Winter holidays in Mussoorie

Uttarakhand is one of the prettiest states of India and Mussoorie is right up there among the favorite hill stations. North Indians love to head to Mussoorie to get away from the heat during summers. However a top favorite for many travelers is spending their winter holidays in Mussoorie.

If you are one who loves the hills, there are unlimited options in Uttarakhand. In the Kumaon region you could head to Nainital, Ranikhet, Almora, Kausani, Binsar, Mukteshwar, Munsiyari and Lansdowne to name a few. Moreover you have the Garhwal region starting with Dehradun. And then move on to explore Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Auli, Badrinath and Kedarnath from there.

Dehradun – The Gateway to Mussoorie

Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand has its special charm about it. Also known as the education city you can do a bit of sightseeing, witness the marvelous architecture of the ‘Indian Military Academy’ and take a walk on Paltan Bazar and do some shopping. One day is enough if you are a first timer.

But you must spend most of your day visiting the Forest Research Institute (FRI). The architecture of the institute, the gardens and the museums all tell a story. Moreover the views of the Mussoorie snow-capped mountains from there are just awe inspiring.

Then gorge on some specialty North Indian vegetarian or non-vegetarian kebabs and dishes at one of the many restaurants in town. Or something else that you love. Check out the options here on TripAdvisor.

And round off your day after dinner with a Paan (Betel leaf) of your choice from one of the many ‘Benarasi Paan Cafes’ in town.

Winter holidays in Mussoorie

How to reach

Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport around 60 kms away. It takes around two hours to reach during early mornings. The distance from Dehradun is around 34 kms and takes just an hour or so. Cabs from the airport or Dehradun city are the best options unless you are driving down.

Where to stay

My stay was in Hotel SunGrace in mid December this year. It was a really nice resort a little away from the crowd and offering some great views of the towering mountains. Moreover the service and food was just awesome. And as always got a great deal through Booking.com. You too could check out and book your choicest accommodation here on our site at a great price.

2 Days in Mussoorie

The period starting November till the end of January draws huge crowd to Mussoorie. Hence if you wish to enjoy the beauty of the hills while being close to Mall road during these months, opt for a hotel a little away. And then enjoy going around. Mussoorie is a small compact city and you can explore a lot on foot.

Visit the Kempty Falls

Wander around on Mall Road

Take a Cable Car to Gun Hill

And enjoy great views from there

Take a walk to George Everest peak

Visit Landour for some great views and experiences

Check out the great food options on Mall Road

For a comprehensive list of eating options in Mussoorie, click TripAdvisor here.

Head off to Dhanaulti for 2 days

Also Check OutFirst day in Mussoorie & Day Trip to Dhanaulti and Landour

Winter Holidays in Mussoorie – Snowfall time

Snowfall is unpredictable in Mussoorie, but this year it started in the early days of February. And as my friends from there reported, it was very heavy rainfall. I was eager to see how Hotel SunGrace looked like, where I had stayed a little more than a month back. And these are the beautiful views.

And then I came to know that my latest friend from Dehradun, Anuj Kumar was heading to Mussoorie. Anuj is the director of “Chanakya Defence College”, Dehradun and the institute is his own way of serving the country. By equipping young aspirants with the knowledge, skills & motivation to achieve their dream of joining the National Defence Academy (NDA). And dedicate their life to the Indian Armed Forces as Defence Officers.

He also loves his travel and driving. Come let’s experience a bit of the drive from Dehradun to Mussoorie with him to get the first feel of snowfall. And the snaps he has clicked and shared goes to prove he is a great photographer as well. So let’s get going and get a feel of Snowy Mussoorie.

Mussoorie through Anuj’s eyes

What to do while in Mussoorie

Check into a nice resort for 2 nights

Take a walk through the woods

Enjoy the freedom

Play with Snow. Become a child

Walk through Mall Road & enjoy the chill

Stop by at “Lovely Omelette Centre” for a hot cheese omelette

And watch this car struggle to move after heavy snow fall

The video has been shot from his shop and shared by none other than my new friend from Mussoorie, Shahid. He is an engineer, now a computer teacher in a premium boarding school & a chef during evening hours at his Lovely Omelette outlet.

Trek up 3 kms to Landour

Travel to Dhanaulti for 1 night

Book yourself in an Adventure Resort

Savour every moment with these unforgettable views

Enjoy your skiing, ice skating or other adventure sports

Head back to Mussoorie to spend a quiet night

Winter holidays in Mussoorie. The sun, blue sky, breathtaking views and the chill. Or the beauty of Queen of the hills with snow, snow and snow all around. Pick you choice. And if you have time in hand, enjoy the best of both worlds with a longish holiday starting in the last week of January.

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18 thoughts on “Winter holidays in Mussoorie

  1. Tami

    It appears that the best things about wintering in Mussoorie are the views and the food. Works for me! Oh, and I’d also love to hike to see that beautiful waterfall!

  2. Mussoorie looks like a winter wonderland! It reminds me a lot about Switzerland in winter. I would have never guessed that India can have so much snow. I can see why you had such a good time there.

  3. Natascha

    Nice to see a different side of India. Mussoorie in winter looks enchanted. Going for a snowshoe hike in these snowy woods would be high on my list. And the food looks so delicious too!

  4. Renee

    It sounds like a great mountain getaway. I would love to try some of those vegetarian kebabs and wood fire pizzas after a full day of exploring. And the waterfall is incredible.

  5. Jan Banerjee

    Mussoorie in Winter looks awesome! I was there a few years ago in Winter but there was no snow. That ‘Maggi and masala chai’ is so inviting! Your images of Kempty falls and the snow capped peaks look spectacular! 🙂

  6. Umiko

    No wonder tourists like to visit Mussoorie in the winter. It’s very beautiful and I really like the views with the Himalayas in the background. The food look delicious, too!

  7. It looks like there aren’t enough hours in a day to see everything Mussoorie has to offer. The breathtaking views bring delight. The sight of snow brings out the child in me.

  8. This place is interesting. We have never been to Mussoorie and would love to visit. It looks really peaceful. The Kempty Falls is wonderful.

    Thank you for the hotel recommendation. Happy to know you had a great time and will check this out should we have the chance to visit.

  9. Can you believe that I haven’t been to Uttar Pradesh or Uttarakhand yet! It is so gorgeous and I’m really need to plan a trip soon. I’ve heard a lot about Forest Research Institute and it would be nice to spend time there. The view from Hotel Sungrace looks absolutely gorgeous. Mussourie looks mindblowing, covered in snow. I really need to book my tickets.

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