Whether you are an intrepid explorer who loves hiking or a simple traveler who wants to spend time amidst nature, Mussoorie has something to give to anyone who sets foot here. Also called the ‘Queen of Hills’, Mussoorie is one of the most popular hill stations in the country and is famous for its tranquil charm. As you walk through the splendid streets, you can feel the crisp mountain freshness and smell the exotic wildflowers on the Himalayan terrain. With breathtaking vistas and a refreshing climate, Mussoorie remains to be the most sought-after tourist place in India. However, it is also important to know the best time to visit Mussoorie if you plan on taking home a symphony of unforgettable experiences.
The lofty pine trees, meandering trails, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views of the valleys beckon you! Without any further delay, read on to find out the best time to visit Mussoorie, the climatic conditions, how to reach the hill station, and the must-visit tourist attractions.
Best Time to Visit Mussoorie – Climate in Different Seasons
If you ask me when is the best time to visit Mussoorie, I’d say – throughout the year! Mussoorie is known for its pleasant and ethereal climate, a respite from the mundane metropolitan routine. Each season has its own charm and when you want to visit Mussoorie will depend on your personal preferences. But at the end of the day, Mussoorie best time to visit would be any time you decide to pack your bags and come to the awe-inspiring hill station.
Let us see what we can expect from Mussoorie in each season
1 – Summer Months
Mussoorie will impress you with the clear sky and soothing breezes during the summer months. Owing to its close proximity to the Himalayan ranges, the temperature will remain between 10 to 35 degrees Celsius. An average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius can be expected during the hot months. The summer season in Mussoorie lasts from March to Early June and this is the time when most of the tourists prefer to come to the hill station. The nights are chillier but tolerable. However, you might have to carry light woolen clothing and blankets for the night.
The best part is that Mussoorie will prove to be the perfect getaway if you want to escape the scorching heat of your city.
2 – Winter Season
The ones who enjoy the cold weather would swear that the best time to visit Mussoorie is the winter season! This is when you get to see the snow-laden Himalayan magnificence! The morning temperature can be anywhere between 3 to 30 degrees Celsius. The nights can go down to a sub-zero so it is very important that you pack heavy woolen clothing to protect yourself from the chill. The cold months last from October to the end of February. For the Snow lovers, Mussoorie sees a moderate snowfall in the months of December and January so plan your trip accordingly.
3 – Rainy Season
I personally love the monsoon months when the rain washes away the lingering heat and makes the greenery stand out against the blue-sky backdrop. However, things are a little different in Mussoorie. The rainy season begins towards the end of June and continues till the end of September. The initial showers will refresh the place and the temperature will start dipping to below 20 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature will remain to be around 32 degrees Celsius. However, in the months of August and September, Mussoorie sees heavy rains with dense gray skies. Tourist activity is very low during these months. If you are someone looking for a calm and secluded time to shrug off the stress, the rainy season is the best time to visit Mussoorie.
How To Reach Mussoorie
Now that we have researched the climatic conditions in the hill station, let us see how to get there safely. You can reach Mussoorie by Air, Railway, or by Road while enjoying a scenic road trip.
1 – Air
There are two ways you can reach Mussoorie by Air. The Jolly Grant International Airport in Dehradun is the closest one to the hill station. You can take a flight from any metropolitan city in India and reach Dehradun in a few hours. From there, you will need to hire a taxi or board a bus to reach Mussoorie. Alternatively, you can deboard at Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi, which is the second nearest airport to Mussoorie. Again, you can hire a taxi or board a bus to reach Mussoorie in about 7 hours.
2 – Railway
You can board a train from Delhi, Jaipur, Himachal, Kolkata, Jammu, Amritsar, and Maharashtra to reach Dehradun Railway Station. The people traveling from South India might have to take a connecting train and frame a two-day commuting plan. The Dehradun Railway Station is about 36 km away from the heart of Mussoorie. You can easily get a cab or board the frequent Buses that take passengers to the hill station.
3 – Road
There are several State Government Buses and Private Travels that conduct trips from major cities to Mussoorie. You will find most of them starting from Dehradun, Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Amritsar. If you are up for a mesmerizing road trip, here are the most sought-after routes –
- Travel on the Delhi – Dehradun NH44 HIghway to take a detour toward NH307 – Mussoorie Road
- The Chandigarh-Shimla HIghway -NH5 – that gradually merges with NH307 of Mussoorie
- Start from Haridwar and travel on the Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway NH34. Then take a detour toward Dehradun – NH7 – and merge with NH307 of Mussoorie Road.
