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Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, is one of India’s most beautiful hill stations, nestled amidst the scenic ranges of the majestic Himalayas. With its cool weather, eye-catching hills, and rich cultural heritage, Dehradun offers a peaceful escape from the fast-paced city life. Over the years, the city has emerged as a beloved travel destination, largely due to its unique blend of natural beauty, spiritual calm, and historical significance.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a solo trip, or a weekend getaway, Dehradun has something for everyone. From nature lovers to adventure seekers, the city opens doors to The Best Tourist Places in Dehradun that showcase both its charm and diversity. The increasing popularity of these tourist attractions has significantly boosted the local travel industry, positioning Dehradun as a must-visit destination in North India.
In this travel guide, we will explore The Best Tourist Places in Dehradun, provide tips on how to reach them, and highlight the most convenient ways to access these gems. Whether you’re looking for serene landscapes, spiritual experiences, or historical landmarks, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable journey to Dehradun and discover the best that the city has to offer.
How to Travel to Dehradun
As it is in the center of most of the Indian cities, it becomes easy for the tourists to reach Dehradun. Here are some of the most appropriate ways for reaching Dehradun:
How to Reach Dehradun: A Gateway to The Best Tourist Places In Dehradun
Dehradun is served by Jolly Grant Airport, officially known as Dehradun Airport, which began its commercial operations on March 30, 2008. Located around 27 kilometers (17 miles) from the city center in Doiwala, the airport plays a key role in connecting travelers to The Best Tourist Places in Dehradun and surrounding areas. For international travelers, the nearest major airport is situated in New Delhi.
With over 1.3 million passengers in 2021–22, Dehradun Airport ranked as the 33rd busiest in India. Plans are underway to upgrade it to an international airport to boost regional tourism and improve access to The Best Tourist Places in Dehradun, although the expansion has faced opposition due to environmental concerns in the ecologically sensitive Thano forest area.
In addition to regular flights, Dehradun also offers a helicopter service to remote destinations like Chinyalisaur in Uttarkashi district and Gauchar, making it even easier for tourists to access The Best Tourist Places in Dehradun nestled in the Himalayan ranges.
Dehradun Railway Station: Gateway to The Best Tourist Places in Dehradun
Dehradun Railway Station is the city’s largest and most prominent train station, serving as a vital entry point for travelers heading to The Best Tourist Places in Dehradun in Dehradun and beyond. Established in 1899 during British rule, the station is part of the Northern Railways (NR) zone and holds the distinction of being the last station on the Northern railway line in this region.
Currently, the Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation (IRSDC) is working on transforming Dehradun Railway Station into a world-class travel hub with modern amenities, improved infrastructure, and enhanced passenger services. These developments are set to further strengthen Dehradun’s reputation as a gateway to The Best Tourist Places in Dehradun in Uttarakhand.
What makes this railway station even more convenient is its excellent connectivity. Multiple trains such as the Shatabdi Express, Nanda Devi Express, and Dehradun Express run regularly from major cities like Delhi, making it easier for tourists to reach Dehradun comfortably and quickly. Once you arrive, the station offers seamless access to auto-rickshaws and taxis, ensuring travelers can reach The Best Tourist Places in Dehradun in the city and nearby destinations without hassle.
Whether you’re planning to explore Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, or the tranquil surroundings of Mindrolling Monastery, starting your journey at Dehradun Railway Station ensures you are perfectly placed to experience The Best Tourist Places in Dehradun that the region has to offer.
Traveling to Dehradun by Road – A Scenic Route to The Best Tourist Places in Dehradun
Dehradun is well-connected by road, making it an ideal gateway to The Best Tourist Places in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The city lies on National Highway 7 and National Highway 307, which link it to neighboring states like Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. These highways play a crucial role in providing smooth road access for travelers heading to The Best Tourist Places in Dehradun .
Within the city, there are two major road networks—one running in the northeast-southwest direction (Rajpur Road) and another in the northwest-southeast direction (Raipur, Kaulagarh, and Chakrata Roads). These roads intersect with minor streets and lanes, creating a well-connected network. The central part of Dehradun, especially around the bus stand and railway station, sees the highest road density, offering convenient access to public transport for reaching The Best Tourist Places in Dehradun quickly and easily.
The Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) plays a major role in Dehradun’s road travel, offering both intracity and intercity bus services. Additionally, several private bus operators serve non-nationalized and interstate routes, making road travel flexible and accessible. For short-distance and local transportation, visitors can use public buses, auto-rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws, which are available throughout the city.
Traveling by road in and around Dehradun is not only convenient but also scenic. The journey takes you through lush greenery, winding hill roads, and picturesque views at the base of the Himalayas. Whether you’re heading to Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, or other hidden gems, exploring Dehradun by road ensures that you don’t miss out on the natural charm surrounding The Best Tourist Places in Dehradun in this beautiful hill city.
Best Time to Visit Dehradun
Dehradun has good weather in all the seasons yet the most suitable time to visit the Place is between the months of March to June and September to November. During this period, the climate is moderate, thus it’s suitable for tourism and other activities that involve being outside the house.
Top Tourist Spots in Dehradun
Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani)
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon
Robber’s Cave (locally known as Guchhupani), is a river cave formation in Himalaya, located approximately eight km (5.0 mi) from the center of Dehradun City in Uttarakhand state of India. Believed to be the hideout of the Sultana Daaku and his band of dacoits. The cave formation has thus been named Robber’s Cave.
