Two Days in Mussoorie: Explore Nature's Paradise With An Unforgettable Itinerary For The Weekend

Mussoorie is a beautiful hill station located at around 300km from Delhi NCR . This queen of hills can be explored in just two days time and therefore is a perfect weekend gateway for corporate servants.

Mussoorie was established as a hill station during the British colonial era when it was discovered by the British Military Personnel. Verdant hills, gushing waterfalls, scarlet trails of Rhododendrons and a beautiful cool weather makes Mussoorie the true 'Queen of Hills'.

Here is a perfect two days weekend itinerary for exploring the best of Mussoorie , Landour and Dehradun.

Friday Night

The best way to reach Mussoorie is by bus. There are numerous bus services from Delhi to Mussoorie which can be conveniently availed for a comfortable over night journey to Dehradun or directly to Mussoorie. Although a direct bus from Delhi to Mussoorie is a good option but one must remember that luxury Volvo buses are available for dropping only till at Dehradun. Since the roads in Mussoorie are narrow with numerous twists and turns, only small pushback buses travel till Mussoorie.

After an overnight travel on a Friday night, one would be dropped at Mussoorie bus stand in Library Chowk at the wee hours of Saturday. From the Library Chowk bus stand the valley below looks like a sea of star at the early hours.

Bus service providers: Zing Bus , NeuGo

Saturday

After a long road trip you would definitely want to freshen up, have some breakfast before you get out and start exploring. I would suggest you to book your stay in advance and request for an early check-in.

On my trip to Mussoorie, I wanted to stay away from the touristy Mussoorie and hence chose to book my stay at Landour which is a few kilometers away from Mussoorie. I stayed at 'The Highlands: The Tree of Life' and the stay was absolutely blissful with some mesmerising valley views from the room and dining hall and absolutely away from crowds.

(1) Jabarkhet Nature Reserve : For those seeking solitude surrounded by nature and a peaceful escape from crowded areas, Jabarkhet Nature Reserve is an ideal destination to explore. Here, you can hike across the woods, tread on the petals of red rhododendrons while listening to the chirping of the birds and crickets. You can also uncover the explorer in you while you read the Map and hike on your chosen trails.

(3) George Everest House : If you're up for a short hike, you'll undoubtedly enjoy the 2km trail leading to the residence of Sir George Everest. Sir George Everest, a former British surveyor and geographer, is renowned as the namesake of the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. The trail is well marked with forest on one side and meadows on the other.

We reached the top on a cloudy evening and was mesmerised to feel the clouds rushing past us as we stood watching the valley below.

(4) Landour : Located just a few kilometers away from the touristy Mussoorie, Landour offers a serene and idyllic escape from the bustling crowds. The town has retained its colonial-era architecture, with quaint cottages and buildings that reflect the rich history of the region. This is also the place where the residence of the famous writer Ruskin Bond is located. The Char Dukan area and St. Paul's Church in Landour are two iconic attractions that add to the unique charm and character of this quaint hillside town. The 'char dukan' which literally translates to 'Four Shops' got its name because initially there were only four shops in the area serving coffee and snacks to the locals. You can enjoy one of the best pancakes , waffles and coffee in that area.

Just near the Char Dukan, St. Paul's Church is located. This church was built during the British era in 1839 and here you can get to see the colonial era architecture.

(1) Company Garden : Company Garden in Mussoorie is a tranquil sanctuary nestled amidst the lush hills of Uttarakhand. This idyllic retreat, originally created as a leisure destination for British officers during the colonial era, now serves as a haven for both locals and visitors alike. Wander through meticulously manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and towering trees, immersing yourself in the soothing ambiance and capturing the essence of nature. With its captivating beauty and peaceful atmosphere, Company Garden offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing you to reconnect with the tranquility of the Himalayan foothills.

(2) Dalai Hills : This place offers another easy hiking option if you love exploring the hills on foot. As you climb the stairs the scenes around you would change and you would get beautiful three sixty degree views of the valleys around. The entire trail remains lined with strings of colourful Tibetan flags that keeps fluttering in the wind. On the top there is a statue of Gautam Budhha where you can offer your prayers.

Bhatta Falls: Bhatta Falls is gradually developing into a popular tourist spot in Mussoorie with cable car facilities, adventure sports facilities and beautiful gardens. You can also sit near the waterfall with your feet dipped in the cool waters and enjoy maggi and coffee.

Robbers' Cave : If you love playing with water, you would love exploring Robber's Cave. Here you would be walking across a river which flows through a cave. When you look above you can see the sky peeping from here and there from above the cave. I simply loved this hike! Legend says it once served as a hideout for robbers, lending it its intriguing name. The cave's highlight is a magnificent waterfall cascading through rocky crevices. With serene surroundings, it's an ideal spot for picnics and relaxation.

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple: The temple gets its name from the word "tapak," which means "dripping" in Hindi, as it is believed that water continuously drips on the Shiva Lingam from a rock formation inside the cave-like temple. This natural phenomenon adds a mystical aura to the place and attracts devotees and visitors seeking blessings and spiritual solace.Surrounded by lush greenery and set amidst the tranquil ambiance of nature, Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere for devotees to offer prayers and seek divine blessings. The temple complex also features other small shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities.