Landour, Mussoorie

Landour is the quiet cantonment hill above Mussoorie, where old stone cottages sit between oak and deodar trees and the pace of life slows down. It is known for Char Dukan, a tiny cluster of cafes, for the writer Ruskin Bond, who lives nearby, and for forest walks with views of the Himalayas. If Mall Road feels too busy, Landour is the answer.

Landour at a glance

Char Dukan

Char Dukan means four shops, named after the four small establishments beside St Paul's (Kellogg) Church. They serve simple food such as omelettes, pancakes, pasta, noodles, sandwiches, tea and coffee. The cafes are small, so expect a short wait at peak times. The setting under the deodar trees is the real attraction.

Sister's Bazaar and local products

Sister's Bazaar is a small market known for cottage cheese, peanut butter, jams, marmalade and other homemade goods. It is connected to Char Dukan by a looping lane often called Chakkar Road. Buy local jams and cheese as small gifts.

Things to do

• Walk the Chakkar Road loop through forest and past old bungalows.
• Visit St Paul's (Kellogg) Church and the old cemetery nearby.
• Eat at Char Dukan and browse Sister's Bazaar.
• Climb to Lal Tibba, the highest point in the town, for Himalayan views.
• See Mullingar, said to be the first residential building in Mussoorie.
• Look for Woodstock School and the cottages in Ruskin Bond's neighbourhood.

How to reach

The uphill walk starts from Bhotia Market near Picture Palace at the eastern end of Mall Road. It is a steep climb, so allow around an hour on foot, or take a taxi up to a point near Char Dukan. Roads are narrow, and vehicle entry may be limited on busy days. A Haridwar to Dehradun taxi can continue to Mussoorie and wait for your return.

Best time to visit

Autumn and winter evenings are especially pretty, with a reddish glow on the slopes and clear air. Spring is lovely too. Summers are busy, and monsoon brings mist and wet roads. Go early on weekends, because queues build up at the cafes.

Tips

1. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
2. Carry cash for the small shops.
3. Be quiet and respectful, as this is a residential area.
4. Do not litter, and carry your waste back.
5. Avoid driving up on busy weekends.
6. Start early to get a table.

Nearby places

Lal Tibba, George Everest House, Gun Hill and Camel's Back Road.

Plan your Mussoorie trip with Gokeys India

We offer hotels and sightseeing in Mussoorie. See the Mussoorie, Dhanaulti and Kanatal 4-day tour or the Mussoorie and Nainital 6-day tour.

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• Tour packages: Mussoorie, Dhanaulti and Kanatal 4-day tour · Mussoorie and Nainital 6-day tour
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Frequently asked questions

What is Char Dukan? A small cluster of four cafes near St Paul's Church in Landour.

Is Landour part of Mussoorie? It is a hill area just above Mussoorie, with a quieter feel.

How do I get there? Walk up from Bhotia Market or take a taxi to the upper section.

What is Sister's Bazaar known for? Homemade jams, peanut butter and cheese.