The Mall: This can well be described as the lifeline of this town. Created and preserving the colonial feel, the Mall is home to hotels, restaurants and shops that line its edges. Its popular hangouts include a video games parlour, a skating rink and the Methodist Church, believed to be almost hundred years old. The starting point of this Mall is the Library Bazaar and finally culminating at the Clock Tower, a distance that can be covered in an hour. The Library Bazaar gets its name to the Victorian-style Library, which is accessible only to members.
Note: Private vehicles are allowed on the Mall on payment of a small fee. However, we recommend exploring it on foot. It also has a playground for children offering games and rides and photographers waiting to take your pictures in traditional Indian attires Â
Camel's Back Road: Starts from Kulri Bazaar upto the Library Bazaar, this is the place for keen horse-riding escapades. Deriving its name from the naturally formed rocks that look like a camel's back, catch spectacular glimpses of the golden sun as it glimmers on the Himalayan range.
Clouds End: This was one of the first 4 bungalows in Mussoorie, and today is a hotel. Clouds End is known for its stunning views of the snow-covered Himalayan range.
Happy Valley: This Tibetan settlement includes public gardens, the Tibetan School & Home and National Academy of Administration. A highlight of this area - a small but beautiful monastery overlooking the Doon Valley, complete with prayer flags and clay lamps. Worth a walk from the Mall!
Char Dukaan: So called because of its 4 tea stalls, stroll by here for an early morning breakfast and gorge on some of the yummiest parathas, sandwiches and pancakes with maple syrup. Pick up some Ruskin Bond stories from the book shops and visit the St Paul's Church, which is only open for Mass on Sundays.
Public Gardens: Company Bagh or Municipal Gardens are an ideal place for a picnic, with their well-tended lawns, fountain and boating options on the Lake. Closeby are also the Logi Gardens, which have a beautiful collection of plants and flowers. Remember to pick up some potted plants here.
Company Bagh open from: 9 am-6 pm
Entry fee - Rs 5, Boating fee Rs 20 per person, or Rs 40 per boat for 15 mins
Temples: Mussoorie is home to some of the oldest temples of the Uttaranchal region. Among the better known ones is Nag Devta Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Lord of Snakes. Another temple worth walking up to is the Jwalaji Temple on Benog Hill. Located over 2100 meters, it offers spectacular views of the Himalayas, Doon valley and Yamuna valley. One of the highest points in Mussoorie, Surkhanda Devi Temple is located at 10,000 ft and is famous for the annual Ganga Dussehra fair held during May and June.
Waterfalls: Home to some of the most stunning waterfalls, Jharipani & Bhatta Falls are among its popular falls. These picnic spots have separate ponds for bathing and water amusement. Set amidst a dense forest, Mosey Fall is located 7kms from Mussoorie.
Kempty Falls: At 4500 ft, this is one of the largest waterfalls at Mussoorie. Set against towering mountains, it offers the perfect spot for a bath. The cascading water splits into five streams while gushing down. The walkway leading to the falls is lined with stalls where you can dress in a traditional Garhwali dress and get yourself photographed.
Sahastra Dhara: This is a renowned picnic spot known for its sulphur falls, which are believed to have medicinal properties.
Picnic Spots: Mussoorie is known for its picturesque picnic spots that abound in plenty. Van Chetna Kendra is particularly enchanting owing to its location in the wilderness amidst exotic fauna of Ghurar, Himalayan Peacock, Kankar and Monal. Mussoorie Lake is another scenic picnic spot, which offers a range of activities, including boating and pedal boating. Visit it by night to catch splendid views of the twinkling lights in the city. A particularly famous (and favourite) picnic location is Dhanaulti. Located 25 kms from Mussoorie, this picturesque spot is set in the mountains amidst dense deodhar, oak and pine forests.
Sir George Everest House: This used to be home to Sir George Everest, the First Surveyor General of India. Located almost 6 kms from Mussoorie, the estate offers excellent views of the Doon and the Yamuna valley, and the Himalayan mountains.
Nag Tibba: Located at a sheer height of 10000 ft, Nag Tibba, the highest peak in Mussoorie is located almost 55 kms from the town. Surrounded by thick forests of pine and deodar, this is perfect for a session of adventurous trekking.
Lal Tibba: Located at Landour, this is believed to be the highest point in Mussoorie. One of the oldest areas of Mussoorie, the place still offers the charm of the colonial era, complete with sloping-roof houses and old-world buildings. Visit it especially to catch a glimpse through the old telescope of the snow-clad Himalayan range.
Lakha Mandal: Steeped in history, Lakha Mandal is located almost 80 kms from Mussoorie and has idols dating back to the Mahabharata era.
Gun Hill: This is the second highest peak in Mussoorie and draws its name from the fact that a gun mounted on top of the hill used to be fired at noon as a sign of the time. Not just the destination, the journey to Gun Hill is as exciting. And why not? Take the ropeway to reach the top and then look around for amazing sights of the mountains - Bunderpoonch, Srikantha, Pithwara and Gangotri.
Benog Mountain Quail Sanctuary: A sanctuary dedicated to the famous extinct bird species, the Mountain Quail.
Adventure: When traveling to Mussoorie, carry your sense of adventure, because this is the ideal destination to enjoy adventure sports ranging from trekking, mountain biking and skating. It has amazing options of camping whereby you can pitch your tent just about anywhere in the middle of nowhere. For those of you who love the thrills of mountain biking, the route from Mussoorie to Dhanaulti sees several adventure enthusiasts hike the long trail amidst the lush forests and beautiful views. Its altitude and natural terrain makes Mussoorie an excellent rock-climbing area, especially during April and June. For those seriously inclined, courses are also available near the Sir George Everest House and in Buranskhanda near Dhanaulti. Fishing is a popular sport in the Aglar and Yamuna rivers. Remember to take prior permission, though.
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