Top 20 Places to Visit in Dehradun

The Capital city of Uttarakhand –Dehradun is among the oldest cities of India that is nestled in the scintillating Himalayan ranges just like a jewel positioned in the form of paradise on Earth. Positioned at a height of 435 metres above the ground is the beautiful town of Dehradun which is also the gateway of one of the renowned hill stations Mussoorie, and for the pilgrimage spots of Rishikesh and Haridwar as well. The place is of high demand among the tourists from all across the country due to its blissful weather conditions throughout the year. Dehradun can serve as a great holiday destination during the summers to enjoy for some time in the tranquilising and soothing ambience.

Top 20 Places to Visit in Dehradun

Here we have curated a list of 20 places to visit in and near Dehradun and take advantage of the adventurous treks filled with exhilarating fun.

1. SAHASTRADHARA

The literal meaning of the word ‘Sahastradhara’ is thousand-fold spring, which is a popular attraction for the visitors in Dehradun. The water of this spring beholds therapeutic value due to the containment of Sulphur in it and serves as an ecstatic beauty to the visitor’s eyes too. This place can be visited during any time of the year; however, during the rainy season, the spring serves the perspective of a gushing torrent which is definitely a treat to the living. The Sahastradhara spring is one of the most scenic views in the town of Dehradun. You can plan a trip to Sahstradhara to take pleasure from the cool Sulphur springs during the summers; as it is one of the best places to visit in Dehradun in summer.

The place portrays true picturesque views while the water cascades down the limestone stalactites, which makes the water rich with Sulphur. The Sulphur spring’s water is immensely sweet and fresh. Also, the area houses a plethora of cascading waterfalls, intriguing caves, and steppe farming done by the locals of the town. The spring is situated near the Robber’s cave, which is about 11 km away from the town. You can plan a trip to Sahastradhara along with your friends or family to enjoy the scenic beauty of nature. If you are looking for places to visit in Dehradun at night remember not to include a trip to Sahastradhara because the place can give you spooky feeling in the bright daylight let alone during night.

2. ROBBER’S CAVE/GUCHHUPANI

While planning a trip to Sahastradhara you can also visit the Robber’s cave situated close by to the Sulphur spring. The Robber’s cave is 8 km away from Dehradun town. The river water flows in through the middle of the caves, which is the ultimate reason why the visitors are attracted to this place to take in the explicit beauty of nature here. If you are an adventurous fanatic, then this is your must-visit place in Dehradun; as you have to plan a trekking trip of 1 km distance from the village of Anarwala to Robber’s cave to enjoy this quaint magnificence.

If you take a walk through the 600 metres long cave you will be able to spot a stunning waterfall too. The Robber’s cave is definitely going to give you an enthralling experience while you escapade through; you will hear the gushing sound of the waterfall cascading down the limestone rocks giving out a mysterious feel surrounded by the dark caves also made from limestone. While you are in the place do not be in haste rather slow down and take in the mesmerising splendour that Mother Nature has to offer. While making the list of tourist places in Dehradun leaving out of the Robber’s cave will be no less than a crime. Make sure you pay a visit to the Robber’s cave with your loved ones at least to have a memory that you can cherish forever.

3. ASSAN BARRAGE

The Assan Barrage is a paradise for the bird lovers as the artificial lake attracts a thousand bird species from all across the globe. The place is filled with a richness of life and beauty of nature. The barrage is formed from the amalgamation of two rivers –one is the Uttarakhand-a-Assan and the other is river Yamuna. The barrage area today is overflowing with biodiversities of the nature coupled with various bird species that exist in the world. Among all the migratory birds attracted to the Assan barrage, some of them are rarest of the rare or endangered species.

