My first day in Mussoorie after check-in was about getting a feel of Mall Road by taking a leisurely walk. Then the cable car ride up to Gun Point provided for some majestic views of the Himalayan range. Next was the turn of satisfying my taste buds at two historical food joints on Mall Road. Ones that you cannot afford to miss during your trip to the Queen of the Hills. Back to Hotel SunGrace provided an opportunity to witness a beautiful sunset before retiring to my room with the book ‘Roads to Mussoorie’ by Ruskin Bond. This second day was for exploring the best places near Mussoorie. Come let’s set out for yet another exciting day.
The first stop – Kempty Falls
Kempty Falls is a 12 meter high waterfall located 15 km from Mussoorie. Since our hotel was halfway on Kempty Fall road , it just took us around 15 min to reach. During the British days their officers used to stop for some tea here during their to and fro journey from Mussoorie to Chakrata. Hence the name Camp Tea which later became Kempty.
Book Hotel SunGrace or your choicest hotel in Mussoorie here on Booking.com
The journey to Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti is another hill station located 24 km away from Mussoorie. It provides some great views of Doon Valley and the snow-clad Garhwal Himalayas. Enjoy some great views on the way as we reach there in an hour’s time.
What to do in Dhanaulti
Enjoy Spectacular Views
Nature Walk & Bird Watching at Dhanolti Eco Park
Shop for Spices & Organic Fruit juices at local shops
Where to stay in Dhanaulti
If you wish to stay for couple of nights instead of a day trip, there are many decent hotels and camp sites available. But a great option just opposite Eco Park are the Eco Huts of Mussoorie Forest Department.
Connect with Forest Department here for booking information on Eco Huts. Also check out Uttarakhand Tourism for other options for your stay in Dhanaulti. Furthermore book your choicest hotel here on Booking.com.
For adventure seekers, Dhanaulti is the base point for various treks to the Himalayas including trails to the Surkanda Devi Temple, Kunjapuri and Chandrabadni among others. Also the adventure resorts here offer activities like rappelling, zip-lining, mountain biking etc. for you to indulge in. During winters there are many skating arenas as well.
Landour
Landour got its name from Llanddowror, a small town in Wales. Situated at an altitude of 2286 m above sea level, the top of Landour is the highest point in Mussoorie. This also remains the most secluded and beautiful area with spectacular views of the snow clad Great Himalayas, dense deodar forests and peaceful slopes.
If Mussoorie is ‘Queen of the Hills’, Landour is the fairer princess even though it has some of the oldest settlements. British forces occupied this region of Garhwal after defeating the Gurkhas in the second decade of the nineteenth century. In 1827 it bacame a convalescence depot for British troops suffering from malaria and other tropical diseases. At the beginning of twentieth century a British Military Hospital was established which remained open till 1947. An old bridle trail which circles the three summits of Landour ridge is known as the ‘Chakkar” and became motorable in the late 1950’s. Let’s walk this Chakkar starting with Lal Tibba.
Lal Tibba
Lal Tibba also known as Depot Hill is the highest point in Mussoorie although the current one that visitors flock to is not the original point but close to that. Come let’s spend some time here with a coffee and some great views.
Kellogg Memorial Church
Landour Language School
Saint Paul’s Church
Char Dukan
Landour Bakehouse
Started two years back by a brother-sister couple from Mumbai, this bakery is a must visit place during your visit to Landour. The interiors reflect a touch of classical 19th century kitchen meant for baking a variety of items. The menu comprises of classics from ‘The Landour Cookbook’ and include fresh breads, pastries, muffins, cakes, pastries, muffins, tarts, crepes, toasty and assorted cookies. Moreover if you are feeling a bit hungry, you can sit down for their tandoor chicken croissant or paneer tikka croissant with some great coffee options to choose from. But be prepared to wait for 30-45 minutes for both pick-up and sit down options.
Mussoorie. Yet another fascinating hill station of Uttarakhand and North India. And Dhanaulti & Landour, the two gems near this beautiful holiday destination.
If you loved going around Mussoorie, PIN it for planning later!
Wonderfully out together. Loved it!
Thanks Pradipta 😊
Ah, you had me at Kempty Falls! What a beautiful waterfall! Clearly, this area surrounding Mussoorie is stunning with gorgeous views. I imagine the temperatures are cooler and more comfortable there too. So many fun things to do and see — and even great food to enjoy!
O yes Tami. No doubt why it’s called the Queen of the hills. Wish I had stayed another day to explore a bit more.
Yes Tami a great place to be in. Do come over this side sometime.
Mussoorie looks like a charming part of India. The eco huts are so unique and surrounded by wonderful views and nature. The bakery sounds great and the menu is so enticing too!
You sure saw a lot of great sights as you explored around Mussoorie. The Kempty Falls would definitely be something we would want to see with those cascading levels. A trip to the Dhanaulti hill station sure would be worth it for the views. Even if I have no plans to use it as a based to hike the Himalayas! A busy day with a sweet stop along the way.
Yes Linda. Mussoorie has quite a lot to offer.
Kempty Falls is so impressive. I think I would stop right there, how could you top that! The Mussoorie area offers a lot to see and do, but most of all the views are beautiful.
Yes Renee Mussoorie is a lovely place to be in.
I love reading book based on destinations I am visiting, it provides another lens to the place. Kempty Falls looks gorgeous! The tandoor chicken croissant at Landour Bakehouse sounds amazing
Yes in all Mussoorie is a great place to be in Sherianne.
Kempty Falls looks fantastic! I would like to see it in person. I think I will like every thing in Landour Bakehouse. I like breads and pastries and they all look delicious.
Yes Umiko. Landour Bakehouse has made a big name for itself in a short while. The stuff is really good.
The area around Mussoorie looks so lush and cool. I can imagaine that it was and is a popular hill station destination. Kempty Falls looks quite impressive – I was surprised that it is only 12 m high. How many days would you adivise to stay in the area to do some hiking and also relax a bit?
One day in Dehradun, 2 days in Mussoorie, 2 days in Dhanaulti and then move on for 4-5 days trekking from there to different destinations Natascha.
The allure of India is strong! The Kempty Falls is something. Stunning mountain views! I can imagine that it would be a great place for seeking serenity. I’d love to be going around Mussoorie if given a chance.
Try and come down to India sometime Trisha. You would have a great time.