On a hike from the Doon Valley in 1827 by a Britisher, Captain Frederick Young along with FJ Shore discovered one of the amazing hill stations in India – Mussoorie. One of the famous weekend getaways and honeymoon destinations, Mussoorie is filled with varied landscapes of the pure form of nature. The lush green hills, natural vistas, quaint lakes, gushing waterfalls, Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines, age-old architecture and houses of authors and other eminent personalities – these all make Mussoorie a perfect sought-after destination in Uttarakhand, as well as India. Popular as a hill station to spend holidays in summer, the place is also one of the best tourist places to witness snowfall in India in winter. Watching a spectacular phenomenon, the winterline, between October and February becomes a once-in-a-lifetime moment for tourists coming from all over the world to Mussoorie.
List of 15 Best Places to Explore in Mussoorie Hill Stations in Uttarakhand –
- Mussoorie Lake
- Kempty Falls
- Mossy Falls
- Jharipani Falls
- Lal Tibba
- Camel’s Back Road
- The Mall Road
- Nag Tibba
- Cloud’s End
- George Everest’s House
- Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
- Gun Hill
- Company Garden
- Christ Church
- Landour
Popular Mussoorie Uttarakhand Tour Packages
Mussoorie Lake, The Namesake!
One of the best places to visit with family in Mussoorie, this man-made lake is located at a scenic location in the city. Mussoorie Lake was developed by the Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority along with the City Board. Standing on the viewpoint of the lake, you will get amused by the mesmerising views of the verdant hills and Doon Valley. A popular attraction, Mussoorie Lake is famed for being a perfect picnic spot to spend quality time with family and friends.
Things to Do
- Enjoy a boat ride.
- Click amazing pictures of the surroundings.
- Enjoy the scenic views of the lake.
- Taste finger-licking street food.
Opening hours: 8 AM to 7 PM
Famous for: Boat ride, scenic views and picnic spot.
Ideal Exploration Time: One hour.
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Kempty Falls, Without Which Mussoorie Trip Can’t Be Concluded!
One of the top tourist attractions in Mussoorie, Kempty Fall is located around 15 kilometres near the centre of the city, at a height of 1,364 metres. Developed by a British officer for organising tea parties, Kempty Fall soon became a fascinating picnic spot among the locals, as well as tourists. Reaching the bottom of the gushing fall via a cable car and taking a bath in the cool water – is one of the top things to do in Mussoorie.
Things to do
- Have a picnic with your family.
- Relax amidst peaceful nature.
- Go bathing in cool water.
Opening hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
Famous for: Superb ambience, cool water and picnic spot.
Ideal Exploration Time: Two hours.
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Mossy Falls, A Quaint Place For Nature Lovers!
Named for its mossy outgrowth in the surroundings, Mossy Fall is the best place to visit for couples in Mussoorie. A solitary place, offering pleasant vibes, Mossy Fall is located far away from the chaos of the city, perched in the lush green hills. Besides being a hotspot for couples, it is also a popular place for trekkers and photographers because of its rich landscapes of nature. The place is perfect for relaxing amidst nature as it is not commercialised yet, still offering a quiet environment.
Things to do
- Trek up to the highest tier of the fall.
- Click Instagrammable pictures.
- Soak in the pure bliss of nature.
- Have a meal with your loved ones.
Opening hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
Famous for: Scenic beauty, picturesque gushing water and peaceful ambience.
Ideal Exploration Time: Two to three hours.
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Lal Tibba, The Highest Point In Mussoorie!
Every hill station has the highest point that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and there’s no difference with Mussoorie. Lal Tibba, the highest point of the hill station is undoubtedly a must-visit place in Mussoorie. Once you reach the peak, located in Depot Hill near the Landour area, you will be mesmerised by the views of peaks like Kedarnath, Badrinath and Bandarpoonch. There is a telescope installed in Lal Tibba for the convenience of tourists. They can also get refreshed by having snacks, coffee and tea from the cafe at Lal Tibba.
Things to do
- Trek to the peak.
