When the Queen of the Hills calls, we're the first to answer! Discover the best resorts and hotels in Mussoorie to keep the traveler within you in the best shape during your trip. With over 300 hotels on Cleartrip, experience the best comfort and leisure at India's foremost summer resort.
About Mussoorie
Nicknamed the Queen of the Hills, Mussoorie is among the most unique and esteemed hill stations in India. It is located in Uttarakhand, 35 kilometers from the Dehradun district. The town derives its name from the indigenous mansur shrubs that grow across its plains. It was established after the Ghorkhas, led by Umer Singh Thapa, conquered Garhwal and Dehra in 1803. However, Mussoorie was established as a hill station not before 1825 by the British military officer Captain Frederick Young. Ever since, Mussoorie has been hailed as one of the primary hill stations in India.
Mussoorie is perched at an altitude of 6578 feet above sea level and is surrounded by Himalayan ranges on the northeastern side and the Shiwalik and the Doon Valley ranges to the south. The town is nestled in the horseshoe ridge of the Himalayas, which forms its scenic backdrop and presents the sight of the Western Garhwal from its peaks.
This unparalleled scenic beauty of Mussoorie has inspired many writers and artists of our time. Perhaps the most notable would be Ruskin Bond and Willian Mckay Atiken, also known as Bill Aitken, who found a home in the Queen of the Hills that inspired their best writings. Books like A Road to Mussoorie and A Mussoorie Mystery, authored by Ruskin Bond, are among the most notable literature about these hills.
What are some famous attractions in Mussoorie?
Tourism forms the economic backbone of Mussoorie and, for good measure, considering the endless sights, climate, and scenic beauty that this town has to offer.
- Visit the Bhadraj Temple: Located on the bank of the Yamuna Valley, this temple was founded in honor of lord Balaram, Krishna's brother. Located atop a hill, visitors and pilgrims often reach this temple through trekking and camping in the valley.
- See the Chaukhamba Massif: This mountain massif belongs to the Gangotri group of Garhwal Himalayas. Chaukhamba 1 is the highest peak in this group and is visible from the Bhadraj temple.
- Witness the Lal Tibba: Previously the highest peak of Mussoorie, this used to be where visitors could see the misty, cloud-capped Himalayas through a binocular point. Presently, it hosts a television station.
- A nature stroll on Camel's Back Road: As the name suggests, the formation of this road resembles a camel's hump owing to a rocky outcrop jutting from it. This is a popular trail for ambient nature walks.
- Trek at Gun Hill: This is the second highest point in Mussoorie and is accessible through cable cars and ropeways that provide a striking view of the hills and the city below the snowy caps.
- The Kempty Falls: Experience the force of the waterfall at an elevation of 12 meters high and 1400 meters above sea level. Like Gun Hills, it is accessed through ropeways and cable cars from the Mussoorie-Yamuna Bridge Road.
What are some of the best times to visit Mussoorie?
As one of India's most reputed hill stations, Mussoorie welcomes tourists all year round. Yet, spring and summer are undoubtedly the peak seasons. This is to experience a milder climate conducive to sightseeing and adventure activities. As a result, the months between March and July are peak tourism seasons. However, for travelers who prefer the cold bite of the hills, visiting during winter is ideal. Between November and February, when the winter is in full swing, visitors may even spot snowfall.
Apart from these two primary seasons, visiting during the monsoon months can offer reduced prices for hotel accommodations and overall tours if you're looking for more economical options. As a result, off-season visits are the best bet for travelers on a budget.
Attractions and things to do in Mussoorie
- Test your stamina by trekking: Hiking trails form the skeletal structure of all hill stations. The Hathipaon trail is one frequented by visitors. Trekking on the Gun Hills, the Lal Tibba, and the Bhadraj temple can be the experience of a lifetime, with the pale view of the Himalayas sprawling all around.
- Try Angling: With abundant lakes and waterfalls, angling for trout and other fish can be a fun challenge for you and your travel mates. This, however, must be done in permitted areas after seeking permission from the forest officials.
- Witness the Winterline: The winterline is a rare phenomenon in select mountainous areas worldwide. Mussoorie boasts of being one of them. The winterline occurs when a false horizon is created in the sky during dusk. In Mussoorie, when the sun drops behind the Shiwalik ranges, the sky splits into two halves divided by a vibrant line of orange and mauve known as the winterline. This phenomenon is visible during the winter months, from October to January.
- Test your courage through zip lining: Offered by the Mussoorie Adventure Park, this is one of the most thrilling and breathtaking activities among visitors willing to brave the heights.