Mussoorie sits smug on the title, ‘’ Queen of the Hills’’. Though a number of upstarts have staked claim to it, none has been able to match the flavor and charm of this hill town set up by winded British officers to escape the heat and chaos of the plains. This, despite the crowd that throng and noise that pervades it now.
The town gets its name from Mansur (cororiana nepalensis), a herb grown extensively in the Himalayan foothills. The first ‘ settler’ in Mussoorie was Captain Young, an enterprising British military officer, who built Mullinagar, the oldest surviving cottage, in 1823. The town soon became the favoured destination of homesick British officers, nostalgic for temperate climes of their faraway homeland.
For long Mussoorie was the most exclusive club in India, being the favoured holiday destination of white sahibs as well as rajas and nawabs. The informal, salon like ambience still sets Mussoorie apart from other hill stations. The small size of the place means you bump into the same people again and again , and the crisp mountain air always has a hint of romance. As Mussorie’s favourite son, Ruskin Bond, sums it up ‘’ Mussoorie has always remained a poor cousin to Shimla, which had its Viceroy. Nainital had its Governor from United Provinces. Mussoorie remained Unofficial – for affairs of the heart’’.
The 35 Km ascent towards Mussoorie is marked by hairpin bends affording some brilliant views over the Doon Valley. Nevertheless, it could be a daunting experience for those with a weak stomach. Signboards along the way advise speedsters, “Better late than never”. As you climb higher, there is a stark change in temperature and vegetation as fresh mountain air laps against your face.
The town itself is perched on a 15 Km long horseshoe-shaped ridge, with Tehri Garhwal and grand Himalaya to the north, and Doon valley and Shivalik Hills to the south. The Mall Road is the hub of all activity , especially in the tourist season when it brims with holiday-makers. It stretches from Library Bazaar at one end to the abandoned Picture palace Cinema at the other. The cantonment suburbs of Landour are half a kilometer north east of the Picture Palace. The road is steep , so be preapared for stiff climb. Otherwise hire a taxi that shall save you the walk but cost you your repose, considering the breakneck speed at which some of them climb the slope. Taxis are easily available but operate only on a point to point basis and are fairly expensive, so make sure you settle a price before setting off.
Things to Do
Ride the Cable Car (Aerial Tramway) to Gun Hill.
Stroll Along Mall Road.
Swim at Kempty Falls.
Marvel Over the Corn Village.
Visit Mussoorie’s Tibetan Settlement.
Learn About Local Culture at SOHAM Heritage and Art Center.
Buy Natural Shawls and Scarves from Local Weavers.
Admire the Scenery from a Viewpoint.
Explore Jabarkhet Nature Reserve.
Entertain the Kids at Company Garden.
Step Back in Time at Landour.
Attend the Mussoorie Mountain Festival.
How To Reach
By air:
Jolly Grant Airport (50 km away) in Dehradun is the domestic airport closest to Mussoorie, which is well connected with major Indian cities. All the major carriers offer regular flights to this destination from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. After reaching the airport, travellers can hire taxis to reach Mussoorie; a journey of about two hours.
By road:
Mussoorie is well linked by a network of state and private buses to its neighbouring cities. A number of luxury, deluxe and semi-deluxe buses ply frequently from Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Tehri and Haridwar. Buses are easily available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi. Delhi to Mussoorie bus takes around nine to ten hours via NH 58 to cover a distance of 290 km to reach the destination. One can also reach from Delhi to Mussoorie by car in less than 8 to 9 hours, given the good conditions of highway roads. The drive is fun and scenic, as the travellers pass by lovely mountains and greenery.
By train:
Dehradun Railway Station, situated at a distance of about 28 km, is the nearest railhead serving the beautiful hill station Mussoorie. Travellers coming from New Delhi can book their tickets in Shatabdi Express, Mussoorie Express or Nizamuddin AC Special as these are the best trains connecting New Delhi to Dehradun. The best option from Delhi is Delhi Dehradun Shatabdi Express, which takes just five and a half hours to reach Dehradun. From outside the railway station, one can hire private taxis or take buses to reach Mussoorie. These taxis are available on sharing as well as individual basis. Those wish to save a little can opt for sharing taxis and cabs available from the taxi stand located close to the main bus stop in Dehradun.
