequently visited hill resorts. The town was named after a shrub ‘mansoor’ indigenous to the area.
Mussoorie has more to it than a holiday resort! It’s a gateway to Hindu pilgrimages ‘Yamunotri’ and ‘Gangotri’ and an important education and business centre. Few of the oldest and best boarding schools in the country, established during the colonial period are located here. Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration where officers are trained for IAS and IPS is also situated here.
Known for its scenic beauty, gay social life and various entertainment facilities, Mussoorie is popular both among honeymooners and as a weekend break destination.
Places to Visit
Kempty Falls
15 km from Mussoorie, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations as it offers a wonderful view of water cascading down from an altitude of 4500 ft and splitting further into 5 cascades.
Lake Mist
5 km short of Kempty falls, is this newly developed picnic spot with accommodation, restaurant and boating facilities.
Camel’s back Road
A 3km stretch from the Library to the Kulri bazaar ideal for long walks (can also take a horse ride or a rickshaw), derives its name from a rock formation and bends of the road that resemble the back of a camel when seen from a point on the road near the gate of Mussoorie Public School.
You can stay on to witness a spectacular sunset view and watch distant tiny lights in Mussoorie. There are a no. of restaurants here and the most popular is the Revolving restaurant that offers an array of delicious multi-cuisine dishes while giving you a slow 360˚ view of the mountains.
Lal Tibba
Highest point in Mussoorie, towering above Landour, lal Tibba offers wonderful views of sunrise and sunset. An old Japanese telescope placed in a tower on the hill lets you take a close look at the tempting Himalayan range.
Gun Hill
This is the second highest peak in Mussoorie and offers panoramic views. It also has a few eateries, stalls and souveneir shops. You can either take a 20-min stroll down a bridle path from Kacheri on the Mall or you can take the ropeway to get there.
Nag Devta Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is frequented by devotees as well as tourists thirsty for scenic views.
Happy Valley
Central Tibetan Administration of the 14th Dalai Lama was at first established in Mussoorie, before it was moved to its present location in Dharamshala, and left behind a strong community of Tibetans who settled in happy valley and became an integral part of the life and culture of Mussoorie.
Hence the first Tibetan Temple built in India by Tibetan refugees is located here in Happy Valley. Here you can get a glimpse of Tibetan culture and can also buy authentic Tibetan artifacts, woolens and savor traditional Tibetan food served by myriad eateries.
Fast Facts
Distance : 270 km from Delhi
Altitude : 6578 ft above sea level
Around Mussoorie
Dhanaulti (27km)
