Sneak Preview

Perched on a 15 kms long horseshoe shaped ridge with the grand Himalayas as a backdrop is the colonial hill station of Mussoorie. At heights of over 2,000 metres, Mussoorie has superb views of peaks in the western Garhwal hills, including Banderpunch Massif at 6,316 metres and Swargarohini at 6,252 metres. 34 kms from Dehradun, this popular hill resort overlooks the Doon valley to its south. Trekkers begin their journey into the Hari-ki-Dun area with its snowscapes and verdant-forested slopes from Mussoorie.

One of the most easily accessed hill stations in northern India, during the peak tourist season Mussoorie becomes a bustling resort with hordes of holidaymakers ambling down the central Mall. The suburban area of Landour, about 300 metres away from the main town, is quieter and has managed to retain some of its old colonial charm. Surrounded by lush wooded expanses and winding lanes, it offers good opportunities for quiet walks away from the crowds.

Ruskin Bond the renowned author still lives in Landour. Ask the locals to point out his house - they all know where it is.

Historically Speaking

Chanced upon by a British army officer Captain Young in 1827, this tiny wooded inhabitation fast turned into a Victorian resort, with its central Mall, a library and an Anglican Church. Though the town has grown far beyond its colonial past, with posh hotels and guesthouse thronging the ridge, some parts still retain the old-world charm of a quiet country resort.