Mussoorie (pronounced Masūrī) is a hill station in India renowned for its heights, beautiful flora, and breathtaking variety in fauna. A resort town atop of being a popular station, it’s in the northern part of India within the district of Dehradun, and is famous for having a history entwined with the 1959 Tibetan Rebellion. According to the official page of the Dehradun District Administration, the first stones for modern-day Mussoorie were laid in 1827 by a military officer named Captain Young, who was enamored by the region’s beauty.
Today, Mussoorie is a breathtaking tourist and vacation spot with just over 30,000 inhabitants according to the National Indian Census of 2011, with amazing resorts and hotels from which to enjoy its various sights and experiences.
Listen to the Sounds of Kempty Falls
Shrouded in mountain ranges as tall 1,370 meters, Kempty Falls is a huge natural waterfall splitting into five separate cascades. About 13 kilometers from the town of Mussoorie itself, Kempty Falls is an amazing location all-year round.
At one point of the falls, water drops a tremendous 40 feet – that’s enough to echo throughout the entire hillside and make for a beautiful relaxation spot. If you’re a fan of waterfalls, Kempty definitely won’t disappoint.
Visit the SOHAM Heritage and Art Centre
The SOHAM Heritage and Art Centre are a museum and collection of Himalayan and Indian art from the northern region in and around Mussoorie. Located among forests and hills, it’s set in an idyllic and beautiful location, and makes for a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.
Since Mussoorie almost borders the Himalayan mountain range, SOHAM focuses on Himalayan art. Traditional tools and clothes, household items, and olden paintings are among some of the treasures showcased here for all to see, alongside jewelry, sculptures, murals, and frescoes.
Climb the Peaks of Lal Tibba
At nearly 2,300 meters above sea level, Mussoorie’s most obvious must-see destination is its highest peak and summit – Lal Tibba. Broadcasting radio stations like Doordashan all over the region, Lal Tibba also boasts a special Japanese telescope, giving visitors and tourists the opportunity to view not just a spectacular sunset beyond all belief, but an incredibly romantic view of all of Mussoorie and the surrounding region.
Stargazing on cloudless nights is a must at Lal Tibba, especially for couples looking for a little romance in their night.
Lal Tibba is also dotted with old houses and buildings from the era of the British Empire, and is an Indian military outpost. With the nearest restaurant just about a mile away, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sun set before heading off on a romantic dinner.
Take in the Historic Happy Valley
When the Dalai Lama fled the Lhasa in 1959, the first destination he led his flock towards was Mussoorie, in a settlement known today as Happy Valley. There, he held a press conference communicating the plight of his people. Built in a colorful architecture reflective of its name, Happy Valley is still home to many a Tibetan, and the settlement itself isn’t too far away from Mussoorie’s famous Mall Road.
Built on the highest point of the valley is the first Tibetan shrine ever constructed in India – and thus, it’s the first Indian shrine to be blessed by the Dalai Lama himself. Coming here after a busy day of shopping at Mall Road – or after escaping the crowd at the Camel’s Back Road – is a great way to relax.
Picture Mussoorie from the Camel’s Back Road
Named for the way the road naturally slopes like a pair of camel humps, Camel’s Back Road is another historic tourist attraction in Mussoorie. Starting off at a library, and ending at a bazaar, the Camel’s Back Road is set along a high-altitude hillside, giving visitors another breathtaking view of Mussoorie and the surrounding Himalayan area.
Known to be a favorite among photographers, many visitors come by to snap a picture of the sun as it sets far in the horizon against the backdrop of the Himalayan mountain range. For a little fee, you can ride around the road on a horse – an amazing experience for first-timers.
Enjoy a Beautiful Lunch by Mussoorie Lake
Although Mussoorie is a mountainous region at heart, with the Himalayan mountain range right up to the north, and an amazingly scenic collection of falls, valleys, hills and shrines, it also boasts a sizable and glorious lake.
The road leading to the lake is relaxing and calm, while the lake itself offers boating trips across and through its serene waters, making for a great vacation locale. The nearby Doon Valley is also overlooked by many other resorts in Mussoorie, such as those provided by Sterling Holidays.
No matter where you decide to spend your time in Mussoorie, you’re bound to find a beautiful memory to take back home with you.
It’s a beautiful city. Remind me of our trip ages back. Will check the resort you have mentioned.
Thanks, Saru.