Washington State Bucket List: 6 Amazing Attractions You Can’t Miss

BY  Sibashree Mar 9, 2026

In India, I have seen the Godavari Arch Bridge in Andhra Pradesh and the Coronation Bridge on the Teesta River in West Bengal. In Sri Lanka, I found their equivalent in the Nine Arch Bridge.  This colonial-era bridge stands across a massive green gorge. Also, the tea plantations and a dense jungle flank this stone bridge. So, it’s beautiful, and it is located in the iconic Colombo-Kandy-Ella-Badulla railway between the Ella and Demodara railway stations. From Lonely Planet to the BBC, everyone has hailed this route, also known as the Ella Odyssey, for its unmatched scenic appeal. Also, on a misty day, when the clouds kiss the valley and the blue trains arrive, tearing the veils of the mist, it feels surreal and like a painting by Dali or a movie scene by Andrei Tarkovsky. So naturally, a visit to the Nine Arch Bridge will be the most beautiful frame from my Sri Lanka trip.  How To Visit The Nine Arch Bridge? After a visit to Kandy, I took a train to Ella. The journey was beautiful, as expected. From Ella Town, I took a Tuk-Tuk to the Nine Arch Bridge. Then, I walked for around 5-10 minutes to the bridge. The Tuk-Tuk cost me around LKR 300. However, if you want some more adventure, you can take a walk along the Ella-Passara Road and turn left near the Sri Kanaser Temple to reach the beach. I found many local food stalls near the temple. Moreover, if you want to go back to your childhood days, you can follow the train tracks to reach the bridge from Ella Town.  What Is The History Of The Nine Arch Bridge? The Nine Arch Bridge is a prominent example of colonial-era construction, and it shows architectural excellence. The British built this bridge in 1921, and it played an important role in the war efforts of the British during World War I. Even today, this stone and concrete bridge stands strong without any steel structure. It is 91 meters in length and 24 meters in height. What Is The Best Time To Visit The Nine Arch Bridge?  Sunrise on the Nine Arch Bridge is the best time you can think of. Also, if you want a picture-perfect frame, wait for the trains to arrive. You will love the quiet ambiance if you make it really early. The crowd starts gathering here as early as 7 AM, and by 10 AM, you will hardly find a place for yourself. Also, trains usually pass through this at the following hours. 9:30 AM  11:30 AM  3:30 PM  4:30 PM  5:30 PM  The Best Months To Visit The Nine-Arch Bridge January to May is the best time to visit the Nine-Arch Bridge. Modest temperatures and fewer chances of rainfall make these months great for enjoying a clear view of the bridge and the train.  It is also the peak tourist season in the Western Region of Sri Lanka. However, if you want to experience mysticism, you can plan a trip in July. Having said that, the wet season, from September to December, is not suitable for a visit to this bridge. What Are The Best Viewpoints Of The Nine Arch Bridge? The misty slopes on both sides of the bridge or the hills offer amazing views of the Nine Arch Bridge. However, you can explore the following viewpoints to get the most amazing perspectives of the bridge.  1. The Nine-Arch Bridge Itself  The Nine-Arch Bridge offers an amazing view of the railway track. However, you have to be careful while taking photographs from the bridge. Keep the train timings in mind. 2. The Tea Plantations Toward Demodara  My Jaffna food tour was about spicy Tamil food. However, in the Western region, especially in areas such as Demodara, tea reigned supreme. I walked toward the northern side of the bridge. There, I found some tea plantations below the bridge, a little far away from the tunnel. You will get amazing views of the bridge from these plantations. However, these are usually muddy, and there can be leech attacks. Also, as they are private lands. So, seek permission before entering the tea plantation. 3. The Beautiful Hills Toward Ella Station  As you get down from the Tuk-Tuk or walk from Ella Town to the bridge, you will find the tunnel. Now, take the left and follow the winding path to the verdant hills. These offer the best viewpoints, especially if you want to take photographs of the bridge. 4. The Viewpoint From Asanka Cafe Asanka Cafe is at the northern end of the Nine Arch Bridge. As the cafe is perched above, it offers amazing views of the entire track and a clear view whenever a train visits. Also, if you are visiting the bridge in the wet season or there is a sudden rainfall, this cafe will be your refuge. Spend some hours there. They make amazing sweet tea. Things To Keep In Mind For Visiting The Nine Arch Bridge As mentioned before, you have to be very alert when you are on the bridge. Furthermore, you have to be a responsible traveler. You cannot litter or leave waste on the railway track or bridge. Moreover, the bridge does not have safety barriers. So, you have to be very careful while taking photographs. 

