Encompassed by the majesty of the Himalayas, the hill resort of Mussoorie is an ideal vacationing idyll in Uttarakhand. Located 34 km from the city of Dehradun, it offers some of nature's best treats. Discovered by an Englishman named Captain Young, in 1820, Mussoorie has been named after the 'Mansur Shrub' that grows here in abundance. The place has been a favorite summer hideaway from the days of the British. Earlier an exclusive British respite, it today offers myriad delights to anyone who winds up to its welcoming bosom. As you ascent up the pine-scented circuitous streets with playful thoughts in your mind, you will be completely awed by the landscape Mussoorie unravels.

With streets girdled by pines and rhododendrons, you can glimpse the rolling snow-capped Himalayan peaks smiling at you. As you witness their ice cream noses and savor lungful of mountain air, you will be completely bewildered by the deep ravines and green valleys below. The breeze and the twittering birds collectively sing a symphony otherwise unheard. You can also spot mischievous monkeys by the roadside throughout the mountain ride. Some of them sit stoically and gives the impression of curved milestones that are randomly placed to highlight the mountain dream you are going to live.

Mussoorie seems like an immaculate work of art, carefully painted by some deft fingers. The whole town is encircled by black iron balustrades/ railings that make it look like a protective domain. The streets are carefully studded with black ornamental light posts and viewpoints that give the place a Victorian touch. As you sit on one of the carefully laid benches and relish the views, you can see the valleys below flicker with distant lights during the night. They look like numerous glowworms enjoying a mini-carnival. You can simply sit and watch this resplendence, as you start to believe that time really flies.

You can indulge in some gustatory delights with authentic Tibetan and Thai cuisine in any of the quaint food joints in Mussoorie or while away your time in a posh bar. The only things that you leave behind in your city-home are cacophony, worries and the enervating city atmosphere. Your metropolitan luxuries remain intact during your vacation in Mussoorie. Don't forget to check out some of the most exotic ornaments (Tibetan, Nepali, Naga, et al), handicrafts and curios at its colorful shops. Visit Mussoorie once and experience the magical charm that will make you visit it again and again. And yes, once back from your vacation, nursing the nostalgic hangover is solely your pleasure.

The nearest airport to reach Mussoorie is the Jolly Grant Airport, located 24 km from Dehradun. Daily flights (Indian Airlines and Air Deccan) from this airport connect Mussoorie to Delhi. You can easily board a bus/ taxi/ private car from the airport to reach Mussoorie.

The nearest railhead is located in Dehradun, 34 km from Mussoorie. It connects Dehradun to important cities like Delhi, Bombay, Amritsar, Varanasi and Lucknow. Shatabdi Express is the most convenient option, if you plan your trip from Delhi to Dehradun by train.

Well maintained and motorable roads connect Mussoorie to all the major cities nearby. Delhi is 269 km from Mussoorie, and one can easily drive via Meerut, Roorkie, Chuttmalpur, and Dehradun to reach Mussoorie from Delhi. Various buses of 'Uttaranchal State Transport' shuttle between Delhi and Mussoorie.

A perfect hill state of North India called as "The Queen of Hills", Mussoorie is a hot-pick when it comes to deciding a perfect holidaying destination in Uttaranchal. A place that is equally exciting and make romantic. Mussoorie has a lot to offer to the touriste. A 34 km winding drive from Dehradun takes you to its lap. Located on the Garhwal Hills, the hill station juts out like a little paradise from a hilltop. The place seems like a unique mosaic of antiquity, mysticism and various hues. With a picturesque backdrop and bracing environs, the place is home to numerous tourist attractions. Learn more about the sightseeing tours in Mussoorie.

The highest point in Mussoorie, Lal Tibba gives you splendid view of the landscape around. Located in Landour, it is the oldest inhabited area of the place. Old British architectures adorn the place and impart it an antique charm. From here, one can have clear views of the snow capped Himalayan peaks and places like Badrinath and Kedarnath dotting the horizon.

Road The road borrows its name from a large rock here that looks like a camel's back. One can see the rock from the 'Mussoorie Public School'. The road starts from Kurli Bazaar and goes up to the Library Bazaar. Thick deodar trees girdle this 3 km long stretch. The atmosphere is very serene and ideal for pony-riding and watching the sun playing 'hide and seek' in the Himalayas.

At a height of 2122 m, this is the second highest peak of the town. During the colonial era, a gun was placed atop the hill and fired exactly at mid-day to announce the time. Thus, the place derived its name as 'Gun Hill'. One can have stunning views of the landscape and other Himalayan Ranges from the place. A 400 m ropeway connects the Mall to this place. Walking is another alternative.

Located 15 km from Mussoorie, the Kempty Falls lie amidst a mass of hills. Sparkling water gushes down from a height of 4,500 ft and further segregates into five different falls (40 ft each) at this place. Originally, the British conducted tea-parties here. Thus, the colloquial name 'Camp-Tea' earned it the name 'Kempty'. The falls remain open to public from March to July.

Located about 3 km from Mussoorie, this beautiful picnic spot is easily accessible by a pony, rickshaw or car. Housed amidst bamboo and deodar trees, it was earlier known as the 'Company Garden'. The place has an artificial lake that provides boating facilities. Varieties of exotic flowers are also found in the gardens. One can also reach the place on foot, via Waverly Convent Road.

The Jharipani and the Bhatta Falls are two major waterfalls of Mussoorie. Jharipani Fall is located 8.5 m from Mussoorie on the Mussoorie-Jharipani Road and can be reached by a vehicle, up to a distance of 7 km. The rest of the journey (1.5 km) has to be covered on foot. Bhatta Fall is located on the Mussoorie- Dehradun Road and is an ideal spot for bathing and picnicking.

This famous Hindu temple is located at a distance of 9 km from Mussoorie. Dedicated to Goddess 'Durga', this temple is situated atop the Benog Hill, at a height of 2100 m. Enveloped by thick forests from all sides; the temple poses a striking picture. Moreover, one can have breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks, Doon Valley and the Yamuna valley from this site.

This newly made lake is situated on the Dehradun road, at a distance of 6 km from Mussoorie. Developed by the city board and the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority, this lake is a famous picnic spot of the place. With a beautiful backdrop, the place is also famous for its pedal-boating facilities. The lake also offers enchanting view of Doon Valley and the surrounding places.

Covered with a thicket of undulating pine trees and varicolored shrubs, Van Chetna Kendra is a popular picnic spot of the place. It is located at a distance of about 3 km from Mussoorie, on the Tehri Road (by-pass). Thus, it is easily accessible from Mussoorie by a vehicle or even on foot. The place is also popular for exotic wildlife delights like Ghurar, Kankar and Himalayan Peacock.