A quiet tiny hamlet ensconced in the Himalayan Range of Garhwal hills, Mussoorie is sometimes referred to as the “Queen of Hills.” This moniker is up for debate. Let’s look at this detailed travel guide to Mussoorie for first-time tourists.
Mussoorie has long been regarded as one of the best tourist destinations in all of Uttarakhand to spend a weekend trip from Delhi, and it is now becoming increasingly popular as a honeymoon and family vacation destination.
The town’s climate, which ranges from usually nice to occasionally chilly, makes it an ideal location for a holiday, particularly during the sweltering months of the Indian summer.
Mussoorie, Known as the “Queen of Hills”
There are other contenders for the title of “Queen of the Hills,” including Shimla, Ooty, Darjeeling, and Mussoorie. Due to the fact that my family is originally from Shimla, I have a completely skewed perspective and believe that Shimla is the clear winner. What are your thoughts? Leave your thoughts here!
Due to the fact that this homestead is located 285 kilometers away from Delhi, it is an excellent option for a weekend escape for a family from Delhi.
One visit, however, would never be enough time to see everything that this small town and the surrounding area have to offer because there is simply too much to do. Mussoorie is a popular starting point for a variety of treks in the surrounding area of Uttrakhand.
The town takes on a vibrant shade of green during the rainy season! Because the clouds in the sky above have created a jewel-like effect on the valley below, this town provides the ideal setting for getting some exercise and discovering the world’s most charming hidden nooks and crannies on foot.
In addition, the terrain looks quite different in the winter, provided that you are ready to deal with the increased number of tourists. Foreign tourists should check these Indian visa requirements before they plan their trip to beautiful hill stations in India.
When to Visit Mussoorie for the Best Weather?
The months of April through June have the most favourable weather in Mussoorie, despite the fact that the town’s aesthetic appeal is not dependent on the season. The monsoon season can be easily avoided; however, it is possible that it is not the safest period for road travel in the Himalayan ranges, which are prone to landslides.
However, if you look forward to seeing snowfall and do not mind the bitterly cold temperatures, the months of December through February are the best time to visit.
In the months of May and June, the temperature in Mussoorie reaches its peak of 25-35 degrees Celsius, whereas in the months of December and January, the temperature seldom rises beyond 4 degrees Celsius.
On the other hand, I feel obligated to tell you that the city has a high volume of tourists during both the summer and the winter months. If you want to enjoy the city in relative silence and seclusion, you should plan your visit during the off-season.
If you want to avoid the crowds and have some peace and quiet during your trip, the best time to go is between the middle of February and the beginning of April.
How to Travel to Mussoorie from Delhi?
Roads provide an excellent network of connections to Mussoorie. You will first need to arrive in Dehradun, the state capital of Uttarakhand, before continuing on to Mussoorie, your final destination. I would recommend having your own vehicle, and driving up to Mussoorie if this is an option that is available to you.
This is because local cabs in Mussoorie have a reputation for being pricey. In that case, you shouldn’t be too concerned because there are several ways to get to the town.
By Air
The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport to Mussoorie; it is located 60 kilometres away from the town. The trip will take you around two hours if you drive there and back, and you can even make taxi reservations through the internet.
By Train
Dehradun, which is around 35 kilometers away from Mussoorie, is home to the closest train station. Cabs can be hired here for private use or shared with other passengers. They have a standard fee that is set at INR 1000.
In addition to that, there is a bus service available. Between Delhi and Dehradun, there are several trains that travel back and forth. If you are an American tourist, then we recommend traveling by train to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Here you can check how to apply for an online tourist Indian visa for American citizens.
The Shatabdi is the most convenient option for travel; it departs at 6:45 in the morning and arrives in Dehradun at 12:50 in the afternoon. Another fantastic alternative is the Nanda Devi AC Express, which departs at 11:50 PM and arrives in Dehradun at 5:40 AM the next morning.
