Inside Jharipani Castle: The real-life Mussoorie location behind Vikrant Massey’s Musafir Cafe

Vikrant Massey's Netflix series Musafir Cafe has captivated viewers with its romantic narrative, largely filmed in the picturesque hill station of Mussoorie and Bhopal. The story's central setting, a cozy wooden cafe overlooking misty mountains, was brought to life at Jharipani Castle, a heritage property nestled in the hills of Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. Situated about seven kilometres from Mussoorie's bustling Mall Road, Jharipani Castle offers a serene alternative to the popular tourist hub.

The castle, surrounded by verdant foliage and breathtaking vistas of the valley, boasts charming wooden cottages, green-roofed structures, cozy terraces, and expansive areas adorned with vibrant prayer flags. For the filming of Musafir Cafe, the estate underwent a transformation in November 2025, with various sections repurposed into functional sets. Gardens, terraces, guest rooms, and specially constructed café spaces all contributed to the show's ambiance. The cast and crew resided on the premises throughout the shoot.

Jharipani Castle has a rich history dating back to 1932 when it was constructed by Crown Breweries as a guest house for British officers and soldiers during the colonial era. Post-independence, it served as the summer retreat for the royal family of Patiala, previously known as Patiala House. The castle eventually evolved into the boutique heritage property it is today.

Beyond its cinematic significance, the location is strategically positioned for travelers exploring the hill station. Nearby, Jharipani Falls provide a short excursion, while Dehradun lies approximately 25 kilometres away, making Jharipani Castle an ideal base for a tranquil mountain retreat.

The cafe showcased in Musafir Cafe is part of the castle's accommodations, offering guests a limited selection of individually designed rooms, ranging from rustic log huts to deluxe valley-facing accommodations and spacious suites with mountain views. Some of these rooms featured in the series. Musafir Cafe, based on Divya Prakash Dubey’s popular novel of the same name, follows the journey of Chander Mohan Sharma as he grapples with love, heartbreak, and second chances, all while harboring dreams of opening a cafe in the mountains.