Mussorie

Mussoorie is located in the Garhwal hills. Due to its immense natural beauty, Mussoorie is known as the queen of hill stations. The name, Mussoorie, is derived from plants of 'Mussoorie' which were found in abundance here. After its discovery, this hill station gradually developed as a center of education, business, tourism and beauty. Mussoorie is located at a height of 2,500 meters in the green Himalayan range. Due to its location and beauty Mussoorie is considered as the best hill station in the northern region. Mussoorie is famous for wooden decorative and gift items. But one can also bargain brass statues and ceramic vases.

Gun Hill

This is the second highest peak in Mussoorie. Either you take a 30 minute slightly uphill walk or go by the ropeway. There are few eateries here and some sovenier shops and some other stalls, but the best thing about Gun hill is the view you get from here. It offers panoramic view of the Himalyas, Banderpunch, Gangotri, Pithwara, Srikantha among the few. Looking down from here you see Mussoorie bustling and further down you see Dehradun. Well, you can come here for the views and to get away from the crowds below, Gun hill is much peaceful and calmer.

Kempty Falls

Fifteen kilometers from Mussoorie is the pride of Mussoorie, Kempty Falls. It is the star attraction of Mussoorie. The biggest waterfall here, it is located lower than Mussoorie, nestled among a cluster of cliffs from all sides. Waters come cascading down from a height of 4,500 ft, hitting the rocks on its way and getting split into five streams. Many people make a splash here under the watrefall and in the pool for fun and enjoyment, mainly so in summeres. There are many shops, eateries changing rooms around the falls that it looks like one big market around the place.

Jharipani falls and Bhatta Falls

Other falls in Mussoorie are Jharipani falls and Bhatta Falls. Eight kilometers from Mussoorie is Jharipani. A 1.5 kilometers walk from Jharipani will take you to the falls. Bhatta Falls in the village of Bhatta are seven kilometers from Mussoorie. A different kind of picnic spot, there are separate ponds for bathing and water amusement here.

Lal Tibba

The highest place in Mussoorie is Lal Tibba, and it is the most beautiful place around. This is where you get the feel of its British connection. Lal Tibba, located in Landour is the oldest inhabited area around. A horse ride to the peak is just a perfect way to enjoy here. The view you get from here is that of snow capped peaks. The place has an old world charm to it. It has some old architecture and old houses built during the British era. Municipality had placed a Japenese telescope here in 1967, the telescope gives you splendid views of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Banderpunch and other Himalyan ranges.

Camel's Back Point

The name is Camel's Back Point, because of a life size rock here actually resembling a camel. You can see this rock from the Mussoorie Public school. The road starts from Rink in Kurli bazaar and goes upto Library Bazaar, a 3 kilometer long stretch. Taking a pony ride here is a memorable expereince. The place is also famous for the sunset view from here in the Himalyas. Many a couples and foriegners come here for taking a break from the crowd at mall.

Mussoorie Lake

This is a relatively new picnic spot developed by Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority on the Dehradun Mussoorie road. It is 6 kilometers from Mussoorie. A clean place and relatively less crowded, there are few shops around for you to eat and shop a bit. Peddled boats are also available here for you to take a round in water. It is usually a stopover for people coming to Mussoorie from Dehradun.

Shopping and Entertainment

Mussoorie, as said, is the most popular hill stations, and it has been developded accordingly. Shopping is as prospering a tourist activity here as any other thing.

The Mall or the Mall road is the hub of tourists. At no time round the year, the place would be dull. It is the centerplace and the most developed. Over a period of time, many hotels have come along the way and they take pride in being situated close to the Mall. A different scene will welcome you here every 10 steps. Rosy cheeked Tibetens selling woolens, imported goods, fabric wall hangings, Tibetan metalware, lots and lots of wooden items, walking sticks, trays, bowls, cane baskets, jewellery and many more, there is no end to that here.

Apart from shopping, there are other things also here. There is a small haat made on a balcony in the open. All sorts of delicacies are here, from Candy floss to Chinese food, and there is a fairy go round of medium size just here. A good photograph here would be that of you wearig a bright Himalyan dress complete with the jewellery. You will see many young people doing that here. As the evening approaches, the shops, hotels are all lit up and the place is like one big complex.

There are other entertainment places here even if you want somewthing different. Cinema halls, clubs, skating halls - its all here for you to make a choice.

Excursions

Naga Tibba

Highest place around Mussoorie, Nag Tibba is 55 kilometers from here. While other treks become strenous and unapproachable in winters due to snowfall, Naga tibba has no such problems and its quite popular with trekkers. A thirty four kilometer drive followed by a 21 kilometer trek will bring you to Naga Tibba. Thick forests, Garhwali villages enroute, and some great views of Himalyas is what this trek promises.

Dhanaulti

Twenty five kilometers from Mussoorie is Dhanaulti. Tucked in the forests of oak, connifer and deodar, it is a mountain retreat. The place is full of serenity and perfect for breaking away from the hustle bustle of tourists in Mussoorie. Treks to regions in Tehri Garhwal are launched from here. The best thing about Dhanaulti is that it is a round the year destination.

Surkhanda Devi

Thirty five kilometers from Mussoorie, perched on a hill top is the temple of Surkhanda Devi. A difficult two kilometer steep walk from Kaddulkhal will bring you here. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year, especially during the months of May and June when Ganga Dusshera fair is held here.

Places of interest

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. Along the camel back, a beautiful cemetery is located about mid-way on the loop. There is also "Gun Hill" where cannons were kept for the defence of Mussorie. Gun Hill is accessible by the cable car on the Mall road. The oldest Christian church in the Himalayas, St Mary's, is situated above Mall Road, and is currently undergoing restoration. Kempty falls is a nice picnic spot. Company Garden is popular tourist destination. During season, the Company Garden has beautiful collection of flowers and plants. Happy Valley has a small Tibetan temple. This was the first Tibetan temple built in India. The temple was constructed in 1960 by the Tibetan refugees. Lal Tibba is another tourist spot of Mussoorie. Beautiful Dhanaulti is about 24 kilometers from Mussorie. Mussoorie also had India's largest roller skating rink.