Mussoorie, with its green hills and varied flora & fauna, is a fascinating hill resort. Commanding a wonderful view of extensive Himalayan snow ranges to the north-east, and glittering views of the Doon Valley, Roorkee, Saharanpur and Haridwar to the south, the town presents a fairyland atmosphere to the tourists.

THE PAST
Its history dates back to 1827 when Captain Young, an adventurous military officer, explored the present site and laid the foundation of this holiday resort which now has few rivals. Mussoorie, like other hill resorts in India, came into existence when the families of British colonials began making for the hills in order to escape the scorching heat of the plains. Small settlements grew into large stations and were soon vying with each other for the title of “queen of the hills.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Gun Hill
Enjoy a Ropeway ride to the second highest peak of Mussoorie.The Ropeway distance is only 400 mtrs. And the sheer thrill of the ride is memorable. Gun Hill offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges namely Bunderpunch, Srikantha, Pithwara and Gangotri group etc. and a bird's eye view of Mussoorie town and Doon Valley. During pre-independence days a gun mounted on this top used to be fired heralding mid-day to enable people to adjust their watches and hence this name.

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.

Childer's Lodge
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.

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 road is horse riding and walking. 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 3 kms by car or foot. An ideal spot for bathing and 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 enjoyable for children and adults alike.

Nag Devta Temple
An ancient temple situated on Cart Mackenjie Road and is about 6 kms from Mussoorie. Vehicles can go right upto the spot. It Provies a charming view of Doon Valley as well as of Mussoorie.

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.

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.

Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill)
9 kms to the west of Mussoorie and at an altitude of 2104 mtrs is the Jwalaji Temple. It is situated on the top of the Benog Hill and has an idol of Mata Durga in it. The temple is surrounded by thick forests and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, Doon valley and Yamuna valley.

Clouds 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. 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 foreigners and honeymoon couples.

SITES NEARBY

Yamuna Bridge
About 27 kms from Mussoorie on Chakrata Barkot Road and is an ideal spot for fishing. Permits for fishing can be obtained

Dhanolti
Located on Mussoorie- Tehri Road at a distance of about 25 kms from Mussoorie. On the way, Buranskhanda offers a captivating view of the Himalayas amidst pine and deodar forest. Dhanolti is an ideal place for a quiet weekend.

Surkhanda Devi
Situated on Mussoorie - Tehri Road and is about 33 kms from Mussoorie and 8 kms from Dhanolti. Visitors can go up to Kaddu Khal (Devass - thali) by Bus or by car from where the temple is about 2 kms on foot. The temple is situated at an altitude of 10,000 ft. above sea level and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas.

Chamba (Tehri)
About 31 kms from Dhanotli. The drive is excellent as the road passes through the fruit orchards. During season, apples are available in abundance all along the routes . In springs, one can capture on camera Rhododendron and various other fruit trees which are a feast to the eyes when in full bloom. In the backdrop are the magnificent Himalayas.

Lakha Mandal
Past Kempty Falls, Lakha- Mandal is 75 kms on Mussoorie- Yamunotri Road. There are hundreds of idols of archaeological importance which have been preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. Legend has it that the Kauravas made a shellac house and conspired to burn the Pandavas alive here.

HOW TO REACH

There are regular, daily Vayudoot and Jagson flights from New Delhi to the Doon Valley (50 minutes). From the Jolly Grant airport, taxis and buses ply to Dehradun, from where they go up to Mussoorie (2¼ hours, 60 km).

The overnight Mussoorie Express links Delhi to Dehradun, the railhead for Mussoorie.

Delhi to Mussoorie is 290 km by road. Dehradun to Mussoorie is 35 km. There are direct buses from Delhi to Mussoorie, along with private taxis.