Unwrapping the Queen of Hills: Top 5 Places to Visit in Mussoorie

At a height of approximately 6,580 feet, this little town gives one majestic view of Doon Valley and the snow-clad Himalayas. Being a haven for all those who love nature and adventure or just want to have a break from city life, Mussoorie spells out perfect serenity combined with colonial charm and an array of exciting attractions. Mussoorie also known to be the “Queen of Hills” located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. But have you ever wondered why Mussoorie is known to be as queen of hills? Let’s understand why.

Brief History

Dehradun was a very thinly populated piece of land used by shepherds for grazing. It was under Gurkha rule briefly in 1803, but it got back to the British after they won in 1815.  

Mussoorie which is situated in Garhwal Himalayan region, was discovered by a British military officer named Captain Frederick Young and an official called F.J. Shore in 1823. When Captain was exploring the hills, he was pleased with the cool weather and the greenery view. Captain Young built the first house, “Mullingar,” on Camel’s Back Road, thereby founding the town.

The pleasant weather conditions and the beauty of the region were soon enough to attract more British officials and civilians, and it became a sought-after retreat during the hot Indian summers. The regions were filled with Mansoor Shrubs from which the name was derived then. Over the years, it grew into one of the most prominent hill stations, becoming the “Queen of the Hills.”
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How to travel to Mussoorie?

You can travel to Mussoorie via various transportation:

• Air Travel

If you are traveling to Mussoorie by flight the nearest airport is Jollygrant which is located in Dehradun and it’s almost 60 km away from Mussoorie. You can book a taxi or bus from the airport. It will take around 2 hours to reach Mussoorie.

• Traveling through Rail

The train station is at Dehradun, which is almost over 30 km away from Mussoorie. One can travel to Dehradun by train from Delhi. Several trains leave for Dehradun. The time taken depends on the train’s speed. You can also take the Vande Bharat Express which is one of the fastest trains in India.

• Reaching Mussoorie by Road

Mussoorie is also well connected by road. If you are coming from Delhi, it is approximately 290 km, and the journey is around 6-7 hours. The bus transport system is also available from Delhi and other towns to Dehradun, and a taxi or bus can take from there to Mussoorie. Alternatively, you can also drive to Mussoorie via good road networks. Construction of a new road is also taking place from Delhi to Dehradun which will take almost two hours to reach Dehradun. It will start operating from 2025.
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Weather in Mussoorie

• Summer in Mussoorie (March to June)

The weather here in Summer is not so hot and stable with a cool night. It is the best time for sightseeing and outdoor activities like trekking, boating, and exploring the local attractions. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C during this time.

• Monsoon in Mussoorie (July to September)

It is not the best time to visit Mussoorie as the rain will be a barrier to your plan. Furthermore, there are more chances of natural disasters such as landslides. The temperature in this weather ranges from 18°C to 22°C.

• Winter in Mussoorie (October to February)

This season is the best time to travel to Mussoorie for people who want to experience snowfall as the hills will be covered with snow, especially during January. The temperature ranges from 0°C and 10°C.