Nestled amidst the Doon Valley in the state of Uttarakhand, Dehradun city is a very popular hill station that beckons solo travellers, families and couples alike. Winter Capital of Uttarakhand, it proudly boasts of a scenic backdrop of the Garhwal Himalayas. Dehradun is located at an altitude of 1400 feet above sea level and has a pleasant climate all year round. Regardless of whether you want to explore family-friendly tourist spots, try thrilling adventure activities with your friends, or watch a mesmerizing sunset with your partner amidst the mountains, Dehradun is the answer.
As you would expect from a city located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun abounds in caves, waterfalls and natural springs. One such extremely popular spot is Robber’s Cave, which is a natural cave surrounded by hills. Dip your feet in the ice-cold water or walk through it – travellers are free to take their pick, making Robber’s Cave one of the most popular picnic and excursion spots in the city. Another popular spot for nature lovers is Lacchiwala, where you can sit and enjoy a relaxing sunset around the man-made lake and the lush greenery around it. Lacchiwala also has arrangements for trekking and birdwatching, if you’re up for it.
Places to Visit
Robber’s Cave
Robber’s Cave, locally known as Gucchu Pani, is a river cave formed in the Himalayas, about 8 kilometres from Dehradun, Uttarakhand. This river cave is believed to be an abode of Lord Shiva and is very close to Sahasradhara or ‘The Thousandfold Springs’ in Uttarakhand. Its speciality is that river water flows out from the middle of the cave.
The cave is a narrow gorge formed between a conglomerate limestone formation. It creates a feeling similar to being in a scene from a mystery movie – surrounded by dark limestone as streams gush in, echoing inside the cave. If not this, it definitely promises a sense of belongingness as Mother Nature slows you down, making you resonate with its mesmerising beauty.
With extraordinary cold water underground springs, the cave cools down during the scorching-hot summer-afternoon. It is a perfect picnic spot amidst the natural beauty of Uttarakhand and must be visited at least once.
Sahastradhara
Sahastradhara literally means ‘thousand-fold spring’. It is a popular attraction, famous for its medicinal & therapeutic value as its water contains sulphur. Sahastradhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Uttarakhand and is situated about 14 km from the city of Dehradun, near Robber’s Cave.
Also known as Sulphur Springs, this waterfall cascades through limestone stalactites, making the water rich in sulphur. A dip in the Sulphur-rich water here feels cold and refreshing but is believed to have remarkable medicinal advantages. The temperature of the water here is a little lower than its surroundings. Its picturesque beauty attracts a lot of travellers from faraway places. One can even enjoy a stunning view of the mountains on a fun ropeway ride.
The area has widespread serenity and tranquillity, with rich Himalayan vegetation. The water here has a fall of around 9 meters. Since this region has a sedimentary accumulation of Lime and Sulphur, one can spot a plethora of brownish-orange elements in the surrounding caves.
Mindrolling Monastery
The Mindrolling Monastery, also known as the Buddha Temple Complex, was established in Clement Town, Dehradun, Uttarakhand by Khochhen Rinpoche in 1965. Situated in the middle of the serene foothills of the Himalayas, the Mindrolling Monastery is one of the largest Buddhist centres in India which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country as well as abroad. Hundreds of individuals attain spirituality here on a daily basis.
Being an architectural masterpiece with several sections, the monastery is a visual wonder. The monastery exudes beauty owing to its gardens, university complex and the tallest Stupa in Asia. While surrounded by greenery, it also has numerous shrine rooms, Tibetan art forms, and murals. What catches the attention of every tourist is the presence of the tall statue of Lord Buddha. This beautiful place should definitely be visited if you are planning a trip to Dehradun.
One of the six major monasteries of the Tibetan Nyingma School, this monastery was first established in 1676. The Ngagyur Nyingma College is also present within the premises offering advanced Buddhist studies to monks who can pass on the knowledge to the upcoming generations. At present, over 300 monks are given education in the monastery.
Lacchiwalla
A popular picnic destination, Lacchiwalla is famous for its lush greenery unspoiled by human activity. It is located a small drive away from Dehradun. You can stay over at picturesque cottages and hotels.
Har Ki Dun
Nestled away from the hustle bustle of the city, Har Ki dun is a beautiful cradle shaped valley with untouched panoramic beauty. Perched at an elevation of 3,566 mts above the sea level, this place is one of the remotest areas of Uttarakhand offering a plethora of trekking excursions.
Also referred to as “Valley of Gods”, in Har Ki Dun you will find yourself surrounded by thick Pine forests and scintillating mountain peaks. This beautiful trail will take you to some of the most unexplored areas of Garhwal Himalayan region where the simplicity and rustic lifestyle of the residents of hills is still untouched by the time. The beautifully carved houses along the way add to the charm of this trek. Visit this splendid place if peaceful nature and adventure is what you are looking for.
