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!
