15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dehradun

Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, close to the Himalayan foothills and nestled in the Doon Valley, is one of the most ancient and beautiful cities of India. Flanked by the great Ganga and Yamuna rivers, the name itself means camp valley.

Apart from its spectacular beauty, Dehradun is a hub for religious and cultural sightseeing along with great local cuisine as well as shopping, amusement parks, trekking, camping and much more. Here is a quick guide to 15 places in Dehradun you should on miss on your next visit.

Places to visit in Dehradun: Treks, Walks and Picnics

1. Malsi Deer Park

At the foot of the Shivalik range lays the Malsi Deer Park; a zoological garden, it is home to a variety of species of birds, animals, flora and fauna. A reserve for the two horned deer as well as tigers, peacocks and nilgai to mention a few, the park, a paradise for nature lovers is a great place to spend the day.

Trekking, sightseeing, picnicking, a few refreshment centers as well as a kiddie park make for a fun and adventurous day out.

• Location: Mussoorie Road, Dehradun (9 kilometres from the city center)
• Best time to visit: Summer and monsoon (April to September)

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2. Robber’s Cave

Don’t let the name discourage you from visiting this popular tourist spot. A short trek through the village of Anarwala will lead you to this amazing limestone gorge.

Divided into two main areas, visitors can explore the 600 meter deep caves as well as picnic by the waterfalls a little further up.

• Location: Guchu Pani, Dehradun (7 kilometres from the city center)
• Best time to visit: Monsoons (July-September)

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3. Sahastradhara Springs

Situated near the Badli river banks, Sahastradhara, meaning thousand fold spring, is reputed not only for its natural beauty but also for the therapeutic properties of the water in the pools surrounding the 9 meter falls.

Water gushing from the sulfur rich rock formations during the monsoon months attracts scores of locals as well as visitors to take a dip in these medicinal spring waters.

Head here for some exploring and to heal your body and mind surrounded by nature.

• Location: Sahastradhara, Dehradun (12 kilometres from the city center)
• Best time to visit: Monsoons (July-September)

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4. Har ki Dun

Hidden away from the bustling city, the beautiful, cradle shaped Har ki Dun valley is a must visit place for any nature lover coming to Dehradun. At an elevation of over 3500 meters, the place is renowned for its amazing trekking trails and untouched pine forests.

A lot of tour operators offer overnight camping trips to this little town and there are a few small hotels around too but do not expect anything more than basic amenities and great local food.

• Location: Har ki Dun (85 kilometres from the city center)
• Best time to visit: Covered in snow during the winter, April to June is ideal

Places to visit in Dehradun: Activities and Sightseeing

1. Fun Valley

The Fun Valley amusement park in Dehradun is one of the largest in the region and has loads of fun things to do. The complex is home to thrilling rides, a water park, go-karting, shopping and of course multi cuisine restaurants and kiosks.

A great place to spend a day with friends and family, the place also offers hotel accommodation should you want to spend a night or two. Special kiddies areas make this place especially suited to families and pricing being moderate is always a bonus!

• Location: Lal Tappar, Dehradun (24 kilometres from the city center)
• Best time to go: Summer (April-June)

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2. Clock Tower

Another place worth putting on your city tour list has got to be the Clock Tower or Ghanta Ghar on Rajpur road. Completed in 1953, the well-known landmark was inaugurated by Lal Bahadur Shastri.

Though the clock is not ticking at the moment, the monument has a gold plate with the names of India’s freedom fighters engraved on it preserving their memory.

• Location: Rajpur Road, Dehradun
• Best time to visit: Early morning when there’s not much traffic

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Places to visit in Dehradun: Religious Sites

1. Mindrolling Monastery

Originally established in Tibet during 1676 and later in Dehradun sometime in the 60s, the Mindrolling Monastery see hundreds of visitor on a daily basis. An architectural masterpiece, the monastery is also surrounded by beautiful gardens and stupas not to mention the numerous shrine rooms within, containing various Tibetan artifacts and huge murals.

Home to one of the tallest Stupas in the world, the Mindrolling Monastery is a must visit place for anyone coming to Dehradun.

