Hello fellow travellers,
If you’re a traveller who loves to escape the hustle and bustle of busy cities and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of scenic landscapes, then this blog is a must-read for you. As a fellow mountain enthusiast, I’m excited to share my recent 3-day trip to Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, known as the “Queen of Hills.”
Join me as I recount my journey through lush green forests, breathtaking viewpoints, and charming local spots, providing you with all the tips and insights you need to plan your own unforgettable Mussoorie adventure in Landour and Dhanaulti.
Landour Escape: How to Get There via Mussoorie?
To reach Landour, first arrive in Mussoorie. The nearest transportation hubs are Dehradun Airport, Bus Depot, and Train Station. From Delhi, I took an overnight train to Dehradun, and then a bus from the station to Mussoorie.
Mussoorie Accommodation Refreshment:
I stayed at Hotel Atithi, Mall Road Mussoorie, surrounded by picturesque hills. After refreshing myself, I opted to rent a two-wheeler to explore the area, providing flexibility and a closer connection with the breathtaking scenery.
Hidden Gems in Mussoorie
- Day 1: Exploring Landour’s Charm
Located just 7 kilometres north of Mussoorie, Landour is a peaceful town at 7500 feet, offering a quiet escape from busy city life.
- St. Paul’s Church: It’s built in 1840 and located next to Char Dukaan. Surrounded by tall deodar trees, it offers a peaceful ambience perfect for quiet reflection.
- Kellogg’s Memorial Church is a historic building with elegant stained glass windows and Gothic architecture. Although it was closed during my visit, its rustic charm adds to the allure of Landour.
- Landour Language School: Founded during British rule, this school continues to teach Indian languages like Hindi, Sanskrit, Punjabi, Urdu, and Garhwali, offering a glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage.
- Lal Tibba View Point: It is the highest point in Landour, offering views of several popular Himalayan peaks. Also, two cafes at Lal Tibba provide binoculars for INR 50 per person to enjoy the snow-capped mountains.
Landour, with its serene landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is a perfect retreat. Also, you can cover all these spots in one day and return to Mussoorie by evening.
- Day 2: Unveiling Dhanaulti’s Beauty
I began my second day with an early breakfast and set my destination to Dhanaulti on Google Maps, eager to immerse myself in the natural beauty of the area. Also, our two-hour ride was with stunning views.
- Surkanda Devi Temple: Upon reaching Dhanaulti, I headed to the Surkanda Devi Temple, located on a hill with beautiful views of the Himalayan peaks. Moreover, the climb was refreshing, and at the top and saw amazing panoramic views that left me in awe. After descending from the temple, I explored the area and found many small food stalls offering parathas, pakoras, and maggi. Moreover, I enjoyed freshly made palak pakoras with Maggi and a cup of coffee.
- Dhanaulti Adventure Park: The afternoon was full of fun at Dhanaulti Adventure Park. I enjoyed zip-lining through the trees, rappelling down cliffs, and rock climbing. Also, each activity was thrilling and exciting.
After enjoying the scenic beauty, I headed back to Mussoorie. On the way, I saw an incredible sunset, witnessing the rare winterline phenomenon unique to Mussoorie and Switzerland. Also, the western horizon turned into a stunning mix of yellow, red, and purple hues in Dhanaulti. It was an amazing and breathtaking experience.
- Day 3: Mussoorie Memories and Mall Road Farewell
On our final day, I walked around Mall Road in Mussoorie and explored the town along local shops. I also had lunch in the afternoon, and then took the bus back to Dehradun Railway Station. Moreover, the trip to Mussoorie was unforgettable. From the peaceful charm of Landour to the stunning views of Dhanaulti, every moment was filled with cherished memories.
Food to try in Mussoorie:
- Char Dukaan is a row of four small shops offering snacks and drinks like tea, coffee, Maggi, pakoras, parathas, pasta, and bun omelettes. Also, I visited Anil’s Cafe and tried their famous honey, ginger, lemon tea, and apple pancake. The cafe has been serving visitors for over 50 years.
- Landour Bakehouse is a popular cafe known for its delicious bakery items, desserts, and puddings made from traditional recipes. I tried the famous ‘Strawberry crepe,’ and it was worth every penny.
- We enjoyed a stunning sunset from the top of Klick Cafe. The cafe features a creative photography-themed interior and a diverse menu. Also, we tried their momos while savouring the sunset from their terrace.
Choosing the Best Time for Mussoorie
Mussoorie transforms into a winter wonderland, with occasional snowfall from October to February. It’s ideal for experiencing snow and enjoying activities like skiing and snowboarding.
Unveiling Mussoorie’s Magic: Your Essential Travel Guide
- Ensure to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred stay option.
- Also, carry essential medications and drink bottled water to avoid any health issues. The hill station’s high altitude may require acclimatisation, especially for those prone to altitude sickness.
- Moreover, pack light cotton clothes, warm layers, a waterproof jacket, a scarf, gloves, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Likewise, carry sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, moisturiser, and insect repellent.
Explore, experience, and embrace the magic of Mussoorie, where every moment is a postcard-worthy memory waiting to be captured.
Looking for great travel stories? Visit https://sowl.in/stories for safe and memorable travels.