- Click pictures of the amazing surroundings.
- Soak in the beauty of the Himalayas.
Opening hours: 24 hours.
Famous for: Being the highest point in Mussoorie and offering mesmerising views of snow-capped mountains.
Ideal Exploration Time: One day.
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Camel’s Back Road, A Famous Nature Walk!
A perfect place for having a nature walk, Camel’s Back Road is one of the popular points of tourist interest in Mussoorie. It’s a three-kilometre long stretch to walk amidst nature all around. Not far from the city centre, Camel’s Back Road is the perfect place to get immersed in the views of cloud-clad hills located very nearly. After walking for some time you will see rocks shaped like a camel’s hump, from which the road derived its name. You will also see an age-old British cemetery en route the road, which is known to be the first of its kind in Mussoorie.
Things to do
- Walk up to the picturesque road.
- Enjoy the views of Doon Valley.
- Enjoy horse riding.
- Devour snacks in the evening.
Opening hours: 24 hours.
Famous for: Offering incredible views of sunrise and sunset overlooking the Doon Valley.
Ideal Exploration Time: Three hours.
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Jharipani Falls, An Offbeat Destination!
One of the best places to visit in Mussoorie, Jharipani Fall is located around 10 kilometres from Mussoorie. Once referred to as an offbeat destination, Jharipani Fall has now become a popular tourist spot for being a picture-perfect place for spending quality time with your family and friends. Be it having a picnic or clicking pictures with the backdrop of the fall or bathing in the cool water of the pool at the bottom of the fall, do not forget to add this place to your Mussoorie itinerary.
Things to do
- Trekking through an amazing trail.
- Feel the tranquillity the place offers.
- Soak in nature.
- Have a picnic.
Opening hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
Famous for: The stunning view of Shivalik Range, refreshing ambience and gushing waters.
Ideal Exploration Time: Two hours.
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
The Mall Road, The Central Hub Of Mussoorie!
Like every other hill station in India, Mussoorie Mall Road is also famous among tourists coming from all over the world. It’s the most colourful and happening must-see place in Mussoorie. The quaint road, covered with different shops selling souvenirs, cakes, pastries and chocolates, becomes picture-perfect when it gets covered with clouds. The old British colonial-style houses on one side and the charming views of Doon Valley on another side – makes this place one of the best places to see in Mussoorie.
Things to do
- Wandering around the roads.
- Enjoy the views of Doon Valley.
- Enjoy gaming in video game parlours.
- Spend time in the skating rinks.
- Observing the daily lives of local people.
- Buying souvenirs and other things from the shops.
Opening hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
Famous for: Offering amazing views of Doon Valley, kids entertainment (video game parlours and skating rinks) and shopping.
Ideal Exploration Time: Two to three hours.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Nag Tibba, An Offbeat Trail!
One of the favourite spots to include in your Mussoorie hill station sightseeing tour, Nag Tibba is located about 60 kilometres from the city. The peak is perched in the Garhwal Region of Lower Himalayas, at a height of 3,050 metres. A 20-kilometres-long trail along the beautiful valleys and hills will take you atop Nag Tibba where you will find a small temple. Not only that, but this trek will also let you get mesmerised by the views of the entire Bandarpoonch range on the Yamunotri side.
Things to do
- Trek to the highest peak.
- Spend the night in a camp.
- Explore the surroundings.
Opening hours: 24 hours.
Famous for: Camping amidst peaceful nature and amazing views.
Ideal Exploration Time: Two days.
Also Check Out: Nag Tibba Trekking Itinerary
Cloud’s End, The Geographical End Of Mussoorie!
Another splendid spot for having a nature walk, Cloud’s End is the geographical border where Mussoorie ends. The top sightseeing place in Mussoorie is the best for spending quality time in a peaceful, pleasant and serene environment, offered by lush green Deodar and Oak forest. You will be delighted to see a beautiful British Bungalow, now converted into a heritage hotel at Cloud’s End, which was built in 1838. An ideal place for nature-lovers, as well as trekkers, Cloud’s End is no doubt the top tourist sight in Mussoorie.
