Mussoorie, the 'Queen of Hills' is a paradise. Everywhere eyes are set, there is beauty unlimited. At a height of 7000 ft, it offers commanding views of snow capped peaks in the north east and the beautiful sprawling green Doon valley towards the south. The envy of other hill stations, no one escapes here from the magic spell of the queen.

Unlike other hill stations, Mussoorie hasn't got a rich history. It wasn't the summer capital of British but the charm of Mussoorie lies elsewhere. Mussoorie's date with fame came after an adventuroes British military officer came here in 1827 with Mr. Shore, the resident Superintendent of Revenues at Dehradun and came up with a shooting lodge. Since then tourists haven't stopped pouring in here. Never on official records, the air of informality hung in Mussoorie. it was as if it is left for the 'affairs of the heart'. And it was not long after that Mussoorie had to its credit, the title of 'honeymoon capital of India', where romance flutters everywhere.

The busiest of all, Mussoorie has a hectic social life, the malls, shops, tourists all this makes sure that the place does not have a dull day in calender through out the year. Being so popular Mussoorie is a highly developed hill station. It has all the facilities to cater to domestic and foreign tourists.

Sightseeing

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.

Municipal Garden

At a moderate two kilometer walk via Waverly Convent Road is this beautiful picnic spot. The beautiful garden accompanied by a lake for boating were formerly known as Botanical Gardens. Famous geologist Dr. H. Fackner had laid the foundation of the garden.

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.

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.

By Air

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradoon. Indian Airlines connect Dehradun with Delhi.

By Rail

Railway station closest to Mussoorie is in Dehradun. The Northern railway terminus is connected via rail to Delhi, Mumbai, Howrah, Lucknow, Varanasi, Amritsar, Saharanpur, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Allahabad, Ujjain, Indore, Kathgodam, Okha.

By Road

Uttaranchal State Transport Corporation run buses between Delhi and Mussoorie. Other imporetant places for where buses are available are Barkot (89 Kms), Dehradun (35 Kms), Hanuman Chatti (129 Kms), Nanital (355 Kms), Saharanpur (110 Kms), Srinagar Garhwal (135 Kms) and Old Tehri (76 KMS).