The cave is about 600 meters (2,000 ft) long, divided into two main parts. The cave has a highest fall of about 10 meters (33 ft). In the central part there is a fort wall structure which is now broken. It consists of an extremely narrow gorge formed in a conglomerate limestone area on Doon Valley’s Dehra plateau
It is a natural cave formation where rivers flow inside the cave. The place is a tourist site and is maintained by Uttarakhand State. Local bus services are available up to Anarwala village, from where it is a 1-kilometer (0.62 mi) trek.
Sahastradhara
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or sunset
This place is about 11 km from the city of Dehradun. Popularly spelled Sahastradhara — meaning thousandfold spring, is one of the most popular tourist destinations located in Dehradun district in Uttarakhand state of India. It lies on 30.387231 latitude and 78.131606 longitude. Earlier, in the 19th century it was also known as Sansadhara, or the petrifying forest. This place is situated on the banks of the small river, Baldi River which is a tributary of Song River.
The place has once had magnificent beauty of nature where water drips from the limestone stalactites, making the water abundant in sulfur and thus the place is known for its sulfur springs. It is a sulfur water spring of relatively lower temperature than its surroundings. It is a warehouse of excellent beauty of caves, waterfalls and terrace farming on the steppe by the local people. Its magnificent nature attracts people from faraway places.
Mindrolling Monastery
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: Morning
One of India’s more significant Buddhist establishments, Mindrolling Monastery is a visual delight of incredible architecture, and serene ambiance. The monastery has a stunning stupa and well-decorated gardens. The visitors can appreciate the Buddhist culture and the peaceful surroundings.
Forest Research Institute (FRI)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Best Time to Visit: Morning
Forest Research Institute or ‘FRI’ is an institution in the field of forest research in India. It was founded as India’s first forestry school in 1878. The institute is one of the oldest and biggest forest-based training institutes in India. The institute is known for its research work and wonderful architecture that dates to British Raj.
FRI is affiliated to the Forest Research Institute University and is approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The aim of the institution is to accomplish the needs of the Indo-Gangetic plains of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh, as well as the Uttarakhand Himalayas.
Tapkeshwar Temple
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening
It is a temple of Pasupathi Shiva. It is situated beside a forest on the bank of the Asan river and the main deity (Shivalinga) is housed in a natural cave. According to the holy epic Mahabharata, Guru Drona is said to have resided in this cave for a period of time. The temple’s natural cave is named Drona cave after him. Water trickles down the ceiling of the cave and drops on the Shivalinga creating a magnificent image.
Dehradun Zoo (Malsi Deer Park)
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
Formerly known as Malsi Deer Park, the main objectives of Dehradun Zoo are conservation of wild animals, developing an education center and a rescue center for wild animals. It is located on the foothills of Shivalik Range on the Mussoorie Road. It is about ten km (6.2 mi) away from Dehradun and 23 km (14 mi) from Mussoorie.
Malsi Deer Park, is an animal reserve which has deer and leopards most prominently and a variety of birds. The Park is clean and has walking paths and areas for picnics in plenty, making it a fun place for families and nature enthusiasts.
Asan Barrage
Opening Hours: Open all day
Best Time to Visit: Sunset
‘Asan Barrage’ is a picturesque location situated about 30 km (approx. 18.64 miles) away from Dehradun city. It is a popular hotspot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike as it also provides a good scenic view of the river and the hills which surround it. In addition, the place is also suitable for picnicking, boating and photography, particularly in the evenings or mornings.
Kempty Falls
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or noon
Kempty Falls is a Driving distance and technically on the outskirts of Mussoorie but actually just a few kilometers away from Dehradun which makes it totally worth the trip. The beautiful Kempty Falls draws people in because of its scenic ambience as well as swimming and picnic facilities.
Buddha Temple (Buddha Vihar)
Opening Hours: Open all day
Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening
Buddha Mandir is a tranquil location, which is dedicated to Lord Buddha. All the surroundings, the stunning architecture, extensive gardens, make it an incredible place for meditation and calming down.
Khalanga War Memorial
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening
The Battle of Nalapani was the first battle of the Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814–1816, fought between the forces of the British East India Company and Nepal, then ruled by the House of Gorkha. The battle took place around the Nalapani fort, near Dehradun, which was placed under siege by the British between 31 October and 30 November 1814.
Lambi Dehar Mines
Opening Hours: Open all day
Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening / Night
The Lambi Dehar Mines, located near Mussoorie, are infamous for their eerie atmosphere and haunted reputation. Once a bustling limestone mine, the site was abandoned after a series of deadly accidents and mysterious deaths of workers. Today, the desolate, crumbling structures attract thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts, making it one of the spookiest spots in the region.
Final Thoughts
Dehradun stands out as one of the most visited tourist places as it embodies nature, culture, and history all at once. It offers tranquil views, active streets, religious activities, and even sports, so everyone will find something to partake in. If you are an outdoor fanatic, interested in history, or just want to relax, Dehradun touring is all about making an amazing holiday in the middle of the great Himalayan range.
So, pack your bags already and fly to the city of Dehradun for an exciting holiday that will certainly refresh your body and mind!