Things to do
- Explore the trails.
- Visit the old building near the place.
- Soak in peace and serenity.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Famous for: Mesmerising atmosphere
Ideal Exploration Time: Two hours.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
George Everest’s House, The Heritage Site!
One of the famous travel destinations in Uttarakhand, George Everest’s House is opened to the public in 2021 after a great course of renovation. The house, perched atop a cliff overlooking the charming valleys of Mussoorie, was built in 1832. Sir George Everest, the person behind the Great Trigonometric Survey of India, used to live in this house for 11 years before retiring to England. The picturesque location of the bungalow is the best spot in Mussoorie to capture the panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks and Aglar River Valley on one side and Doon Valley on another.
Things to do
- Enjoy the scenic views.
- Explore the museum.
- Enjoy a picnic with your friends.
- Click pictures of verdant Aglar River Valley.
Opening hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
Famous for: Museum, scenic views and picnic spot.
Ideal Exploration Time: Two hours
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, An Ideal Place For Nature Lovers!
A haven for bird-watchers, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a rich collection of myriad Himalayan birds such as mountain quails, Red-Billed Blue Magpie and White Capped Water Redstart. It is one of the visiting places near Cloud’s End, which is the end point of Mussoorie. Apart from the colourful birds, this place is also perfect for spotting the species of leopard, deer, panther, goat and bear. Located in the quaint hills of Mussoorie, the sanctuary offers picturesque views of natural vistas and stunning views of sunrise and sunset.
Things to do
- Enjoy spotting the Himalayan fauna.
- Trek to the hill.
- Click pictures of the birds and flowers.
Opening hours: 7 AM to 5 PM
Famous for: A wide collection of flora and fauna.
Ideal Exploration Time: Three hours
Also Read: Wildlife Tourism in Uttarakhand
Gun Hill, A Historical Peak!
No Mussoorie sightseeing tour is completed without visiting this historical second highest peak of the hill station. Gun Hill is famed for offering 360-degree views of the Himalayan ranges like Pithwara, Srikantha, Bandarpoonch and Gangotri. Apart from the scenic views of valleys and hills, this place also has a significant historic value. During the pre-independence time, a gun was mounted here, which used to be fired to adjust watches. It is located near Mall Road and can be reached via ropeway or by foot.
Things to do
- Enjoy a thrilling cable ride.
- Watch a beautiful sunset.
- Enjoy the mesmerising views of Doon Valley below.
Opening hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
Famous for: Cable ride and stunning sunset views
Ideal Exploration Time: Two hours
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Company Garden, Popular Picnic Spot In The Town!
Also popular as ‘Company Bagh’ or ‘Municipal Garden,’ Company Garden is one of the favourite picnic spots in Mussoorie. It attracts several tourists and locals to enjoy a family vacation. The place has well-maintained gardens of different colourful flowers, a mini lake, an artificial waterfall and an amusement park for kids. There are several options for snacks and foods available inside the Garden’s food court. People can also buy souvenirs from the shops inside the garden. Moreover, a telescope is also available to see the ranges of the Himalayas closely.
Things to do
- Enjoy the surroundings.
- Enjoy your day in the amusement park.
- Have a Columbus ride (for kids).
- Enjoy lip-smacking snacks from the food stalls.
Opening hours: 9 AM to 7:30 PM
Famous for: Amusement park, nature and snacks.
Ideal Exploration Time: Two hours.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Christ Church, Oldest Church in Mussoorie!
The oldest Catholic church in the Himalayan region, Christ Church is located around 600 metres from Library Bus Stand in Mussoorie. Standing as reminiscent of the pre-independence British era, Christ Church is an epitome of eye-catching gothic-style architecture. Established in 1836 by the private donations of Britishers, who used to live in Mussoorie, the church features the happenings in the life of Jesus Christ on its windows and altar. One of the significant places on the Uttarakhand tourism map, the church attracts so many history buffs from all around the world.
Things to do
- Explore the Gothic-style architecture.
