Offbeat Places Near Mussoorie: Explore The Quaint Secrets Of This Hill Station

View of beautiful hills of Dhanaulti, one of the best offbeat places near Mussoorie

Uttarakhand is a beautiful northern state in India, also known as ‘Devbhoomi’ – the land of gods and goddesses. The unique allure of this region is enriched not only by its reasonable climatic conditions but the cultural and spiritual practices within the community. The Himalayas bring to the region not only peaceful hill stations and holy places but also adventurous trekking. It is not only the sacred places that attract the people to visit the state but also the national parks, water bodies, and green valleys that the state has. With floral and faunal diversity, a variety of ethnic tribes and their festivals, and mountain tourism, Uttarakhand is an all season state for any kinds of tourists.

10 Offbeat Places Near Mussoorie

Here are ten offbeat places near Mussoorie that offer you tranquil escapes and unique experiences:

1. Landour

A serene view of the Himalayas from Landour, an offbeat place near Mussoorie

Photo: Walson techno / Wikimedia Commons

Landour, one among the top offbeat places near Mussoorie, is a fine respite filled with colonial touches and natural scenic beauty. Situated at a height, it also gives beautiful sights of the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas. It is often preferred for walks in the woods of pine and oak trees. The region has characteristics from the British colonial period including several old structures, cute little eateries like Char Dukan, and places like the famous Landour Bakehouse.

Distance From Mussoorie: About 7 kilometres
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November

2. Dhanaulti

Scenic view of pine trees on the verdant hills of  Dhanaulti

Photo: SHUVADIP / Wikimedia Commons

Dhanaulti is a hill station appreciated because of its quietness and beautiful scenery. In contrast to the neighbouring crowded tourist places, Dhanaulti provides a calmness surrounded by thick deodar, pine, oak and rhododendron trees. This place offers ample opportunities for all the nature enthusiasts with captivating sights of the Himalayas makes a perfect getaway. The place serves as a centre of activities including the Eco Park, apple farms and other trekking trails of the region.

Distance From Mussoorie: About 24 kilometres
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November

3. Kanatal

Picturesque view of the forested hills of Kanatal, a hidden gem nearby

Photo: Wasif Mehmood / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Kanatal, situated not very far from Mussoorie, is a relaxing hill station in the lap of nature bereft of the crowds and is ideal for all those seeking peace- be it a family or an individual. Sitting at an altitude of about 8,500 feet, it has breathtaking views of snow capped mountains and green foliage. Also enhancing the experience is the nearby Surkanda Devi Temple located about a half an hour trek from the town.

Distance From Mussoorie: About 38 kilometres
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November

4. Nag Tibba

View of Snowy Nag Tibba   against the bright blue sky

Photo: Paul Hamilton / Wikimedia Commons

Nag Tibba which is the highest peak in the Lesser Himalayan ranges is approximately 3022 metres high and provides stunning sights of the mountains in its vicinity like Bandarpunch and Swargarohini ranges. It is situated not very far from Mussoorie hence making it a favourite trekking spot for adventure enthusiasts. The climb up to Nag Tibba is quite simple hence making it suitable for all ages locals and travellers who like to hike or climb as well as those who are experts in the activity.

Distance From Mussoorie: About 34 kilometres
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November

5. Kempty Falls

Kempty Falls in Uttarakhand is one of the top offbeat places near Mussoorie

Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons

Kempty Falls is a picturesque waterfall situated near Mussoorie, which pours down from the height of 40 feet, forming a pretty pool at the bottom. Kempty Falls, like many other places in the vicinity, was developed into a picnic spot for the enjoyment of the visitors by the British in the 19th century, and is an attractive place for those who like swimming. The gorge in which the falls are located is replete with greenery and presents beautiful pictures of the hills surrounding it.

Distance From Mussoorie: About 15 kilometres
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November

6. Jabarkhet Nature Reserve

A Himalayan black bear at the Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, one of the best offbeat places near Mussoorie

Photo: Shiv’s fotografia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve is located near the hill station of Mussoorie and is a calm eco-tourism spot famous for the rich varieties of flora and fauna and untouched beauty of nature. With an area of more than 100 acres, it allows people to engage themselves in walking under the cool shades of trees, exploring floral varieties, and spotting different species of animals, especially birds. The reserve has clear cut nature trails ideal for trekking and bird watching.

Distance From Mussoorie: About 5 kilometres
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November

7. Surkanda Devi Temple

Surkanda Devi Temple is a serene Himalayan shrine with panoramic mountain views

Photo: आर्या जोशी / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Perched at an elevation of 2900 metres above sea level is the famous Surkanda Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga which provides stunning panoramas of the Himalayas and Doon Valley. The temple can be reached through a beautiful two-kilometre trek from Kaddukhal village, making it frequented by the devotees as well as the nature lovers. The temple is in the peaceful surrounding and surrounded by beautiful mountains ideal for adventurous tourists and spiritual people alike.

Distance From Mussoorie: About 24 kilometres
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November

8. Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

A Goral at the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, ideal spot for wildlife lovers

Photo: Ashwin Viswanathan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, which falls within the premises of Mussoorie at a distance of 11 kilometres, serves as a calm and pleasant abode for nature and wildlife lovers. It covers an area of 337 hectares and lies within the area of Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary. The region encompasses diverse vegetation and fauna including leopards, deer, and many varieties of birds including the Himalayan monal.

Distance From Mussoorie: About 11 kilometres
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November

9. Chakrata

An offbeat place near Mussoorie, known for lush forests and trekking trails

Photo: Delcho Dichev / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Located at a short distance from Mussoorie, Chakrata is a picturesque hill station that provides a quiet escape to the undulating Himalayas. Famed for its greenery and its tranquillity, Chakrata also owns its share of adventures in the form of activities such as trekking, rock climbing, and even bird watching. Also, this town is well known for tucked away beautiful waterfalls like Tiger Falls and ancient temples.

Distance From Mussoorie: About 90 kilometres
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November

10. Kanasar

Ancient Kanasar Temple nestled in serene deodar forests, nearby

Photo: Kevin Wiley / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Located near Chakrata is Kanasar, a quiet forested region famous for its beautiful deodar trees and peaceful ambience. It possesses breathtaking views ideal for nature as well as adventure lovers. The area has a number of trekking routes which the tourists can take to enjoy the rich flora and fauna and beauty of the surroundings. Kanasar also has the old Kanasar temple which beautifies one’s trip with its religious presence.

Distance From Mussoorie: About 80 kilometres
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November

It is always fun to look for hidden gems that are far off from Mussoorie’s crowded tourist destinations. Be it trekking Nag Tibba or looking for calm in Landour or simply enjoying Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, off beat places near Mussorrie assure something different. As you plan your next trip to Uttarakhand, let TripXL shoulder the burden of bookings and offer you some of the best deals.

Cover Photo: Nishant Aneja / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Offbeat places for one to visit include Landour, Dhanaulti, Kanatal, Nag Tibba, Jabarkhet Nature Reserve and a few others such as Chakrata and Kanasar are well known but quiet and crowd free.
These places are reachable by road from Mussoorie. Either hire a taxi or use local transport to get to your place.
The weather during exploration as well as other active out-of-doors pursuits is best from March to June, September to November.
Most of these places are family-oriented as they provide safe surroundings and facilities including nature trails and picnic grounds for even the youngest members of the family.
Most offbeat destinations do not require permits, but it’s advisable to check local regulations for specific areas, especially near wildlife sanctuaries.

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