Buzzing with activity, the tiny hill town of Mussoorie with its cascading waterfalls, meandering roads, colonial bungalows and dense forests is perfect for a rejuvenating weekend break.
Lal Tibba
In the local dialect, Lal Tibba means the Red Hill. This is said to be the oldest and the most populated place in Mussoorie. The place is known for its scenic beauty courtesy the pleasant sunrise and sunset that leave the visitors spellbound. It is situated in the Landour area and lies at an altitude of 8000 metres above sea level. Lal Tibba is even famous as the Depot Hill because of the presence of a depot here. Besides this, there is a camp of the Indian Military services, All India Radio and Doordarshan. The best time to visit Lal Tibba is the summer months of March and June.
Gun Hill
Gun Hill is one of the most prominent tourist attractions of Mussoorie. It is the second highest peak in Mussoorie that offers a scenic view of the place. Located at a small distance from the Mall Road, the place has the Cable Car Ropeway service that is one of the key adventure sports here. Other attraction is the balloon shooting which is great for people who wish to test their shooting skills. The best time to visit Gun Hill is during the summer months of March and June.
Library Bazaar
Library Bazaar is the focal taxi and the bus terminal points to enter the township of Mussoorie. Popularly known as the KitaabGhar, the Library Bazaar is so-called library found in 1843 that is present on the first floor of the fantastic building. This is one of the oldest libraries found in India. Apart from iconic books, the place offers an architecture that speaks volumes about the colonial association of the building. The library is open on all days between 09:00 am – 08:00 pm.
Camel’s Back Road
Camel’s Back Road offers a peaceful and calm walk in the lap of nature. It is a 3 km long road and is called the Camel Back Road because of the presence of the natural layout of the rocks that are in the shape of the camel humps. From the Camel Back Road, you can enjoy the romantic sunrise and sunset with some snacks and the amazing backdrop of the Doon Valley. The Camel’s Back Road can be visited anytime during the summer months.
Landour
About a 15-minute walk from Picture Palace, a landmark that houses a bus stop and taxi stand and marks the end of the commercial Mall Road, Landour is characterised by a gradual waning of Mall Road’s joie de vivre and exemplifies the oft-heard aphorism, ‘Quiet of the hills’. The only stalls belong to vegetable and fruit vendors, along with an odd antique store or two, shops selling walking canes and shoemakers selling bespoke footwear. The main Landour Bazaar is populated with decaying wooden buildings, its roofs layered with stray cables hanging perilously overhead.
Kempty Falls
Located at a distance of about 15 km from Mussoorie, Kempty Falls lies at an altitude of about 4500 feet above the sea level. Kempty Falls was initiated as a picnic spot in 1835 by the British officer John Mekinan. It has a perennial waterfall making it an interesting picnic spot for all. You can even take a bath under the fresh water here. It is believed that here water further divides into 5 different streams.
Mossy Falls
Mossy Falls one of the prettiest places to visit in Mussoorie. Set amidst dense green forests, the falls cascade down from a height of 145 meters, sending up white mists all around. The falls drop from a height of 20 feet, 17 feet, 19 feet, 12 feet, 20 feet and 57 feet respectively, though not all drops are visible from one clear angle. If you wish to see all the drops, you will have to undertake a considerable amount of hiking around the Mossy Falls. The pleasure of taking a dip in the cold water of the mountains is an experience in itself, especially after an early morning hike. You can, of course, use transportation if you so desire. The quiet of the mountains and the rush and tumble of the waterfalls together make music which brings peace and joy to all those who listen to it.
Lake Mist
Lake Mist is one of the best places to visit in Mussoorie that offers a pristine lake, fed by the waters of River Kempty and is home to a small but pretty waterfall whose gurgling adds music to the scenic beauty of the lake. Set in the midst of the green hills, Lake Mist is a good place to spend a few hours. There is also a boating facility available so that people can go and explore the lake in close proximity. The best time to go on the lake would be early on a weekday since the place witnesses a huge rush from the visitors on weekends, which makes it noisier and more chaotic.
Dhanaulti
A small and laid-back town, Dhanaulti is by no means a ‘popular’ weekend getaway attraction near Mussoorie. The place has several points of attraction for tourists that include an ancient fort from the 16th century and two small but elegant temples- Dashavatar Temple, the earliest known Panchayatan temple in North India built in the Gupta period, and Surkanda Devi Temple, which is located at a height of 10,000 feet. Apart from these attractions, tourists can visit the Potato Farm in Dhanaulti, an initiative by the state government.
Shedup Choepelling Temple
Shedup Choepelling Temple is often referred to as the Tibetan Buddhist Temple. It is one of the most popular shrines in the region. The temple was established by the Tibetan community of Mussoorie and is a true exemplary of the Tibetan architecture. Clay lamps, surrounding blooming flowers, bright interior walls and the prayer flags amplify the beauty of the shrine. The temple offers a beautiful view of the majestic snow-capped mountains and green valleys of Mussoorie.
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