- Explore the beautiful flowers in the surroundings.
- Enjoy the peace and serenity of the place.
Opening hours: 8 AM to 6:30 PM
Famous for: Peaceful atmosphere, architecture and flowers.
Ideal Exploration Time: One hour
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Landour, The Colourful Spot In Mussoorie!
A small cantonment, Landour is located around 300 metres above Mussoorie, often called Landour-Mussoorie in the British era. The place derived its name from a village in southwest Wales, Llanddowror. It is famous for its British-styled magnificent architecture, breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, colourful markets and the calmness and serenity the place offers. This small town, which can be explored by walking, is preferred for spending a relaxing honeymoon tour amidst nature and peace.
Things to do
- Buy souvenirs, artefacts and trekking equipment.
- Explore a wide range of food items.
- Explore people and their daily activities.
- Enjoy shopping in Mussoorie.
Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Famous for: Shops and food stalls.
Ideal Exploration Time: Two hours.
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Some of the Most Popular Places for Shopping in Mussoorie
The queen of Hills Mussoorie is not only decorated with natural wonders, colonial charms and Churches but it is one of the most popular tourist destinations for shopping. If you are planning a trip to Mussoorie, we are sure that you will never be able to return to your home with an empty bag as it is a treasure trove for shoppers. Lots of woolen garments, brass items, souvenirs shops, jewelries, footwears, clothes and bags would stop you from ignoring them.
- The Mall Road – Mall Road is absolutely a must not miss place in Mussoorie when it comes to shopping. This place is decked with plenty of shops for clothes, apparels, accessories, home decors, souvenirs and lip-smacking cuisines. You can spend an entire day in Mall Road and you will still not want to go away from here.
- Tibetan Market- It is the best place to shop for Tibetan jewelries, carpets, clothes, artefacts and plethora of other rare items. Don’t miss this beautiful shopping destination in Mussoorie. Things might get costly; you need to bargain to get your desired object.
- Kulri Bazaar – Kulri Bazaars is one of the best spots for shopping in Mussoorie. It is decked with a plethora of cafes and restaurants and shops for local handicrafts, home decors, apparels, footwears, silver jewelries and cakes and confectionaries.
- Himalayan Weavers- This is a must not miss shopping spot in Mussoorie as it offers the best products of Himalayan region. You will get Scarfs, shawls, Pashmina Shawls, stoles, and sweaters of Himalayan style which cannot be found anywhere else.
- Sisters Bazaar– It is one of the best spots for shopping in Mussoorie for antiques and bakery items. Do visit Landour Bakehouse for tasty brownies, biscuits, dry cakes and coffee. Antiques and clothes varieties will make your day here.
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
We hope you already got to know about the above-mentioned must-visit places in Mussoorie, which is one of the best hill stations in Uttarakhand for a perfect holiday.
To make an itinerary on your own for spending holidays in Mussoorie, we also mentioned important information about each of the places. However, for a hassle-free travel experience, we would suggest you browse our website. There are several packages on Mussoorie tourism, which will be the best for you to plan a budget-friendly trip in Uttarakhand this year.
Other Important Uttarakhand Tourism Links
Like & Follow our social media accounts at Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin & Instagram for getting the latest updates & offers on holiday packages.
Disclaimer: We do not take credit for some of the licenced paid images used in our blogs, whether from Google Images, Fotolia & Shutterstock. All such images are the copyrights of their respective owners and we try to provide credit for them wherever we can. If, however, any copyright image has been used on our blog, the concerned person can either mail us directly to remove the image or provide credit to whomsoever the image may belong to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mussoorie worth visiting places in Uttarakhand?
Mussoorie has been a popular hill station in Uttarakhand since the British era. The famous tourist spots, the peaks with spectacular mountain views, the glistening lakes and the friendly people - Mussoorie is undoubtedly one of the worth visiting places in Uttarakhand.
When does snowfall occur in Mussoorie?
You can expect to experience medium to heavy snowfall on your Mussoorie trip between December and February. However, heavy snowfall sometimes leads to roadblocks in winter.
Which are the main tourist attractions in Mussoorie?
Some of the popular tourist places in Mussoorie are:
- Lal Tibba
- Mussoorie Mall Road
- Gun Hill
- Camel’s Back Road
- Kempty Fall
- Mossy Fall
- George Everest’s House
- Jharipani Fall
What are the popular activities for tourists in Mussoorie?
There is no dearth of activities to do while you are visiting Mussoorie for a vacation. Some of the popular activities for tourists are:
- Cable car ride in Gun Hill
- Boat riding in Mussoorie Lake.
- Bathing in Kempty Fall.
- Shopping in Mall Road.
- Spotting animals in Jabarkhet Nature Reserve.
- Trekking to Lal Tibba.
- Exploring George Everest’s House and Museum.
Which are the best nightclubs & bars for the nightlife experience in Mussoorie?
Visit the following nightclubs and bars to enjoy the nightlife in Mussoorie:
- Sicoh Bar & Restaurants, located in Kulari.
- Trout House Grill & Bar, located on Kempty Falls Road.
- Nostradamus - The Writer’s Bar, located on Spring Road.
- Dickens Bar, located in Dunsvirk Court.
- Macauzi Lounge, located on Chamba - Mussoorie Road.
- The Victorian Bar, located in Airfield Barlowganj.
How many days are needed to explore the best of Mussoorie tourism?
A minimum of two to five days is required to plan the Mussoorie hill station sightseeing tour. However, we would always recommend you to plan for more days to know about a place like Mussoorie in detail.
Which are the top religious destinations to visit in and around Mussoorie?
Mussoorie is also one of the best spiritual retreats to visit in India. To rejuvenate your soul and calm your mind there are a plethora of blissful abodes of Gods and goddesses that would give you spiritual wisdom and a moment for self-introspection.
- Shedup Choepelling Temple – It is also known as Tibetan Buddhist temple and it is one of the most popular religious spots to visit in Mussoorie. You will be mesmerized by the peaceful ambiance and the Tibetan architecture of this temple. You will also witness some of the most scenic vistas of the lush valleys of Mussoorie and snow-capped mountain Peaks.
- Christ Church – Christ Church is a must visit place in Mussoorie. It is the first Catholic Church in the entire Himalayan region built in 1836. Brilliant gothic style architecture and stunning walls of the church will blow your heart away. The Princess of Wales visited Christ Church in 1906 and planted a Deodar Tree here which still stands in pride in the courtyard of the church till date.
- Jwala Devi Temple – Jwala Devi Temple in Mussoorie is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Dotted between Oak forests and Deodar trees in Benog Hill, the beauty and peaceful ambiance of this place is one of a kind.
- Bhadraj Temple – Bhadraj Temple is dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra, who is a brother of Lord Krishna. Devotees from all over the world come here to get divine blessings and offer Ghee, butter and milk products.
- Santura Devi Temple – It is said that this temple was trusted to save the entire town from the destruction of the Uttarkashi earthquake in 1991. It is dedicated to Santura Mata. Picturesque views of lofty mountains from the temple premises will blow your heart away.
- Kellogg Memorial Church- It is one of the most popular religious sites to visit in Mussoorie. Built in 1903 the Presbyterian and gothic style architecture of the Church is a breathtaking sight to behold and seek eternal peace.
- Surkanda Devi Temple – Located near the village Kaddukhal at an elevation of 3,030 m is the stunning temple of Surkanda Devi. It is an important pilgrimage tourist attraction in Mussoorie. It is one of the 51 Shakti- Peethas and is dedicated to goddess Surkanda who is an incarnation of goddess Sati.
About the author
From the ‘City of Joy,’ Kolkata, Nandini Bhattacharya is a Travel Writer by profession and traveller by passion. She loves to explore places around the world, new cultures, different cuisines and all new things that one can learn outside the home. She also loves to document her journey so that people can be inspired and travel more. Nandini is a nature lover and talks about sustainable tourism. She wants to make this world a good place where people can live healthy and happily.