Hey there!
So, I just got back from a beautiful 4-day trip to Mussoorie in September, and I can’t wait to tell you about it. I’d been craving a break from Delhi’s chaos and heat, and this little getaway turned out to be exactly what I needed. I can’t stop thinking about it. It was peaceful, refreshing, and full of those small moments you end up remembering more than the big ones. If you’re planning to head up there soon—or even just dreaming about it—let me walk you through how I did it, what I discovered, and a few tips that might save you some guesswork.
“Before we dive into the charm of Mussoorie, if you haven’t yet explored my last travel story on the majestic landscapes of Leh-Ladakh, be sure to check it out for an unforgettable journey through India’s high-altitude desert.”
🛣️ Getting to Mussoorie from Delhi – My Journey 🚗
I started out for Mussoorie trip from Delhi early in the morning—around 5:30 AM, to beat the traffic and enjoy the road. The total distance is around 280–290 km, and it took me roughly 7.5 hours with breaks for tea and breakfast.
The route I took for my Mussoorie trip:
I took the classic road route: Delhi to Meerut to Muzaffarnagar to Dehradun to Mussoorie. It wasn’t all smooth—there were a few bumpy patches and slow-moving trucks—but something about watching the landscape change from flat highways to winding hill roads felt exciting. The moment those pine trees came into view, I knew I was close, and I could feel my city stress starting to melt away.
The roads were in good condition, though once you cross Dehradun and hit the hill section, it gets narrow and curvy. It was still drizzling in early September, so I took it slow. Driving myself was super convenient, but if you don’t want to drive:
You can also reach Mussoorie:
If driving’s not your thing, no worries—you’ve got good options. You can hop on a Train to Dehradun, and from there, it’s about a 90-minute cab ride up to Mussoorie. The drive is a bit curvy but i enjoyed it.
Or, if you’re tight on time, just fly into Jolly Grant Airport and grab a cab straight from there. I’ve done both in the past, and honestly, they’re super convenient if you just want to reach the hills without too much effort.
If you’re not up for a long drive or train ride, you can also fly straight into Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. That’s what a friend of mine did, and it was super convenient—the Flight was quick, and from there, they just grabbed a cab and were in Mussoorie in no time. It’s honestly the smoothest option if you want to skip the travel fuss and just get to the hills feeling fresh.
Or use Volvo buses to Dehradun from ISBT, and switch to a shared taxi or bus from there.
If you’re not used to hill driving, hiring a cab from Dehradun is a safer bet.
🌦️ Why September Was a Surprisingly Good Time
Honestly, I was a bit nervous about going to Mussoorie in September month. Everyone kept saying things like “It’ll be too misty,” or “You won’t see the views.” But I’m so glad I didn’t listen. The rain had just passed, so everything was lush, green, and glowing. The air was crisp, the hills were wrapped in clouds like they were wearing soft shawls, and every turn in the road brought a new postcard moment. It felt magical—like the mountains had just been washed clean.
- The hills were fresh, green, and alive after the rains.
- The tourist crowd was thin, which made the experience peaceful.
- The weather was cool (around 17–22°C)—just right for light sweaters.
- I did face some mist and occasional drizzle, but it actually added to the mood.
- If you don’t mind carrying an umbrella and walking in the mist now and then, early to mid-September is a great time.
🎒 What I Packed (and Was Glad I Did)
- Light sweater and waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip (a must in case of wet paths)
- Small umbrella and extra pair of socks
- Power bank and a flashlight for evening walks
- One thing I’m so glad I packed? A small thermos. There’s nothing like pouring yourself some warm chai while sitting on a rock, staring out at misty hills. I actually did that near Lal Tibba one morning, and it was one of those moments that stays with you—just me, the tea, and the silence.
🛏️ Where I Stayed – Peace Over Popularity
I chose to stay in Landour, which is a quiet area above the main Mussoorie town. peacefull area with Less traffic, cleaner air, and just a different vibe. I checked into a small boutique homestay-style place called Rokeby Manor—very cozy and nestled in pine trees.
During my trip, I either stayed at or came across these places, and a few were also recommended by fellow travelers I met along the way. Honestly, some of these spots just felt right the moment I walked in.
My Stay:
Rokeby Manor (Landour) – I stayed at Rokeby Manor in Landour, and let me tell you—it was like stepping into a different time. The old-world charm, creaky wooden floors, cozy rooms with views of the valley—it all felt straight out of a storybook. Plus, their food? Comforting and delicious. I still think about their cinnamon rolls.
Other Great Stays @Mussoorie:
- Hotel Vishnu Palace – Near Library Chowk, clean and affordable.
- JW Marriott Walnut Grove – A luxury stay with mountain views and spa.
- Zostel Mussoorie – Budget-friendly, good for solo travelers.
- Wherever you stay, make sure it has parking and a view—trust me, the fog rolling in over the valley is worth it.
