Welcome to Dehradun, the dynamic city cradled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Abundant in culture and overflowing with natural splendor, the city presents a multitude of memorable activities. Discover ancient temples, trek across verdant forests, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Our guide highlights the top experiences in Dehradun. Whether in pursuit of adventure, tranquility, or cultural engagement, this captivating city is sure to forge lasting memories. In the summer, tourists flock to Dehradun.

Things to do in Dehradun

Besides visiting the tourist spots, there are numerous exciting activities to engage in within this Himalayan town. Explore these activities for a fulfilling trip –

• Embark on treks. Trekking is a popular pursuit here, serving as the starting point for most treks around the Garhwal Himalayas. Ranging from easy to advanced, the trek routes wind through hilly hamlets, grassy meadows, pine forests, alpine pastures, offering views of snowy peaks. Trek from Har ki Dun through the Bali Pass to Yamunotri Glacier, or venture to Nag Tibba, Chakrata, Dhanaulti, Rishikesh. For more challenging adventures, consider snow treks to Kuari Pass.
• Discover the Tapovan Ashram, approximately 6KM from the city center. The verdant valley rests above the Gangotri Glacier, surrounded by alpine meadows, providing breathtaking views.
• Immerse yourself in the local culture by staying with a local family. Homestays in old cottages and bungalows offer a wonderful opportunity to experience local life while enjoying the colonial charm.
• Indulge in retail therapy at the popular malls and markets. In addition to modern malls, explore traditional markets like the Paltan bazaar for local goods and souvenirs.

Places to visit in Dehradun

Rich in nature and culture, Dehradun sightseeing is indeed an incredible experience. Check out these attractions –

Sahastradhara Falls

• How to Reach – The waterfall is located at 9KM from the city centre. You can a local bus, auto, or cab to reach.
• Timings– 8AM-7PM
• Entry Fee– Free
• Time Required– 1-2 Hours

Mindroling Monastery

• How to Reach – The Buddha temple is just about 9 kilometres away from the Dehradun Railway station.
• Timings– 8AM – 12PM, 2PM – 7PM (summers), 9AM – 12PM, 1PM – 6PM (winters)
• Entry Fee– Free
• Time Required– 1-2 Hours
• Tips – Also visit the Ngagyur Nyingma College and the landscaped garden within the premise.

Malsi Deer Park

• How to Reach – The park is located at 10KM from city. You can take the local bus or cab to travel and return.
• Timings– 10AM-5PM
• Entry Fee– INR 10
• Time Required- 1-2Hours
• Tips – Visit between February to April to witness all the flora and fauna.

Robbers Cave Dehradun

• How to Reach – The caves are located at 8KM from city. You can take the local bus or cab, or reach Vijaypur and then trek for 1KM to reach the cave area.
• Timings– 7AM-6PM
• Entry Fee- INR 50
• Time Required– 2-3 Hours
• Tips – You can also visit the Tibetan temple, Ramakrishna Ashram Temple, or Dehradun Zoo, nearby.

Tapkeshwar Temple

• How to Reach – This temple is located at 7KM from the city centre. You can take the local bus, auto, or cab to reach.
• Timings– 6AM-7PM
• Entry Fee- Free
• Time Required– 1-2 Hours
• Tips – Try the local street food at the nearby market or trek through the surrounding wooded areas.

Places to visit nearby

Dehradun tourism is more than the scenic sites within the city. Include these hill stations near Dehradun in your travel itinerary.

Chattrakund Lake, Auli

• How to Reach – The glacial lake is located in Auli. It’s about 300KM from Dehradun to Auli and you have to book an outstation cab or rent a private car to travel and return.
• Timings- Sunrise to Sunset
• Entry Fee– Free
• Time Required– 1 day
• Tips – Also explore the alpine meadows and hiking trails of Gurso Bugyal and Kwani Bugyal nearby.

Kempty Falls, Mussoorie

• How to Reach – The waterfalls lie in Mussoorie, about 50KM from Dehradun town. You can book a cab for the day to travel and return.
• Timings– 8AM-5PM
• Entry Fee– Free, Cable car – INR 80 per person
• Time Required– 1-2 Hours
• Tips – Don’t miss the cable car ride near the waterfall area to get a birds-eye view of the Dehradun-Mussoorie trail.

Ashoka Rock Edict, Kalsi

• How to Reach – The rock inscriptions are located at about 45KM from Dehradun town. You can book a local cab or rent a car to reach.
• Timings– 8AM-5PM
• Entry Fee– Free
• Time Required – 2-3 hours
• Tips – Also try outdoor activities like parasailing, rock climbing, rappelling, and river rafting, popular in Kalsi.

