Offbeat Escapes: Unexplored Towns Around Mussoorie

Kanatal is a peaceful village located at an elevation of about 8,500 feet which offers fabulous snow-capped Himalayan ranges. Unlike Mussoorie's crowded streets, Kanatal is still virgin making it a perfect place for nature lovers and people who like calmness. The cool breeze from the mountains coupled with deodar-oak forests sets up an ideal atmosphere for walks on gentle slopes and treks. Besides being a major religious destination for Hindus, it has a panoramic view of hills surrounding it.

Located about 24 km away from Mussoorie, Dhanaulti is an isolated place having dense woods, cold weather and natural beauty all together. This quiet town is famous because it has an Eco-Park that has been divided into Amber Zone & Dhara Zone. These parks provide the best ambience for picnics or nature walks while they have activities such as zip-lining or rappelling inside them too. Dhanaulti also houses Aloo Khet (Potato Farm), where visitors get to know about the farming process and have access to vast green fields.

Landour is a quaint cantonment town located just a few kilometres off Mussoorie characterised by its colonial architecture and silent surroundings. Known for its beautiful scenery and nice weather, Landour boasts several landmarks including St. Paul's Church and Char Dukan area renowned for its charming cafes and bakeries. "Sister's Bazaar" is where you will find local artefacts and products that are perfect for souvenir shopping.

Nag Tibba also called the Serpent's Peak is a great desired destination for hiking enthusiasts. At 9,915 ft., the peak is located around 57 km from Mussoorie providing one of the most exciting treks in this area. The trek passes through thick forests, picturesque meadows and remote villages with stunning viewpoints overlooking Bandarpoonch range to Gangotri range. It provides an excellent spot for camping out under the sky filled with stars at night time.

Chamba is a beautiful town situated approximately 50 kilometres from Mussoorie, which remains largely unaffected by mass tourism. This charming little city on the banks of Ravi River is surrounded by magnificent Dhauladhar and Zanskar ranges. Chamba has some remarkable ancient temples like Lakshmi Narayan Temple and Chamunda Devi Temple, built in Himachali style of architecture. Also, it is a base for exploring the nearby Khajjiar- often called the "Mini Switzerland of India".

Kempty Falls are a famous tourist attraction but few ever think about Kempty village itself which lies around it. This village that is peaceful after you have walked away from the crowded falls area lies at around 13 km distance from Mussoorie. In this beautiful destination travellers can enjoy rustic lifestyle with locals as well as appreciate terraced fields and rolling hills' landscapes.The place provides all necessary conditions for restful hiking or walking through pristine nature.