🍽️ What & Where I Ate – Highlights from the Mussoorie Trip
Food was one of the highlights! I didn’t go fancy every time—I mixed it up with local cafĂ©s and a few hidden gems.
Breakfast Spots I Loved:
Landour Bakehouse – I could eat here every day. Their walnut pie, croissants, and filter coffee were just perfect.
Char Dukan (Landour) – Oh,—don’t miss it. It’s just a little stretch of four tiny shops in Landour (Mussoorie), but each one is packed with personality. I sat there on a rainy morning with a hot bun-omelette and a steaming mug of honey-lemon tea, and time just… slowed down. It’s not a fancy, but it doesn’t need to be like. The vibe is everything.
Lunch Options:
Kalsang – If you’re into Tibetan or Chinese food, please—go to Kalsang. I ended up going twice because the first meal was so satisfying. The momos were juicy, the noodles comforting, and the vibe just felt warm and relaxed, like you could sit there for hours and people-watch on Mall Road.
Dinner Places @Mussoorie:
The Tavern – Warm interiors, great place to relax after a long day.
Clock Tower Café – Laid-back with pasta, burgers, and good music.
🏞️ What I Did – Places You Shouldn’t Miss
I kept my trip balanced—some sightseeing, some slow moments.
Day 1
- Reached in the afternoon, checked in.
- Took a sunset stroll on Camel’s Back Road—no cars, just pine trees and quiet.
- Dinner at The Tavern.
Day 2
- Early morning walk to Lal Tibba—it was misty, but so peaceful.
- Coffee at Landour Bakehouse, then explored Char Dukan.
- Afternoon at George Everest House—light trekking and wide open spaces.
- One of the most peaceful nights? I had dinner back at the hotel and then just sat out on the balcony. There were no sounds—just the wind, a light drizzle, and clouds slowly drifting past me like they were in no rush to be anywhere. I didn’t even need music. That moment was enough..
Day 3
- I finally rode the Gun Hill cable car, and just as I reached the top, the mist started to lift, almost like nature was giving me a sneak peek of the view. For a second, everything cleared—and there were the hills, stretching far and wide under a soft golden sky. it was amazing I simply stood there silently, taking it all in.
- Spent the afternoon at Kempty Falls—a bit slippery due to recent rain, so be careful.
- Shopping on Mall Road—picked up local honey and a woolen shawl.
- Before wrapping up the day, I popped into Clock Tower Café for a quick snack—something light, a little dessert, and a warm drink. It was the perfect wind-down spot, the kind that makes you feel like you’ve ended the day on the right note.
Day 4
- Packed up, drove to Cloud’s End—a peaceful forest trail with barely anyone around.
- One last tea at Char Dukan before heading back to Delhi.
🛍️ Things I Brought Back
- Locally made peanut butter and apple jam from Landour.
- Handmade soap and essential oils.
- I picked up a couple of Ruskin Bond books while strolling down Mall Road—couldn’t resist. There’s this quaint little bookshop there, and the owner casually mentioned that Ruskin Bond himself drops by sometimes! Just hearing that gave me goosebumps.
A cozy shawl and wool socks from a small shop on Mall Road.
Expense Approx (INR)
Travel (Petrol) â‚ą3,000
Stay (3 nights) â‚ą8,000
Food â‚ą2,500
Shopping â‚ą1,500
Local Transport & Entry Fees â‚ą1,000
Total ₹16,000–17,000
If you’re traveling with someone, the cost per person gets even lower. Budget travelers can cut this by half using hostels and public transport.
🧳 Precautions & Travel Tips, I Wish Someone Had Told Me ⚠️
- Roads may be wet/slippery—drive slow and avoid night travel.
- Start your journey early—especially if you’re driving. Hill roads are safest during the day.
- Carry light rainy jackets, even in summer. Nights can surprise you.
- Wear comfy shoes with good grip—you’ll walk a lot, especially on Mall Road and trails like Camel’s Back.
- Avoid plastic—many parts of Mussoorie are plastic-free zones.
- Try to avoid overplanning—leave room for wandering.
- Mobile network was fine (I use Jio), but Landour had some weak spots.
- If you’re prone to motion sickness, carry medicine—those curves on the hill road can be tough.
- Keep cash/change for tolls and small eateries—ATMs are there but not always reliable.
- Parking can be tricky—most areas are narrow. I booked a stay with a dedicated parking space (more on that below).
đź’¬ Final Thoughts
This September trip to Mussoorie turned out to be more than just a weekend break. The clouds drifting between trees, the warm café food, and the slow pace made it feel like time had paused. If you’re looking for a peaceful hill escape that isn’t overrun by tourists, early September might just be the sweet spot.
Hope this helps you plan your own adventure. If you need any recommendations, itinerary help—feel free to ask. I’d be happy to share more!
