Dehradun Tourism | Places to Visit | Things To Do

Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand State in North India, is situated in a Himalayan valley. Doon Valley, where Dehradun is located is famous for its picturesque environment and Dehradun weather conditions are mostly pleasant.

Dehradun's sightseeing options can be categorized into four popular places like nature, adventure sports, wildlife and museums. Thus, this city entertains all sorts of people starting from nature lovers to spiritually oriented people. Rafting, trekking and rock climbing keep the adventure lovers busy throughout the trip. Hotel Aketa, Vishranthi Resort and Spa, NaturOville Vedic retreat provides a pleasant stay for tourists. Here, tourists can relax themselves by indulging in Spa and Ayurvedic services.

Before packing up for your journey back home, it is essential to grab some souvenirs for your families and friends. The best shopping arcade of Dehradun is Paltan Bazaar. Exquisite artifacts can be purchased from stalls in Raipur road and Ashley halls. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Sahakari Bazaar and Connaught Palace. Crafts made up of wood, bamboo and cane is very famous here. Tibetans woolen clothes and ornaments are fascinating than ever.

How to Reach Dehradun

1. By Air: The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is about 25 km from the city center and is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to reach the city.

2. By Train: Dehradun Railway Station is a major railhead and has good connectivity with cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Varanasi.

3. By Road: Dehradun is well-connected by road to major cities in North India. You can drive or take a bus from cities like Delhi (about 240 km away), Haridwar, and Rishikesh.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Dehradun is from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Top Attractions in Dehradun

Mindrolling Monastery in Dehradun built in 1965 houses one of the tallest stupa in the world and one of the important Buddhist learning centers. Monks study Buddhist traditions, culture, calligraphy and scriptures. Tapkeshwar Temple built inside a natural cave is a famous Lord Shiva temple in Dehradun. Other places to visit in Dehradun include Malsi Deer Park which a zoo. Rajaji National Park is the closest wildlife attraction from Dehradun where a day trip can be planned for Jungle Safari. 

1. Robber's Cave (Gucchu Pani): A popular natural attraction, this cave is surrounded by hills and features a river that flows through it. It’s an excellent spot for picnics, trekking, and experiencing the thrill of walking through the cold stream.

2. Sahastradhara: Meaning ‘Thousand-fold Spring,’ this is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by caves and Baldi River. The water here is believed to have medicinal properties due to its high sulfur content.

3. Mindrolling Monastery: One of the largest Buddhist centers in India, this monastery is known for its stunning architecture, a 60-meter high stupa, and beautiful gardens. It’s a peaceful place for meditation and learning about Buddhist culture.

4. Forest Research Institute (FRI): A renowned institute for forestry research, FRI is also a popular tourist spot due to its colonial-style architecture and lush green campus. The museum within the institute showcases various aspects of forestry and environment.

5. Tapkeshwar Temple: A cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of a seasonal river. The temple is famous for its naturally dripping water from the cave ceiling onto the Shiva Lingam.

6. Malsi Deer Park: A small zoological park located on the outskirts of Dehradun, perfect for a family outing. The park is home to various species of deer, peacocks, and other animals.

Rishikesh, the popular weekend getaway from Delhi is only 45 kilometers away from Dehradun. Mussoorie is about 30 kilometers and Kempty Falls 47 kilometers. Tiger Falls is another beautiful waterfall worth visiting in Dehradun. Gucchu Paani or Robbers’ Cave is another spot that can be visited for its natural beauty besides the Sahastradhara Falls.

Other things to do in Dehradun include Fun Valley amusement park, Shopping on Mall Road or Tibetan Market and also Bird watching. Many Himalayan treks start from Dehradun. Nag Tibba trek is popular trek starting from Dehradun. Paragliding or picnic at Lachhiwala is other memorable experiences that can be enjoyed by travelers.

Things to Do in Dehradun

• Explore Local Markets: Visit Paltan Bazaar, Tibetan Market, and Rajpur Road for local handicrafts, woolen clothes, and delicious street food. Don’t forget to try the local specialty, Aloo Ke Gutke and Kachmauli (stuffed goat).

• Trekking and Adventure: Dehradun is surrounded by beautiful hills and trails, perfect for trekking enthusiasts. You can try the Nag Tibba Trek or visit Lachhiwala Nature Park for an adventurous day out.

• Visit Nearby Hill Stations: Dehradun is a gateway to popular hill stations like Mussoorie (35 km away) and Dhanaulti (60 km away), making it an ideal base for exploring these serene destinations.

Accommodation in Dehradun

Dehradun offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets:

• Hotel Madhuban: A luxury hotel with comfortable rooms, fine dining, and excellent service.
• Four Points by Sheraton: A modern hotel offering great amenities and a convenient location.
• Hotel President: A mid-range option with comfortable rooms and good service, located close to the city center.
• Backpackers Hostel: Budget-friendly accommodation ideal for solo travelers and backpackers.

Travel Tips

• Language: Hindi and English are widely spoken in Dehradun, making communication easy for most tourists.
• Local Transport: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses are readily available for local travel. You can also rent a scooter or a car for more flexibility.
• Safety: Dehradun is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always good to take standard precautions, especially when traveling alone or at night.

Conclusion

Dehradun, with its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and numerous attractions, is a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled trip. Whether you're looking to explore historical sites, enjoy nature, or indulge in local cuisine, Dehradun has something for everyone. Plan your visit and immerse yourself in the charm of this beautiful city.

Dehradun is not only a famous tourist destination; it is also a renowned center for many educational institutes. Dehradun Military Training Academy and Boarding Schools are best of their kind. Around 2000 year-old relics and ruins were found around Dehradun making us realize that the city is well connected with the famous Hindu Epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Edicts of Asoka along the river banks reminds us of the vital role played by this city in the ancient times. For British, Dehradun played as an abode while they colonized Mussoorie and Landour in 1827 – 1828.

Enjoy the Garhwali cuisines recipes like Mandwa Chappati, Kumaoni Raitha, thick red rice, goath soup, Jangora’s dry fruit kheer, etc. Tourists can opt for Town Table restaurant in Dehradun. Normally Garhwal’s cuisine is nothing but wholesome vegetarian food. This restaurant also provides multi-cuisine foods other than the local cuisines.