The history of Mussoorie dates back to 1826 when Captain Young, an adventurous British military officer, together with a Mr. Shore, the resident Superintendent of Revenues at Dehradun explored the present site and jointly constructed a shooting lodge. This laid the basic foundation of this holiday resort which now has few rivals. In 1827 a sanatorium was built at Landour, which later on as the time grew, it became a large cantonment.

Colonel George Everest built a home here in 1832. His original intention, as Surveyor General of India, was to terminate his great survey from the tip of India in Mussoorie. The main promenade in Mussoorie is called, as in other hill stations, the Mall. In Mussoorie, the Mall stretches from Picture Palace at its eastern end to the Public Library (shortened to 'Library') at its western end. During the British Raj, signs on the Mall expressly stated: "Indians and Dogs Not Allowed"; racist signs of this type were commonplace in hill stations, which were founded 'by and for' the British. Motilal Nehru, the father of Jawaharlal Nehru, deliberately broke this rule every day whenever he was in Mussoorie, and paid the fine.

In April 1959, after fleeing Chinese occupation of Tibet, the Dalai Lama established the Tibetan Government in Exile in Mussoorie. The Government of Tibet in exile eventually moved to Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh. In 1960, the first Tibetan school was established in Mussoorie. Tibetans settled mainly in Happy Valley in Mussoorie. Today, approx 5,000 Tibetans live in Mussoorie.

Geography Mussoorie has an average elevation of about 1,825 metres (5,990 ft). The highest point is Lal Tibba, at a height of about 7500 ft (although the name Lal Tibba is now briefly explained as a lovely lookout point, a short distance from the actual peak). Places of interest

Mussoorie - A view down from the famous Gunhill. Cable cars can be seen commuting up and down, Mussoorie has a beautiful nature walk known as "Camel's Back Road". This road takes its name from a rocky outcrop in the shape of a camel's hump. Along the road, a beautiful cemetery is located about mid-way on the loop. There is also "Gun Hill" where cannon were used to sound out midday for many years. Gun Hill is accessible by the cable car on the Mall road. The oldest Christian church in Himalayas, St Mary's, is located above Mall Road, and is currently undergoing restoration. Kempty falls is a nice picnic spot. Company Garden is popular tourist destination. During season, the Company Garden has beautiful collection of flowers and plants. Happy Valley has a small Tibetan temple. This was the first Tibetan temple built in India. In 1960, the temple was constructed by the Tibetan refugees. Lal Tibba is another tourist spot of Mussoorie. Beautiful Dhanaulti is about 32 kilometres from Mussorie. Mussoorie also had India's largest roller skating rink.

GunHill Second Highest point of Mussoorie, at an altitude of 2124m located at 30°29'43?N 78°04'28?E30.4953°N 78.0745°E

Lake MistAbout 5 km before Kempty falls on the Mussoorie-Kempty road is a developed good picnic spot with accommodation and restaurant facilities, boating is also widely available. The place showcases nature in an exquisite manner. With the Kempty River flowing through it, Lake Mist has many small but beautiful waterfalls made by the river. Thus, this would definitely be considered as the gem in the queen of hills. Municipal GardenIt is picnic spot having a beautiful garden and an artificial mini lake with paddled boating facility. Located at distance of 4 km by rickshaw cycles, pony or by a car and 2 km via Waverly Convent School road on foot.

Mussoorie Lake-A newly developed picnic spot build by City Board & Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority is situated at 6 km on Mussoorie-Dehradun road having a facility of pedaled boats. It offers an enchanting view of Doon Valley and nearby villages. A view in the night is the most marvelous.

Childer's Lodge Also known as "Nahata Estate" is a huge property of more than 300 acres, owned by the Harakh Chand Nahata family, is also the highest peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba, it is located at 5 km from the Tourist Office and one can go on horse back or on foot. The view of snow-clad mountains is exhilarating.

Bhatta Falls7 km from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Dehradun Road near Bhatta Village. Easily accessible by car or bus up to Bhatta from where the fall is 3 km by foot. An ideal place for picnic, with different ponds for bathing and water amusements.

Jharipani FallLocated at 8.5 km from Mussoorie on Mussoorie-Jharipani road. One can go by local bus or car up to Jharipani from where the fall is about 1.5 km on foot. Mossy FallThe fall is surrounded by a dense forest and is 7 km from Mussoorie. One can go there via Barlowganj or Balahisar.