I had heard the words “Mussoorie and Nainital” many times during my childhood. Lessons like summer vacation for Mussoorie used to be part of my Nursery books. The way it was described in the book, was engaging. I used to imagine and feel that amazing environment however, I was not that lucky to be there during my childhood. That curious thought was always in my mind. Last summer, I suddenly recalled all those childhood missing desires that had not been fulfilled, and visiting Mussoorie was one of them. I just started collection information so that I can be there easily.
I boarded a train from Delhi and reached Dehradun. I stayed there for a night and the next day I took the inter-state bus and get to Mussoorie. The moment I reached Mussoorie, I felt I was fulfilling one of my best desires. The cool blowing air, clear blue sky, and pleasant weather during summer were the first and fastest relief of my journey to Mussoorie.
It is situated at an altitude of 6500 approx. No matter, where you stand you will be able to see Doon Valley and range of Himalayas. For the First 2 hours, I just sat around the entry market Mall road and saw the view of the whole Mussoorie. Further, I headed towards the main market. I found one of the most convenient stays at Shalom Backpackers. I instantly decided on the duration of the trip and made a booking for 4 days.
Things to explore around in Mussoorie-
There are many things to explore like Gun-hill Point, Kempty Falls, Lall Tibba, Landour, George Everest, Dhanaulti Dalai Hills, etc. Since I was exhausted on the first day, I slept early and got up the next day fresh morning to trek George Everest. Though I had so much advice from the people to visit there, however, I followed mine and I reached the following my mobile direction as it took 2 and half hours. I reached the George Everest house as it is a great place to visit for historic and science enthusiasts.
This house used to serve as a hub for Astronomical and Geodetic surveys during George Everest’s time. Surveys helped to measure Mount Everest and Mount Everest was named after him. Since it is at a high altitude from Mussoorie, your chance to explore the round Doon Valley views increases here. I clicked so many pictures and had food. Further, I trekked to the top point of George Everest. I was feeling calm, concentrated, and cool here. Wherever I moved, I got an opportunity to capture the moment on my Camera.
After spending a few hours, I came back and it took around 3 hours because I had to follow the same protocol of trekking. I returned to my stay in the evening. Since I was out of energy, I decided to take a nap. Around 9 PM, I went to the market and visited a café called “Xero Degree’. As usual, I took a drink and food to fulfill my mood’s craving.
The next day morning, I visited Laal Tibba. Although I was not on a date, however, this place is up to the mark for a couple. Imagine you are sitting with your partner at a small, beautiful café rounded by a 360-degree open mountain. Where you are chatting with your partner in the morning while having pizza, and coffee and inhaling the fresh air. This is not a filmy story as I saw it closely. I enjoyed it too but as an alone explorer, not as a date. You can use Binoculars to observe the mountain thoroughly.
After coming back to stay, I planned to go to Gun-hill Point. To reach here, one can take ropeway as it is the easiest option to get there. Interesting fact as this place was used by Britishers to fire hence it got its name Gun-hill Point. In the evening, I explored the market full of variety and stuff. From food options to clothes, many options for shopping were there. This is how I ended my 2nd day.
The next day, I made up my mind to visit the Library bazaar as it provides a lot of vintage book access. I was focused on finding and reading a good book however, every book was valuable and great there. In the evening, I visited Landour as it is one of the famous picture-clicking spots. I would suggest you visit here in the morning because the sunrise view is amazing from the point.
Further, I was walking around at night and I found a café called “Domas Inn’ fully built with Buddhist influence. The vibe, interior, and organic style of food options were really impressive there. If you love visiting café, this might be a suitable option for you because the interior of the café is really cool. This is how I spent 3-4 days of my Mussoorie summer vacation but this is not enough because there are a lot of things to explore if you have more time. I would love to share some useful insight and information that might be helpful to your Mussoorie trip.
Is Mussoorie worth Visiting?
Certainly, there are so many reasons which make it worth visiting during summer, winter or Monsoon. You get access to engage with all the natural resources that too easily. From Majestic views to nature spots, attractive points like Kempty Falls, Gun hill, to soothing climate, everything is at your one stop destination. Further, colonial charm, cultural and literary significance, wildlife and more important a relief and mind relaxation. Your journey and experience will definitely inspire other to get to this place.
How to reach Mussoorie?
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I first took the train from Delhi to Dehradun and then took an inter-state local bus to Mussoorie. There are various other ways to get there, like by bus, air, and self-transport. An individual can take a direct bus from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Mussoorie. As an alternate option, You can take Delhi to the Dehradun flight, if you prefer air travel. At Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport, you can hire a taxi to get to Mussoorie. if you are coming from other state or abroad, come to Delhi or Dehradun (if direct train from your home state is available) first and start your journey from here.
Where should I stay in Mussoorie?
If you have a pre-booking through any website, is fine else no need to worry because It is not a challenge to get budget-friendly stay in Mussoorie. The moment, you reach Mussoorie Mall road, you will be able to see a lot of hotels, hostels, and café. You can directly walk in and where ever you feel your preference is fulfilled, you can book the stay. Like I preferred to stay at Shalom Backpackers as it is one of the best hostels with full amenities and views. I stayed there for 4 days because I felt relaxed there as it has a great ambience and café on the rooftop.
When is the best time to visit Mussoorie?
It depends on an individual’s preference. I was the one who visited there in the Summer because I wanted to have a pleasant weather experience during summer. If you wish to see snowfall and feel the cold vibe, you can visit here from October to February. However, if you want to escape the city’s bustling vibe, crowd, and hot summer effect; you can visit Mussoorie from April to June. I would not highly recommend visiting during Monsoon because it is risky as roads get damaged but it is up to your decision as you can visit if you are able to manage.
How many days are enough for Mussoorie?
Generally, we go for an ideal trip managing our routine and time. I went to Mussoorie for 4 days trip and I explored as much as I could. It is up to you if you wish to go for a thorough journey like completing the trek near Mussoorie and exploring more places like Bhatta Falls, Camel’s back road, and Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, you may need a few more days. Ideally, a 3-4 day trip is good to know about Mussoorie.
Can I buy land in Mussoorie?
Any hill stations like Shimla, Manali and other hilly areas, you are allowed to buy non-agricultural land in a limited size decided by govt regulation. There are a few prohibited areas like the freeze zone where you can not buy property.
Is Savoy Hotel haunted?
I too heard the story from a friend that there is negative energy at this hotel. Few of the guests have experienced it in the past. However, it is fully operational now and it’s good to avoid diving deep into such things if it creates any kind of un-comfort to us.
Why Mussoorie is called Queen of Hills?
As per my observation, Mussoorie has a beautiful landscape, green hills, and a 360-degree scenic view which makes it a unique hill station. During the British era, it was a top holiday destination and that influence is still there in architecture, hotels, and churches. It is popular amongst travel enthusiasts. These all label it as the Queen of Hills.
After all, I felt that Mussoorie is a great vacation place for nature lovers, families, and couples. As it gives a peaceful escape from the city and a healing chance. I am sure you would have got an idea about the things to expect from this trip. You have the command to choose as per your preference. If you are vibrant and dynamic, you will love this place and memory for a lifetime and one trip is not going to be sufficient for you.
I feel even I have to visit here again to go in-depth explore. If you are the one who has visited here many times or hold more hidden gem information about Mussoorie, you must let me know in the comment so that I can prioritize it for my next journey.