Don’t be disappointed with the title even if you are single, because Mussoorie is not just the lover’s point for lovebirds, but also nature-lovers, adventure-lovers, travel-lovers and food-lovers. It’s no surprise that the great English author Ruskin Bond decided to settle in this town for inspiration, back in 1963, and still continues to live there. Popularly called, ‘The Queen of Hills’ in India, Mussoorie is located at an altitude of approximately 2000 meters, in the state of Uttarakhand in North India.
Before you rush in to pack your bags and get set go for it, I would like you to take a brief journey through this article, so as to be able to enjoy your trip better.
So here’re the basics that you need to know before you embark on your journey to visit the Queen.
1. How to get there
Mussoorie is a hill station located in the hills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is a 35 km uphill drive from the state capital Dehradun to Mussoorie.
Now, unlike you might think, it is pretty easy to get to this place.
You just need to book yourself on a train to Dehradun and once there, you could hire a ride to Mussoorie. Alternatively, you could board a flight to Delhi, and then take the train Jan Shatabdi in the afternoon, that would drop you at Dehradun just before mid-night. However, I would suggest that you get to Delhi, by rail or by air, and then hire/rent a car all the way to Mussoorie, as this would allow you to enjoy the scenic north Indian highway, crossing several breath-taking dams and grabbing some superb butter paneer, dal makhani and butter naan on the way!
Note: It is highly recommended that you undertake the uphill journey at a time when there’s sufficient light, if you really wish to enjoy the pristine forests.
2. Where to stay
There are umpteen numbers of hotels in Mussoorie, ranging from luxurious resorts to budget hotels. However, what you really need to consider while checking-in to a hotel is its location. We suggest that you select a hotel closer to the Mall road or the Library Bazaar, which would allow you an easy access to the main town and marketplaces.
3. Places To Visit
Here’s a list of places, without which your trip to Mussoorie would be incomplete
Kempty Fall
- You must take a dip into the spine-chilling cold waters of this waterfall to experience ‘bliss’. Developed as a tourist spot by a British officer named John Mekinan, Kempty falls is a perennial waterfall located on Chakrata Road, 13km from Mussoorie. A cup of hot tea and ‘meri Maggi’ would be a good idea after the dip.
Lal Tibba
- Being the highest point of the Mussoorie hills, it offers you a splendid view of the Himalayan ranges, which will leave you gaping in awe. Taxis are available from Mussoorie, however, for people looking for some real adventure, trekking is a great option.
Bhatta Fall
- Now although this one is a small waterfall, it is a major tourist attraction for the sake of the virgin forests around it. At a distance of just 6kms from the main town, it is a very convenient place to get to. But we would advise you to carry your own food, as the eateries available there have very basic to offer.
Company Garden
- For those looking for a relaxing time with their family, this place is a must visit. It is a botanical garden, decorated with a spectrum of colorful flowers, a small lake with boating facility, an artificial waterfall, rides for children, stores offering souvenirs and an ambient food court offering a variety of snacks. It is located just 3kms from Mussoorie and can be reached by a taxi or a rickshaw.
Library Bazaar
- To be honest, this is the heart of Mussoorie! It is a bustling street with quaint coffee shops and restaurants and a pure shopping delight for shopaholics. This bazaar is the true spirit of Mussoorie. The street has a charm that you just cannot escape and it will continue to linger in your mind, even long after you’re back from your vacation. The products offered by the shops range from local handicrafts to the best of brands available in any modern town. However, you need to be good at bargaining, because the shopkeepers will invariably quote higher prices.
Traveling coupled with delicious food is certainly irresistible for all of us alike, hence lets have a look at some of the best eateries in the town.
Little Llama Café
- This café offers Italian and Asian cuisines, topped with a great ambience. The rooftop seating arrangement offers a spectacular view of the hills while you enjoy the delicious and an impeccable service.
Kalsang
- This restaurant is one of its kind, offering Chinese, Tibetan and Thai cuisines, particularly famous for its momos/dimsums. It offers great food without pinching the pocket.
Café Ivy
- Located 4kms from Mussoorie, this one offers great view combined with books and melodious music and is the new hotspot in the town. Although its food is decent, it could get a bit overpriced.
Café de Tavern
- His one’s a modern looking café located on Mall Road, offering some mouth-watering Italian food and refreshing coffee.
Trout House Grill and Bar
- The uniqueness of this restaurant lies in its mountain facing seating arrangement, that could raise the mood of diners several degrees higher. Its menu is predominantly north Indian and the quality of food and service is good.
Apart from these, you may also visit Chic Chocolate, Lovely Omelette Center, Emily’s, Momos Tibetan Restaurant, Nostradamus-The Writers’ Bar and Clock Tower Café and the list is endless!
So what are you waiting for?
Pack your luggage and set forth on the journey to the Queen of Hills, an experience that will last you for your lifetime and that’s a guarantee!