Travel tips for a perfect weekend getaway to Mussoorie

Saint Augustine had said 'The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page'. Indeed nothing gives more relaxation than travelling. And just in case, if you get an extended weekend, then you can make maximum use of the same. Weekends can turn out be refreshing even when you don't plan a trip in advance. In case, you live up in the northern belt of India, you have got plenty of options to make your weekends a memorable affair. And what better than queen of hills, Mussoorie. Mussoorie known for its scenic beauty is one of the beautiful hill stations in India. The natural beauty attracts many domestic and international tourists to the city every year.

Mussoorie is a popular weekend getaway for the people living in Delhi and other parts of northern India. Mussoorie, located in the foothills of Garhwal Himlayan range, has a pleasant climate all round the year. The best time to visit the exotic hill station is April to June and September to November. In case, you want to witness snowfall, then December to mid February is the perfect time. The best part about Mussoorie is that it is easily accessible from any part of India.

Mussoorie has many tourist locations in its basket which can definitely fulfil the traveller in you. The beauty of Doon valley adds a charm to Mussoorie's beauty and will definitely take your heart away. Mussoorie's Mall road gives you an old world vibe and makes you spell bound. Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba, Jharipani Fall and Cloud End are the main tourist attractions.

In case you want to quickly reach the exotic destination, then you can opt for airways. Jollygrant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Mussoorie. One can take a direct flight from Delhi to Dehradun and then hire a local taxi or bus to reach Mussoorie. Mussorrie is well connected to nearby places like Delhi and other towns of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. Various state government and private buses are available on a daily basis and one can take a bus as per convenience. The fare starts from Rs 600 for private buses and goes up depending on the comfort level.

Mussoorie doesn't have a railway station of its own. The Dehradun railway station is located mere 36 km away from the beautiful hill station. One can board a train to Dehradun and then take a local taxi or bus for going to Mussoorie. In case, you are planning to go to Mussoorie from Delhi, then you can board a Shatabdi express. Dehradun is also well connected with other major cities like Jammu, Amritsar and Jaipur through railways.

There are certain Dos and Don'ts which you have to keep in mind while planning a short trip to Mussoorie. Let's start with Dont's. It is usually advisable to avoid going to the hill station during the monsoon season (July-September). The risk of landslides increase during the rainy season and hence it is told not to visit Mussoorie during this time. Just like any other hill station, Mussoorie too witnesses sudden changes in the weather and hence you must carry some woollen clothes. A handy tip would be not to park you car on the Mall road as it is a no parking zone. Violating the same is an offence. You can park your car at Library MDDA Parking, Library Private Parking or Picture Palace Landour Market Road MDD Parking. The charge for the same is usually Rs. 100.

Talking about the Dos, you should try the roadside delicious and mouth-watering Chinese and Tibetan cuisine. Mussoorie is a shoppers paradise specially for those looking for sweaters and other wollen stuff. The market opens at 10 am and closes around 9, which gives you good amount of time to explore and shop. You should carry some cash as not all shops accept credit or debit cards. You should also carry some medicine if you are prone to motion sickness. You need to ride the cable car and have a entralling view of Gun Hill, which is Mussoorie's second highest point.