Mussoorie derives its name from the plants of Mussoorie or shrub which are available in large quantities in this region. The history of Mussoorie dates back to 1825 when a shooting lodge was constructed jointly by Captain Young, an adventurous British military officer and Mr Shore the Superintendent of Revenues at Dehradun.

The lush green hills, the varied flora and fauna and the majestic view of the Shivalik ranges and the Doon Valley attracts thousands of tourists both domestic and international to Mussoorie each year. Mussoorie is famous not only for its scenic beauty but it has also developed into an important centre of education and business. Mussoorie is also famous for the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration where officers are trained for the Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service.

Mussoorie has several interesting tourist places like The Mall which extends from Cloud's End in the west to Rockville in the east. The Mall gives you a feeling of the old world charm which is heightened by the presence of the Municipal garden, the Tibetan School and Home, and the National Academy of Administration.

You can take time to enjoy the ropeway on the second highest peak of Mussoorie, the Gun Hill. It also gives a bird's eye view of the town and the Doon school. You can get a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges from the Gun Hill. The wonderful 4km stretch from Kurli Bazaar to Library Point called the Camel's Back Rock is a superb experience whether you travel on horse back or simply walk.

About 6 kms from Mussoorie on the Mussoorie-Jharipani Road is the beautiful Jharipani Falls. Childer's Lodge is the highest peak of Mussoorie while the highest point is Lal Tibba from where you can get an exhilarating view of the snow-clad Himalayas. Surrounded by thick deodar forests, Cloud End is an ideal resort built in 1838 by a British major. Honeymooners and foreigners visit this place often. While in Mussoorie, you must visit Kempty Falls which is 15kms from Mussoorie on way to Yamunotri, at an altitude of 4500 ft.

Mussoorie is also known as the gateway to Yamunotri and Gangotri. The nearest railway station is Dehradun and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun.