The “Queens of Hills”, Mussoorie is one of India’s most wonderful hill stations that offer adventurous activities. Situated in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, it is also known as the getaway of the “Gangotri” and “Yamunotri” shrines. It is an affordable charming hill station in North India. There is no predefined best time to visit Mussoorie, and it is the most popular tourist destination all over the year. If you want to relax and spend time in the natural beauty, Mussoorie is a beautiful destination.

If you’re aware of the top tourist destination in Mussoorie, then check out the lesser-known facts about Mussoorie and amaze the other travellers by sharing your knowledge with them.

Lesser Known Facts About Mussoorie That Will Amaze You

1- The Name Of The Mussoorie Derived From The Ancient Shrub

The unique name of the Queen of Hills comes from the indigenous shrub called Mansoor, an ancient herb in this region. Sometimes, it is also referred to as Mansoori by most Indians. When you visit this place next time, share this information with friends. 

2- This Hill Station Was Discovered By Two Young Lads

Mussoorie was discovered by Captain Young serving in the British Army and Mr Shor a doonite and Superintendent in 1820. Captain Young was fascinated by the beauty of Mussoorie, which made his adobe in this hill station. 

3- The Name Mall Road Was Kept After The Most Popular Place In The Town

The Mall road is one of the favourite places for loved birds and tourists. It was named after the most popular place called the Mall located in Mussoorie. 

4- At The Time Of The Colonial Rule, People Used To Adjust Their Watches

When India was under British rule, a cannon was mounted on Gun Hill in Mussoorie. It was fired every afternoon for the people to adjust their watches accordingly. However, it was later deconstructed when a cannonball fired at noon. Because it landed in the lap of the lady who was travelling in a hand pull rickshaw. 

5- The Scarcely Populated Town Is Now Densely Populated

When this toy town was separated from the outside world in 1901, the population density of this hill station was 6,461, which has increased by leaps and bounds. Today, this hill station has recorded a 400% rise in the past years. And its total population in 2011 was 30,118. 

6- From The Lal Tibba, You Can Have A Spectacular View Of The Hill Station

Lal Tibba is also known as the Red Perched Hill, is the highest point of Mussoorie and is located at an impressive height of 8,000 from sea level. This point offers a panoramic view of the kaleidoscopic landscape. 

7- Dogs And India Are Not Allowed In Mussoorie

It’s a shocking fact! One of the picturesque hill stations of India has signboards saying “Tress-press and Indians are strictly prohibited”. You’ll boil with anger after learning that the British put the racist sign on the Mall that read “Indians and Dogs Are Not Allowed”. But Jawhar Lal Nehru’s Father, Motilal Nehru, used to walk freely on the street of Mussoorie. Later these signs boards were removed. 

8- Mussoorie Is One Of The Favourite Destination For Nehru Family

Mussoorie is one of the favourite destinations for the Nehru family. They used to plan frequent trips to this place during the 1920-40s. They used to stay at the Lavish Savory Hotel. Also, this place is the house of the Vijaylaxshmi Pandit, the sister of Nehru, and her house was located in the tranquil Doon Valley. 

9- Mussoorie Became The First Home Of Dalai Lama In India

In 1959, a 23-year old Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama was separated due to the occupation and colonisation of Tibet by China, and he came to Mussoorie to establish the Tibetan government-in-exile. Mussoorie had the honour of becoming the first home of Tibetan Guru, Dalai Lama in India and was later transferred to Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. 

Also, this place is a house for the “Tibetan Home Foundation”, one of the best Tibetan schools in India.  

10- The Magical Vistas Of Mussoorie Attract Many Celebrities

Mussoorie has attracted many Bollywood celebrities such as Anupam Kher, Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Ajay Devgan. The veteran actor Dev Anand bought a house here, and Tom later is a proud resident of this place. Every year Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar also visits this place with his family. 

11- Mussoorie Is A Home Of Famous Indian Writer Ruskin Bond

Yes! You heard right. We all grew up reading children’s stories by Ruskin Bond, including Our Tree Still Grows In Dehra, The Train to Deoil, The Cherry tree and much more. The author lives in a wooden house away from the glitz and glamour of the metropolitan cities.