Mussoorie is known as the “Queen of the Hills”. As it has been a popular hill station retreat since the 1820s. This is due to it being 278km north from Delhi. It is still popular today with Indian families for weekend get aways in the cooler climate of the hills.

Most of the hotels and restaurants are situated all along Mall Road which is mainly pedestrianized. It is once you walk further from Mall Road and the centre of Mussoorie that you can get fantastic views of the mountains.

A pleasant walk is up to the village of Landour situated above Mussoorie.  Here you get views of the Himalayas, and can also stop at the Landour bakehouse for coffee and cake. It is around 3km up to the viewpoint going up past cafes at Char Dukan, from the eastern end of Mall Road.

For more good views north to the mountains another short walk of around 3km is to follow Camel Back Road. This road loops north from Mall Road and rejoins it further along.

Walking west from Mall Road it is a couple of kilometers to happy valley, which is a small Tibetan settlement.  Here you can find the Shedup Choephelling Buddhist temple, with a little above it prayer flag hill or Lhapsol Ridge.

I found Mussoorie pretty relaxing strolling up the quieter roads away from the centre of town and can recommend a visit for anyone who likes walking, without it being too strenuous.