Raksha Rao - The Roving Heart
Raksha Rao

I am a passionate traveler, photographer and an engineer by profession. I have always loved new travel experiences. However, it reached a whole new level when I took off for a Himalayan trek in May 2015 - it made me realise how totally gratifying travel can be. Since then, I have traveled near and far, as much as I can,  always looking for new and immersive adventures.

Be it trekking on snow in the mighty Himalayan range, bungee jumping with a river view in Rishikesh, cliff jumping or scuba diving in the emerald blue waters of Thailand, high-altitude river rafting at the freezing cold rivers of Zanskar in Leh - my propensity for new experiences is ever growing as is my wishlist.

Continue Reading

The Roving Heart
Menu
  • Destinations
    • Asia
      • India
      • Thailand
      • Maldives
      • Cambodia
      • Indonesia
      • Singapore
      • Sri Lanka
      • Vietnam
      • UAE
      • China
      • Uzbekistan
    • Europe
      • Italy
      • Austria
      • Czech Republic
      • Switzerland
      • Croatia
      • Germany
      • Portugal
    • North America
      • United States
      • Costa Rica
  • About Me
  • Contact
    • Contact Me
    • Work With Me
  • Resources
The Roving Heart
  • Destinations
    • Asia
      • India
      • Thailand
      • Maldives
      • Cambodia
      • Indonesia
      • Singapore
      • Sri Lanka
      • Vietnam
      • UAE
      • China
      • Uzbekistan
    • Europe
      • Italy
      • Austria
      • Czech Republic
      • Switzerland
      • Croatia
      • Germany
      • Portugal
    • North America
      • United States
      • Costa Rica
  • About Me
  • Contact
    • Contact Me
    • Work With Me
  • Resources
India, Travel Guides

Things to do in Mussoorie in a Day

posted by Raksha Rao
Last updated on Apr 25, 2020, 7939 18
Share
Things to do in Mussoorie in a Day

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES. PLEASE READ THE DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFORMATION


Having laid out only a day for Mussoorie and with no prior knowledge about the queen of hills, I thought of letting the day unfold itself. For a change, I didn’t have things to do in Mussoorie list. And I promised myself, that by the end of the day I would have one. And I let the spontaneity take me around Mussoorie.

I reached Mussoorie just in time for the last light of the day. Getting down at Library Chowk, I was walking past Mall Road to my hotel when I noticed a reddish pink glowing line over the Doon valley. It stretched out as far as I could see. I was intrigued by the line at first but then owing to carrying two backpacks, I set it to the side of my mind and started walking towards my hotel which was a good half an hour from the Mall Road.

Table of Contents

  • Watching the winter line in Mussoorie – Things to do in Mussoorie
  • Walk along the bustling Mall Road – Things to do in Mussoorie
  • Visit the most famous bookstore in Mussoorie – Things to do in Mussoorie
  • Go on a shopping spree in Mall Road – Things to do in Mussoorie
  • Take a ropeway to Gun Hill – Things to do in Mussoorie
  • Stay in One Earth Royal Hotel for a 360-degree view of Mussoorie – Things to do in Mussoorie
  • Transport in Mussoorie
    • Nearest Airport
    • Nearest Railway Station

Watching the winter line in Mussoorie – Things to do in Mussoorie

Upon reaching the hotel, my manager, Kabir told me it has a name – winter line. Unique to Mussoorie and parts of Switzerland, the winter line(unbeknownst to me) is a famous phenomenon. It is caused by the refraction of sunlight and dust particles at a particular angle, and visible from the mountain areas. The phenomenon can be seen mid-October to January, at sunset, as the sun drops behind a false horizon.

Pro Tip to visitors: Recurring in the last week of the year(December 25 – December 30), Mussoorie celebrates Winter Carnival – a grand festival focusing on promoting Garhwali culture and conserving local heritage. It was the 5th edition of Winter Carnival in 2017 and had a mix of musical and cultural performances, fun games and other enthralling activities. The entire town bears a festive look on a Himalayan backdrop, welcoming visitors for a memorable vacation.

Find the 2017 Winter carnival programme here.

Walk along the bustling Mall Road – Things to do in Mussoorie

things to do in mussoorie - cafe de tavern Mussoorie in a day
One of the popular cafes in Mall Road – Cafe De Tavern
things to do in mussoorie - little llama cafe Mussoorie in a day
View from Little Llama Cafe

The best part about Mussoorie Mall road is that you will find everything in one single stretch of road. This 4km long road offers scenic views of Mussoorie slopes as well as Doon valley. You will find the anything ranging from eateries to shopping. Complete with skating rink, gaming centers, and so on. With so many cute little cafes, sweet shops and street chats to fill my appetite, I was spoilt for choices. And I was amazed to experience the cafe culture in Mussourie. You can find so many new age cafes with vibrant styles right in Mall Road.

Some of my favorite cafes – Cafe De Tavern, Little Llama Cafe, Chic Chocolate, Cafe Tea Totaller.

Sipping in hot chocolate, while taking in the views of Mussoorie in a pleasant weather(almost throughout the year), seems like a perfect occasion to visit these cafes. Well, at least for me.

