Mussoorie is one of those places in India where footprints left by the British can still be seen. It is perched at an altitude of more than 6150 ft and allows visitors to drink in mesmerizing views of the Doon Valley and the surrounding hills. Mussoorie’s scenic beauty affords us the perfect escape from the hum-drum of city life and to retire into the slow Pahadi lifestyle.

But Mussoorie in winters is simply a paradise everyone should witness. I decided to try it myself and booked a Delhi to Dehradun cab to escape the hassle of traveling in buses and trains. I reached Dehradun in less than 4 hours but the entire road trip was nothing short of a thrilling experience.

I was not lucky to witness snow in Mussoorie but some of the coldest months in Mussoorie are December and January. The temperature drops to negative, but it is the best time and the best place to enjoy an amazing winter holiday.

Must visit places in Mussoorie for the perfect holiday experience

1.   Kellogg Memorial Church

This gothic styled church was built in 1903 and still stands as a beautiful attraction in Mussoorie. This is a great place to start your day with. The beautiful glass stained windows at the church make it a perfect stop for photography buffs to capture this timeless beauty under the warm wintery sun. Do make sure to visit the place on your trip to Mussoorie in December!

2.   Char Dukaan

Head to these four very ordinary looking shops to enjoy a cup of hot ginger tea in December, some bun omelette and masala Maggie. For some desserts, you could ask for waffles which is one of their star hits among tourists.

3.   Lal Tibba

Lal Tibba is the highest point in Mussoorie and it is from here you can enjoy panoramic views of the valley below. Hike up to this scenic point and enjoy the views, lush green surroundings, and crisp mountain air. The vantage point is at a distance of 4.5 km from the city centre and one can either hire a cab, or choose to trek to Lal Tibba.

4.   Mall Road

Mall Road in Musoorie is a happening spot and no trip to Mussoorie is complete without visiting the Mall Road here. The road is lines with a number of shops selling beautiful woollen items and family restaurants. One can also find a lot of small roadside food stalls dotted across the Mall Road. The best thing to enjoy at Mall Road is a sizzling plate of boiled eggs garnished with green chillies or a softy. Yes, having an ice cream under the warm wintery sun is pure bliss!

Things to keep in mind

1. Pack a lot of woolens. The winters in Mussoorie can get brutal at night.
2. One usually ends up walking a lot in hill stations. So make sure those uncomfortable pair of heels or shoes are left behind at home. You would not need it!
3. Carry medicines. All types of medicines. You will be at a higher altitude, so it is best to keep medicines for the times you feel uncomfortable.
4. Carry a water resistant bags in case you are in the middle of snowstorm or rainfall.

Mussoorie is a sister town of Dehradun, so do take out some time to explore the quaint cafes and view points in Dehradun also. The young, vibrant vibe of Dehradun makes every traveler fall in love with the hill town. I spent one of the days in Dehradun, just strolling around all day, trying food, and just filling up lungs full of fresh air. On my way back, I took a Dehradun to Mussoorie taxi and reached my hotel just in time before the sunset. The distance between Dehradun and Mussoorie is hardly 30 km and can be easily covered in an hour.