Just when the summers have ended and the monsoon is about to hit you can go to places like Assan Barrage which is one of the places to visit in Dehradun in June. To bask in the glorious nature and spend some peaceful time away from the polluted city ambience visiting the Assan barrage would be the corrected choice. Nestled 32 km west from the Dehradun town, the Assan barrage is also known by the name Dhaulipur Lake where to the tourists and students studying in the city of Pune flock to enjoy the marvellous beauty of nature.

4. RAJAJI NATIONAL PARK

Encompassed by the Shivalik mountain ranges is the best zoological park of Dehradun, the Rajaji National Park. For the nature lovers and the adventurous enthusiasts, visiting this national park is like a dream coming true. Richly stuffed with flora and fauna Rajaji National Park never fails to attract a throng of tourists every year. The Government of India recently declared this national park as one of the Tiger Reserves in the country. The national park is named after C. Rajagopalachari that proliferates across three districts of Uttarakhand –Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, and Haridwar.

The land of the national park is brimful of fossils that are as old as 10 million years. The forest area is packed with trees of Teak, Sal, and many other medicinal shrubs. The national park is one of the best places to visit near Dehradun in December when the forest Department organizes Elephant Safari or Jeep Safari through the 34 km jungle track for the visitors to explore the wilderness crammed with rich biodiversity. The wild animals that you can spot here are –Tiger, Asian Elephants, Panther, Chital, Wild Boar, Python, Wild cats, Monitor Lizard, Kakar, Sambar, Bear, and King Cobra. During the monsoon season, many migratory birds are spotted too in this region.

5. MALSI DEER PARK/DEHRADUN ZOO

Located at the pedestal of the Shivalik ranges is the zoological garden infamous by the name Malsi deer park. The zoological park accommodates two horned Deer, Neelgai, Tiger, Peacock, and many other rare animals. By visiting the zoological garden you will be one step closer to nature and the intricate beauty that the place has to offer is definitely worth paying a visit to. To unwind from the hustle bustle of city life the place rich in flora and fauna is best-suited for all the nature lovers.

Although the park is not stretched over a large area, the small space has enough picturesque views to offer to make your heart skip a beat. You can simply go sightseeing to the Malsi deer park or can have a picnic trip along with your family amidst the attractive gorgeousness of nature. The Malsi deer park is a pasture in the charming paradise -like a place –Dehradun. If you are looking for places to visit in Dehradun in one day you should grab onto that chance to visit the Malsi Deer Park and yes do not forget to carry your camera equipment with you while you visit the place, you are going to have a plentiful of magnificent pictures to boast about later on.

6. FUN VALLEY WATER PARK

Get ready to spend an exhilarating and fun-filled (just as the name suggests) experience in the Fun Valley Water Park in the outskirts of Dehradun. The amusement park equipped with a variety of water rides and land rides will be a perfect place to break away from the agitation of city life and have some time to bond with your loved ones. This is among the top 10 places to visit in Dehradun to have a fun-filled experience with your closed ones.

The place accommodates multi-cuisine restaurants and food kiosks, thrilling rides, deluxe rooms and a motel all inside the vast-interior complex of Fun Valley. Also, the tourists and holiday goers visiting the Fun Valley can take advantage of the other amenities and facilities provided here. The Fun Valley is located at the pedestal of the lush green Garhwal Himalayan ranges. The great entertainment coupled with reasonable price rates makes the place all the more demanded to spend some time in the weekends far away from the hustle-bustle of city life.

7. THE ASHOKAN ROCK EDICT

While planning a trip to the Kalsi village in the outskirts of the town, do not forget this place rich with historical heritage. This place consists of rock that is pear-shaped which beholds the inscription of King Ashoka’s fourteenth edict. The languages used in the inscription of the edicts are in Pali and Brahmi script that describes the humane nature of the great warrior, King Ashoka and also reflects upon the concerns which he possessed for the welfare of his subjects. The edict is dated back to 253 BC as five names of the great Greek Kings inscribed on the rock are the standing proof for the same.

