Nestled in the beautiful Doon Valley, Dehradun offers a fine blend of mesmerizing mythological tales and fascinating history. Only 240 km from Delhi, this is one of the best hill stations in India. Situated in the foothills of the Mighty Himalayas, surrounded by dense Sal trees and serene snow peaks, this is an ideal gateway in the country. The weather here is pleasant all year round, and it was once popular as a retirement haven. Dehradun is a gateway to the northern hill areas like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Mussoorie.

 As years passed by, the town has transformed into a bustling region for tourists from all over the world. You will find an unparalleled experience in Dehradun, as it is a versatile holiday destination. Whether you are looking for an adventurous escape or colonial architecture, this famous city of Uttarakhand is there to provide all.

 Other than its natural wonders and mythological significance, Dehradun is also the education hub of Northern India. You can find some iconic institutions like Doon School and Welham in the city.

 Best Time to Visit Dehradun

• April to June

This is the peak season, and the weather stays pleasant throughout the day and nights become colder. This is the perfect time for adventure and sightseeing activities.

•  November to March

This is a moderate season, where some days can be colder with chilly nights. The best thing in this season is the mist-covered hills.

• July to October

 This is the off-season for tourists. You can expect most days with cloudy skies with frequent drizzles. The best thing about this off-season is the discounts on hotels and other places with the lush green landscapes.

The Popular Places to Visit in Dehradun

     1. Robber’s Cave

 This is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Dehradun. This unique river formation in the Himalayas is situated near Sahastradhara, the 600-meter-long cave, has a river flowing inside it with small waterfalls. The cave has two parts. In the central section, there’s a ruined fort wall structure.

 Locally, the cave is known as Guchhu Pani, and it’s a popular place for trekking and picnic lovers. You can dip your feet in the ice-cold water, and it’s recommended to carry extra clothes because you can get soaked in the cave. Locker and bathroom facilities are available near the cave, so you can change if required.

•         Opening hours:  6 am to 7:30 pm
•         Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
•         Distance From Dehradun City Center: 15 km
•         Ticket Price: INR 25

      2. Tapovan

Among the serene places to see in Dehradun, Tapovan offers a beautiful blend of holiness and nature. With the mesmerizing Ganga River flowing through it and the lush green surroundings, this is a perfect location to increase spiritual strength and meditate. According to the mythological tales, Guru Dronacharya meditated here and received enlightenment in this region. 

You can find many trekking opportunities in Tapovan, and this is a famous summer gateway in India. Bask in the holiness of the Ganga aarti at Parmarth Niketan and enjoy the dawn at the ghats while listening to the chants and prayers of devotees.

•         Opening hours: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
•         Time Required: 2 hours
•         Distance From Dehradun City Center: 45.4 km
•         Ticket Price: None

      3. Asan Barrage

This barrage is located at the confluence of the Asan River and Eastern Yamuna Canal in the Doon Valley. It contributes to the process of electricity production and the dam created the Dhalipur Lake or Asan Reservoir. Asan Barrage is a favorite place for birdwatchers, as more than 53 species of native and 19 migratory birds gather here from time to time.

• If you love water sports, then you can visit the GMVN water sports complex near the barrage, which is famous for motor boating, mono-skiing, double waterskiing, kayaking, paddle boating, rowing, and water skiing.
•         Timings: Anytime.
•         Entry Fee: Free.

      4. Tibetan Market

Shopping in Dehradun is a unique experience, and to feel the best essence of it, you must visit the Tibetan Market. This is one of the top shopping destinations in the town, where you can buy wind chimes, Garhwali jewelry pieces, handbags, artifacts, wooden showcases, handicrafts, and many more. Other than these, you can purchase plenty of souvenirs for your friends and family.

Moreover, you can find many delicious snacks like hot noodle soup, Momo, and many more. You will find the items are affordable, which will make the visit worthwhile.

•         Location: Opposite Parade Ground, Dehradun, Uttarakhand – 248001
•         Timings: Monday to Sunday. From 10 AM to 10 PM.
•         Entry Fee: No Entry Fee.

