Around Mussoorie
Dehradun
Dehradun also spelled Dehra Doon, is the capital city of the Uttarakhand state (earlier Uttaranchal) in India, and the headquarters of Dehradun District. Dehradun is located in the Doon valley, 230 kilometers north of India's capital New Delhi. The Dehradun district is surrounded by the Himalayas in the north, Shivalik Hills in the south, the river Ganga in the east, and the river Yamuna in the west. The water divide of Ganga and Yamuna passes through the city. Dehradun is visited by a large number of tourist every year, many of them en-route to Mussoorie. The climate of the city is temperate. Even during summer, it is not so warm at Dehradun. Best Time: Anytime
Kempty Falls
15 kms from Mussoorie on the Yamunotri Road, Kempty Falls is accessable by car, taxi or bus. It has the distinction of being the biggest and the prettiest waterfall located in this beautiful valley surrounded by high mountains and an enjoyable ropeway ride leading to the main spot. Bathing at the foot of the waterfalls is refreshing and enjoyable for children and adults alike. Best Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Yamuna Bridge
About 27kms from Mussoorie on Chakrata-Barkot road, is Yamuna Bridge which is an ideal spot for fishing, and seasonal rafting, on banks of Holy Yamuna. Permits for fishing can be obtained from the Divisional Forest Officer, Mussoorie. Best Time: Daylight
Santura Devi Temple
Situated 12kms on the way to Kempty Falls,and then the trek of about 1 km, the mandir is known for its spirituality and holiness among the residents of Mussoorie. It is believed that the entire town of Mussoorie was saved from the wrath of the 1991 Uttarkashi earthquake by the Holy Divinity ‘Santura Mata’ by owning all on herself. Best Time: Daylight
Lakha Mandal
Encircled by the cerulean Himalayan peaks, Lakhamandal is believed to be the place where Duryodhana of Mahabharata episode along with other Kauravas conspired to burn alive the Pandavas in the Lakshyagriha house, specially made of shellac. Old temples of Shiva, the Pandavas and Parsuram are aplenty in this area. Post Kempty Falls, Lakha Mandal is 75kms on the Mussoorie-Yamunotri road. One can drive up to Kuwa and from there you can cross the river Yamuna by motorable bridge. There are hundreds of idols of archeological importance which have been preserved by The Archeological Survey Of India. Best Time: Daylight
Mahasu Devta Temple
Mahasu Devta Temple is located on the Tuini-Mori road at Hanol. The temple is dedicated to Mahasu Devta ,the sole arbiter over the mortal reigning supreme over the innumerable indigenous gods and goddesses. Lord Mahasu is the chief deity of this area and is worshiped in Mahasu Devta Temple by the people of Hanol and nearby villages. It is the ancient temple of Mahasu Devta built in 9th century. The temple was constructed in Huna architectural style initially but, over the ages, acquired a mixed style. It is included in the Archaeological Survey of India list of ancient temple. Mahasu Devta fair is held every year in August. Best Time:Daylight
Bhadraj Temple
It is situated at a distance of 15kms from Mussoorie and is an ideal place for trekking. Bhadraj Temple is located on the extreme western region of Mussoorie and thus offers a splendid view of the Doon Valley, Chakrata ranges and the Jaunsar Bawar area of Garhwal Himalayas. The temple is dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra, brother of Lord Krishna, and is situated atop a hill. Bhadraj temple organizes a fair in the third week of August (Shravan Sankranti) every year. Undoubtedly it is an important event for the locals and they look forward to it, this occasion attracts a lot of visitors as well. Best Time: Daylight
Benog Hill (Jwala Ji Temple and Mountain Quail Sanctuary)
Benog Mountain Quail Sanctuary was established in the year 1993 and is a must visit for those who love nature and its various creations. The sanctuary houses, amongst others, extinct bird species like Mountain Quail (Pahari Bater). Situated 9kms to the west and approachable by car or taxi till cloud’s end and further 6kms on foot, Jwala Ji temple is situated on top of the hill contains an idol of Goddess Durga and the 6kms on foot is worthwhile as it has a stunning view of Mussoorie and not to miss the great Himalayas. Best Time: Daylight