Find the popular eateries in Mall Road here.

Visit the most famous bookstore in Mussoorie – Things to do in Mussoorie

things to do in Mussoorie - cambirdge book depot

I didn’t do my fair share of research before arriving in Mussoorie since I had only a day to spare, so it came as a surprise when I started seeing Ruskin Bond Special drinks in cafes. Then, when I reached Cambridge Book Depot, after glancing over a gamut of Ruskin Bond books on a separate counter(even signed ones are available), I knew there was a connection. Upon asking the owner, he said that Ruskin Bond, a well-known author of children’s books, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee, visits the bookstore every Saturday and does a book signing from 3.30 PM to 5.30 PM. Alas, it wasn’t a Saturday and I was despondent that I didn’t arrive in Mussourie a day prior!

I have never been a fast walker or a conqueror of mountain peaks, but I can plod along for miles. And that’s what I’ve been doing all my life—plodding along, singing my song, telling my tales in my own unhurried way. I have lived life at my own gentle pace, and if as a result, I have failed to get to the top of the mountain (or of anything else), it doesn’t matter, the long walk has brought its own sweet rewards; buttercups and butterflies along the way ~ Roads to Mussoorie by Ruskin Bond

Apart from the Ruskin Bond books, this bookstore has a variety of books of different genres including but not limited to John Lang, Victor Banerjee, Ganesh Saili, Hugh & Coleen Gantzer and Stephen Alter. It is a paradise for book lovers right in the heart of Mall Road!

FYI – Ruskin bond lives with his adopted family in Landour, Mussoorie.

Pro tip – If you feel Mall Road is too crowded, then walk along the Camelback road as an alternative which has far less crowd and far fewer shops.

Go on a shopping spree in Mall Road – Things to do in Mussoorie

I walked the entire stretch of Mall Road twice, one time just noting down all the shops I wanted to visit(there were so many), and the other time for shopping, both times lugging around backpacks. But Mall Road and Mussoorie, in general, has a pleasant weather that I didn’t mind walking for hours. Shop for good quality wools and boots, which are readily available on Mall Road. You can also find Mussoorie handicrafts, small souvenir and accessories shops, and so on. Find a variety of Fruit barfi ranging from mango, strawberry, guava, litchi, and so on in one of two the Fruit Barfi shops in Mall Road. Alternatively, you can buy it from the sweet shops as well.

Take a ropeway to Gun Hill – Things to do in Mussoorie

At 400ft above Mall Road, Gun Hill can be reached by ropeway or by foot. It is a popular location for visitors offering 360-degree views of the snow-clad Himalayan Ranges right beside Doon valley and a full view of Mussoorie. Gun Hill has an underground water reservoir since British times for supply of water to the whole of Mussoorie. During pre-independence days, there was gun station mounted on the top. It used to be fired at midday to enable people to adjust their watches. Hence the name Gun Hill. I had this on my list, but owing to limited time and protracted queue at the ropeway station, I wasn’t able to make it.

The best way to reach Gun Hill is through a cable car. You can get the cable car right at Mall Road.

Ropeway prices: Rs. 75 per person

Timings – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

If you have more time on your plate, try out the usual suspects – Kempty falls, George Everest House, Mussoorie Lake, and Lal Tibba viewpoints, but I warn you all of these activities are very touristy!

Stay in One Earth Royal Hotel for a 360-degree view of Mussoorie – Things to do in Mussoorie

one earth royale hotel Mussoorie in a day
one earth royale hotel Mussoorie in a day
one earth royale hotel Mussoorie in a day
one earth royale hotel Mussoorie in a day

Reaching the hotel was quite tricky since I had to walk the entire stretch of ups and downs of Mall road lugging around my backpacks. But once I arrived at the location and was invited by the entire Mussoorie and Dehradun valley views, I knew it was worth the time and energy spent. Since I didn’t have enough time either to visit the viewpoints, staying at this boutique hotel was the perfect option to have 360-degree views all the time!

Be it sunrise or winter line sunsets or scintillating night views, I could have it all just by stepping out of my room.

One Earth Royale is a luxury boutique hotel renovated from a popular boarding school with delicious food and spacious rooms with a view. Since it is located on a plateau, each of the rooms sports a view, overall a 360-degree view of Mussoorie.

Reaching there – From Landour Bazaar, walk the entire stretch of Mall Road till you reach Picture Palace. Call up the hotel reception from here, and they will guide you to a meeting point a bit further on the left, where they will come and pick you up.

If you are planning to reach there on your own vehicle, then you will have to take an inside route near Camel view hotel. Make use of Google Maps or call up the hotel reception for directions.

Book your stay in Mussoorie now

If you’ve more time on your hand, then check out more things to do in Mussoorie now.

Transport in Mussoorie

If you are staying on Mall Road or in the vicinity, you will have limited transport options. Best thing to do is to walk along Mall Road. Alternatively, hire a rickshaw cycle.

If you are heading out of the city, you will find cabs stationed at Picture Palace and Mall Road.

