Mussoorie, sometimes called the Queen of Hills, doesn’t require an introduction because it has satiated travellers’ restlessness for decades. Adventure sports like trekking, paragliding, rappelling, and other activities are among the things to do in Mussoorie that will keep you entertained the entire time you are there. The hill station offers the ideal getaway from the commotion and oppressive heat of the metropolis, dotted with waterfalls, lakes, vantage points, and other natural splendours. The Mall Road is another well-known sight just waiting to be discovered. A great combination for nature enthusiasts is the view of the Shiwaliks on one side and the breathtaking Doon Valley on the other. The town’s waterfalls, artificial lakes, and other adventurous activities keep tourists returning.
20 Best Things to Do in Mussoorie
The variety of things to do in Mussoorie, from culture to tourism to adventurous activities, appears endless. People of all ages may have fun doing various things when visiting here. Each of them is distinctive and is well of a visit. However, let’s let you know that several captivating activities might enhance your visit to this charming hill town.
1. Go Café Hopping
There are many cafés in Mussoorie that you can visit for their food and ambience. The town’s many cafés are also designed in a way that has preserved its colonial-era charm. The Mall Road of Mussoorie houses many such eateries as well. The Casa Mia Bakery, Café By The Way, Little Llama Café, Landour Bakehouse, and The Mudcup Café are some of the best coffee shops to visit here.
2. Indulge in White Water Rafting in the Many Rivers of Mussoorie
White Water Rafting is an adventure sport found in most Uttarakhand tourist places. The flowing water and the town’s scenic beauty make the sport one of Mussoorie’s best things to do. This thrilling and exhausting sport is something you should try out if you’re in a group of friends or family. You can raft in the white waters of Ganga, Kosi, and Yamuna. As the rafting season lasts from September to June, plan your trip during these months to get a thrilling experience.
3. Watch the Birds at Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful zoo that houses many beautiful birds and animals in the hills of Uttarakhand. You can spot the red-billed blue magpies here and many lively butterflies. The sanctuary is also charming, with its waterfalls, lush greenery, and streams encircling the entire campus. It is one of the most beautiful things to do in Mussoorie for those with an entire day.
4. Conquer Your Fear of Heights by Bungee Jumping!
Bungee Jumping is a popular sport in Mussoorie and Rishikesh, where a harness suspends you upside down. You jump from a cliff and are suspended in mid-air for a while. This head-rushing sport is popular among youngsters and a thrill to be a part of if you’re with friends or on a solo trip.
5. Get a Bird’s-Eye View from a Cable Car
The town is famous for its red cable car rides that give you a complete view of the Doon Valley. You can ride from Mall Road to Gun Hill to view the town with colourful houses among the beautiful misty hills. You can also enjoy the view from Gun Hill’s topmost point, but be ready to find some crowd there, along with many food stalls and vendors selling souvenirs all over the hill.
Interestingly, a British officer used to fire a gun at noon to let the residents know the time from atop the hill – hence, the hill got the name ‘Gun Hill’.
Ticket Price: INR 125 per person each way
6. Dip in the Kempty Falls
The Kempty Falls were once a favourite spot for the British to relax, developed by Officer John Mekinan. They used to camp and have hi-tea here, hence the name ‘camp-tea’ or Kempty Falls. Since then, tourists flocked to the place daily to relish the beauty of the falling water. You can swim in the falls or rappel down it as well. As the place is very popular among travellers, swimming here has been described as one of many visitors’ best things to do in Mussoorie.
7. Take a Leisurely Walk on the Mall Road
The Mall Road is Mussoorie’s most happening place, with the streets lined with numerous cafes and shops. You can shop, eat, drink, and stay here! There are ice-skating rinks and retro-style arcade gaming stores to enjoy with friends and family. The Cambridge Book Store is a landmark you can visit to buy books. The colonial-era style benches and lamp posts are something to marvel at.
8. Do the Hathipaon Trek
Hathipaon Trek is a lesser-known hike in the Doon Valley that takes a day to complete. You can also camp here if you like. From Happy Valley, you start the walk to the Everest Peak. The peak is a beautiful hilltop that offers mesmerising views of the mist-laden mountains. The colourful prayer flags add to the aesthetic of the trek. Watching the sunset from here is one of the most dazzling things to do in Mussoorie.
9. Know More of the Tibetan Culture at the Happy Valley
Happy Valley is a small community area home to the Tibetans since the 14th Dalai Lama chose to make this hill station his abode. You can visit the Buddha statue here or visit the many monasteries. The Buddha Temple here is also famous, where you can indulge yourself in the wisdom of Buddhism. The highest point of the Valley has a temple, the Shedup Choephelling Temple, the first-ever Tibetan shrine built in Mussoorie. Learning about the ways of life and gaining wisdom in the Happy Valley is one of the most peaceful things to do in Mussoorie.
10. The Joy of Boating in Mussoorie Lake
The Mussoorie Lake is quaint in the middle of the town, with many colourful boats to enjoy boating in. The sheer beauty of the Lake is exemplified by the candy-like boats that come in various styles, from row to paddles. The charges are INR 30 per person for the boat rides. You can also enjoy zorbing at this Lake at Rs. 100 per ball.
11. Try the Ample Trekking Opportunities
The town is on a hill surrounded by valleys, providing ample opportunities for those interested in trekking and hiking expeditions. There are so many options of treks to choose from – Hathipaon Trek, Jabarkhet Wildlife Sanctuary Trek, Landour-Lal Tibba Trek, Pari Tibba Trek, and more.
