The natural beauty of Uttarakhand knows no bounds. Green rolling hills, pristine valleys, and meandering rivers—the state has untouched spots where you can hear yourself think. Here, the beautiful land of Mussoorie has always been a popular spot for weekend getaways and family holidays. There’s something quite magical about this lovely hill station nestled in the arms of the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas, and the surreal mountain views are peace for your soul.
We’ve already begun our preparations for the scorching Indian summers, and this quaint hill station tops the charts of your exploration. In the gorgeous valleys of Mussoorie, these are all the exciting things you can do in the queen of hill stations!
1. Visit Kempty Falls
One of the most-visited spots by Indians and tourists alike, the soothing Kempty Falls is located at 15 kilometres from Mussoorie, at an altitude of about 4,500 feet above the sea level. It was initiated as a picnic spot in 1835 by the British officer John Mekinanhe, and it’s still must-do on every traveller’s itinerary.
2. Go boating at Lake Mist
Source: Global Vision Tours
Fed by the waters of River Kempty, and only five kilometres from the Kempty Falls, Lake Mist is set amidst the luscious green hills of Mussoorie. Come here with a big group of friends and go boating in the lake. The best time to visit the lake is early on a weekday since the place witnesses a huge rush of visitors on the weekends.
3. Explore Tibetan architecture at Shedup Choepelling Temple
Also referred to as the Tibetan Buddhist Temple, the shrine was established by the Tibetan community of Mussoorie, and is a vision of absolute beauty—with clay lamps, surrounding blooming flowers, bright interior walls, and prayer flags adding a magical touch to the shrine. The temple offers a beautiful view of the majestic snow-capped mountains and green valleys of Mussoorie. The best time to visit the temple is between 5am and noon or 4pm and 9pm.
Also Read About Unexplored HIll Stations In India
4. Enjoy the Library Bazaar
Source: TripAdvisor
Popularly known as the Kitaab Ghar, the Library Bazaar was found in 1843, and is tucked between the Laxmi Narayan Temple, the Gurudwara Singh Sabha, the Amania mosque and the Christ church. The library is open on all days between 9am and 8pm, and is one of the few libraries in India with a stunning colonial architecture.
5. Go paragliding
Paragliding operators in Mussoorie offer rides on a two-seater gliders operated by professional pilots with over 3,000 hours of flying experience. You are not required to have any prior experience in the sport, as long as you have the thrill of adventure and the adrenaline running through your veins to soar through the skies! The flights are long rides of minimum one hour (15 kilometres) that take you up to 10,000 feet in altitude.
Cost: Rs 2,000 onwards, a long flight of 60 minutes costs INR 10,000
Operators: Paragliding in Mussoorie, Zip Line Adventures
6. Ride the ropeway to Gun Hill
Source: TripAdvisor
As a kid, one of my favourite ways to travel from point A to point B at hill stations was always through cable cars, and Mussoorie sure knows how to get my inner child giggling with glee! A five-seven minute ride will take you from Jhulaghat to Gun Hill, Mussoorie’s second highest peak. Once you reach the top, the panoramic view will leave you gasping with wonder. You have to see it to believe it!
7. Spot exotic flora and fauna in the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
Source: Holidify
Part of the popular Rajaji National Park, the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is an absolute treat for all the nature lovers, and remains one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in Mussoorie. Here, you can find rare and exotic species of fauna including the Red-Billed Blue Magpie, White Capped Water Redstart, Himalayan goat, leopards and panthers, among many others. You can catch spectacular vistas of the ice caped Chaukhamba and Bandarpunch peaks from the sanctuary. The park is open on all days between 7am and 5pm.
8. Go for the Nag Tibba Trek
Every hiking enthusiast knows nothing comes close to the exhilarating rush of going for a trek on the Himalayan ranges, and the Nag Tibba trek is one such experience that you need to take to know what it feels like! The path is accessible to all age groups and makes for a great family outing. The trek is simple to complete during the dry months when snow does not block the trails, and over a period of two days, you climb up the mountain to a height of 9,915 feet. The trek takes you through dense Garhwal forests and ultimately reveals a stunning vista of the Garhwal ranges. Sounds like a great family-outing, doesn’t it?
9. Meet the amazing Ruskin Bond!
Source: Mid-Day
Book lovers unite, for all your childhood dreams are definitely going to come true! Giving in to his love for the mountains, Mr Bond moved to the cantonment town of Landour and it’s on every bibliophile’s list to pay him a visit while there. You can also find him at the Cambridge Book Depot, on Mussoorie’s Mall Road every Saturday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm, where he loves to meet his fans, interacts with them, takes pictures, and signs their copies of his books for them as well.
10. Give in to your taste buds at the Casa Mia Bakery
Source: All Seasons Holidays
This comfy little bakery is sure to give your sweet tooth something to fantasise about long after you’ve left the green hills of Mussoorie! Try the fresh fruit cream and Danish pastries as well as the crisp patties and croissants that lure you in from the glass windows of Casa Mia Bakery, and let the foodie in you rejoice!
Where to stay
Kasmanda Palace: Located on the Mall Road, Kasmanda Palace is the perfect mix of old world charm and modern luxury.
Starz Clarks Inn: Nestled amidst rich, lush green surroundings and boasting the most exclusive views of the Doon Valley, Starz Clarks Inn’s elegant rooms are guaranteed to give you absolute comfort.
Hotel Dunsvirk Court: At the highest point on the hill, Dunsvirk Court is one of the finest luxury boutique hotels in Mussoorie with all the modern amenities and the best valley and mountain views.
Images: Shutterstock