Mussoorie Lake is an artificial lake located about 6 km from the Library Bus Stand in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. It is a popular tourist attraction in Mussoorie that offers boating, picnicking, adventure activities, and scenic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
If you are looking for a relaxing and fun-filled day out with your family or friends, Mussoorie Lake is the perfect place for you. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Mussoorie Lake, including its history, features, activities, timings, entry fee, location, and how to reach. We will also suggest some other places to visit near Mussoorie Lake that will make your trip more memorable.
History of Mussoorie Lake
Mussoorie Lake was not always there. It was created by the city board and the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) in 1989 as a picnic spot for the locals and tourists. The lake was developed by filling up a natural depression with water from a nearby stream. The lake was then beautified with landscaping, boating facility, shops, eateries, and other amenities. The lake soon became a popular tourist attraction in Mussoorie and attracted visitors from all over the country and abroad.
Features of Mussoorie Lake
Mussoorie Lake has many features and attractions that make it a must-visit place in Mussoorie. Some of them are:
The boating facility at Mussoorie Lake:
One of the main attractions of Mussoorie Lake is the boating facility that allows you to enjoy the serene water and the picturesque scenery. You can choose from different types of boats, such as paddle boats, row boats, or motor boats. The boating charges are Rs. 100 per person for 15 minutes. You can also rent life jackets for Rs. 10 per person.
The scenic views of Mussoorie Lake and its surroundings:
Another feature of Mussoorie Lake is the scenic views of the lake and its surroundings. You can see the lush green hills, the snow-capped mountains, the clear blue sky, and the colorful flowers that adorn the lake. You can also spot some birds and animals that frequent the lake, such as ducks, geese, rabbits, monkeys, and squirrels.
The shops and eateries at Mussoorie Lake:
If you are feeling hungry or thirsty after boating or exploring the lake, you can visit the shops and eateries at Mussoorie Lake that offer a variety of snacks and beverages. You can find maggi noodles, popcorns, ice creams, cold drinks, tea, coffee, and more at reasonable prices. You can also buy some souvenirs or handicrafts from the shops that sell local products.
The adventure activities at Mussoorie Lake:
If you are looking for some thrill and excitement at Mussoorie Lake, you can try some of the adventure activities that are available at the lake. You can try zip lining across the lake for Rs. 300 per person or mountain climbing for Rs. 200 per person. You can also try paragliding from a nearby hill for Rs. 1500 per person. These activities are conducted by trained professionals who ensure your safety and enjoyment.
Activities to Do at Mussoorie Lake
Mussoorie Lake offers many activities that you can do at the lake to make your visit more enjoyable and memorable. Some of them are:
Boating at Mussoorie Lake:
Boating is one of the most popular activities that you can do at Mussoorie Lake. You can enjoy the calm water and the beautiful scenery while boating on the lake. You can choose from different types of boats according to your preference and budget. Boating is a fun and relaxing activity that you can do with your family or friends.
Picnicking at Mussoorie Lake:
Picnicking is another activity that you can do at Mussoorie Lake. You can bring your own food or buy some from the shops and eateries at the lake. You can find many picnic spots around the lake where you can sit and enjoy your food while admiring the nature. Picnicking is a great way to spend some quality time with your loved ones.
Photography at Mussoorie Lake:
Photography is another activity that you can do at Mussoorie Lake. You can capture some amazing shots of the lake and its surroundings with your camera or phone. You can also take some selfies or group photos with the lake as the backdrop. Photography is a great way to preserve your memories of Mussoorie Lake.
Birdwatching at Mussoorie Lake:
Birdwatching is another activity that you can do at Mussoorie Lake. You can spot some of the birds that visit the lake, such as ducks, geese, sparrows, crows, pigeons, and more. You can also hear their chirping and singing that adds to the charm of the lake. Birdwatching is a great way to appreciate the diversity of nature.
Tips and suggestions for enjoying Mussoorie Lake and its activities:
1. The best time to visit Mussoorie Lake is from March to June and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the views are clear.
2. The lake is open from 8 am to 7 pm every day. The entry fee is Rs. 15 per person.
3. You should carry your own water bottle, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and umbrella to protect yourself from the sun and dehydration.
4. You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are suitable for boating and walking around the lake.
5. You should follow the rules and regulations of the lake and respect the environment. You should not litter, feed, or disturb the birds and animals at the lake.
6. You should be careful while boating and doing adventure activities at the lake. You should wear life jackets and follow the instructions of the staff.
7. You should enjoy your visit to Mussoorie Lake and have fun with your family or friends.
Things to Do Near Mussoorie Lake
Mussoorie Lake is not the only attraction in Mussoorie. There are many other places to visit near Mussoorie Lake that will make your trip more interesting and enjoyable. Some of them are:
Jharipani Falls:
Jharipani Falls is a beautiful waterfall located about 8 km from Mussoorie Lake. It is a popular picnic spot that offers a refreshing and scenic experience. You can reach the waterfall by trekking through a forest trail or by taking a taxi or bus. The waterfall is surrounded by greenery and flowers that create a soothing atmosphere. You can also enjoy some snacks and tea at the nearby stalls.
