Dehradun is the capital city of Uttarakhand, a state in northern India. It is located in the Doon Valley, at the foothills of the Himalayas. Dehradun is a popular tourist destination, as it offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure activities. Dehradun is also known for its prestigious educational institutions, such as the Forest Research Institute, the Indian Military Academy, and the Doon School. One Day Dehradun Local Sightseeing Trip By Cab

Best Time to Visit Dehradun

The best time to visit Dehradun is from March to June, when the weather is pleasant and clear. This is the summer season in Dehradun, and the average temperature ranges from 17°C to 35°C. This season is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities, such as trekking, cycling, paragliding, etc. One Day Dehradun Local Sightseeing Trip by Private Cab

Another good time to visit Dehradun is from July to October, when the monsoon and autumn seasons bring a refreshing change to the landscape. The rainfall enhances the beauty of the waterfalls, springs, and greenery in Dehradun. The average temperature during this time varies from 23°C to 30°C. This season is also suitable for visiting the temples, monasteries, and museums in Dehradun.

The winter season in Dehradun lasts from November to February, and it is not advisable for tourists. The weather is cold and foggy, and the average temperature drops to 5°C. Dehradun does not experience snowfall like its neighboring hill stations, so there is not much to enjoy during this time. Bhimtal – Best Travel Guide

Things to Do in Dehradun

Tapkeshwar Temple

Dehradun offers a variety of things to do for travelers of all interests and preferences. Some of the most exciting things to do in Dehradun are:

• Trekking: Dehradun is surrounded by some of the most scenic and challenging trekking trails in the Himalayas. Some of the popular treks near Dehradun are Nag Tibba Trek, Kedarkantha Trek, Har Ki Dun Trek, etc. These treks offer stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush forests, meadows, and rivers.
• Cycling: Cycling is a great way to explore Dehradun authentically and eco-friendly. There are many cycling routes in and around Dehradun that take you through picturesque villages, farms, orchards, and hills. You can rent a bicycle from various outlets in Dehradun and enjoy a leisurely ride.
• Golfing: Golfing is a relaxing and enjoyable activity that you can try in Dehradun. There are two golf courses in Dehradun that offer a splendid setting for playing golf. The Rajpur Golf Course and the Forest Research Institute Golf Course are both well-maintained and open to visitors.
• Water Springs: Dehradun is blessed with many natural water springs that have medicinal and therapeutic properties. The most famous water spring in Dehradun is Sahastradhara, which means “thousand-fold spring”. The water here contains sulphur and drips from limestone stalactites. Another water spring worth visiting is Lachhiwala, which has a series of pools surrounded by greenery.
• Wildlife: Dehradun is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna that can be witnessed in its various wildlife sanctuaries and parks. The Rajaji National Park is one of the most prominent wildlife attractions in Dehradun, as it hosts the largest population of Asiatic elephants in Uttarakhand. It also has tigers, leopards, deer, monkeys, birds, etc. The Malsi Deer Park is another wildlife spot in Dehradun that has deer, peacocks, rabbits, etc.

Places to Visit in Dehradun

Forest Research Institute

Dehradun has many places to visit that showcase its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and architectural marvels. Some of the must-visit places in Dehradun are:

• Robber’s Cave: Robber’s Cave is a river cave formed by the Himalayas. It is also known as Guchhupani or Guchhipani. It is believed that this cave was once used by robbers as a hideout. The cave has a natural shivalinga inside it, where water drips continuously from the ceiling. The cave also has a waterfall at its entrance.
• Mindrolling Monastery: Mindrolling Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded in 1676 by Rigzin Terdak Lingpa and has been rebuilt several times after being damaged by invasions and earthquakes. The monastery has a stunning architecture with several sections, such as shrines, statues, paintings, relics, etc. It also has the tallest stupa in Asia, which stands at 185 feet.
• Forest Research Institute: Forest Research Institute is a premier institution in the field of forestry research and education in India. It was established in 1906 by the British government and is one of the oldest and largest institutions of its kind in the world. The institute has a magnificent building that is a blend of Greco-Roman and colonial styles. The institute also has six museums that display various aspects of forestry, such as silviculture, pathology, entomology, botany, etc.
• Tapkeshwar Temple: Tapkeshwar Temple is a holy shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva that is located on the bank of a seasonal river. The temple has a natural shivalinga in a cave, where water drops continuously from the ceiling. The temple also hosts a large fair on Shivratri every year that attracts thousands of devotees. The temple is also associated with Guru Dronacharya, the teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas, who meditated here and worshipped Shiva.
• Clock Tower: Clock Tower is a landmark of Dehradun that was built in 1948 by the British. It is also known as Ghanta Ghar or Rajpur Clock Tower. It has six faces and is located at the center of the city. The clock tower has stopped working since 1993, but it still remains a popular attraction for tourists and locals.

Must See Attractions in Dehradun

Sahastradhara Waterfall

Apart from the above-mentioned places, there are some other attractions in Dehradun that are worth seeing. Some of them are:

• Tiger Falls: Tiger Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in India, with a height of 312 feet. It is located near Chakrata, about 100 km from Dehradun. The waterfall is surrounded by dense forests and offers a spectacular view. You can also trek to the waterfall from Chakrata or take a taxi.
• Buddha Temple: Buddha Temple is a Buddhist monastery that is also known as the Clement Town Monastery or the Tibetan Monastery. It was built in 1965 by the Tibetan community in Dehradun. The monastery has a large statue of Buddha that is visible from far away. The monastery also has beautiful paintings and murals that depict the life of Buddha.
• Lacchiwalla: Lacchiwalla is a picnic spot near Dehradun that has natural pools, gardens, and orchards. It is located on the Haridwar-Rishikesh road, about 22 km from Dehradun. Lacchiwalla is a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature with your family and friends. You can also indulge in activities like boating, fishing, birdwatching, etc.
• Shiv Mandir: Shiv Mandir is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that is located on Mussoorie Road, about 12 km from Dehradun. The temple has a huge statue of Shiva that is 65 feet tall and weighs 150 tons. The temple also has statues of other Hindu gods and goddesses, such as Ganesh, Hanuman, Durga, etc.
• Ram Rai Gurudwara: Ram Rai Gurudwara is a Sikh shrine that was built by Ram Rai, the eldest son of Guru Har Rai, the seventh Sikh guru. It is one of the oldest gurudwaras in India and is located near Jhanda Bazaar, about 2 km from Dehradun. The gurudwara has a beautiful dome and a large hall where langar (free meal) is served to everyone.