The Top 10 Places to Not Miss Out in Mussoorie
Once you figure out the best time to visit Mussoorie and your travel route, you will have to start making your itinerary.
We have you covered!
Mussoorie is famous for its natural tourist attractions that will make you give a standing ovation to the creativity of the Universe. Here are some of the places that you must definitely visit on your trip –
1 – Kempty Falls
If you are in the mood to take a dip in the chilled waters of Mussoorie, you will have to visit Kempty Falls. The cascading wonder is located about 15 km away from the city center and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vegetation. You can plan a picnic here or gather with friends to splash some water on each other.
2 – Cloud’s End
Cloud’s End signifies the end of Mussoorie and is located in the western direction of the hill station. You can find some of the best walking trails here and the rewarding view in the end will make you feel very productive and happy. The visage from the cloud’s end will show you wide-spread pine trees, and thick forests. It will introduce you to some of the most exotic plants in the Himalayan range.
3 – Lal Tibba
Lal Tibba is the highest viewpoint in Mussoorie that will give you telescopic views of Kedarnath and Badrinath! So, while being in Mussoorie, you can get a glimpse of the two important places in the Char Dham Yatra. Tourists leisurely walk along the ridge, witness the soul-satisfying sunrise/sunset and enjoy the view of the snow-laden mountains.
If you are planning the Char Dham Yatra this season, don’t forget to read – Experience the Pilgrimage of a Lifetime on This Char Dham Yatra
4 – Happy Valley
Happy Valley is of great spiritual significance to the people of Mussoorie. Here, you will find the serene Buddhist monk temple – Shedup Cheopelling and a serene environment to relax your mind. You can explore the natural gardens, scenic walking trails, and waterfalls that flow down from between the mountains. The feeling of being in pure silence coupled with the crisp mountain breeze will stay with you for a long time.
5 – Mussoorie Lake
The main tourist attraction in Mussoorie is the Mussoorie Lake. It is a wide-spread waterbody surrounded by lofty trees, big bushes, and colorful flower beds. Tourists can go on boat rides, sit by the lake with sandwiches or watch the sun go down in the evenings. There are small eateries and stalls near the lake where you can get some refreshments and try local snacks.
The Food Lovers will also enjoy reading – Best Street Food in Mussoorie
6 – Mossy Falls
This mystical waterfall lies between mossy hills and offers an enchanting view from afar. The unique rock formation makes the water cascade down in multiple steps and it has an overall foamy appearance. It is one of the offbeat tourist attractions in Mussoorie so you won’t find a crowd gathered at this place! Isn’t that splendid?
7 – Camel’s Back Road
Yes, the road resembles the hump of a camel because of the interesting rock formations in the region. The path offers a pleasant and leisurely walk along the beautiful curve, providing stunning views of the surrounding hills and the Doon Valley. You can go up this road while munching on local snacks and also shop in the outlets that sell interesting handlooms, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
8 – George Everest’s House
About 6km from Mussoorie’s city center, amidst the Himalayan foothill, lies the ancient house of George Everest – India’s Surveyor General in the 19th Century. Standing in front of this past possession, you can see the flowing Yamuna River, and panoramic views of the Doon Valley. The house stands as a reminder of the marvelous contributions that George Everest made to the field of surveying.
9 – Company Garden
It is also popularly known as ‘The Municipal Garden’. The place has well-manicured lawns, flower beds, and a small amusement park with rides for the children. It is the best place to be in along with your loved ones and little tots. There is a charming fountain in the center surrounded by benches where you can sit down and enjoy the ambiance.
10 – Christ Church
Built-in 1836, the Christ Church is one of the oldest Churches in Mussoorie. With its pristine cream-white walls and wooden benches, the place will remind you of the colonial architecture from the British era. If you watch it from afar, you will also see traces of Gothic influence here and there. What makes Christ Church special is the stone facade and the prominent clock tower. On the inside, you have delicate chandeliers and painted glass windows that depict the story of Christ. Seeing how the Christmas season is the best time to visit Mussoorie, surely visit this church to be a part of the celebrations!
Also Read Santa Tip: Don’t Miss These Sacred Churches to Visit During Christmas in India
That brings us to the end of our Blog. Mussoorie is undoubtedly one of the most enthralling places in India. People crave to spend some time in this peaceful and tranquil environ, in hopes of finding some time with themselves. Some would go ahead and say that being in Mussoorie in itself is a form of therapy!
When do you think it is the best time to visit Mussoorie? Do let us know in the comment section below.
