Places to Visit in Mussoorie (Dehradun)
- Mapchemy
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
Discovering Mussoorie: Must-See Destinations in the Queen of Hills.
Content
Introduction
Known as the Queen of Hill Stations, Mussoorie is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, lively social atmosphere and colonial charm. Sitting at an average altitude of 2,005 metres (6,578 ft) above sea level, Mussoorie enjoys cool weather, verdant slopes, and rich flora and wildlife.
Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Mussoorie is located:
38 km from Dehradun (state capital and nearest railway station)
58 km from Jolly Grant Airport (nearest airport)
285 km from New Delhi
Below are my favourite places to visit in Mussoorie, ranked based on personal experience.
Mall Road
Mall Road, Mussoorie is the town’s main promenade, running between Library Point and Picture Palace. It is known for shopping, cafés, colonial-era buildings and pleasant evening walks. Largely pedestrian-friendly, Mall Road also acts as a central hub connecting popular attractions such as Gun Hill, Camel’s Back Road and Company Garden, making it one of the top places to visit in Mussoorie.
Landour
Located around 3.5 km from Mussoorie, Landour is quieter, greener and far more peaceful. Known for Sister’s Bazaar, Landour Bakehouse, and the famous Winter Line, it offers stunning views and a slow-paced charm. A must-visit for those seeking serenity away from crowds.
2. Corn Village (Sainji)
Situated about 5 km from Kempty Falls, Sainji is a traditional Himalayan village known for its unique practice of hanging corn cobs on rooftops. The village reflects authentic Garhwali culture, and the locals are warm and welcoming. Ideal for travellers who appreciate rural heritage.
3. Happy Valley (Dalai Hills)
Located en route to the Company Garden, Happy Valley—also known as Dalai Hills—offers a glimpse into Tibetan culture. With prayer flags, calm trails and peaceful surroundings, it provides a distinct spiritual vibe unlike anywhere else in Mussoorie.
4. George Everest
A paradise for hiking enthusiasts, George Everest is reached via a 3–4 km trail from Hathipaon Chowk through pine forests. The viewpoint rewards visitors with sweeping views of Dehradun Valley and surrounding Himalayan ranges.
5. Benog Wildlife Sanctuary (Bhadraj Temple)
This scenic location sits at an altitude of around 8,000 ft and requires an 11–12 km trek, which is part of the experience. The temple is dedicated to Lord Balarama, elder brother of Lord Krishna. A fair is held here every 15th August, organised by the temple committee.
6. Atal Udyan (Company Garden)
Located about 3 km from Mall Road at an elevation of 6,000 ft, this beautifully maintained garden was established to promote tourism. Formerly known as Company Bagh, it features over 100 varieties of flowers including begonias, dahlias, pansies and petunias, along with dining facilities.
7. Cloud’s End
A high-altitude spot on the route to Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, Cloud’s End marks the geographical end of Mussoorie. Located around 7 km from the main town, it is ideal for quiet walks and enjoying panoramic valley views.
8. Lal Tibba
The highest point in Mussoorie, Lal Tibba is located about 4.5 km from the town centre and 1.5 km from Landour Market. It offers spectacular views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks such as Kedarnath, Badrinath and Bandarpunch, visible through a telescope installed in 1967. The area also features colonial-era Gothic Revival architecture.
9. Gun Hill
The second-highest peak in Mussoorie, Gun Hill offers sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. Located 1,300 ft above Mall Road, it can be reached via a 400-metre cable car ride, which takes just a few minutes.
10. Camel’s Back Road
A 3 km scenic walking trail, Camel’s Back Road is named after a camel-shaped rock formation. It is perfect for peaceful morning or evening strolls, photography and horse riding. Golf carts are now also available. The route features colonial-era charm, a historic cemetery and viewpoints such as Hawa Ghar.
11. Dhanaulti
Located 25–30 km from Mussoorie and around 60 km from Dehradun, Dhanaulti sits at an elevation of 2,286 metres. This quiet hill station is known for nature walks, camping and adventure activities, making it ideal for a short getaway.
12. Surkanda Devi Temple
Situated near Kaddukhal, about 40 km from Mussoorie, this sacred temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths and is dedicated to Goddess Sati. Perched at an altitude of 2,700 metres, it offers stunning 360-degree Himalayan views. Visitors can reach the temple via a 2–2.5 km trek or a 502-metre ropeway, costing approximately £1.66 for a return journey.
(FAQs) – Mussoorie
Q1. Why is Mussoorie known as the Queen of Hill Stations?
Mussoorie is called the Queen of Hill Stations due to its scenic Himalayan setting, pleasant climate, colonial-era charm and panoramic views of the Doon Valley.
Q2. Where is Mussoorie located?
Mussoorie is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, around 38 km from Dehradun, 58 km from Jolly Grant Airport and approximately 285 km from New Delhi.
Q3. What is the best time to visit Mussoorie?
The best time to visit Mussoorie is from March to June for sightseeing and pleasant weather, and from September to November for clear mountain views. Winter months are popular for snowfall.
Q4. What are the must-visit places in Mussoorie?
Top places include Mall Road, Landour, Lal Tibba, Gun Hill, Camel’s Back Road, George Everest, Company Garden, Cloud’s End and Happy Valley (Dalai Hills).
Q5. What is Mall Road famous for in Mussoorie?
Mall Road is Mussoorie’s main shopping and leisure hub, known for cafés, local shops, colonial architecture and evening walks with hill views.
Q6. Is Mussoorie suitable for trekking and hiking?
Yes, Mussoorie offers several trekking and hiking options such as George Everest, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, Cloud’s End and Surkanda Devi Temple.
Q7. Is Mussoorie good for a family holiday?
Yes, Mussoorie is ideal for families with attractions like Company Garden, cable car rides, viewpoints, easy walking trails and shopping areas.
Q8. How can I reach Mussoorie?
Mussoorie is well connected by road from Dehradun. Dehradun Railway Station and Jolly Grant Airport are the nearest rail and air hubs.
Q9. Are there offbeat places near Mussoorie?
Yes, offbeat destinations near Mussoorie include Landour, Corn Village (Sainji), Dhanaulti, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary and Cloud’s End.
Q10. How many days are enough to explore Mussoorie?
A 2 to 3-day trip is sufficient to explore Mussoorie’s main attractions, viewpoints and nearby offbeat locations.
If you need more information or would like personalised assistance in planning your journey across Uttarakhand, feel free to contact us at contact@mapchemy.com — we’re here to help you craft the perfect travel experience. And you can also visit our website www.mapchemy.com.
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