Lal Tibba:
Lal Tibba is the highest point in Mussoorie, located about 12 km from Mussoorie Lake. It offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, such as Bandarpunch, Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Nanda Devi. You can reach Lal Tibba by taking a taxi or bus or by trekking through a scenic route. You can also visit the Lal Tibba Scenic Point, which has a telescope that allows you to see the mountains more clearly.
Kempty Falls:
Kempty Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Mussoorie, located about 15 km from Mussoorie Lake. It is a cascading waterfall that falls from a height of about 40 meters into a pool below. You can enjoy bathing, swimming, or boating in the pool or just admire the beauty of the waterfall. You can also visit the nearby shops and eateries that offer various items and delicacies.
Bhatta Falls:
Bhatta Falls is another waterfall in Mussoorie, located about 10 km from Mussoorie Lake. It is a natural waterfall that flows through a rocky terrain. You can enjoy bathing or swimming in the clear water or just relax on the rocks. You can also visit the nearby Bhatta Village, which has some old houses and temples that showcase the culture and history of Mussoorie.
Cloud’s End:
Cloud’s End is a place where you can see the end of Mussoorie and the beginning of the Himalayas, located about 6 km from Mussoorie Lake. It is a serene and peaceful place that offers a breathtaking view of the valleys and mountains. You can reach Cloud’s End by taking a taxi or bus or by trekking through a forest trail. You can also visit the Cloud’s End Forest Resort, which is a heritage hotel that offers accommodation and dining facilities.
The Mall Road:
The Mall Road is the main street in Mussoorie, located about 6 km from Mussoorie Lake. It is a lively and bustling place that offers shopping, dining, entertainment, and sightseeing options. You can find many shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas, bookstores, art galleries, museums, churches, and more on The Mall Road. You can also enjoy some street food, music, games, and performances on The Mall Road.
Company Garden:
Company Garden is a well-maintained garden in Mussoorie, located about 4 km from Mussoorie Lake. It is a colorful and attractive place that has various flowers, plants, trees, fountains and statues that create a pleasant atmosphere. You can also enjoy some activities at Company Garden, such as boating, skating, mini train ride, and more. You can also visit the wax museum, the aquarium, and the greenhouse at Company Garden.
Camel’s Back Road:
Camel’s Back Road is a road that resembles the shape of a camel’s back, located about 4 km from Mussoorie Lake. It is a scenic and peaceful road that offers a view of the Doon Valley and the Himalayas. You can walk, cycle, or ride a horse on Camel’s Back Road and enjoy the fresh air and the natural beauty. You can also visit the Camel Rock, which is a rock formation that looks like a camel’s head.
Timings and Entry Fee of Mussoorie Lake
Mussoorie Lake is open from 8 am to 7 pm every day. You can visit the lake at any time of the day and enjoy its beauty and activities. The entry fee for Mussoorie Lake is Rs. 15 per person, which is very nominal and affordable.
You can also buy tickets for boating and adventure activities at the lake. The boating charges are Rs. 100 per person for 15 minutes, and the adventure activities charges vary from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1500 per person depending on the activity.
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie Lake
The best time to visit Mussoorie Lake is from March to June and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the views are clear. During these months, you can enjoy the lake and its surroundings in their full glory. You can also witness some festivals and events that take place in Mussoorie during these months, such as Holi, Baisakhi, Dussehra, and Diwali.
You can also visit Mussoorie Lake during the monsoon season from July to August, when the lake becomes more green and lively. However, you may face some rain and fog that may affect your visibility and travel plans. You should also be careful while boating and doing adventure activities during the monsoon season.
You can also visit Mussoorie Lake during the winter season from December to February, when the lake becomes more cold and snowy. You can see some snowfall and frost on the lake and its surroundings that create a magical effect. However, you may face some low temperature and road blockages that may affect your comfort and accessibility. You should also wear warm clothes and carry some winter essentials while visiting Mussoorie Lake during the winter season.
How to Reach Mussoorie Lake
Mussoorie Lake is easily accessible by road from different locations, such as Mussoorie or Dehradun. You can reach Mussoorie Lake by taking a taxi or bus or by walking or cycling from Mussoorie or Dehradun. The distance and time required to reach Mussoorie Lake from different locations are as follows:
From Library Bus Stand in Mussoorie: The distance is about 6 km, and the time required is about 15 minutes by taxi or bus or about 1 hour by foot or cycle.
From Dehradun Railway Station: The distance is about 35 km, and the time required is about 1 hour by taxi or bus.
From Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun: The distance is about 60 km, and the time required is about 1.5 hours by taxi or bus.
Mussoorie Lake is a scenic picnic spot in Mussoorie that offers boating, picnicking, adventure activities, and scenic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It is a popular tourist attraction in Mussoorie that attracts visitors from all over the country and abroad. It is a perfect place for a relaxing and fun-filled day out with your family or friends.
We hope this article has given you all the information you need to know about Mussoorie Lake, including its history, features, activities, timings, entry fee, location, and how to reach. We also hope this article has suggested some other places to visit near Mussoorie Lake that will make your trip more interesting and enjoyable.
If you have visited Mussoorie Lake or plan to visit it soon, please share your feedback and experience with us in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you.
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