Char Dukan, Mussoorie | Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit and More

Char Dukan, Mussoorie, Mussoorie Overview

Set in the scenic hill-station of Mussoorie, concealed from the clamor of the mall road, Char Dukan is an iconic collection of four shops sitting side by side, which have served foodies since time immemorial. Every year, this row of quaint eateries is inundated with ravenous vacationers who, after a tedious walk through Mussoorie, are waiting to pounce on the likes of pancakes, Wai-Wai, Pakoras and shakes. Undoubtedly the coolest hangout spot in Mussoorie, any trip to the hill-station without a halt at Char Dukan is considered incomplete.

Char Dukan is located in the Sister’s Bazar, in the cozy town of Landour in upper Mussoorie. Adjacent to it, is the beautiful church of St. Paul, which makes for a photogenic setting. Out of the four shops, the two which are especially famous are the “Anil’s Cafe” and the “Tip Top Tea Shop”, each having massive fanbases. There is a wide variety of mouthwatering snacks one can feast on here, including the Apple Cinnamon Waffles, Maggie and Bun Omelettes. There are several guide books available which can be referred to, if one wants to explore the serene, rustic surroundings of Char Dukan.

1. The Mall Road

The Mall Road is the most famous promenade in Mussoorie. It is a long stretch of road full of stalls run by local vendors, selling clothes, food and memorabilia. The mall road is perennially packed wi (Read More)th travellers from across the country who are attracted towards Mussoorie for its cool weather, colonial architecture and affordable shopping.

2. Mussoorie Lake

The Mussoorie lake is a newly constructed artificial lake, located about 6km from Mussoorie. Developed by the city board, it is a famous spot amongst families for picnics and boating. It is open all d (Read More)ays of the week and has restaurants on its outskirts where one can enjoy local snacks.

3. Kempty Falls

Located about 14 km from Mussoorie, the Kempty Falls is a 40ft waterfall which is famous for its crystal clear water streams. Built by British officers for organizing tea parties, the place is a hub o (Read More)f enthusiastic vacationers wanting to bathe in the cool streams of water falling from a great height. The stunning greenery surrounding the falls adds another dimension to the experience this place offers.

4. Gun Hill

The Gun Hill is a famous view point in Mussoorie which offers a panoramic view of the mountain ranges around. Situated about 400ft above the mall road, the Gun Hill can be reached via cable cars throu (Read More)gh which one can enjoy the stunning scenery of the Mussoorie valley. The peaks of Bandarpoonch, Srikantha and Gangotri are clearly visible from here, which is why this site is often visited by photographers and nature lovers.

5. Sir George Everest House

Once the home and laboratory of Sir George Everest, the George Everest house is now a major tourist attraction for adventure travellers. The site offers activities like camping, picnics etc. in the se (Read More)cluded vicinity of nature. One can see the majestic snow-capped Himalayas at dawn and the twinkling lights from Doon valley at dusk, from this place.

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Things to Do in and Around Char Dukan

1. Savouring delicious snacks
Be it early morning breakfast or a hot tea at dusk, the char dukan satisfies every kind of hunger at any time of the day. The place has an endless reserve of laughter, positivity and a perpetual aroma of freshly made food which can tingle one’s taste buds.

2. Exploring Landour
The cozy town of Landour is an absolute delight for travel buffs. It is an eclectic mixture of history, greenery and serenity which is home to several famous cafes, beautiful churches and adventurous treks. One may even spot Ruskin Bond, the much revered author, who resides in the quiet lanes of Landour.

Best Time to Visit Char Dukan

The best time to visit Char Dukan is from January to December, i.e. all year round. While summers offer simmering sunlight from hill tops that one can bask in, enjoying the chilly winter breeze with sips of hot coffee is equally enticing. The monsoon too, is a good time to visit the valley amidst the thriving greenery.

How to Reach Char Dukan

Mussoorie is in close proximity to Dehradun which is only about 32 km away. Dehradun is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore by the Jolly Grant Airport and is also the nearest Railhead to Mussoorie, with connectivity to neighbouring states. Upon reaching Dehradun, one can book private vehicles, or use public transport services to reach Mussoorie from where Char Dukan is only about 5 km away.