Discovered by 'Captain Young' in 1820, Mussoorie is one of the most popular and enchanting hill-stations. At an attitude of 2000 m above sea level, it provides some breath-taking sights of the snow laden Himalayas and the Dehradun valley below. It was a rejuvenating center for the British officials away from the scorching heat. In the 19th century it became a famous tourist resort with its mall as the centre of town's activity.

The name, Mussoorie, is derived from plants of 'Mussoorie' which were found in abundance here. After its discovery, this hill station gradually developed as a center of education, business, tourism and beauty.

The lifeline of the hill resort of Mussoorie is undoubted ably the Mall. The Mall besides the series of shops offers wondrous vistas of the surrounding hills and the Doon Valley below. You must be at the Mall while in Mussoorie especially as the evening falls. The tourists come together to enjoy the spectacular sunset. The sunset is followed by the view of the twinkling lights that shine one by one in the valley below. You just can't skip the Kulri Bazaar and the Library Chowk of the Mall. The Kulri Bazaar offers several items of Indian fare.

From the Mall you may take a ropeway and visit the Gun Hill. The Gun Hill derives its name from the fact that in the old days a gun was kept atop the hill and was fired at mid-day to denote the time. From the Gun Hill you can experience the magical view of the great Himalayan peaks and a bird's eye view of Mussoorie.

Prime Attractions of Mussoorie

» Kempty Falls
Kempty Falls, located 15 kms from Mussoorie are the biggest attraction of the place. With water cascading down from an altitude of 4,500 feet and splitting further into five cascades, Kempty Falls offers a panoramic view

» Gun Hill
Gunhill is the second highest point in Mussoorie. To access Gunhill, there are two ways. The first one is to begin trek from court complex on the Mall road. This path takes you to Gunhill in about 20 minutes.

Shopping in Mussoorie

Mussoorie is famous for wooden decorative and gift items. But one can also bargain brass statues and ceramic vases. Some good showrooms are located on the Mall where one can look for wooden boxes, brass statues, Tibetan Prayer wheels and vases.

The hand carved oakwood walking stick are also popular among tourists. In the markets, photographs can be clicked wearing a dazzling Garhwali Dress. To be photographed in Garhwali garb against a painted Himalayan range makes a wonderful picture.

Climate of Mussoorie

Mussoorie is a hill station which has pleasant climate around the year. It is a very cool place with greenery at its full bloom during September to November. The best seasons to visit Mussoorie is between April to June and again during September to November.

Places to Stay in Mussoorie

GMVN Garhwal Terrace, Hakmans Grand, Padmini Niwas, Savoy Hotel, Hotel Paramount, Hotel Darpan are some of the premier hotels available for accommodation.

How to get there

» Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, on the outskirts of Dehradun (35 km).

» Rail
The nearest railhead is at Dehradun, which has trains plying to and from Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta

» Road
UP Roadways operates regular bus - trips from Simla, Haridwar and Delhi to Dehradun; from Dehradun to Mussoorie.