      5. Fun Valley

Dehradun is one of the top destinations that offers multiple family attractions. One of the best entertainment venues is Fun Valley. Located in the middle of Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar, this amusement park offers a fun-filled gateway for your family and friends.

The park includes a motel with deluxe rooms for guests, and it’s located in the green foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas. The motel is also equipped with lavish cottages, banquet halls, and conference rooms. Whether you are visiting for a day, or want to spend some days, you will have all the opportunities in Fun Valley.

•         Location: 28th Km Stone, Haridwar Road, Lal Tappar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand- 248001
•         Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
•         Entry Fee: Kids below 3ft can enter for free. For heights of 3 to 4’6” ft have to pay INR 700. Guests above 4’6” ft have to pay INR 900.

     6. Fun ‘N’ Food Kingdom

This is the first amusement and entertainment park in Dehradun. If you are visiting with family or friends, this is the ideal place to have fun for a whole day. Adults and kids can enjoy 14 thrilling rides with boating and water slide options.

 Here, kids can learn through interactive and fun games, and the theme park offers a picnic spot for everyone.

•         Location: Village Kohlupani, Nanda Ki Chawki, Near, Prem Nagar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007
•         Timings: Monday to Saturday–10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sunday–10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
•         Entry Fee: Adults above 10 years – INR 600, Kids below 10 years- INR 500, Senior Citizens – INR 400.

       7. Anand Van 

The forest of joy or Anand Van is a beautiful place spread over 50 acres in the Jhajra forest area in Dehradun. This is an offbeat destination, where you can spend a day in nature with your family.

This is also a great picnic spot where you can find butterflies in the garden and a water fountain to uplift the overall atmosphere. The best time to visit this place is spring to summer, as the temperature stays soothing.  

•         Opening hours:  09:30 AM to 04:30 PM
•         Time Required: 2 hours
•         Distance From Dehradun city center 15.9 km
•         Ticket Price: Free for kids below 10 years, 20 INR for children between 10 to 15 years. 50 INR for adults.

       8. Mindrolling Monastery – Buddha Temple Dehradun

 Rigzin Terdak Lingpa in 1676 founded the monastery. The Buddhist temple is popular for its serene gardens, stunning architecture, and the 185-foot-tall statue of Lord Buddha. This is one of the most peaceful destinations in Dehradun. On the tenth day of the first Lunar month, the monastery celebrates the annual 7-day Drubchen of Thug Je Cheno.

In December month, various celebrations take place in the Mindrolling Monastery, such as the Anniversary of Minling Chung Rinpoche is the most popular one.

•         Opening hours: 9 am to 7 pm. The monastery is open on Sundays only for tourists. However, the garden and shops are open throughout the week.
•         Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
•         Distance From City Center Dehradun: 7 km
•         Entry Fee: Free

        9. Forest Research Institute 

Forest Research Institute was established in 1906 and is located on a 450-acre land that is home to 6 well-stocked museums dedicated to the various aspects of forestry. The six museums inside the campus are–the Silviculture Museum, the Timbra Museum, the Social Forestry Museum, the Pathology Museum, the Non-Wood Forest Products Museum, and the Entomology Museum. Surrounded by lush greenery, this is a perfect weekend gateway.

•         Opening hours: 9 am to 5:30 pm
•         Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
•         Distance From City Center Dehradun: 9 km
•         Entry fee: INR 10 per person

    10. Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara

Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara was established in the 17th century and is one of the best places to visit while in Dehradun. It’s an eminent place in the Sikh community in Uttarakhand. Located at the heart of the city, this Gurudwara is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture, with its murals, domes, and minarets. The murals on the walls of Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara tell the stories of saints, goddesses, sages, and gods. There’s a huge pond in the front of this Sikh temple.

•         Location: Tilak Rd, Jhanda Bazar, Jhanda Mohalla, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
•         Opening Hours: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
•         Entry Fee: No Entry Fee.

