The 14 Coolest Things to Do in Dehradun

With fresh air, great weather and beautiful surroundings, it’s easy to see why Dehradun is on your list of places to visit. And there’s a lot to do in this laidback city. Whether you want to shop, sightsee, visit historic spots or simply enjoy nature at its finest, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Dehradun.

Here are some of the unique and most popular things this cozy city is famous for. So take a look at our list of places you must visit.

Things to do in Dehradun: Treks and walks

1. Go exploring at Robber’s Cave

This river cave formed in the Himalayas is one of the best attractions Dehradun has to offer. A short trek brings you to a beautiful spot where you can explore a long cave, enjoy the calm stream and take in the views of the waterfall.

Make sure you wear good (waterproof) trekking shoes when visiting. Entry is free and the best time to visit is between 7 am and 6 pm.

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2. Trekking at Har Ki dun

Located away from the chaos of the main city, this beautiful valley is situated at height of 3,566 meters above the sea level. This is one of the most accessible places to trek in Dehradun.

Here you will be treated to the sights of lush pine forests as well as rolling mountain peaks. You can also spot local villages along the way which offer great insight into the culture of the area.

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3. Visit The Forest Research Institute

Surrounded by greenery on all sides and stretching across 450 hectares, the Forest Research Institute will give you an educational and recreational experience thanks to the unique information and architecture, as well as its picture perfect setting.

Guided tours are also available and make sure to carry your camera. The Forest Research Institute is open from 9 am to 5.30 pm.

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4. Spot animals at Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park is the place to go to if you are an animal and nature lover. Don’t forget to carry your camera to capture images of the stunning flora and fauna.

The Rajaji National Park is home to a number of animals too such as the tiger, leopard, Himalayan bear, cheetah, barking deer, sloth bears, snakes, elephants and more.

5. Find peace at Mindrolling Monastery

Established in 1676, this monastery was re-established by monks in 1965. The spot sees thousands of locals and visitors flock here daily to connect with their spiritual side.

The monastery also has large gardens, a stupa and beautiful architecture to admire. The Mindrolling Monastery is one of the largest Buddhist centres in India and should be visited if you are planning a trip to Dehradun.

6. Dive into history at the War Memorial

Located 5 kilometers away from Sahastradhara Road, this famous Khalanga War Memorial was built by the Britishers to honour the bravery and history of the Gorkhas.

This is one of the first memorials to honour its opponent. The road leading here is beautiful and it is one of the most educational and awe-inspiring places to visit in Dehradun.

Things to do in Dehradun: Picnic spots

1. Relax by the Sahastradhara

Sahastradhara literally translates into ‘thousand fold spring’ and sees people coming from all over to check out its natural beauty and healing powers, as the water contains sulphur.

While you can visit throughout the year, to experience its beauty in full force, do plan a visit during the monsoon. Apart from taking in the view, you can also enjoy a rope ride here between the mountains.

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2. Picnic at Lacchiwalla

This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Dehradun but still it manages to retain its natural beauty. It’s a great getaway for the whole family, where you can sit back and enjoy the lush greenery.

There are a number of cottages and hotels you can stay at here. With fruit orchards and good weather all year, make sure to add this to your itinerary.

Things to do in Dehradun: Adventure sports and activities

1. Paragliding over Dehradun

If you’re looking to satiate your adventurous streak, then you must try your hand at paragliding while visiting. Here you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of Dehradun, Mussoorie, Chakrata ,Tehri and Rishikesh.

Some of the best places you can book a session include National Adventure Sports Academy and The Great Himalayan Adventures.

2. Family fun at Fun Valley

This is the ultimate entertainment zone for you and your family when visiting Dehradun. This amusement park has a lot to offer including a vast interior complex, multi-cuisine restaurant and kiosks.

There are thrilling rides in an exciting water park, deluxe rooms and a motel. It gets a little crowded on the weekend, so if you can try to visit during the week.

Also Read : 10 Great Shopping Places in Dehradun

Things to do in Dehradun: Shopping, Food and Drinks

1. Shop till you drop at Paltan Bazaar

For those who are looking for a little retail therapy in Dehradun, the Paltan Bazaar is the place to be to pick up everything from a range of fabrics and material to souvenirs. There are also a large number of shops selling cakes, pastries, samosas and more.

Here you can find great knick knacks to take back home as well as a few malls such as the Crossroads Mall and Pacific Mall, which are worth checking out.

2. Get knick knacks at the Tibetan Market

At the Tibetan Market you can pick up some reasonably priced artefacts, jewellery, trinkets and prayer flags. The vibrant market is a great place to get souvenirs from.

Some of the best items to purchase here include the Tibetan handcrafts and Garhwali jewellery. Bargaining is acceptable to ensure you get the best price.

3. Eat momos at Café Marigold

Dehradun boasts of many tiny restaurants and cafes that serve up steaming hot momos. These popular steamed dumplings are filled with chicken, pork and veggies.

While you can find a lot of places selling these tasty treats, we recommend you check out Café Marigold and Kalsang Friend’s Corner at Rajpur Road for its chicken devil momos. The Orchard at Rajpur Road also offers some delicious pan-fried momos.

4. Nightlife in Dehradun

Dehradun is home to a large range of clubs, lounges and bars where you and your friends can grab a few drinks and enjoy a night out. The nightlife has really picked up here and there are number of places you can visit.
Some of the most popular places include Vibezz The Lounge, Maacozy, Hill’s Queen Bar & Restaurant, Club Sheesha, Dehradun Club and Pirates.

There you have it, a list of things you must do when you visit this beautiful place. Dehradun offers a real mix of activities for tourists; have you picked the places you want to go? Do let us know about your holiday in the comments section below.

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