Other than Shimla, the capital hill city in Himachal Pradesh, one more hill beauty in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district that shares the title of Queen of Hills is Mussoorie. This is all because this serene hill station is a treasure trove of many enthralling sites beyond its picturesque natural beauty bestowed with rich Himalayan resources. Hence, this hilly paradise is an ideal scenic escape from your mundane life routine when it comes to holidaying with loved ones. With many things to explore in Mussoorie, your weekend break here will surely turn into an album of unforgettable memories, be it with your loved ones or as a solo traveller.
Things to explore in Mussoorie for a joyous weekend vacation
Located at an altitude of 7000 m above the ground with Shivalik Ranges at its backdrops, Mussoorie is one of the top places in Uttarakhand that has always lured tourists towards its picturesque beauty with panoramic views of Doon Valley & other alluring sites. So, if you are all set to embark on a journey to this beautiful holiday destination, let’s give you an overview of what to do here.
- Wildlife safari
Beyond scenic sightseeing, Mussoorie, the popular hill station in Uttarakhand, welcomes you to explore wildlife closer at its Benog Sanctuary. Here, you will spot many animals, including tigers, leopards, panthers, Himalayan bears, mountain quail, martens, porcupines, langurs, & black bears. The other wildlife sanctuary in Mussoorie is Jabarkhet Wildlife Sanctuary, best for trekking & camping.
- River rafting
River rafting is one of the top things to explore in Mussoorie. Indulging in this water fun activity will bring a lifelong memorable experience for you. Here, you will be sailing through the moving currents of the river by keeping a firm grip on your oars. The river passes through dense woods, mountains, rocky terrains, & even on snowy slopes. Be very sure about your ability to do rafting here as it stretches from Alaknanda, Dhauliganga, & Kali rivers, where it may seem challenging to withstand several rapid flows.
- Zip lining
One of the other things to keep yourself elated is trying the zip lining activity. Here, you will be tied with a knot & will be allowed to swing across the rope in mid-air, making you feel like you are flying over the valley. Such thrilling activities boost your confidence in facing the challenge & witnessing the beauty of surrounding nature simultaneously. So take advantage of this joy when coming to Mussoorie for vacations.
- Hiking
Mussoorie is a hilly travel place infused with captivating landscapes, lush green valleys, & floating clouds, making it perfect for hiking activity. Happy Valley, Library Head, Waverly Convent, & Company Bagh are some of the hiking areas for your walking journey to explore the mountains. The other spots for hiking in Mussoorie are Kempty Waterfall, Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, Nag Tibba, etc.
- Fishing
Fishing in Mussoorie is also an intriguing activity to keep your excitement high. If you have never experienced it before, fulfil your willingness this time, as you will get multiple opportunities at the Aglar River and Yamuna River to experience fishing in fresh waters. The three top fish known in this hill station are trout, Mahseer, and maund fish. However, this activity is only allowed with prior permission from the Division Forest Officer of Mussoorie.
- Horse riding
Horse riding is another top thing to explore in Mussoorie. It takes place in Camels Back Road and Children’s Lodge, popular spots for riding horses and making yourself happy. However, among these two specific routes, we suggest you prefer Camels Back Road, as you will experience pleasant weather, a cool breeze, and a serene atmosphere. It is even best for 3 km leisure walks with your partner.
- Roller skating
One more significant reason that would prompt you to spend vacations in Uttarakhand’s famous hill station is skating. To your knowledge, the hill station houses India’s largest roller skating rink. Some well-known skating rinks to wheel around your feet are Disco Skating Rink, Kulri Bazaar, & Jaypee Resorts. December is the best time to indulge in this adrenaline-filled fun.
- Trekking
Trekking is also one of the best things to do in Mussoorie. There are various locations to partake in this adventure activity. These are Nag Tibba Summit, Dodital trek, Bhadraj Temple trek, Har Ki Dun trek, Nag Tibba Summit, & so on. Amateurs need not have to go for training as most of the time the level of trekking takes place from low to moderate levels. Even though winter is the best time to choose for trekking, it would still be better to gain knowledge of climatic conditions as this activity is sometimes put on hold.
- Paragliding
If you expect more thrill, paragliding is a more fascinating activity that lets you take an airy drive on a 2-seater glider driven by professional pilots. The long rides here take a minimum of 1 hour, going up to 10,000 ft high. Experiencing paragliding does not demand any age specification. You can enjoy this adventure, no matter whether you are young or old. This is one of the exciting things to explore in Mussoorie for lifelong memories.
- Boating
Mussoorie Lake is a perfect spot for family vacationers & honeymooners to enjoy boating. After that, you can stop at some nearby food stalls to enjoy tasting local street foods or snacks. Boating at Mussoorie Lake will be an unforgettable visit where tourists can enjoy the mesmerising views, serene ambience, lush greenery, & astonishing panoramas around.
- Mountain biking
Mountain biking is one of the popular adventure activities to do as a solo traveller or with a group of friends. The best biking route for doing it is the road of Dhanaulti past Surkanda Devi Temple. The region is infused with lush greenery & is dotted with oak, pine, pear, & apple trees. So, if you are all set to quench your thirst for thrill, then experiencing mountain biking in Mussoorie should be added to your itinerary travel plan.
- Rock climbing & rappelling
With various rock sizes from 50 ft to 600 ft, rock climbing & rappelling are two major activities to experience in Mussoorie per your physical & mental ability. To do this thrilling yet challenging sport, one must have the confidence to overcome fears, daring attitude, & passion for wilderness. Buranskhanda, located 6 km before Dhanaulti, is where you will come across many hidden caves encircled by beautiful alpine meadows, trees, & breathtaking Himalayan peak views.
- Visiting Corn Village
During your vacation in Mussoorie, you should visit the Sainji Village. When you come here, you will be surprised to see houses decorated with bunches of corn. Natural resources and people’s creativity are uniquely connected at this offbeat site. Vacationers should interact with the locals of this village to learn about their livelihood and traditional culture.
- Winemaking
How would it feel to learn the art of winemaking? Of course, it will be an excellent experience for any beverage lover. To have it, you must come to Mussoorie, where you will be taught about winemaking, also known as vinification, at workshops. Here, you will learn about making wine from grapes, apples, plums, pears, gingers, etc. These workshops are concluded with wine-tasting sessions. So do have a taste of your wine.
- Savouring delectable dishes
Besides touring the best places, you should also savour the delectable dishes that mostly range from Garhwali & Tibetan options. Thukpas, noodle soups, & dim sums are some everyday food items to eat at the food joints here. The other eatery options include products made from rice, lentils, pulses, & even meats. So, in that way, it is a welcoming call for both vegetarians & non-vegetarians. Rose juice, Jhangora ki Kheer, Gul Gula, Malta juice, Aloo ke Gutke, Singodi, Bhangjeera, & Bal Mithai are some of the top Garhwali dishes you must try in Mussoorie.
- Photography
Watching the cascading flow of waterfalls from the height has always been a captivating visual treat for nature lovers. Mussoorie, Bhatta Falls, Jharipani Falls, & Memory Falls are three significant waterfalls that make a perfect location for your photography skills. Every year, many noted people from the photography field come here to capture the mesmerising landscape of nature.
- Shopping at vibrant marketplaces
Wondering what else to do in Mussoorie beyond adventure fun? If yes, there are top marketplaces to visit & stuff items in your travel bags to mark as a token of your visit to this beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand. Mall Road is a popular Tibetan market where you can shop for reasonably priced sweaters, shawls, sleeping bags, & windcheaters. The other prominent shopping areas to visit are Landour Bazaar & Kulri Bazaar. These shops sell items including antiques, curios, ethnic jewellery, books, & Raj memorabilia.
Where to stay in Mussoorie during your weekend break
To enjoy your weekend break, jüSTa Hollow Oak is a luxury resort in Mussoorie with refreshing views of natural vistas & majestic sunrises. Located on the quaint hills of the beautiful hilly paradise, it makes a perfect pick for both leisure & corporate travellers. The resort is appealing with its stunning interiors, personalised services, & world-class services at its meticulously crafted 16 rooms, divided into three categories. These are:

- Junior Suite with Private Balcony: This elegant room category of 413 sq. ft. is also the ultimate stay with an oak/pine forest view. It features a comfy bedroom with a spacious wardrobe and private bathroom.
- Premium Room with Private Balcony: Another best room category of 367 – 494 sq. ft. is a premium room with an oak/pine forest view. Besides luxurious bedding, the beautiful artwork adorning the walls and captivating interiors are worth noticing here.
- Superior Room with Private Balcony: The Superior Room of 310 sq. ft is perfect for couples seeking a peaceful getaway. It offers lovely views of oak and pine forests from the private balconies.
In addition to comfy rooms, the resort has an open-air kids’ play area where your little ones can spend leisure time. Other features include a Gazebo, a smoking area, and a room to practise yoga for mental & physical well-being.

Regarding culinary treats, the resort has a multi-cuisine restaurant, Sabor, with al-fresco seating arrangements. It is one of the best restaurants in Mussoorie, offering a wide range of local and international cuisines to tantalise its guests’ taste buds. The menu here features Uttarakhand’s delicacies and other international dishes prepared with the freshest and finest ingredients. Whether you wish for a vegetarian or non-vegetarian feast, Sabor has both to meet everyone’s preferences.

The one significant advantage you’ll get booking this resort is its proximity to the famous sites, including Company Garden, Kempty Falls, Dhanaulti, Gun Hill Ropeway, Mall Road, Tibetan Market, Lal Tibba, George Everest Adventure Park, Clouds End, & Buddhist Monastery.
Conclusion
With all such top things to explore in Mussoorie, your vacation at this Uttarakhand’s picturesque hill station will end up in indelible memories. Today, in this blog, we helped you get an overview of activities you can do before visiting here. These range from adventure sports such as paragliding, river rafting, zip lining, & trekking to other offbeat activities like winemaking, shopping & tasting delicious traditional food. There is much to explore here to fill your Mussoorie tour with seamless joy. So pack your bags & get ready for your journey to this charming hill paradise.