BY  Sibashree Jan 19, 2023

Mussoorie is more than a peaceful town for adventure vacations and family trips.  Along with the mountain breeze and the breathtaking mountain slopes, Mussoorie also has one of the most happening gastronomic scenes.  Furthermore, the hill station never shies away from celebrating its cuisine. One such prominent celebration is the Mussoorie Winterline Carnival, which was held from 24th to 29th December in 2025.  Again, Vista, Taj Mussoorie Foothills has won the laurel of the “Best All Day Dining Restaurant in 5-Star Hotel” in the Dehradun Food Award 2026.  While Vista is a proud example of luxury dining in Mussoorie, you will also find many moderate and budget-friendly hotels in Mussoorie.  So, in this article, I will talk about the best restaurants in Mussoorie that help you cherish the local food as well as the cuisine you want. Top Restaurants In Mussoorie | Enjoy Your Food Tour  Mussoorie is the melting pot of traditional Uttarakhand cuisines and eclectic delicacies. So, on the one hand, you will love gorging on Sisunak Saag, Phannu, and Chainsoo.  On the other hand, you will find Tibetan staples like momos and thukpa at the best restaurants in Mussoorie. The restaurants here also serve continental and Chinese food.  Nevertheless, if you want to enjoy good food in a nice ambiance, these are the places you must visit.  1. Kalsang Address: Mall Road, Survey Colony, The Mall Road, Mussoorie Contact Number: 098973 39788 This restaurant is almost certainly on your list of Mussoorie's best non-vegetarian dining options. It is near Mall Road in the center of Mussoorie. The interiors are intricately designed to reflect both the local culture and British heritage. During your visit to Mussoorie, you should try authentic Chinese, Thai, and Tibetan at this restaurant, and the flavors are immensely delicious. Additionally, trying the well-known Tibetan method of combining equal amounts of vegetable broth and noodles with non-vegetarian dishes is the highlight of a meal here. After a delicious meal at one of Mussoorie's best restaurants, it is generally regarded as the ideal way to end the meal.  2. Urban Turban Bistro Address: 1st Floor, Kulri, Opposite Canara Bank, The Mall Road, Mussoorie Contact Number: 084492 84487 One of Mussoorie's best restaurants is Urban Turban Bistro, popular dishes like biryani and the best of north Indian meals are served. It offers superior service and is close to Mall Road. They have been regarded as one of the best non-vegetarian restaurants in Mussoorie for a number of years due to their commitment to halal dishes that are clean. The restaurant's exquisite interior design perfectly combines Indo-British heritage and art that stands out. The dishes are popular because of how well they are made and because they have a lot of local flavors in them. The lighting and interior, in addition to the dishes, are equally impressive. It provides a memorable dining experience for friends and family.  3. The Tavern Restaurant Address: Kulri, Survey Colony, The Mall Road, Mussoorie Contact Number:  0135 263 2829 A small rooftop restaurant near the Central Library, Mall Road is the Tavern Restaurant. One of Mussoorie's best restaurants offers Indo-British cuisine with a local influence. Get away from the main city's bustle and enjoy a rare pleasure. The restaurant's delicious cheese salads, roasted chicken, and desserts are some of the standouts.  Add in the desserts such as fruitcakes, lemon pie, and crepes, which are a real treat after a filling meal. The restaurant's interior is spacious, and the seating arrangements provide sufficient privacy and comfort. Do not forget to book hotels in Mussoorie for a serene getaway near such amazing eateries.  4. Paprika Restro Cafe Address: Chaar Dukaan Road Mussoorie Cantt, Uttarakhand Contact Number: 099686 15353 Numerous travel and food blogs highly recommend Paprika Restro Cafe. It is, without a doubt, one of Mussoorie’s best restaurants. Try their most popular dish, the Grilled Chicken and Pasta, which is regarded as one of Mussoorie’s best non-vegetarian options. On a scorching summer day or a foggy winter morning, you can come here for a quick, cool, and refreshing meal. The lemon mint and ginger mocktail is one of the cafe’s must-have beverages.  