Places to eat

The food here is a fine blend of traditional Pahadi cuisine and classic colonial-era recipes. Try these restaurants to sample the local flavors –

• Poquito2Kalsang Café
• Mirabilia
• Town Table
• Gourmand Inn Restaurant
• Pahadi Khaja
• Kafaal Restaurant

About Dehradun

Dehradun in India is widely regarded as a picturesque holiday destination. Surrounded by the Garhwal Himalayas, it offers stunning mountain views, lush greenery, and numerous adventure opportunities. This charming hill town is known for its alpine weather, verdant surroundings, quaint cottages, and timeless colonial allure.

The city is located in the Doon Valley region, nestled amidst mountains, the Song River to the east, and the Asan River to the west. The highest point in the district reaches 12,100 Ft. at Jaunsar-Bawar hills.

Dehradun is the largest and most populous city in Uttarakhand, serving as the administrative capital of the Dehradun district. Recently, the district has been designated as one of the counter magnets of the NCR (National Capital Region), aiming to position Dehradun as a smart city and an alternative hub for growth.

History

The city of Dehradun and its district boast a rich history. Its name originates from a blend of two Garhwali terms – ‘dera’ for a camp, or ‘doon/dun’ signifying a valley nestled amidst the central Himalayas and the Shivalik ranges.

According to legend, Baba Ram Rai, the son of the seventh Sikh Guru, founded the settlement in 1675 while encamped in this vicinity. Dehradun’s connection to the era of Ramayana and Mahabharata is reinforced by 2000-year-old artifacts, ancient temples, and other remnants.

References to Dehradun can be traced back to the accounts of the 7th-century Chinese explorer and philosopher, Huen Tsang. Initially known as Sudhanagara, the area eventually evolved into Kalsi, situated a short distance from Dehradun. Subsequent to the British victory over Nepal in the Anglo-Nepalese war of 1816, Dehradun, Landour, and Mussoorie fell under British colonial dominion. Following India’s independence in 1947, Dehradun and adjoining regions of Garhwal and Kumaon were amalgamated into the United Provinces, later becoming Uttar Pradesh. This alignment endured till 2000, when Uttarakhand emerged as a separate state encompassing the northwestern districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Interesting Facts

In addition to the well-known locations in Dehradun that most visitors are aware of, the following are some fascinating details about this Himalayan destination:

• Some of the most recognizable educational establishments, including Doon School, as well as important national defense establishments, including the Indian Military Academy, the Defense Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL), and Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE), are located in the city.
• It is thought that Ram and Lakshman traveled to Dehradun following their victory over Ravana in the Battle of Lanka. Furthermore, according to the Mahabharata, here is the birthplace and long-term residence of Dronacharya, the guru of the Pandavas and Kauravas.
• The first city in India to build an ice rink of international caliber for winter sports like ice hockey and figure skating is Dehradun.

How to Plan a Trip to Dehradun

How to Reach Dehradun

By Train

Dehradun railway station is only a couple of kilometres away from the city centre. It is well-connected to major cities and towns across north India. There are frequent trains from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, Ludhiana, and other metro cities.

By Road

Dehradun is well-connected to Delhi and NCR region by NH 44 and to other northern states by national and state highways. There are regular state-run and private buses from nearby cities like Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Shimla, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Ludhiana etc. You can also book an outstation cab or rent a private car to travel to Dehradun from any of these cities.

By Flight

Dehradun is served by Jolly Grant Airport (DED), about 30Km away from the city centre. There are regular flights from major cities and towns across India. From the airport, you can book an airport taxi or rent a car to reach the city.

Best time to visit Dehradun

This location, which is part of the Garhwal Himalayan Region, has mountain weather, with warm summers and chilly winters. You are free to visit whenever it suits your vacation objectives. Wintertime in Dehradun has a certain beauty. In late December or early January, you might be fortunate enough to see snowfall. Otherwise, summers are a great time to travel for outdoor activities because the weather is very agreeable. December through April is the ideal time of year to visit. Prior to leaving, always check the weather forecast.

Top Rated Hotels & Resorts

The majority of Dehradun’s hotels and resorts offer fantastic amenities along with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, guaranteeing an amazing stay. View these resorts before booking your vacation:

• Seyfert Sarovar Premiere
• The River’s Edge Farm
• Hotel Boulevard
• Doon Valley Homestay
• Riverstone Cottages
• Tree of Life Resort
• Glenville Forest Resort & Spa

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