Significance of Dehradun

Sahastradhara Waterfall

Dehradun is not only a tourist destination but also a city of historical, cultural, and religious significance. Some of the reasons why Dehradun is important are:

• Dehradun is one of the oldest cities in India and has been mentioned in ancient scriptures like the Mahabharata, Skanda Purana, etc.
• Dehradun was ruled by various dynasties and empires, such as the Mauryans, Kushans, Guptas, Mughals, Sikhs, Gurkhas, British, etc.
• Dehradun was the headquarters of the Garhwal Kingdom for many years and witnessed many battles and wars.
• Dehradun was also a part of the freedom struggle of India and saw many revolts and movements against the British rule.
• Dehradun is also known for its contribution to science, education, literature, art, music, etc. Some of the famous personalities who were born or lived in Dehradun are Ruskin Bond, Stephen Alter, Tom Alter, Annie Besant, Osho Rajneesh, Rakesh Sharma, etc.

FAQ’s

Q: How to reach Dehradun?

A: Dehradun is well-connected by road, rail, and air to other parts of India. You can choose any of the following modes of transport to reach Dehradun:

• By Road: Dehradun is connected by national highways and state highways to major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Shimla, etc. You can take a bus, taxi, or self-drive car to reach Dehradun by road. The distance and time taken by road from some of the nearby cities are:
  • Delhi to Dehradun: 250 km, 6 hours
  • Chandigarh to Dehradun: 170 km, 4 hours
  • Haridwar to Dehradun: 55 km, 1.5 hours
  • Rishikesh to Dehradun: 45 km, 1 hour
  • Shimla to Dehradun: 230 km, 5 hours
• By Rail: Dehradun has a railway station that is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, etc. You can take a train to reach Dehradun by rail. Some of the popular trains that run to and from Dehradun are:
  • Shatabdi Express: Delhi to Dehradun, daily
  • Jan Shatabdi Express: Delhi to Dehradun, daily
  • Mussoorie Express: Delhi to Dehradun, daily
  • Nanda Devi Express: Delhi to Dehradun, daily
  • Doon Express: Kolkata to Dehradun, daily
• By Air: Dehradun has an airport that is located at Jolly Grant, about 29 km from the city. The airport is connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, etc. You can take a flight to reach Dehradun by air. Some of the airlines that operate flights to and from Dehradun are:
  • IndiGo: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad
  • SpiceJet: Delhi, Mumbai
  • Air India: Delhi
  • Vistara: Delhi

Q: Where to stay in Dehradun?

A: Dehradun has a wide range of accommodation options for travelers of all budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, resorts, guest houses, homestays, hostels, etc. Some of the best places to stay in Dehradun are:

• Hotel Madhuban: A luxury hotel that offers spacious rooms, modern amenities, and excellent service. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a gym, and a swimming pool.
• Lemon Tree Hotel: A mid-range hotel that offers comfortable rooms, basic amenities, and friendly staff. It also has a restaurant, a cafe, a fitness center, and a conference hall.
• Hotel Doon Castle UNA Smart: A budget hotel that offers cozy rooms, clean bathrooms, and essential facilities. It also has a restaurant, a banquet hall, and a travel desk.
• Zostel Dehradun: A backpacker hostel that offers dorms and private rooms with shared bathrooms and common areas. It also has a cafe, a library, a games room, and a terrace.
• Shaheen Bagh Boutique Resort: A boutique resort that offers cottages and suites with elegant interiors and scenic views. It also has a restaurant, a garden, a pool, and a spa.

Q: What are the best places to eat in Dehradun?

A: Dehradun has a variety of cuisines and dishes to offer for food lovers. You can find local delicacies like momos, thukpa, kachori, chaat, etc., as well as international cuisines like Chinese, Italian, Continental, etc. Some of the best places to eat in Dehradun are:

• Kalsang AMA Cafe: A Tibetan cafe that serves delicious momos, thukpa, shabalay, etc., along with coffee, tea, and desserts.
• Town Table: A multi-cuisine restaurant that serves Indian, Chinese, Italian, Continental, etc., along with drinks and desserts.
• Ellora’s Bakery: A bakery that serves fresh breads, cakes, pastries, cookies, etc., along with sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, etc.
• Black Pepper Restaurant: A vegetarian restaurant that serves North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, etc., along with juices and shakes.
• Kumar Vegetarian Restaurant: A street food joint that serves mouth-watering kachori, chaat, samosa, golgappa, etc., along with lassi and kulfi.

Conclusion

Dehradun is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for nature, culture, adventure, or relaxation, Dehradun has it all. Dehradun is also a gateway to some of the most beautiful and popular hill stations in India, such as Mussoorie, Chakrata, Dhanaulti, etc. Dehradun is a city that will make you fall in love with its charm and grace.

We hope you have enjoyed reading this article and found it useful for planning your trip to Dehradun. We also hope you have a wonderful time in Dehradun and discover its many wonders and secrets. Thank you for choosing us as your travel guide.