Mussoorie – Secret places and experiences I recommend for travellers to my 2nd home

Mussoorie has been the great love for mountain lovers in North India. While the British made it their home to escape the scorching summer heat (in fact, it was a major rehab and recovery facility for sick British soldiers who could not cope up with the Indian summers), it also lured the rich and famous. In modern days, it is the place for a 2nd home to many A-listers in India. From Tom Alter to Vishal Bhardwaj, Mussoorie is home to some of the most-loved names of the creative industry.

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But perhaps, its most famous resident is Mr Ruskin Bond, India’s most loved author.

I also made it a home as the world shut down during COVID and fell in love right then. As I settled in, I figured that there is a lot more to Mussoorie than the Mall Road, the vintage library at Library Chowk and Landour Bakehouse (the place that everyone keeps raving about on social media; rightly so though). There is a lot more if only you can let go of your fixed itinerary and head out with an umbrella and good walking shoes. Here, my favourite offbeat places and experiences in Mussoorie for those looking for something new in the same old hill town.

Buy custom-made shoes from Landour market

At a 10-minute walk from the clock tower in Landour sits an unassuming looking shoe shop, Sonu Shoe Shop, an old man giving finishing touches to soft leather shoes. While I am no fan of leather and related products, there is more material to pick from and order yourself a pair of the most comfortable handmade shoes you might have ever had.

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Early morning walk to Char Dukan

Another 30-minute walk from the shoe shop leads to the famous Char Dukan in Landour. Early mornings here are for townspeople who bask in the charming Himalayan wind sans any tourists. I recommend that you order a chai-bun or a good full-of-oil paratha; there’s plenty to burn all that fat here.

The Infinity Loop – Walk to Lal Tibba and onwards

You must walk to the famous Lal Tibba from Char Dukan. While the trek is not a secret and usually has swarms of tourists, the views of Himalayan ranges, often topped with snow, are worth it. As for the secret, there are a number of trails that lead to the villages down the hill from near the British cemetery here; if only you know where to look for the trails.

Hit the trail for Khatta Paani

A dense mountain forest awaits you at Jabarkhet. Tall deodars, oaks, pines and rhododendrons line the trails at this reserved forest in Mussoorie. While you can hit these trails alone, I suggest that you go for a guided tour and have some wonderful time exploring the forest here. Tailored walks at prior request can also be done here. It’s one of the most offbeat places in Mussoorie, and an experience to remember for long.

Little Lama, Landour Bakehouse and Cafe Young

Delish spinach momos, cookies, apple pie with ice-cream at the Little Lama near the Mall Road; a pizza (the best that I have ever had anywhere) at Cafe Young; lemon almond crepes at the Landour Bakehouse – these are the secret food tips you need for Mussoorie.