5 Best Places to Visit Near Mussoorie for One Day Trip

Are you planning a trip to the “Queen of Hills” this year? Mussoorie is beautiful, but the real magic is hidden just outside the main town.

Many of my clients ask me, “Mayank, Mall Road is too crowded. Where can we go for peace and nature?”

If you are thinking the same thing, this blog is for you.

I have been a travel agent for 5 years, and I live here in Uttarakhand. I know the best spots that tourists often miss. Today, I am sharing the top 5 places to visit near Mussoorie for one day trip.

You can visit these places in the morning and come back to your hotel by evening. Let’s start!

1. Landour (For Peace and Tasty Food)

Distance from Mussoorie: 5 km (20 minutes)

If you love old British-style houses, tall pine trees, and silence, Landour is the best place for you. It is very close to Mussoorie but feels like a different world.

It is one of the most famous Landour tourist places because of its history. Famous writer Ruskin Bond also lives here!

What to do in Landour:

• Lal Tibba: This is the highest point in the area. You can see the snow-covered Himalaya mountains clearly from here.
• Char Dukan: A set of four historic shops. You must try the pancakes, waffles, and Maggi here.
• St. Paul’s Church: A beautiful old church built in 1839.

Mayank’s Tip: The roads are very narrow. It is better to hire a small taxi or walk from the Picture Palace side. Big buses cannot go here.

Quick Info	Details
Best Time	Morning (8 AM to 12 PM)
Entry Fee	Free
Good For	Couples, Foodies, Nature Lovers

2. Dhanaulti (For Snow and Eco Parks)

Distance from Mussoorie: 30 km (1.5 hours)

Dhanaulti is my personal favorite. It is much quieter than Mussoorie. If you are looking for places to visit in Dhanaulti, you will find lots of nature and fewer shops.

The drive from Mussoorie to Dhanaulti is very scenic. You will see apple orchards and thick forests on both sides of the road.

Top Attractions:

• Eco Park (Amber and Dhara): These are two beautiful parks maintained by the forest department. Great for walking and taking photos.
• Surkanda Devi Temple: A famous temple on a hill top. You can trek for 1.5 km or take a horse ride.
• Snowfall: In Jan and Feb, this place is covered in snow!

Why go here?

It is perfect for families who want a picnic spot without the noise of the city.

3. Kempty Falls (For Fun and Water)

Distance from Mussoorie: 15 km (45 minutes)

You cannot talk about Mussoorie sightseeing without Kempty Falls. Yes, it is crowded, but it is also a lot of fun.

It is a huge waterfall where you can actually take a bath. The water comes from high mountains, so it is very cold even in summer.

Things to do:

• Bath in the Waterfall: Rent clothes and jump in the water.
• Ropeway Ride: Take the cable car to reach the bottom of the falls easily.
• Boating: There is a small man-made pond for boating nearby.

Note: If you are planning a Dehradun to Mussoorie trip, Kempty Falls is on the other side. You should visit it on your second day.

4. Kanatal (For Camping and Adventure)

Distance from Mussoorie: 48 km (2 hours)

If you are willing to drive a little further than Dhanaulti, you will reach Kanatal. This is an offbeat location.

Most people don’t know about it, which makes it special. It is one of the best tourist places near Mussoorie if you want adventure.

Activities in Kanatal:

• Jungle Safari: Explore the Kaudia Forest.
• Adventure Sports: Try zipline, valley crossing, and sky bridge activities.
• Camping: Stay in Swiss tents for a night if you have time.

Kanatal is very safe and clean. The air here is so fresh you will feel healthy instantly!

5. George Everest House (For Sunsets and Views)

Distance from Mussoorie: 6 km (30 minutes)

Do you know who Mount Everest is named after? It is named after Sir George Everest. He lived right here near Mussoorie!

His house is now a popular tourist spot. It is located on a cliff. On one side, you can see the Doon Valley, and on the other side, you can see the Himalayas.

Why visit here?

• The View: It offers the best sunset view in Mussoorie.
• Picnic: There is a large open ground where children can play.
• Short Trek: You can hike up to the George Everest Peak (about 30 minutes trek) for a 360-degree view.

How to Plan Your One Day Trip?

Here is a simple plan I make for my clients at Clans Stays:

• 9:00 AM: Start from your hotel.
• 10:00 AM: Visit Kempty Falls (Spend 2 hours).
• 12:30 PM: Drive towards George Everest House.
• 2:00 PM: Lunch at a local cafe.
• 3:30 PM: Go to Landour for evening tea and sunset at Lal Tibba.
• 6:30 PM: Back to Mall Road for dinner.

If you want to go to Dhanaulti, you should dedicate a full separate day for it because it takes time to travel.

Why Book with Clans Stays?

I have worked with big companies like MMT, but I started Clans Stays to give personal care.

• Local Drivers: Our drivers know these hilly roads perfectly. They are safe and polite.
• Best Prices: We give you the correct rates for hotels and cabs. No hidden charges.
• 24/7 Support: You can call me anytime during your trip.

Are you ready to explore?

Don’t just sit in the hotel room. Mussoorie has so much to offer.

If you need a cab or a hotel package, just drop me a message. I will help you plan the best trip for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which is the best place near Mussoorie for snowfall?

Ans: Dhanaulti is the best place. It gets heavy snowfall in January and February, much more than Mussoorie.

Q2: Can I visit Dhanaulti and come back in one day?

Ans: Yes, absolutely. It takes only 1.5 hours one way. You can leave at 10 AM and be back by 5 PM easily.

Q3: Is the road to Landour difficult?

Ans: The road is very steep and narrow. It is best to take a local taxi or walk. Do not take your own big car if you are not an expert in hill driving.

Q4: What is the entry fee for Kempty Falls?

Ans: Entry to the waterfall is free. However, the Ropeway costs about ₹150-₹200 per person.

Q5: Is George Everest House safe for kids?

Ans: Yes, the main house area is very safe and has a flat ground. But be careful if you trek up to the peak.

Q6: How far is Kanatal from Mussoorie?

Ans: Kanatal is about 48 km away. It takes around 2 hours to reach by car.