12. Try Your Hand at Paragliding
The Queen of Hills offers many opportunities for paragliding. Paragliding at the main Lake and Bhatta Falls is a popular activity. A 20-30 minute tandem flight starts from INR 1500 here and goes up to INR 8000, depending upon the agency.
13. Be a Part of the Mussoorie Mountain Festival
The Mussoorie Mountain Festival was previously a writers-exclusive event where many authors from India and abroad shared their literary knowledge. Now, it has been taken to the next level, and the festival takes place on a broad level where artists from all over the world come together to perform music, plays, and more. Writers also give seminars, and group discussions are held over literary matters. Film screenings, storytelling, and more also happen at this 3-day festival.
14. Marvel at the Views from Lal Tibba
Lal Tibba is an area famous among tourists for its quaint cafes and scenic views. Lal Tibba, the region’s highest point unaffected by commercialisation, is situated on Depot Hill in Landour and is the ideal location to fulfil your sightseeing needs. Rising to a height of 2,275 metres, Lal Tibba is a picturesque place to fulfil your sightseeing needs. The telescopes installed here help in cherishing the beautiful, unfettered views of the Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Banderpoonch Range from here.
15. Meet Ruskin Bond!
Mussoorie is home to India’s favourite writer, Ruskin Bond. He regularly visits the Cambridge Book Store to meet his fans and autograph copies of his books for them. You can also head to the bookstore to meet him! You might bump into him while browsing the shop and get your copies of his books signed. The complete collection of his books can also be bought at the store.
16. Learn the Process of Winemaking as You Sip Some of the Tastiest Wines of the Hills
The Tree of Life Resort provides a vineyard tour to tourists and some samples for tasting. Here, you can see how wines are made from grapes, plums, apples, and ginger. If you wish to make the wine yourself, the resort also provides that! You can make your wine and get it delivered in a month!
17. Zip-Line at the Mussoorie Lake
The Lake has ample activities for tourists to engage in, including zip-lining. You can skyline over the Lake to take in the panoramic view of the waters and the surrounding area. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you should take advantage of.
18. Get Rolling with Your Skates!
Many arenas here rent out roller skates for you to slip on and have fun. The town houses India’s largest skating ring, the Disco Skating Ring, which you can visit. Roller skating is one of the most exciting things to do in Mussoorie. The Rink in Kulri Bazaar and Jaypee Resort’s skating rinks are also popular. Prices start at Rs. 500.
19. Shop for Souvenirs
You can relish in retail therapy at the Mall Road for handmade shawls, jackets, pickles and more. Handicraft items are also a popular purchase among tourists.
For jewellery and apparel, visit the Kulri Bazaar. The Tibetan Market is for you if you’re more into carpets and home décor. Landour Bakehouse of the Sisters Market is a popular place for bakery items. Shopping is one of the best things to do in Mussoorie.
20. Pray at the Kellog Memorial Church
Built-in 1903 as a Presbyterian church, the Kellogg Memorial Church also served as the location of the Landour Language School, where British citizens were initially taught Hindi. The school is still being run today. You can pray here or marvel at the British colonial architecture of this quaint church.
Places to Visit in Mussoorie
1. Jharipani Falls
These waterfalls are lesser-known among tourists, and you won’t find a lofty crowd here. They give you a serene and peaceful environment, and you can also bathe under the waterfall here.
2. Sir George Everest’s House
Sir George Everest’s House was built in 1832 and is 6 kilometres from Gandhi Chowk. This location, better known as The Park Estate, was previously Sir George Everest’s residence, laboratory, and observatory. Sir Everest has accomplished everything from this location, including climbing the distances between the mountains of the North and measuring the tallest summits.
The views are breathtakingly stunning from the peak of the historic building, especially when shrouded in mist. Therefore, the views will catch your attention even if history differs from yours.
3. Library Road
The Library Bazaar is the place to go if you enjoy shopping at nice little shops. The bazaar, which lies in the heart of the hill town, is packed with stores offering locally produced textiles, silver jewellery, candies, delicacies, and cafés serving freshly prepared coffee and tea.
4. Lake Mist
The Lake Mist is one of the beautiful spots to visit on a tour of this hill town. There is a boating station on the Lake where you may rent a boat for a reasonable price. The location is near Kempty Falls, and the weekends are when most people visit.
5. Nag Tibba Peak
The Nag Tibba Peak rises to 10,000 feet and is the tallest mountain in Uttarakhand in the lower Himalayan Regions. Only experienced trekkers tackle the Nag Tibba Trek, one of Mussoorie’s toughest hikes.
6. Robber’s Cave
This undeveloped natural retreat is a lesser-known attraction here. A steady stream runs through this little brook, sandwiched between two gigantic boulders. The waterfall is at one end of the creek, which you may navigate by wading.
Once upon a time, thieves utilised the cave as a covert haven. The elaborate system of tunnels inside the cave is said to have been used by them to conceal their loot, making it difficult for outsiders to find them.
Conclusion
The Himalayan wonderland of Mussoorie is home to many activities that will captivate your heart and soul. It has something for everyone, from the verdant hills to the stunning waterfalls, from the cosy cafés to the exhilarating excursions.
Why then wait? It’s time to prepare your belongings, assemble your loved ones, and travel to this enchanting town. It offers everything, whether you’re looking for adventure, rest, or a respite from the daily grind. The list of things to do in Mussoorie is endless. Make priceless memories in this charming hill town.
Plan your trip, get your tickets, and get ready to discover Mussoorie’s charms. The town guarantees to amuse and surprise you at every step, whether it’s your first time there or a repeat journey. Come experience the enchantment for yourself; it will be an unforgettable experience.
