No trip to Mussoorie is complete without visiting the much-famed Kempty Falls. The site was developed by a British officer in the 1830s for hosting tea parties and ever since, it has become a popular attraction in Mussoorie, especially for picnics.
Plunging from a height of almost 1,364 metres, these falls offer spectacular views of the valley around it. Bathe in the waters of the pool formed at the bottom of the fall, click some pictures, or sit by the side of the cascading fall and enjoy garma-garam Maggi with kadak chai.
Perched on the Depot Hill in Landour, Lal Tibba is one of the highest viewpoints in Mussoorie. Just 6 km from the city centre, this vantage point rests at an altitude of 2,275 metres so you can only imagine the views from up here. The name of the viewpoint literally translates to Red Hill, which is a direct reference to the colour of the sky visible from here during the sunrise and sunset.
On a cloudless day, you will be able to view peaks like Bandarpunch, Kedarnath and Badrinath from this viewpoint. The telescopes installed at Lal Tibba let you soak in the beauty of it all from up close.
The courtyard was filled with red chilies and rice grains, sunned on those colourful rugs. The traditional Pahari wooden house added the much needed charm to this picturesque village right in the centre. It was during my recent visit to the Rokeby Manor in Landour, when I got to know about the corn village. The name was so intriguing that I decide to explore it the very first day.
The sun has finally triumphed in its battle with the clouds and I am privy to a spectacular bird’s eye view of Dehradun and the entire Doon Valley. The sky is a glorious colour of blue, nearby hills and heritage structures of Mussoorie are also visible. We walk toward the timeless British Cantonment Area of Landour and are pleased to see it as beautiful as always.
The second highest peak in Mussoorie, Gun Hill Point is one of the most popular viewpoints in the area. Located at a distance of 1.7 km from the Mall Road, this viewpoint can be reached by a 20-minute uphill trek. Apart from a 360-degree view of the town and other parts of the Doon Valley, you will also be able to take in the views of Bunderpunch, Srikantha, Gangotri and Pithwara Himalayan ranges from here.
At a distance of around 3 km from the Mall Road, the Company Garden in Mussoorie makes for a perfect spot to spend quality time with your family and friends. The entire plan of this garden was laid down by Dr. H Fackner and it is maintained by the Garden Welfare Association of Mussoorie.
You will find beautiful fountains, lush greenery, colourful birds, and different varieties of flowers while taking a walk around the garden. If you are up for it, go for boating on Artificial Lake.
If solitude is what you are looking for on your next trip to Mussoorie, Cloud’s End is where you should be at. A scenic stretch of lush deodar and oak forests, this place is located 6 km from the Library Road and marks the geographical end of the hill town. You can reach Cloud’s End by trekking along the Hathipaon Road from the Happy Valley area.
Besides offering stunning views throughout the day, this place has the most surreal setting for watching the sun go up and down in the azure sky. Photographers find this place extremely beautiful, and you too might get your next Insta-worthy shot here.
Situated in the quaint village of Jharipani, about 7 km from the city centre of Mussoorie, is the stunning Jharipani Falls. Its charm lies in its secluded location that is not marred by touristy crowds yet. You can spend hours soaking in the beauty of the falls, clicking good pictures or simply appreciating the views of the scenery around the waterfall including those of the Shivalik range.
You will also find rare varieties of flowers in bloom at the site. The route to the falls is simple and can be easily covered via a car. However, after a certain point, you will have to trek for around 1.5 km to reach the falls.
A man-made lake yet one of the most beautiful sites in the city, Mussoorie Lake has become a popular tourist attraction recently. Apart from boating on the lake, you can try water zorbing and zip lining here. Oh, and now you can also do paragliding just a short distance away from the lake.
There are several small souvenir shops, restaurants and a horror house near the lake. So after you have had your share of fun at the lake, sit down for a delectable lunch or go for a shopping spree.
Located 6 km from Gandhi Chowk in Mussoorie, Sir George Everest’s House dates back to the year 1832. Better known as The Park Estate, this place once served as the home, laboratory and observatory of Sir George Everest. From measuring the highest mountains to scaling the distances between the mountains of the North, Sir Everest has done it all from this place.
Do visit the observatory to find some insightful information about his life and work. The views from the summit atop which the heritage building sits are strikingly beautiful especially when they are covered in mist. So, even if the history doesn’t interest you, the vistas definitely would.
Located in the centre of the city, this serene religious place is considered one of the first churches built in the Himalayan Ranges. Built in Gothic architectural style, the church is crowded during the weekends.