    11. Tapkeshwar Temple

 This is one of the best places in Dehradun and is very famous among locals and tourists as well. Tapkeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple takes back to the mythological stories of Guru Dronacharya, who was believed to have resided in this area.

The temple is popular for its natural setting and the mythological stories. It’s famous among Hindu devotees and a great place to visit with friends and family.

•         Opening hours: 6 AM to 7 PM
•         Time Required: 2 hours
•         Distance From City Center Dehradun: 22 km
•         Ticket Price: Free

     12. Zonal Museum 

If you love history, then you must visit the Zonal Museum in Dehradun. The place is dedicated to archeological artifacts related to the sustenance of mankind on earth. The precious collection in the museum depicts the living conditions of early human life in the harsh regions of the Himalayas.

The Zonal Museum was founded in 1981 by the Anthropological Survey of India. The goal was to educate the people about the livelihood of early age. This is a perfect place to bring kids, as they will love to learn about the history.

•         Opening time- 10 am to 5 pm. Sundays are closed.
•         Entry fee- INR 10 to 15 for adults and INR 3 for students with ID cards and kids under 10 can visit for free.

     13. Paltan Bazar

 While in Dehradun, it’s almost impossible to leave without shopping in this bustling town of Uttarakhand. You can buy everything from clothes, footwear, books, artworks, handicrafts and many more. The best thing you can buy here are the woolen clothes sold by Tibetan women.  You can also look for the best selling and famous Dehradun basmati rice from here.

•         Location: Rajpur Road, Near Clock Tower, Dehradun, Uttarakhand – 248001.
•         Timings: Mondays to Sundays – 10 AM to 10 PM.
•         Entry Fee: None

      14. Kalsi

A small but beautiful village situated on the outskirts of Dehradun is known for its magnificent views of the Himalayas and the serene environment. The most popular place in this village is the Ashokan Rock Edict, engraved by Ashoka, the Great Mauryan King in 253 BC.

Other than the historical attraction, Kalsi is also famous for water streams, picnic spots, and water sports like boating, waterskiing, sailing, swimming, canoeing, etc. You can also go fishing with a permit from the concerned authorities of the village. Summer is the best to visit this place.

•         Location: Dehradun-Chakrata Road, Uttarakhand -248158
•         Timings: Anytime.
•         Entry Fee: No Entry Fee.

How To Reach Dehradun

There are many options available to reach Dehradun from any part of India. You can take a bus, train, or flight to reach this famous hill station in Uttarakhand.

• By flight: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located only 20 km from the city center. You can board a flight from Delhi or any city in India. Several flight companies like Jet Konnect, Air India, Spice Jet, and Indigo daily offer flights. After reaching the airport, take a cab or bus to reach your designated hotel.
• By train: There are regular train services from major cities like Kolkata, Lucknow, Allahabad, Delhi, and more. After reaching the station, take a cab or bus to reach the city center. You can buy tickets for the Amritsar-Dehradun Express, Doon Express, Bandra Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, Dehradun AC Express, and others.
•  By bus: Buses are available from Delhi, or any other metro cities in India. You can book tickets for buses of your choice, like Uttarakhand State Transport buses, Deluxe, semi-deluxe, and Volvo. These buses leave from the Dehradun bus station at an interval of 15 minutes to one hour every day.

The Popular Routes to Dehradun

Best Places to visit in Dehradun with Friends and Family

• Malsi Deer Park: A deer park located 10 km away from Dehradun, where you can find a different range of flora and deer roaming in the Malsi Deer Park. This is one of the most noteworthy places to visit in Dehradun, with friends and family.

•  Sahastradhara: This place is located 14 km from Dehradun, and its specialty is a hot spring with other waterfalls.

1.         Opening hours: 8 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
2.         Time Required: 3 to 4 hours
3.         Distance From City Center Dehradun: 20 km

• Clock Tower: If you want to visit the city in one day, then include the Clock Tower in your itinerary. This place is also known as Ghanta Ghar, which is a tall structure in the heart of the town. Originally named “Balbir Tower”, this structure is approximately 85 meters tall and has the name of the freedom fighters engraved on it on a gold plate. This was first laid by Sarojini Naidu, the then-governor of Uttar Pradesh.

