Mussoorie, like other hill resorts in India, came into existence in the 1820s or thereabouts, when the families of British colonials began making for the hills in order to escape the scorching heat of the plains. Small settlements grew into large stations and were soon vying with each other for the title of "queen of the hills." Mussoorie's name derives from the Mansur shrub (Cororiana nepalensis), common in the Himalayan foothills; but many of the house names derive from the native places of those who first built and lived in them. Today, the old houses and estates are owned by well-to-do Indians, many of whom follow the lifestyle of their former colonial rulers. In most cases, the old names have been retained.

SOME SUGGESTED SIGHTSEEING PLACES

• Gunhill :

Gun Hill being the second highest peak of Mussoorie offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges namely Bunderpunch, Srikantha, Pithwara and Gangotri Group to name the few. During pre-independence days a Gun mounted on this top used to be fired at mid-day to enable people to adjust their watches and hence this name. It can be reached by the Ropeway ride whose distance is 400 mtrs. or by the bridle path which forks-off from Kutchery and takes about twenty minutes.

• Kempty fall :

Located at 15 Kms from Mussoorie on way to Yamunotri having an altitude of 1370 mtrs. It has a distinction of being the biggest and prettiest waterfall located in a beautiful valley and is surrounded by high mountains. Bath at the foot of the fall is enjoyable and unforgettable experience during summer days .

• Lake mist :

About 5kms before kempty fall on Mussoorie-Kempty road it is a newly developed good picnic spot with accommodation and restaurant facilities, boating is also available.

• Municipal garden :

It is picnic spot having a beautiful garden and an artificial mini lake with paddled boating facility. It is located at a distance of 4 kms. by rickshaw cycles, pony or by a car and 2 kms. via Waverly Convent School road on foot.

• Mussoorie lake :

A newly developed picnic spot build by City Board & Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority, is situated at 6 Kms on Mussoorie-Dehradun road having a facility of pedaled boats. It offers a enchanting view of Doon Valley and nearby villages. View during Night is marvelous.

• Camel's back road :

This road begins from the Rink at Kulri Bazar and terminates at Library Bazar having a distance of 3 Kms. The road is named after the Camel rock with a life like resemblance and can be seen from Mussoorie Public School. British graveyard having ancient graves on the way provides new dimension to the walk. Horse riding and walking during evening is a memorable experience as it offers a sunset view in the himalayas.

• Bhatta falls :

7 Kms. from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun Road near Bhatta Village. Accessible by car or bus upto Bhatta from where the fall is 3 kms by foot. The place is ideal for bathing and having picnic. A fall with different ponds for bathing and water amusements, ideal place for picnic. A picnic spot with a difference.

• Jharipani fall :

Located at 8.5 Kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Jharipani road. One can go by local bus or car upto Jharipani from where the fall is about 1.5 Kms on foot.

• Mosey fall :

The fall is surrounded by a dense forest and is 7 kms. from Mussoorie. One can go there via Barlowganj or Balahisar.

• Nag devta temple :

An ancient temple dedicated to Snake God Lord Shiva and is situated on Cart Mackenjee road is about 6 kms from Mussoorie on way to Dehradun. Vehicles can go right upto the temple. Place provies a enchanting view of Mussoorie & Doon valley.

• Jwalaji temple(benog hill) :

Situated at an altitude of 2104 mtrs. is 9 Kms. west of Mussoorie. It is situated on the top of the Benog Hill surrounded by thick forest having an old ideal of Goddess Durga provides a marvelous view of Yamuna Valley.

• Cloud end :

The resort is surrounded by thick deodar forest and is ideally suited for foreigners and honeymooners. The bungalow built in 1838 by a British major was one of the first four buildings of Mussoorie has now been converted into a hotel. The place provides peace and calm and is full of flora and fauna.

HOW TO REACH :

By Air :

Indian Airlines connects Jolly Grant Airport, 24 km from Dehradun, with Delhi. Taxis are available to reach there. The Jolly Grant Airports besides Rishikesh-Dehradun State Highway. Uttarakhand State Road Transport Corporation buses stop in front of Airport Gate.

By Train :

The nearest railhead is Dehradun which is 34 Kms. from Mussoorie. It is the Northern Railway terminus connected to all major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Howrah, Lucknow, Varanasi, Amritsar, Saharanpur, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Allahabad, Ujjain, Indore, Kathgodam, Okha.

By Road :

Mussoorie is well connected to all major areas of the region. Direct buses are available for the following places :New Delhi 290 Kms.