Nearest Airport

Jolly Grant Dehradun airport is around 60kms and two hours away from Mussoorie. Sets you back by Rs. 1800 one way. It is a better option especially if you are not traveling from the North of India. In that case, you can avoid the long journey of flying to Delhi and then taking an overnight bus or train to Uttarakhand. Though all the flights have a layover in Delhi, it usually for less than an hour.

Nearest Railway Station

Dehradun Railway Station is over 34kms from Mussoorie. Hire a taxi to reach Dehradun Railway station right from Mall Road.

So have you ever been to the queen of hills? Let me know your favorite things to do in Mussoorie in the comments below.

Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with One Earth Royale Hotel, Mussoorie. Needless to say, all opinions here are entirely my own.

 

 

Things to do in Mussoorie
travel
Share

Previous

Incredible Travel moments in 2017 - My 2017 Travel In Visuals

Next

How to Stay Fit While Traveling

About me

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Hola! I’m Raksha Rao, the founder and Chief Editor of The Roving Heart and I heartily welcome you to this blog!

I’m perpetually in search of the next trip, next adventure and forever aching to fly far away to a land of strangers.

Come follow me on my journey and I promise you to take you on an adventure!

Continue Reading>>

 

Are You On Instagram?

Popular Posts

festivals in india for every month of the yearTravel photography tips

Maldives on a budget maafushi

railay krabi thailand

You Might Also Like

A Movie Lover’s Practical Guide to Brooklyn
Aug 27, 2017

A Movie Lover’s Practical Guide to Brooklyn

Kuari Pass Trek – When Life as I know it Changed
Oct 24, 2016

Kuari Pass Trek – When Life as I know it Changed

5 Interesting Things to do Around Statue of Unity
Apr 1, 2022

5 Interesting Things to do Around Statue of Unity

The Ultimate Ski Resort Guide to Plan Your Perfect Trip
Sep 28, 2019

The Ultimate Ski Resort Guide to Plan Your Perfect Trip

Comments

18 Comments
  1. posted by
    Summer
    Jan 25, 2018 Reply

    The bookstore is a place I NEED to go! Thanks for providing all the best places to visit and where to stay.

    • posted by
      Raksha Rao
      Feb 10, 2018 Reply

      Thanks for stopping by Summer. Happy to help!

  2. posted by
    Aneesha Rai
    Jan 25, 2018 Reply

    I love how Musoorie has a huge colonial British India feel. The part about the winter line was interesting; I had no idea such a phenomenon existed! I would totally happily get lost in that bookshop.

    • posted by
      Raksha Rao
      Feb 10, 2018 Reply

      Yeah. I was clueless about it too until my hotel manager told me about it. It’s quite a sight though.

  3. posted by
    Hazel
    Jan 25, 2018 Reply

    One Earth Royal Hotel looks AMAZING, such a good tip.
    I love the look of the bookshop you shared, thats an absolute dream for a book hoarder like me!

    • posted by
      Raksha Rao
      Feb 10, 2018 Reply

      Thanks, Hazel. I had to tear myself away from the bookshop. It was so hard!

  4. posted by
    Ella
    Jan 25, 2018 Reply

    I can’t believe I’ve never heard of Mussourie before! The world has so many exciting hidden gems. I love the look of the bookstore but I’m pretty sure I’d struggle to find what I was looking for in there! 🙈

    • posted by
      Raksha Rao
      Feb 10, 2018 Reply

      Tell me about it. I didn’t know it had so much to offer up until I was there!

  5. posted by
    Daniela
    Jan 25, 2018 Reply

    I have never heard of that place! And the hotel looks really nice.

    • posted by
      Raksha Rao
      Feb 10, 2018 Reply

      It’s quite an interesting location. Check it out!

  6. posted by
    Lieselot
    Jan 25, 2018 Reply

    That bookstore!!! I didn’t know they existed like that 🙂 perfect to get lost and then have a coffee in one of the nice cafes!

    • posted by
      Raksha Rao
      Feb 10, 2018 Reply

      I was so glad to have stumbled on to the bookstore. I wish I could spend hours checking out the books at the store. But limited time!

  7. posted by
    Vicky
    Jan 26, 2018 Reply

    On earth Royale looks like a great place to stay – those views are incredible!

    • posted by
      Raksha Rao
      Feb 10, 2018 Reply

      Definitely. It’s a lovely boutique hotel. I could stay there just for the views!

  8. posted by
    Sarah Daisey I Detours with Daisey
    Jan 26, 2018 Reply

    I had never heard of this place before but your post definitely piqued my interest! Sounds like a great place to explore and I’d love to see the Winter Line!

    • posted by
      Raksha Rao
      Feb 10, 2018 Reply

      Indeed. It’s quite a lovely location!

  9. posted by
    Anahita irani
    Aug 13, 2018 Reply

    Loved reading your detailed post. Thanks for sharing.

  10. posted by
    Robby Mark
    Sep 19, 2018 Reply

    Thank you for the post, it was all I needed for my trip to Mussoorie. Now I can prepare my checklist, also, I loved your style of writing.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright © 2023 The Roving Heart. All rights reserved.
Back top