Company Garden is the place Mussoorie families have been taking their kids for generations: big lawns, flower beds, a small lake with paddle boats and a few rides to keep the little ones happy. It’s not wild nature like a trek or a waterfall, but if you want an easy, green half-day away from the Mall Road crowd, it does the job well.
It also has more history than most visitors realise. Here’s what to know before you go.
Company Garden at a glance
| Also called | Municipal Garden, Company Bagh |
|---|---|
| Location | Mussoorie, about 3 km from Library Chowk / Mall Road |
| From Dehradun | About 35 to 38 km; 1.5 hours or more in traffic |
| Timings | Roughly 8 or 9 am to 6 pm; can close earlier in winter |
| Entry fee | A small entry fee (listings mention around ₹20); boating and rides cost extra |
| Time needed | 1 to 2 hours |
| Best for | Families with kids, couples, an easy picnic |
A little history
Company Garden dates back to 1842, when it was set up as a branch of the botanical gardens of British India. The cool climate of Mussoorie was the reason it was chosen. The name “Company” comes from that colonial era, and many older locals still call it the Municipal Garden.
Today it is run by a local garden welfare association in partnership with the Nagar Palika Parishad Mussoorie, which is why it’s much better kept than many public parks in hill towns.
A couple of interesting things to look out for:
- Ginkgo biloba trees. The garden has old ginkgo trees, a species often called a “living fossil” because it has barely changed in millions of years. New saplings have been grown from the original tree.
- The old electric pole. When electricity reached Mussoorie in 1905, a pole was put up at Library Square. It was later moved to ease traffic and has been restored inside the garden.
What to do at Company Garden
- Walk the lawns and flower beds. Spring and the post-monsoon months are the most colourful. The garden also has a cactus and exotic plant section.
- Go boating. The small artificial lake has paddle boats. It’s short and simple, but kids love it.
- Rides for kids. There are simple amusement rides, including a giant wheel on one of the lawns.
- Photos. The flower beds near the entrance and the water features in the middle are the most popular photo spots.
- Snacks. Stalls and a food court sell the usual hill-station favourites: momos, roasted corn, Maggi and tea.
In very cold winters, the lake has been known to freeze over, and local kids treat it like an ice rink. Don’t count on it, but if you’re visiting in January, it’s worth a look.
How to reach Company Garden
Company Garden is about 3 km from Library Chowk, so it’s a short drive from Mall Road.
- By taxi: the easiest way from Mall Road or your hotel. Local taxis are available at Library and Picture Palace.
- By your own car or scooty: possible, but parking near the gate is limited, especially on weekends. Arrive early.
- On foot: if you’re staying near Library and enjoy walking, it’s a pleasant downhill walk. The climb back is harder, so many people walk one way and take a cab back.
Coming from Dehradun? Read our guide on how to reach Mussoorie first.
Best time to visit
- March to June: the most popular time. Flowers are in bloom and the weather is pleasant. Weekends get crowded.
- September to November: fresh, green and clear after the monsoon, with fewer crowds. Our favourite time.
- December to February: cold, quiet and sometimes frosty. Carry warm layers.
- July and August: lush but rainy. Paths can be slippery.
Time of day: go in the morning, between 9 and 11 am, if you want quiet lawns and good light. Afternoons from 12 to 4 pm are the busiest.
Combine it with nearby places
Company Garden fits easily into a half-day plan:
- Kempty Falls: the most famous waterfall near Mussoorie, further along the same side of town. Go early to beat the crowds.
- George Everest’s House: a short drive from the Library side and great for sunset. See our George Everest guide.
- Lal Tibba and Landour: on the other side of town, for mountain views and cafes. Read our Lal Tibba guide.
- Mussoorie treks: if you want something more active, see our list of the best treks in Mussoorie.
Tips for your visit
- Go on a weekday if you can. Weekend afternoons in summer can feel more like a fair than a garden.
- Carry cash for the entry ticket, boating and snacks, in case card or UPI isn’t working.
- Keep an eye on kids near the lake and on the rides.
- Don’t pick flowers or walk on flower beds. The staff are strict about it, and rightly so.
- Carry your trash out or use the bins. The garden is cleaner than most, so let’s keep it that way.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Some paths have steps and slopes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the entry fee for Company Garden Mussoorie?
There is a small entry fee, with listings mentioning around ₹20 per person. Boating and amusement rides are charged separately. Check the current rates at the gate.
What are the timings of Company Garden?
It’s usually open from around 8 or 9 am to 6 pm. Closing time can be earlier in winter.
How far is Company Garden from Mall Road?
About 3 km from Library Chowk at the Mall Road end, a short taxi ride.
Is Company Garden good for kids?
Yes. With lawns, boating and simple rides, it’s one of the most family-friendly spots in Mussoorie.
Why is it called Company Garden?
It was set up in 1842, in the colonial era, as a branch of British India’s botanical gardens. Locals also call it the Municipal Garden.
Last updated: October 2026. Visited recently? Let us know the current ticket prices in the comments.
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