By Amanpreet Singh
Hey, Cloggers! Everyone knows Mussoorie. It’s the quintessential weekend getaway. But in the age of “hidden gems,” does this classic hill station still hold its crown? We took a trip with the crew—Rahul, Simran, and Vikram—to find out if the “Queen” still has her magic.
Here is everything you need to know, answered in our signature clean and easy format.
The Iconic View: Where can you literally walk among the clouds?
Answer: Cloud’s End.
While the Mall Road is the heart of the town, Cloud’s End is its soul. Located about 6km from the main library, this is where the geographical end of Mussoorie lies.
- The Experience: It is a Lovely 2km stretch of thick oak and deodar forests. As the name suggests, the clouds often settle right on the path, making you feel like you’re walking through a dream.
- Why it’s Epic: It offers a panoramic view of the Aglar River Valley and the snow-capped peaks. It’s the perfect spot for those “edge of the world” photos with your friends.
- Fun with Friends: We spent an hour here just sitting on the old stone walls, watching the mist roll in and out. It was the quietest and most Beautiful Moment of our trip.
The Adventure: Which waterfall is actually worth the hike?
Answer: Kempty Falls (with a twist) or Jharipani Falls.
Everyone goes to Kempty, but it can get crowded. For a more Epic adventure, we recommend exploring the area early or heading to Jharipani Falls.
- The Vibe: Kempty is a massive, cascading waterfall that’s perfect for a refreshing dip. If you go early in the morning, you get the place to yourself.
- The Challenge: The trek down to Jharipani is steeper and less commercialized, offering a more raw nature experience.
- Fun with Friends: Nothing beats the fun of trying to stand under the icy cold mountain water while your friends film your reaction. It’s a rite of passage for any Mussoorie trip!
The Heritage Walk: Where should you go for the best colonial vibes?
Answer: Landour and Lal Tibba.
If Mussoorie is the bustling center, Landour is its quiet, sophisticated sibling. Just a short, steep drive or walk up from the main town, Landour feels like a time capsule.
- Lal Tibba: This is the highest point in Mussoorie. There’s a telescope at the top that gives you a stunning, close-up look at peaks like Badrinath and Kedarnath.
- The Food: You cannot visit Landour without stopping at Landour Bakehouse. Their ginger snaps and apple pie are legendary.
- The Lovely Factor: Walking through the quiet, pine-scented lanes of Landour, past old British-era cottages and the famous St. Paul’s Church, is a Beautiful Moment that makes you realize why writers like Ruskin Bond chose to stay here forever.
The Evening Hub: What is the best way to spend a night in the hills?
Answer: A stroll on Camel’s Back Road.
While the Mall Road is great for shopping, Camel’s Back Road is better for the experience.
- The Walk: It’s a 3km loop named after a rock formation that looks like a camel’s hump. It’s much quieter than the main Mall.
- The Sunset: This is the best place to witness the “Winter Line”—a rare atmospheric phenomenon where a second horizon of sharp colors appears at sunset.
- Fun with Friends: We rented cycles and raced along the loop as the sun went down, ending the night with hot roasted corn (bhutta) and Maggi from a local stall. Simple, but Epic.
Final Verdict: Does Mussoorie deserve the hype?
Answer: Yes, if you know where to look.
Mussoorie is more than just a crowded Mall Road. It’s about:
- The Heritage: The colonial charm of Landour.
- The Nature: The mist-covered trails of Cloud’s End.
- The Memories: Sharing a plate of steaming momos while looking at the “Queen’s necklace” (the twinkling lights of Dehradun valley at night).
If you’re looking for a trip that balances easy accessibility with stunning Himalayan vistas, Mussoorie is still the reigning Queen.
What’s your favorite “classic” hill station? Let us know in the comments!
Stay adventurous, Amanpreet Singh clogtheblog.com