8. PALTAN BAZAAR

This is one of the oldest markets in the town of Dehradun where you will find a variety of spices and edibles with relishing flavours. One of the places to visit in Dehradun near railway station is the Paltan Bazaar. Also, you can take away souvenirs of great artefact back with you from Paltan Bazaar. Serving some famous memorabilia of Dehradun town, the Paltan Bazaar remains forever crowded not just by the locals but also by the tourists giving out a view of a rustic lifestyle.

9. CLOCK TOWER

One of the very famous tourist’s attractions is the ‘Ghanta Ghar’ of Dehradun which was established in the year 1953. The tower beholds historic importance as Lal Bahadur Shashtri, one of the greatest freedom fighters in the history of India had inaugurated this monument. This tower serves as a landmark which was built by the British, in the times before India got its independence. The clock tower is surrounded by a swarm of business centres.

Also, there is a gold plate atop the tower engraved in names of all the freedom fighters who fought for the independence of our country. The tower was mainly built to embark the glorifying victory against British slavery that stands as high as 85m tall. This is also one of the places to visit in Dehradun city to connect to the feeling of patriotism that was felt while our country became independent once again.

10. CHAKRATA HILLS

In the district of Dehradun is located a beautiful town of Chakrata which is within 87 km distance from the town of Dehradun which is one of the tourist places of Dehradun that you must visit. The Chakrata hill station is nestled amidst Yamuna River and Tons River perched at 2118 m height. During British rule, the Chakrata hill station was cantonment town that is encompassed between Mussoorie in the east and Kinnaur in the west. This is one of the best places to visit around Dehradun town, which is very popular because of the tranquil location that will help you in rejuvenating all the lost energy from living a restless life in the cities.

The town was earlier inhabited by Jaunsari tribes and was popular by the name Jaunsar Bawar. The officials of the English East India Company came to Chakrata hills during their summer retreats. The wildlife enthusiast and the lovers of nature, do not miss out on a chance to visit the Chakrata hills while your trip to Dehradun. Taking this small trip to the hill station jam-packed with panoramic views and picturesque scenarios you will take along with you a lifetime of experience and inexplicable memories to cherish. You can plan a romantic trip with your partner to best places to visit in Dehradun for couples during the summers to unwind and make some unforgettable memories which you can take pleasure in while remembering them later in life.

11. KALSI

It is a small village located in the outskirts of Dehradun district where the tribal people of the town residents. The village is positioned between Dehradun town and Chakrata hill station, which is located in the banks of the confluence of the Yamuna River and Tons River. Kalsi is the best place to know about the authentic lifestyle of various communities inhabited in Dehradun. The Khils, Mundar, and Bhutis are some of these communities. You can enjoy the panoramic view of Garhwal Himalayan ranges while having the picturesque view of a valley jammed with lush green Sal and Oak trees.

There are many other sites that you can visit while your trip to Kalsi village, which includes –Assan Barrage, The Ashokan Rock Edict, Chakrata Hills, Dakpathar, Timli Pass, and Vikasnagar. You can plan a trip in the summers to Dehradun when you can also visit Kalsi which is one of the best places to visit in Dehradun in May while the scorching heat of the cities will give you heebie-jeebies, the soothing and calming atmosphere of Kalsi village can be a great escape.

12. TAPOVAN TEMPLE

Situated at a distance of 5 km in the outskirts of Dehradun town in the holy temple of Tapovan. It is widely believed that people from all across places come to this temple for their spiritual sanctity and to retain the peace of mind. Surrounded by lush green hills is Tapovan Temple, a very famous point for meditation and often people come here to escalate their spiritual being. Situated in the banks of the holy river –Ganga Tapovan derives its name from two words –“Tapasya” which means rigour and forest if the meaning for “van”.