Tapovan Temple
Situated on the banks of the river Ganga, Tapovan is a holy place which is located at a distance of 5 km from the Dehradun city. Due to the history of the Ashram, devotees flock to the place frequently in the quest to find inner peace. All sorts of holy Hindu rituals are performed at the ashram. The ashram also conducts yoga courses for those interested.
Surrounded by greenery, a visit to this temple is known for releasing the tension and providing a sense of satisfaction as well as peace of mind to the visitors. It is a very famous place to go for meditation and yoga. Interestingly, the word “Tapovan” has been derived from two words- Tapasya which means rigour and van which means forest. Owing to its great weather all year, the place is visited by tourists at all times.
Paltan Bazar
Paltan Bazaar is located in the heart of Dehradun, spanning a 1.5km stretch between the Clock Tower and the railway station. From local spices, confectionery items & street food to goods like apparel, appliances and artefacts, this busy market has it all. Considered as Dehradun’s main bazaar, it is the best place for shopping in Dehradun.
Fun Valley
Fun Valley’s reputation as a fully-fledged entertainment venue for families and friends to spend a cheery and exhilarated day is unshakeable. Located within Uttarakhand’s Golden Triangle – Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh, this amusement park cum resort is the perfect arena for a bonding experience with your loved ones. Housing a vast interior complex, multi-cuisine restaurant and kiosks, thrilling rides that include an exciting water park, deluxe rooms and a motel, Fun Valley is the largest amusement and water park in North India.
Fun Valley is situated amidst lush greenery at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas. Reasonable prices complement the great entertainment value the expansive park provides and makes it an ideal place to unwind during the weekends or your leisure time from the hubbub of daily life. It offers a plethora of thrilling and adrenaline rushing rides that are bound to keep you busy with your family or friends.
The integrated resort cum amusement park boasts of a water park, go-karting and shopping complexes. Now a popular tourist destination, Amenities and facilities such as conference rooms, party halls and luxurious cottages are subject to availability.
Tiger View Jungle Camp
Tiger View Jungle camp is situated in the village of Goolar Khalla, 10km away from Dehradun. It shelters the endangered Indian Tiger. You can take the jungle safari, to view flora and fauna in their natural habitat. You may also enjoy the rare facility of camping in the wilderness.
Renowned for its natural beauty and the interactive services offered, this Jungle camp is a full-package experience of the wild. The local community has taken an active interest in the conservation of tigers.
Malsi Deer Park
Located at the base of the Shivalik range in Dehradun, Malsi Deer Park, also known as Malsi Zoo, is a zoological garden. Heaven for nature lovers, the beauty of the place is highlighted by the rich flora and fauna. The park is a great point to unwind and break away from the busy life of the city. It is a small zoological park with a picturesque location and vibrant wildlife, making it an amazing place for photographers. The park is blessed with natural and serene surroundings, perfect for sightseeing or a picnic.
Though the park is mainly famous for deer, the tourists there can also spot peacock, nilgais, rabbits, and tigers to name a few. Apart from nilgais, the park is home to Himalayan antelopes which draw children and animal lovers from all over the world to the place. The park is a part of the Malsi Forest Reserve and is the second-best wildlife attraction in Dehradun following Rajaji National Park.
Dehradun along with its charm is a paradise for all the tourists, and Malsi Deer Park is a wild pasture in this paradise. If you are planning on going out with your family and friends to a relaxing place full of natural beauty, this is the place to go.
Must Try Food in Dehradun
1. Uss The Dhaba
2. Walk In Woods Restaurant
3. Aerodine Multicuisine Restaurant
4. Town Table
5. Orchard
6. Black Pepper Restaurant
7. Mirabilia
8. Y Cafe & Restaurant
9. Kalsang Restaurant
10. My Wife’s Place
How To Get Here
The nearest railway station is the Dehradun junction, which is well connected to major cities in northern India, primarily New Delhi. Jolly Grant Airport serves Dehradun domestically, with regular flights coming in from many major cities in India. Regular bus services also prevail to and fro Dehradun through an excellent roadways network.
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport is Dehradun’s very own airport. It is also the largest airport in Uttarakhand. Regular flights from cities like New Delhi and Mumbai fly via this airport. This is 29.4 km away from the main city of Dehradun. Once you land at the airport, you can avail a prepaid taxi for the city easily.
By Road
Regular bus services ply to and fro the city of Dehradun. They operate on a daily basis, whether day or night. You can also take private or shared taxis for the same route.
By Train
Dehradun railway station connects Dehradun to the rest of India by the railway network. Regular rail services operate to and fro the city of Dehradun. The most famous among them is the Dehradun Jan Shatabdi Express, which operates from New Delhi railway station, cruising at a maximum speed of 120 km/hr.