Mussoorie-Queen of Hill Stations

Mussoorie, perched on a ridge 2km high, the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ vies with Nainital as Uttarakhand’s favourite holiday destination. When the mist clears, views of the green Doon Valley and the distant white-capped Himalayan peaks are superb, and in the hot months the cooler temperatures and fresh mountain air make a welcome break from the plains below. It is located about 35 km from the state capital of Dehradun and 290 km north from the national capital of New Delhi. This hill station, situated in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, is also known as the Queen of the Hills.



Established by the British in 1823, Mussoorie became hugely popular with the Raj set. The ghosts of that era linger on in the architecture of the churches, libraries, hotels and summer palaces. The town is swamped with visitors between May and July, when it can seem like a tacky holiday camp for families and honeymooners, but at other times many of the 300 hotels have vacancies and their prices drop dramatically. During monsoon, the town is often shrouded in clouds.



The adjoining town of Landour, which includes a military cantonment, is considered part of 'greater Mussoorie', as are the townships of Barlowganj and Jharipani.

Places to See

Gun Hill

Enjoy a Ropeway ride to the second highest peak of Mussoorie. It can also be negotiated by bridles path which forks-off from Mall Road near Kutchery and to reach takes about twenty minutes. From midway along the Mall, a cable car runs up to Gun Hill (2530m), which, on a clear day, has views of several big peaks. A steep path also winds up to the viewpoint. The most popular time to go up is an hour or so before sunset. There’s a minicarnival atmosphere in high season, with kids’ rides, food stalls, magic shops and honeymooners having their photos taken in Garhwali costumes.

Municipal Garden

A picnic spot having a beautiful garden and an artificial mini lake with boating facilities. It is located at a distance of 4kms by cycle rickshaw, pony or by car and only 2 kms on foot via Waverly Convent Road.

Kempty Fall

Highest Peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba. It is about 5 kms from the Tourist Office and one can go on horse back or on foot. Snow view from this spot is exhilarating.

Christ Church

Built in 1836 and featuring stained-glass windows, this is purported to be the oldest church in the Himalayas.

Camel's Back Road

It starts from Kulri Bazar near Rink Hall and ends at Library Bazar covering a total distance of about 3 kms. The main charm of this froad is horse riding and wlking. Sunset view of the Himalayas is superb. Camel's Rock with a life like resemblace can be seen from the spot near Mussoorie Public school.

Jharipani Fall



8.5 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie- Jharipani Road. Visitors can go by bus or by car upto 7 kms to Jharipani from where the fall is 1.5 kms, on foot.

Bhatta Fall

7 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. Access by car or bus upto Balta village from where the fall is 3kms by car or foot. An ideal spot for bathing anf picnics.

Kempty Fall

15 kms from Mussoorie on the Yamunotri Road having an altitude of 4500 ft. It has the distinction of being the biggest and prettiest waterfall located in a beautiful valley and is surrounded by high mountains. Bath at the foot of the falls is refresshing and enjoyabled for children and adults alike.

Mussoorie Lake

A newly developed picnic spot, situated on Mussoorie- Dehradun road and is about 6 kms from Mussoorie. It is a delightful spot. Pedal boats are availble. It commands an enchanting view of Doon Valley and nearby villages.

Van Chetna Kendra

At a distance of about 2 kms on Tehri bye pass road, this place is developed as a picnic spot and has a park surrounded with pine forest and flowering shrubs, and is approachable by foot or taxi/car. The main attraction is the wildilife of the park like Ghurar, Kanankar, Himalayan Peacock, Monal etc.

Jawahar Aquarium

Just up from the cable-car station, this aquarium is Mussoorie’s newest attraction. What may be Uttarakhand’s only escalator takes you to eight modest but well-presented tanks containing tropical fish, tiny sharks and red piranha.

Sir George Everest House

6 kms The Park Estate of sir George Everest, First Surveyor General of India, Who had his offce and residence here, is approachable by road. The highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, is named after him.

Cloud's End

The bungalow built in 1838 by a British Major was one of the First Four buildings of Mussoorie. The bungalow has since then been converted into a hotel called Clouds End, and is situated at the extreme west of Mussoorie Hill, 8 kms from Library. The resort is surrounded by thick forest, offers a wide variety of flora and fauna besides a panoramic view of snow clad Himalayas, and Yamuna river. The most ideally suited resort for fireigners and honeymoon couples.

How to get there

By Air : Nearest airport is Pant Nagar, (119km)

By Rail : as with the other hill stations in the Kumaon Region, Kathgodam (83 km) and Ramnagar (96km) are the nearest railheads.

By Road : Ranikhet is connected by road with all the major towns of the region. There are regular buses to Almora, Nainital & Ramnagar operated by KMOU & State Roadways, - 20643. It is also well connected to Delhi (279km), & Haridwar (254 km).