The Tapovan Temple is among the list of places to visit in Dehradun in winters with the tranquillizing environment and the soulfulness of the place you will be left in a state of bewilderment. Devotees swarm into the place because of its associated historical beliefs to regain the inner peace, which is mainly lost in the agitated lifestyle of living in a city. The tourists visit this place the entire year to witness all the Indian rituals performed in the ashram. If you are interested in taking some yoga courses amidst serene nature scenarios you can get the services here in Tapovan Temple.

13. FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

The institute came into existence in the year 1906 which in Greco-Roman and Colonial architectural beauty proliferates over a land of 4.5 square kilometres area. The Forest Research Institute serves the purpose of a tourist attraction with its picturesque backdrop of the Doon valley. The sprawling beauty in the form of a campus of the Institute does not only throng the visitors but has also caught the eye of the media too.

Some of the very famous Bollywood movies have been shot in the premises of the Institute. On the western boundary of the Institute is the Tons Rivers that enhances the magnificence of the place to a large extent. The widely renowned deemed university is a house to six different museums dedicated to the Department of Forestry and Research. The botanical garden in the premises of the Institute has caught the attention of the tourists from various places.

14. MINDROLLING MONASTERY

The Mindrolling Monastery first came into existence in Tibet in the year 1676 by Rigzin Terdak Lingpa, which is one of the major monasteries under the Nyingma School. The monastery was built in India by Khochhen Rinpoche and a group of monks in the year 1965. This Mindrolling monastery in Dehradun not only serves as a tourist place but also where hundreds of individuals come for their spiritual atonement. The monastery is definitely a treat to the eyes with its splendid architecture and grandeur. The Mindrolling monastery houses large areas packed with gorgeous flora and a Stupa that is situated within the premises of the monastery.

Also, the Ngagyur Nyingma College is established within its periphery where the young monks are trained with advanced studies so that they can pass on their knowledge to others. The monastery is filled with numerous shrines, murals, and Tibetan art and culture. The monastery is definitely one of the top places to visit in Dehradun where the tall statue of Buddha is what takes away all the attention of the visitors from the magnanimous gardens and picturesque scenarios. Go with your friends or your family to see the discipline of life that monks live and also to release yourself from the tension of daily life.

15. LACCHIWALA

This is a popular picnic destination infamous for its bountiful green landscapes that are far away from the exploitation of manmade things. It is one of the places to visit near Dehradun airport where you can go along with your family and friends just for sightseeing or for having a picnic.

16. RAM RAI GURUDWARA

This is one of the oldest gurudwaras established in the Dehradun region. Ram Rai was the person behind the existence of this gurudwara and hence the name of the place is given after him. The seventh Guru of the Sikhs, Sri Har Rai Ji was the father of Ram Rai. The gurudwara was inaugurated in the 17^th century which has now become of the pilgrimage centre for the followers of Sikhism. On the fifth day after Holi, an annual fair is conducted in this place every year. While serving as a holy pilgrim for the Sikhs it is also one of the tourist places at Dehradun that you must visit during your vacation.

17. TAPKESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE

A humble cave shrine located just in the outskirts of the town is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Tapkeshwar cave temple is simple yet elegant in its all glory situated along the banks of a river imparting a feeling of serenity coupled with sanctity. Devotees from various places come to take blessings of Lord Shiva who is enshrined in a Shivalinga in the main complex of the temple. The devotees have a strong belief that all their wishes will be granted in this holy place of worship.

Also, the continuous water trickling down the ceiling onto the Shivalinga gives out all new perspective to the eyes. The caves here are infamous by the name of Drona as guru Dronacharya was said to have resided in these caves. This temple is one of the most visited religious places in Dehradun that inhabits in the lap of abundant green mountains with gentle slopes. The young travellers come like a swarm to this place, as unlikely that may sound; the caves here also serve as a picnic spot.

18. BUDDHA TEMPLE

The temple for the followers of Buddhist religion is nestled in the paradise-like city of Dehradun, which again has an exquisite backdrop to begin with. It is among one of the most visited places also tops the list of places to visit in Dehradun for couples. The beguiling beauty of the lush green forest surrounding the entire temple impart with a peaceful ambiance, where the couples can have some time away from the regular hustle-bustle of the city life.