• Location: Clement Town, Dehradun (7 kilometres from the city center)
• Best time to visit: Summers (April-June)

2. Tapkeshwar Temple

Merely a few kilometres from the city, Tapkeshwar Temple is the humble cave shrine dedicated to Shiva and situated on the river bank. The serene environment that surrounds the area is something that has to be experienced firsthand.

One of the most visited temples in the region, access is through a short forest trek, making it a doubly amazing experience. Numerous street food vendors along the route are a great way to check out the delicious local snacks.

• Location: Tapkeshwar, Dehradun (5 kilometres from the city center)
• Best time to visit: Summer and monsoon (April to September)

3. Tapovan Temple

At a distance of merely 5 kilometres from the city, the Tapovan Temple, surrounded by lush greenery on the banks of the Ganges, is a hot spot for those looking for solitude to meditate and gain absolution.

Tourist friendly year round, the ashram also conducts courses in yoga and meditation. Come here to be relieved of all your stress and leave with peace of mind and a cultural experience like no other.

• Location: Raipur, Dehradun (35 kilometres from the city center)
• Best time to visit: Access to the temple and ashram is year round though summers are best

4. Ram Rai Gurudwara

Established in the 17th century and one of the oldest in Dehradun, the Gurdwara is a popular center for pilgrimage of Sikhs. A sight to behold, the awesome structure is surrounded by an equally amazing property with manicured gardens and dozens of ancient religious artifacts.

• Location: Tilak Road, Dehradun (Right in the heart of the city)
• Best time to visit: During the Holi celebrations in March

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Places to visit in Dehradun: Educational

1. Zonal Museum

The Zonal Museum in Dehradun is a popular cultural center for visitors looking to understand the ancient history of the local people and their land. Founded in the year 1971, the museum is home to a number of historic artifacts, relics and art.

There are also educational sections covering the development and cultural background of the people in the region, as well as their agricultural heritage.

• Location: Pearson Road, Dehradun (5 kilometres from city center)
• Best time to visit: Open year round from 10 am to 5 pm, closed on Saturday and Sunday

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2. The Forest Research Institute

Established in the year 1906 ad spread over a sprawling 4 and a half acre campus, the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun is the leading authority on forestry in the country. Home to over half a dozen museums covering various sciences and arts, the center also bares the prestigious responsibility of training our forest officers and rangers.

Deemed a university and internationally acclaimed for its diverse curriculum, the institute is open to the public on weekdays from 9 am to 5:30 pm.

• Location: Mason Road, Dehradun (4 kilometres from the city center)
• Best time to visit: Open year round from 9am to 530pm week days

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3. Chetwoode Hall

Adjoining the Indian Military Academy and home to the Indian Army’s modern artilleries and sophisticated ammunitions facility, Chetwoode Hall is a wonderful place to see how our Great Army has developed and modernized over the years.

A variety of artifacts and state-of-the-art weapons will not only impress, but also educate you on the way the Indian Army defends this vast Nation.

• Location: Near Chakarata Road, Dehradun (5 kilometres from the city center)
• Best time to visit: Find out about the next parade

Places to visit in Dehradun: Shopping

1. Paltan Bazar

If you happen to be in Dehradun and want to do a little shopping for yourself or as giveaways, then head down to Paltan Bazar right in the heart of the city. From locally-inspired artifacts and handicrafts to spices, pickles, dried mushrooms, preserved meats and a lot more, you will find it all here.

The bazaar is also buzzing with roadside food stalls selling great local dishes, which are cheap and delicious. Be sure to pay a visit before you leave.

• Location: Ajit Prasad Nagar, Dehradun (In the heart of the city)
• Best time to visit: Open throughout the year, morning to late evening

2. Mall Road

Another great place to do a little bit of shopping is Mall Road in the city itself. With a multitude of shops, both large and small, you will find anything from Tibetan rugs to Garhwali painting.

Locally-made replicas and artifacts made of brass and wood as well as handcrafted woolens are all available here at affordable prices. Be sure to try the local street food along the way.

• Location: Mall Road, Dehradun (17 kilometres form the city center)
• Best time to visit: Open all day and into the evening

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