Nestled in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas, Mussoorie is a beautiful hill station, also known as the Queen of Hills. This tunnel city of Uttarakhand is a unique combination of colonial charm, natural beauty, romance, and unique stories. If you are a history buff, nature lover, or adventure enthusiast, Mussoorie has something special for everyone.
In 1827, Captain Young, a brave military officer, made the discovery of Mussoorie. He thought it was a charming hill station with remarkable beauty, beautiful hills, and a wide variety of plants and animals. Additionally, Mussoorie serves as a gateway to the temples of Gangotri and Yamunotri.
There are many places in Mussoorie that you can explore.
1. Kempty Fall:-
Kempty falls is 15 km away from Mussoorie on Yamunotri road. There is a 40 feet high waterfall which is known as Kempty falls. Boating is also available here and people come here to enjoy swimming. British officer John Mackinnon made it a picnic spot in 1835. Local buses or private taxis can easily reach here.
2. Gun Hill:-
Gun Hill is 1.7 km away from Gul Mall road. A ropeway is available to reach here from Mall Road. From here one gets a beautiful view of the Himalaya range and Doon valley. In the British era, a canon i.e. top was kept here which was used to tell the time. You can go here to see sunrise or sunset in the morning or evening.
3. Lal Tibba:-
Lal tibba is the highest point in Mussoorie which is situated in the land end. The mountains of Badrinath, Kedarnath and Gangotri are visible through a telescope in Lal Tibba. It is the best place for sunset and sunrise. It was a military station in the British era.
4. Camels Back Road:-
It is situated near the Mall road. This road looks like the back of a camel. Here you can enjoy walking and horse riding.
5. Cloud’s End:-
There is a place named Clouds End 6 km away from Mussoorie. As soon as you reach here, you will feel as if you have come amidst the clouds. There is also a British bungalow here which was built in 1838. In monsoon or winter, when the fog and clouds look very good, then one must definitely go here for beautiful views.
6.Company Garden:-
It was designed by Dr. H. Fackner in the British era, and here you will get to see beautiful flowers, boating, and a small amusement park. It is located at a distance of 3 km from Mussoorie.
7. Landour:-
There is a peaceful small town located 6 km away from Mussoorie, named Landour. There is a famous shop named Char Dukan here, where you can try Bun Maska and Maggi. There is a shop called Sister Bazaar which is known for bakery and organic cheese. Famous writer Ruskin Bond used to live here.
8. Belong Wildlife Sanctuary:-
This sanctuary is located 11 km away from Mussoorie. Here you can see very rare birds like Red Belt Blue Macaw and Mountain Quail. This place is famous for its deodar and pine forests.
9. George Everest House:-
This is a natural waterfall and beautiful picnic spot located 7 km away from Mussoorie. Families come here to enjoy picnic spots.
10. Bhatta Falls:-
Bhatta Falls is located on Mussoorie Dehradun road. It is a calm and clean waterfall. Only water options are available here. Monsoon and winter are the best times to visit.
11. Jharepani Falls:-
There is a natural waterfall 7 come away from Mussoorie. It is also a beautiful picnic spot. Monsoon time is the best time to visit.
12. Jwala Devi Temple:-
It is considered a Shakti Peeth. There is a natural cave near the temple which is best for meditation. This temple is dedicated to Jwala Mata, a form of Durga Devi, who is considered the goddess of fire and energy. Devotees pray here to get blessings. It is believed that this temple is associated with the Shakti Peeths of India and resides in the divine energy of the goddess. The temple is located between deodar and oak forests. From here one gets a spectacular glimpse of the Himalayan mountains.
It is an excellent place for those who want to meditate. A small trek has to be taken to reach here, which provides a great experience for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Beautiful views of Doon Valley and Yamuna River are visible from the temple, which makes this place even more special. A taxi or private vehicle is used to reach this temple, located about 9 km from Mussoorie. The last few kilometers have to be covered on foot, which is a pleasurable experience in itself.
13. Shedup Choepelling Temple:-
This temple is located in the Happy Valley area of Mussoorie and is considered an important center of Buddhism, peace, knowledge and Tibetan culture. In 1959, the Dalai Lama and his followers came to India from Tibet, then the Indian government allowed them to settle in Mussoorie. This temple was built by those Tibetan refugees and it is considered the center of Tibetan culture in Mussoorie.
The atmosphere of the temple is very calm and spiritual, which is an ideal place for knowledge and self-reflection. Buddhist monks chant mantras here, which transmits a positive energy here. The architecture of the temple is built in traditional Tibetan style. It has colorful murals, cash and prayer wheels related to the teachings of Buddhism.
There are large prayer wheels in the temple premises on which the sacred Buddhist mantra Om Mani Pada Hum is written. It is believed that rotating the wheel gives positive energy and brings happiness and peace in life. This temple located in Happy Valley is one of the most beautiful areas. From here you can see the amazing views of the Himalayan hills and the Doon Valley. If you are going to visit Mussoorie and want to get involved in spirituality, meditation and Tibetan culture, then you can see the amazing views of the Himalayan hills and the Doon Valley. If you are interested then definitely visit here, here you will get to see a unique confluence of inner peace, glimpse of Buddhism and natural beauty of Mussoorie.
14. Naag Devta Temple:-
There is a Nag Devta temple in Mussoorie which is dedicated to Lord Naag i.e. Sarv Devta. This temple is located on Mussoorie Dehradun road and is an important religious place for tourists along with local people. In Hinduism, Nag Devta is considered to be the protector of wealth, fertility and security. Devotees come here and pray for the prosperity and protection of their family. Special rituals are performed here on the day of Shravan month and Nag Panchami. During this time, a large number of devotees come to visit the temple.
This temple is situated on a high hill from where a wonderful view of two valleys and surrounding green hills is seen. The calm atmosphere of the temple is suitable for meditation and spiritual peace. It is believed that whoever prays here with a true heart, all his wishes are fulfilled and the problems in life are removed. The temple has been built in ancient style and is considered an important place. Nag Devta Temple is located at a distance of about 6 to 7 kilometers from Mussoorie.
You can easily reach here by taxi or private vehicle or bike. If you are going to visit Mussoorie and are interested in spirituality, then definitely visit Nag Devta Temple. Here not only spiritual peace is found, but also spiritual peace is also found. Not only will you get to see the beautiful view of mountains and natural scenery as well.
15. Happy Valley:-
In 1959, when Dalai Lama came to India from Tibet, he was first given shelter in Happy Valley of Mussoorie. This place is an important center of Tibetan culture and traditions. Later Dalai Lama and his followers moved to Dharamsala but the Tibetan community is still settled here.