Van Chetra Kendra
At a distance of 2 kms on Tehri by-pass road, this picnic spot has a park surrounded by pine trees and flowering shrubs and is approachable by foot, car or taxi. The main attractions are the wildlife of the park like Ghurar, Kanakar, Himalayan Peacock, Monal and many more. It is famous for the extinct bird species Mountain Quail (Pahari Bater), which was last spotted in 1876. Best Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Burans Khanda
Enroute Dhanolti, Burans Khanda is a spot which has beautiful Burans plantation, a local juicy red flower named ‘Burans’, which can be enjoyed in the months of June and July. Tourists halt here to capture an amazing view of these striking red plantation backed by gorgeous Himalayas. Best Time: Daylight
Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti also known as Dhanolti, is a hill station 24 km from Mussoorie, and 29 km from Chamba, as it is situated between the two. ECO-Park.It is the main attraction of Dhanaulti. There are two Eco-parks, "Amber" and "Dhara" about 200 m apart. It has been developed recently by the Forest Department of Uttarakhand with the help of local youth. About 60 local youth, both male and females are employed as Guides, Gardeners, Service providers, Ticket Collectors, Information Providers etc. It houses a protected patch of small forest containing Deodar Trees.There is an entry fee of Rs 15 For Adults and Rs 10 for Children.Mussouri Forest Department is running Eco-huts for the tourists come to enjoy serene landscapes of Dhanaulti. These are built by green technology and are Eco-friendly. Dhanolti is an ideal place to smoothen your taste for calm, quite and serene environment. Private car, taxi or bus is available for transport. Best Time: Daylight
Surkanda Devi Temple
Situated further on Mussoorie-Tehri road at a distance of 33kms is Surkanda Devi Temple, dedicated to ‘Sati Mata’. Visitors can drive up to Khaddukhal (Devas-Thali) by car, taxi or bus from where the temple is 2kms on foot. The temple is located at an altitude of 10000ft. above sea level and a visit to the top is an experience one can never forget. Best Time:Daylight
Kanatal
Kanatal is a hamlet built around numerous hills, a locale which personifies the romantic aura of Tehri District,located on the Chamba-Mussoorie highway with a spectacular view of the snow covered hills and the green forests.Known for its mesmerizing beauty, beautiful sights, verdant forests, invigorating winds and tranquil weather, Kanatal is the place where Shankar Ji brought Sati Mata’s dead body on his trishul from Haridwar. Located at a height of 9995 feet, you get a 360 degree view from the top of the Surkanda Devi temple. Best Time: Daylight
Chamba
Chamba is a town in Tehri Garhwal district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at the junction of roads leading from Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Tehri Dam/ Lake and New Tehri. Chamba is yet another of those destinations which still stand oblivious to most tourists and therefore unspoilt and fresh like a daisy with lots of pines and deodar , for the lucky few who venture out seeking new places to explore and enjoy Chamba is at an altitude of 1600 mt above sea level.
Best Time: Daylight
Tehri Dam
Located about 80kms from Mussoorie, the Tehri Dam is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam on the Bhagirathi River near Tehri in Uttarakhand. It is the primary dam of the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Ltd. and the Tehri hydroelectric complex. Completed in 2006, the Tehri Dam withholds a reservoir for irrigation, municipal water supply and the generation of 1,000 MW of hydroelectricity along with an additional 1,000 MW of pumped storage hydroelectricity. An eye capturing view of the largest artificial lake in India and a must see for ecological lovers. Best Time: Daylight
Nagg Tibba
Nagga Tibba is a peak situated around 55 km from Mussoorie. Towering at a height of around 10,000 feet, it is credited with being the highest peak around the hill resort. Covered by thick forests, it is the perfect spot for trekking, open for trekkers all around the year. Nagga Tibba provides magnificent scenic vistas of Garhwali villages, dense forests and the Himalayan ranges. Best Time: Daytime.