It is one of the famous tourist places because of the grandeur of the Tibetan architecture with which the entire Buddha temple is designed. The environment here is so peaceful that if you pay a visit to this temple you wouldn’t want to leave. The Buddhists chants are conducted by the monks that soothe all the souls that pay a visit to the place. You must not miss out on paying a visit to the Buddha temple while on your vacation trip to Dehradun. Grab on to any chance you get to get a break from the daily-life tensions and havoc.

19. KHALANGA WAR MEMORIAL

Located at a distance of 5 km from the city of Dehradun is the Khalanga War Memorial nestled. When you are planning to pay a visit to Sahastradhara, you can stop at the Khalanga War Memorial in order to commemorate Indian history and relish the bygone era. The brave story of the Gorkhas is depicted in the memorial, which is the prime reason for being one of the best tourist places nearby Dehradun immensely visited by the international as well as the tourists from all across the country.

This is one of the first memorials established in the city of Dehradun that is for the opponent of the army. The battle of Nalapani that took place in the year 1814 is the reason behind the establishment of the memorial. Basically, it came into existence because of the British who wanted to pay a tribute their General Gilaspy.

20. SHIKHAR FALL

This waterfall in Dehradun is one of the most frequently visited waterfalls in the city. However, even after being so popular amongst the tourists the place has its virgin beauty intact and the natural grandeur of the cascading water is retained without much human intervention. Shikhar Waterfall is one of the best places to visit in Dehradun. To get the exquisite feeling of being surrounded by the splendid beauty of nature you must pay a visit to the Shikhar waterfall.

The gushing sound of the surging water will leave you mesmerized and all your senses shall be thrilled with such an experience. The waterfall is not just listed among some of the tourist places in Dehradun but also serves as one of the best picnic spots even for the local residents of the city. You can go on trekking trips crossing the narrow strips of water, while watching the beautiful butterflies on your voyage.

How to reach Dehradun?

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport located at a distance of 22 km away from the town towards the South-east direction connects the Dehradun city with other domestic airports.

By Rail

Located 2 km away from the heart of the city is the Dehradun Railway station which is also the head of the Northern Railways. Frequent trains commute to some of the major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ujjain, Kolkata, Indore and some other places from Dehradun town.

By Road

Uttarakhand state government owns buses which provide bus services from the capital city to rest of the other major cities in the state. The Deluxe AC buses are available that connect Dehradun city with the Kashmere gate of Delhi. Also under Uttarakhand tourism department, Volvo buses are available to commute throughout the city especially running to serve the tourists.

Location Map

Climate/Temperature in Dehradun

The natural climate of the paradise city is always humid subtropical.

SUMMER : In the summers the temperatures increase to as high as 44 degrees accompanied by the hot winds called Loo that blow over the North Indian region.

WINTER : The temperatures in the winter fluctuate between 20 degrees and 1-degree centigrade. The environment is simply blissful the winter season in Dehradun town.

MONSOON: Certain regions of Dehradun experience heavy rainfall during the monsoon season just as that of in parts of Maharashtra and sometimes even more than Assam. However, the agricultural sector extracts the great benefit of this heavy rainfall and the alluvial soil supports all the more growth of organic food items.

Best time to visit Dehradun

It is said that the best time to visit Dehradun is in between the months of March to June as the weather remains pleasant, cheerful, and clear. During such weather conditions, it is easy to perform all the adventurous tasks which definitely involve trekking. You should carry with your light coloured cotton clothes to enjoy the pleasant summer in the regions of Dehradun.

However, Dehradun is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in India which will never stop amazing you and it is pleasant throughout the year. You must plan a trip according to your weather preferences. So what are you waiting for? Go book those tickets and go spend some time away from the nerve-racking atmosphere of city life.