You can try a lot of sweets, like macarons, pastries, and fruit cakes. Slab-cut tables, Chinoise chairs, and dim lighting from refurbished lanterns and chandeliers from the 20th century complete the retro design of the interior of the cafe.  5. CharDukan Mussoorie Address: Rajmandi, Landour Although Chardukan is a smaller establishment than the others on the list, it serves authentic snacks that are favorable to the mountains. Staff at Mussoorie Hotels are sure to suggest this place to you.  Beautiful artwork that depicts Mussoorie's culture, heritage, and history line the walls. Due to the constant buzz on social media about upcoming events and shows, it is a popular spot for people of any age to hang out.  It is one of Mussoorie’s best restaurants and has been featured in numerous travel blogs and magazines. Board games like Monopoly, Chess, Jenga, and Scrabble are available at Chardukan. Lastly, Chardukan is one of the best places to spend time with your loved ones, either during sunset or sunrise.  6. Cafe Ivy Address: Devdar Woods Sisters Bazaar, Landour, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand Contact Number: 098717 05679 One of Mussoorie's best Tibetan restaurants, Cafe Ivy in Old Town, has a lot of customers, making it a bustling place to hang out at. It ranks among the best restaurants in Mussoorie and is well-liked by tourists as well as locals. The chefs and service staff place a high value on customer satisfaction.  The vegetable pizza, pasta with pesto, and ravioli are bestsellers that consistently attract customers. In addition, you can enjoy calming beverages like iced tea, fresh juice, cold coffee, and French filter coffee, which makes your meal taste even better.  The decor is easy on the eyes and creates a serene atmosphere, making the experience more relaxing.  7. Doma's Inn Address: Ivy Cottage, Landour, Cantt, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand  Contact Number: 090127 55332 Tibetan cuisine has always been a favorite among travelers. Not only does Doma’s Inn serve mouthwatering Tibetan cuisine, but it also gives each dish its own distinct flavor and experience.  It is known as one of the best Tibetan restaurants in Mussoorie. It serves a wide variety of Chebureki, delicious cheesy momos, and a variety of cocktails and mocktails to suit your tastes. Check hotels in Mussoorie near this restaurant for some heavenly bites.  In Mussoorie, they offer seating overlooking the sea and a dynamic Tibetan cuisine selection. Doma’s Inn is a restaurant you must try if you want to savor the creamy, rich flavors of sausages and perfectly cooked noodles.  The meals are crispy and soft at the same time and provide a hearty finish to your meal. Doma’s Inn is one establishment that offers a variety of refined and authentic dishes when discussing elite Tibetan dining.  8. Cafe Tea Totaler Address: Tibetan Market Gali, The Mall Road, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand Contact Number: 098112 99206 To begin, Chebureki, deep-fried turnovers topped with cheese, will undoubtedly provide a Tibetan meal that is both delicious and satisfying at Cafe Tea Totaler.  You can ask the chefs to add a little brandy to your meal if you want, and the dishes are bursting with the flavor of special cheeses. After a delicious meal at one of Mussoorie's best restaurants, a classic Tibetan sweet dish is just what you need to finish it off.  There are numerous indoor and outdoor activities, including kolam making, hand art decoration, a cycle rickshaw tour of Mussorie’s unique locations, and a heritage walk around the city.  It is widely regarded as the best restaurant in Mussoorie that serves delicious traditional Tibetan cuisine. The dishes were prepared with a lot of care, and the aroma of spicy curry filled the restaurant, adding to the experience.  Try The Best Street Food In Mussoorie | Your Food Tour Cannot Get Better Than This  To know a place and its culture, you must try the local delicacies and street food. Here are some famous street foods in Mussoorie with the places where you can try them.  1. Momo You don’t need an introduction to momos. Momos Tibetan Kitchen Is the best place in Mussoorie to try this Tibetan delicacy.  This outlet is at Mall Road, Mussoorie, and you can call the owner at 0135 263 6789.  2. Kandalee Ka Saag It’s hard to believe that Kandalee Ka Saag can taste so delicious unless you try Kandalee Ka Saag in Mussoorie.  The touch of garlic and butter makes it oh-so delectable.  3. Bal Mithai Bal Mithai, a specialty of the Kumaon region, will instantly win your heart with its caramelized flavor. It has roasted khoya and a coating of sugar balls.  