Here are some offbeat places to visit near Mussoorie:
Landour
Location: Uttarakhand, India
Distance from Mussoorie: Approximately 7 km
How to reach: Landour is easily accessible by road from Mussoorie. Taxis and shared jeeps are available.
Attractions and facts: Known for its colonial charm, Landour offers serene walks, historic churches, and stunning views of the Himalayas. It’s home to famous personalities like Ruskin Bond.
Kempty Falls
Location: Tehri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand, India
Distance from Mussoorie: Approximately 15 km
How to reach: Kempty Falls is accessible by road from Mussoorie. Taxis and buses are available.
Attractions and facts: Kempty Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Uttarakhand. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the natural pool formed by the waterfall.
Jharipani Falls
Location: Near Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India
Distance from Mussoorie: Approximately 9 km
How to reach: Jharipani Falls can be reached via a short trek from Mussoorie or by hiring a taxi.
Attractions and facts: Surrounded by lush greenery, Jharipani Falls offers a tranquil atmosphere and a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters.
Cloud’s End
Location: Near Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India
Distance from Mussoorie: Approximately 6 km
How to reach: Cloud’s End is accessible by road from Mussoorie. Taxis or private vehicles can be hired.
Attractions and facts: Situated at the western end of Mussoorie, Cloud’s End offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Bhatta Falls
Location: Dehradun District, Uttarakhand, India
Distance from Mussoorie: Approximately 10 km
How to reach: Bhatta Falls can be reached by road from Mussoorie. Taxis and buses are available.
Attractions and facts: Bhatta Falls is a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush forests. Visitors can enjoy swimming and picnicking in the natural surroundings.
Lal Tibba
Location: Landour, Uttarakhand, India
Distance from Mussoorie: Approximately 6 km
How to reach: Lal Tibba is accessible by road from Mussoorie. Taxis and shared jeeps are available.
Attractions and facts: Lal Tibba is the highest point in Mussoorie, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi and Badrinath on clear days.
Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India
Distance from Mussoorie: Approximately 11 km
How to reach: Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is accessible by road from Mussoorie. Taxis or private vehicles can be hired.
Attractions and facts: This sanctuary is home to various bird species, including the endangered mountain quail. Visitors can also spot deer, leopards, and Himalayan bears.
Happy Valley
Location: Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India
Distance from Mussoorie: Approximately 3 km
How to reach: Happy Valley is a short drive or walk from Mussoorie town center.
Attractions and facts: Happy Valley is known for its Tibetan community and monastery. Visitors can explore Tibetan culture, enjoy peaceful surroundings, and shop for Tibetan handicrafts.
Nag Tibba
Location: Tehri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand, India
Distance from Mussoorie: Approximately 70 km
How to reach: Nag Tibba can be reached by road from Mussoorie. Taxis or private vehicles can be hired.
Attractions and facts: Nag Tibba is a popular trekking destination, offering stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas and dense forests along the trail.
Mussoorie Lake
Location: Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India
Distance from Mussoorie: Approximately 6 km
How to reach: Mussoorie Lake is accessible by road from Mussoorie. Taxis and shared jeeps are available.
Attractions and facts: Mussoorie Lake is a serene spot for boating and picnicking amidst picturesque surroundings. It’s a perfect retreat for families and nature lovers.
If you’re looking to explore offbeat places near Mussoorie, away from the usual tourist spots, here are some lesser-known destinations worth considering:
1. Dhanaulti
Distance from Mussoorie: Approximately 25 km
Attractions: Eco-park, Surkanda Devi Temple, potato farms, and stunning views of the Himalayas. It’s quieter than Mussoorie and offers a serene environment.
2. Landour
Distance from Mussoorie: Adjacent to Mussoorie, about 6 km
Attractions: Known for its colonial charm, old churches, and narrow winding lanes. Landour is less crowded compared to Mussoorie but equally picturesque.
3. Kanatal
Distance from Mussoorie: Approximately 75 km
Attractions: Scenic beauty, trekking trails, Kodia Jungle, and Tehri Dam view. Kanatal offers tranquility amidst pine forests and lush greenery.
4. Chakrata
Distance from Mussoorie: Approximately 90 km
Attractions: Tiger Falls (the highest waterfall in Uttarakhand), Deoban (pine forest), and ancient temples. Chakrata is a peaceful hill station surrounded by panoramic views.
5. Nag Tibba
Distance from Mussoorie: Approximately 65 km
Attractions: Nag Tibba trek, offering stunning views of Bandarpoonch peak, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Chanabang. It’s ideal for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.
6. Kempty Falls (off-peak hours)
Distance from Mussoorie: Approximately 15 km
Attractions: While Kempty Falls can be crowded during peak hours, visiting during off-peak hours allows for a more serene experience and enjoying the natural beauty without the rush.
7. Cloud’s End
Distance from Mussoorie: Approximately 7 km
Attractions: A tranquil forest area, marked as the geographical end of Mussoorie. It offers scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere away from the bustling town.
8. George Everest’s House
Distance from Mussoorie: Approximately 6 km
Attractions: The house of Sir George Everest, the surveyor-general of India after whom the world’s highest peak is named. It offers historical insights and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Tips:
Transportation: Private taxis or rental cars are convenient for exploring these offbeat places.
Accommodation: Some of these places offer homestays and small guesthouses for a unique local experience.
Season: Plan your visit during the spring (March to June) or autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather and clearer views.
Exploring these offbeat destinations near Mussoorie allows you to experience Uttarakhand’s natural beauty and tranquility away from the usual tourist crowds.