         The hexagon-shaped edifice is often found in the tales of Ruskin Bond about Dehradun. The location is                     Rajpur Road, Near Paltan Market, Dehradun, Uttarakhand–248001.

Top Places in Dehradun for Couples

Dehradun is a place where you can find many things to do as a couple.

1. Lachhiwala: This is the place if you want to bask in the beauty of the amazing scenery. You can enjoy the magnificent sunset and the chirping of birds in this Sal tree-lined destination with your partner. Enjoy the beauty of the butterfly garden and have a great day.

•         Opening hours: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
•         Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
•         Distance From City Center Dehradun: 15 km
•         Ticket Price: For adults- INR 60, and children- INR 30

      2. Maldevta: This is another picnic destination in Dehradun, after Lachhiwala. You can spend half a day in this area, explore the green meadows, and listen to the sweet melody of river water. If you love recreational activities like camping, photography, sightseeing, birdwatching, swimming, cycling, and more, this is the best place to do that.

Set up a camp here and stay overnight under the starry sky. Book a holiday package to enjoy the beauty of nature.

•         Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
•         Time Required: 2 to 3 hours
•         Distance From City Center Dehradun: 7.6 km
•         Ticket Price: None

      3. Shikhar Falls: Spend some beautiful moments with your partners closer to nature here. You can see the beautiful falls, and amidst the greenery, you will find a tranquil time with your loved one. Located only 20 km away from the city center of Dehradun, this is the ideal destination to visit for every tourist.

•         Opening hours: 24×7
•         Time Required: 1 hour
•         Distance From Dehradun City Center: 20 kilometers
•         Entry Fee: None

Best Places to Visit at Night in Dehradun

If you are looking for nightlife in Dehradun, there are plenty of places you can enjoy with your friends.

• Restaurants: There are many restaurants in Dehradun that offer authentic Indian and other cuisines like Indo-Chinese and Western platters. Some places might be booked, so it’s recommended that you reserve a table beforehand.

• Mussoorie Lights: This place has a wooden interior and outside seats, perfect for the comfortable weather of Dehradun. This tourist place closes down at 11 pm, and it’s ideal for an evening stroll in the city.

• Bars: When the sun goes down on the horizon, you can also look for bars in the city. There are many places available where locals and tourists relax at the end of the day. Weekend evenings are more enjoyable in these bars.

Top Places to Visit Near Dehradun

There are many noteworthy places near Dehradun.

1. Rishikesh: This is one of the most exciting places in Uttarakhand. This is a unique destination for devotees and thrill lovers. This city is located at the base of the Shivalik Mountains.
2. Dhanaulti: A famous hill station in Uttarakhand, located at the base of the Garhwal Himalayas. This is a significant place and is only 36 km from Mussoorie.
3. Mussoorie: Situated at an elevation of 1,880 meters from sea level, Mussoorie is known as the “Queen of the Hills.” The city is filled with serene mountain views, and bustling marketplaces that make this a top tourist attraction.

FAQS

     1. What things you must not miss while in Dehradun?

 If you truly love traveling, then you must not miss the Tapkeshwar temple, Robber’s Cave, and the Jungle safari at Rajaji National Park.

      2. What is the weather condition in the peak season in Dehradun?

 The weather stays pleasant throughout the day, but it becomes colder at night. You can expect an overall nice weather from April to June.

      3. What is the best time for a trip to Dehradun?

 You can select the peak season which starts from April to June, or the moderate season is November to February and March.

“Dehradun is not just an educational hub; it’s filled with natural beauty and a welcoming atmosphere. Find a day or more to spend in the city to cherish everything Dehradun has to offer and bring home a lifetime’s worth of memories. Also, find a reliable tour agent like Hillway Travels to guide you through every nook and cranny of Dehradun and ensure a safe and enjoyable tour.”