4. Singhori Singhori is a traditional dessert of Uttarakhand. It has reduced milk, flour, and a lot of dry fruits.  Moreover, rich in flavor, it tastes best during the months of winter.  5. Gahat Ki Daal  Best Place To Have: Jheel Restaurant,  Dhobi Ghat, Mussoorie You will also hear people calling this delicacy Kulath ki daal. This is a simple Uttarakhand recipe made of horse gram lentils.  However, the flavors of local spices make it oh-so delectable.  A Trip To Mussoorie With Treebo Hotels  As you think of visiting Mussoorie, know that Treebo hotels are amazing for your stay here. With top-notch amenities and services, Treebo hotels ensure 100% satisfaction for all guests.  ●   Enjoy the complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and other branded Treebo toiletries ●   Experience top-notch hospitality with other classic amenities in more than 800 locations across India ●   Be carefree, as all Treebo hotels follow strict guidelines and policies under the Treebo Hygiene Shield Safety  HOTELS ●   Treebo Trend Winterland ●   Treebo Trend Mayur ●   Treebo Trend Hotel Howard International Best Restaurants In Mussoorie: Enjoying Pahadi Food And The Beauty Of Shivalik Range The hill stations of India celebrate nature in their food, and Mussoorie is not an exception. Like the mountains here that stand silent but create an impact, the beauty of Mussoorie food is that it will make a slow and steady entry to your kitchen.  I still remember having Pahadi Karela at one of the restaurants in Mussoorie, and I loved it so much that I collected the recipe from my homestay owner.  Since then, I make that dish at least twice a month.  This is what the food of Mussoorie does: it comforts and easily fits into your daily life.  So, the next time you are in Mussoorie, don’t just hop to the best restaurants, eat the food at your homestay, make local friends, and visit the local eateries. Read Also: What Is The Best Time To Visit Ladakh? – Travel Guide Which Is The Best Time To Visit Uttarakhand? – Travel Guide Dark Tourism in India Exploring Shadows and Must-Visit Sites

BY  Sibashree Jan 20, 2026

A good summer trip! For the longest time, these road trips have been the ultimate bonding time for our family. Us, our parents, and the stars, the 15-year-old moody chatterbox, and the 10-year-old, giving me young Sheldon vibes.  Now, my daughter has always been a sport, and she has behaved her best during road trips. It’s my son who always brings the challenges. Also, he is now 10 and has a lot of opinions to share.  And with him growing up, the perennial sibling fights are more frequent. So, this time, we let our kids prepare their lists and make small chits. The trick was to shuffle the chits and keep them in a bowl. Finally, I will pick the chit, and it will be the place we go for this summer's road trip.  Now, I was amazed to see how detailed and diverse their lists were! Here are the best family road trip destinations they chose for this summer.  What Are The Best Family Road Trip Destinations In The USA? Be it the on-mountain summer experience, the dream adventure in the national parks, or the iconic and mighty Niagara Falls! The best places to travel with kids on a summer trip are endless in the USA.  These are the places our kids want to visit.  1. Vail Honestly, I would not have thought of Vail as one of the best family vacation spots if my daughter had not said it.  In the Rocky Mountains, Vail is beautiful in the fall and winter. However, it is more amazing during the summer.  Epic Discovery Learning about local wildlife, adventure sports, and a scenic gondola ride are the main attractions at Epic Discovery.  There are many fun activities for the kids. They can do ziplining, roll down the hill on a tube, or try their hands at the golf club. Also, for all of us, the forest flyer mountain coaster ride can be the ultimate adventure.  Also, if you think that seniors can’t enjoy it, they will love the gondola rides, exploring the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, and hiking through the short nature trails. River kayaking, white water rafting, and hot-air balloon rides are some other exciting activities here.  Moreover, you can try horseback riding or cattle drives. But as always, I am never up for these things ethically!  2. Orlando This was expected from my son. And Walt Disney is The PLACE when you are traveling in Orlando with kids. And my son has been cribbing since Christmas that we missed the Disney visit this time.  