Top Attractions for Visitors to Mussoorie
Because it is so simple to get to this hill station, Mussoorie does not have very many locations that are still relatively untouched by tourists.
Be sure to factor in the possibility of encountering other travellers at any and all of your destinations if your trip takes place during a peak tourist season (such as the summer or winter months).
Having said that, this by no means indicates that the holiday will be any less enjoyable. Because of its breathtaking natural beauty and charming atmosphere, Mussoorie is frequently referred to be a dream destination for couples on their honeymoon.
Indeed, the snow-capped mountains in the distance, along with the verdant vegetation of the Garhwal hills, create for such a picturesque scene.
The Mall Road of Mussoorie
However, the Mall Road continues to serve as the focal point of all of the attractions. The nature walk along Camel’s Back Road is an absolute necessity if you want to take in the breathtaking scenery of the hill station.
The waterfalls, the mediaeval cathedrals, the Tibetan influence that can be seen in the many small cafés and temples, as well as the lakes and gardens, all contribute to the ideal experience that can be had in Mussoorie.
Must visit
Attractions like Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba, Happy Valley, Gun Hill, Mussoorie Lake, Christ Church, Sir George’s Everest House, and the Library are all places that tourists really have to see while they are in the area.
In addition to that, taking the cable car from Jhulaghat to Gun Hill is an exciting adventure! The city’s status as a popular tourist destination explains why there are so many shopping districts, especially The Mall.
Accommodation in Mussoorie
There are numerous luxurious hotels in Mussoorie, and each one exudes a distinct sense of colonial opulence. You’ll find anything from five-star hotels to budget inns and everything in between here!
The JW Mariott is a particularly stunning property, both in terms of its views and its surrounding environment.
The Fortune Resort and Welcome Hotel – The Savoy are two examples of additional luxurious hotels (ITC Hotels). Another decent place to stay that has more reasonable rates is the Country Inn.
Backpackers and people traveling alone will find that Bunkostel is an excellent place to stay because it is affordable. There are no other types of beds available here. The cost is approximately 500 Indian Rupees (INR) each night.
Mussoorie’s Various Dining Options
This location is a traveler’s dream thanks to the abundance of delicious options available here. My favourite thing to do in Mussoorie is to wander around the Mall Road and check out the many shops and restaurants along the way. Nevertheless, the following locations are at the top of my bucket list:
Lovely Omelette Centre
This restaurant, which can be found on Mall road, is known for producing some of the city’s finest omelets. Additionally, articles on the shop have been published in a number of other journals.
It is impossible to miss this location because it is constantly packed with residents as well as tourists, and it is such an enjoyable experience to watch the two cooks continue to demonstrate their expertise in the art of preparing omelettes.
Cafe de Tavern
It’s a wonderful spot to hang out, and the food is out of this world. The atmosphere here is extremely reminiscent of traditional English pubs from bygone eras, and the atmosphere is very relaxed back. The Red Wine Sizzler is an absolute must-have.
ATM availability
There is not a shortage of automated teller machines (ATMs) in Mussoorie at all. The majority of stores and eateries will accept payments made with cards, including those made for purchases.
Other forms of payment that are rising in popularity include the myriad of online payment choices, such as Paytm, Mobikwik, and others.
Mobile Signals
Since Mussoorie is one of the most populated towns in the state of Uttarakhand, there are never any issues with the network there. There is access to each and every network.
Conclusion
I believe that I have covered all of the essential information that you will need in order to successfully organise your vacation to Mussoorie and Dhanaulti. In any event, if there is anything else that you are interested in learning, please leave a comment below, and we will do all in our power to assist you.
As this town has already been significantly impacted by tourism, it is important to remember to behave in a responsible manner while you are here.
Myself Aditya and I am from Mumbai, India. As an intern, I joined the local news agency in Mumbai named “The Mumbai News”. Now I am working with various News Agencies and I provide them reports from Mumbai and other parts of India.