It was I who was unsure about it because I could not think of Walt Disney World without Toy Story Mania, and the reconstruction work was not complete before the holiday season.  However, the restoration of the Toy Story entrance archway is complete now. And this summer, Disney is going to have the debut of the “Soarin' Across America", and the experience around 30th June is going to be more patriotic at Walt Disney as the nation celebrates its 250th year.  Moreover, there is now a new snack kiosk near Toy Story Land. This place sells amazing pepperoni pizza spring rolls.  3. Luxury Glamping At The Resort At Paws Up Now, resorts are the most convenient choices when it comes to the best family holiday destinations. The Resort at Paws Up in Montana was once again my daughter’s suggestion.  She heard of it from her best friend, who went there last summer with her family.  I already knew about the resort, as it has multiple accolades to its name. It is a two-Michelin-Key resort, and in 2025, it won the title of the 8th best resort in the world in the “Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.” Glamping here gives a wonderful opportunity to sleep beneath the star-filled sky. Furthermore, this cattle ranch, spreading over 37000 acres, has 100 miles.  Along with cattle and horseback rides, you can enjoy water rafting here in the massive Blackfoot River. Furthermore, it has spa and wellness amenities for your rejuvenation. 4. Glacier And Yellowstone National Parks In Montana Montana also has gems such as the Glacier National Park and the Yellowstone National Park. You can do wilderness camping at Glacier National Park with a wilderness permit. It has easy to moderate hiking trails such as the Avalanche Lake, Hidden Meadow, and Highline Trail.  Furthermore, the national park has the North Fork Flathead River and the Middle Fork Flathead River.  Moreover, this 1,583 square miles of wilderness is the Crown of the Continent. It has fossils, a growing wildlife, and a unique geology.  The Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is home to bison, grizzly bears, and wolves. In fact, the concentration of mammals here is the highest among the lower 48 states.  In addition, it has reptiles such as the bullsnake and rubber boa.  5. Grand Teton National Park In Wyoming  The Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming has the National Elk Refuge. It is an area of 25000 acres, offering refuge to 7000 elk.  Furthermore, the Oxbow Bend here is frequented by the mother bear grizzly No. 399 with her cubs. The Kelly Loop, Antelope Flats, and the Moose Wilson Road are the other spots in the national park to spot wildlife such as bison, pronghorns, and antelopes. Moreover, this national park has the endangered white bark pine trees, the bald eagles, which are a species of concern, and the grizzly bear, which is a species at risk.  By the way, I was surprised to see that both my kids had these national parks on their list of best holiday destinations for families.  6. California Coast We have been to the California Coast once during the spring, and I was glad to see that my son wanted to repeat it.  The last time, we started the trip in San Diego, and the kids had a lot of fun at Legoland, the San Diego Zoo, and the beaches.  Then, we continued our drive north and had an extensive beach experience at Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara, Malibu, Newport Beach, and Solvang.  And of course, as we reached the Central Coast, we had to stay at the Madonna Inn. The charm of 1958 is still intact here with the iconic pink dining room and 110 uniquely themed rooms.  A We Continued North  We chose to stay at a resort near Pebble Beach, and from there, it was about 17 miles to Big Sur to enjoy its wonderful views.  Also, we booked a few rounds and enjoyed our time at the Pebble Beach golf courses.  Final Stop San Francisco Last time, our California road trip ended at Santa Cruz. We enjoyed the play at the boardwalk, which still has the old-world charm.  Furthermore, our kids enjoyed their time in San Francisco. Of course, the sundae at Ghirardelli was the biggest highlight. They also loved exploring Fisherman’s Wharf and flying kites by the Golden Gate Bridge.  7. Las Vegas Las Vegas, despite being the “Sin City,” is actually a fun place for kids. My daughter hasspecific demands about the Las Vegas summer trip.  She wants to stay at New York-New York as she is dying to take the Big Apple coaster ride there. Also, she has the Shark Reef Aquarium and the Circus Circus adventure dome on her wishlist.  8. Grand Canyon National Park The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is one of the most beautiful road trip destinations. I told my son, “It’s going to be so hot and it’s the peak season, you will feel annoyed.” He was persistent as he wanted to join the “Junior Ranger Program.” “I also want to see the Yavapai Geology Museum, and I want to ride the train (Grand Canyon Railway),” He added.  Now, with his research being so immaculate, I had to consider his choice.  9. Zion National Park I know summer is the busiest time at Zion National Park, and the heat is intense. But it is also the time when we get access to almost all the trails in the park in Utah.  The Lower Emeraland Pool Hike will be easy this summer. It is an easy trail and usually takes 1 hour to complete.  I also chose this trail because it continues through Juniper and pinyon woods. So, even with the high heat, the kids would have a comfortable time walking.   As the trail ends, the beautiful Emerald Pool and ephemeral falls await us.  10. Niagara Falls Niagara Falls was the first place we visited on a family trip after my daughter was born. She was all of two then, but I don’t know if she remembers anything.  I think she has picked things about the trip from our family album. The real thrill begins with the boat ride to the mighty falls. She wants to enjoy the Maid of the Mist boat ride once again this summer.  And if we visit the Niagra Falls again this season, I have plans of descending at the tunnel behind the Horseshoe Falls. 11. Milwaukee And as they say, “The nearer the church, the farther from God," I know that I have missed visiting Milwaukee even after staying so close to it.  Milwaukee, suggested by my son, is a bright city in the summertime. And of course, the young lad is growing up to be quite a bike connoisseur. So, no wonder that the Harley-Davidson Museum was his calling.  The Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival from July 9-12 is the ultimate time to visit Milwaukee if you are also a bike enthusiast like him.  Furthermore, the city also has the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Art and Public Museums.  12. Washington DC It’s great to see that my daughter wants to visit Washington, D.C. for the summer road trip. I am even happier because I once shared my experience of being there on 4th July.  The teens these days! They don’t show emotions, but they feel a lot! She specifically mentioned that she wanted this road trip to see the National 4th of July Parade and the fireworks.  I never knew that she harbored such patriotic feelings. 13. NYC We have been to NYC once. My son was 6 years old then. He still can’t forget the experience of seeing the Statue of Liberty. So, it was an expectation suggestion from him.  He also wanted to see the views of New York City from the One World Observatory and enjoy the elevator ride. Last time, he even loved the Central Park Zoo and a boat ride on the lake. 14. Chicago Contrary to the questions I get to read online, Chicago is a safe place, and it is one of the best holiday destinations with kids.  I don’t know why my son has picked the name, but I think he has done so for the Lincoln Park Zoo. He loves wildlife, and he wanted to meet the penguins at the “Malott Family Penguin Encounter.” A few days back, he was giving me a scoop on this.  Furthermore, Chicago has the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and the Science and Industry Museum. All are brilliant places for curious kids.  Moreover, my son is a huge baseball fan. So, a match day at Wrigley Field or the Guaranteed Rate Field would be a lifetime experience. Now, Are You Ready With The Best Holiday Destinations With Kids? Our list of family road trip destinations has been quite diverse. It’s time you plan your adventure! If you ask me, it’s a difficult task to choose among these destinations. I liked all the suggestions from my daughter and son. And I can’t take a side as I don’t want to deal with a sulking face for the next two days.  Nevertheless, from the list here, my favorite would be Chicago. Though kids see it in a different way, I always find it so culturally enriching to be in Chicago.  Also, being from India, Chicago always reminds me of how once a monk from India came and offered a lecture on the inclusiveness of Sanatana Dharma! Very pertinent in the days of wars and violent geopolitical stunts today.