Dehradun: Gateway to the Himalayas

Dehradun is one of the most popular holiday destinations in India. It is the capital city of Uttarakhand. It captivates the senses of travelers with its scenic beauty, rich history, and thrilling adventure activities. One must visit Dehradun as it offers diverse experiences to tourists. There are many things to indulge in, so people will not feel bored here. Dehradun pleases every soul. Cultural heritage, thrilling adventures, Himalayan vistas, lush greenery, scenic trekking trails, delicious traditional cuisines, and awe-inspiring natural wonders will fill your trip with discovery and delight. So, if you are planning to visit Dehradun, this information is for you. This guide will give you comprehensive details about Dehradun Tourism to help you make informed decisions regarding planning your itinerary.

Things to Do in Dehradun

Paragliding

Paragliding in Dehradun is full of fun and thrill. You fly high in the sky and see beautiful views of Mussoorie, Chakrata, Tehri Lake, Purola, Pauri and Rishikesh. It feels like you're flying like a bird.

Picnic and fun at Malsi Deer Park

Picnic in nature is one of the best ways to enjoy your day. At Malsi Deer Park you’ll find fresh greenery, cute deer, and other lovely animals like parrots, Nilgai, and colorful birds. It’s a perfect place to feel fresh and happy.

Explore the Tibetan Market

Don’t forget to shop in Dehradun. The Tibetan Market near Parade Ground and Rispana Pul is famous for colorful woollen clothes, handmade crafts and tasty momos. It’s a great place to buy gifts and enjoy the local vibe.

Go on a Safari Ride in Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park is popular in Dehradun especially if you love nature. You can see birds, tigers, elephants and many more animals. Take a jungle safari and explore the amazing wildlife with your family.

Robber’s Cave

Robber’s Cave, also called Gucchupani, is a popular picnic spot. Many students and people who love adventure come here to relax and have fun. It is near Anarwala village, 8 km from Dehradun. The cave has cold water flowing inside, which makes it a nice and peaceful spot to visit.

Places to Visit in Dehradun

Forest Research Institute

Forest Research Institute of Dehradun invites you to the world of Science and Nature. Established in 1906, this architectural masterpiece showcases beautiful colonial-era buildings and sprawling gardens. It’s a research institute where scientists study the mysteries of forests and strive to preserve biodiversity. If you are curious about nature and the scientific natural world, then you must visit this place.

Tapovan

If you want a break from city noise, you’ll enjoy the peace of Tapovan. In Sanskrit, Tapovan means ‘a forest for spiritual practice.’ Many believe that Tapovan Temple is a holy place for serious meditation and spiritual practice. Inside the temple, there is a Shivlinga, and a Rudraksha tree grows in the temple area. A big statue of Lord Shiva stands at the entrance, and it gives a peaceful and positive feeling. People also know this place as Rudraksha Shiv Mandir.

Paltan Bazaar

To experience Dehradun’s real charm and see how locals live, exploring the markets is a great idea. Paltan Bazaar is a busy shopping place in Dehradun. It starts at the clock tower and ends near the Railway Station. Beautiful clothes, bags, handicrafts, and many more items are available here. There are tasty food stalls where you can enjoy time with your family and friends.

Mindrolling Monastery

Mindrolling Monastery in Dehradun is surrounded by calm nature. The peaceful place helps refresh your mind and body. It’s one of India’s biggest Buddhist centers, known for its lovely Japanese-style buildings. The walls show paintings of Buddha’s life.

Tapkeshwar Temple

Paradise of blissful solace, Tapkeshwar Temple is located in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas. The views of the surroundings will amaze your senses. Devotees from all over India visit here to get the divine blessings of Lord Shiva and bask in the serenity of nature, embracing the beauty of Pine, Oak, and Deodar trees.

Sahastradhara Waterfalls

Sahastradhara, meaning 'Thousand fold spring', is a popular and beautiful place in Dehradun that people have been visiting for years. People believe the water at Sahastradhara is not just refreshing but also has natural healing benefits. The water goes through limestone rocks and makes special sulfur springs. Visiting here with family or friends is a joyful and memorable experience.

Places to Visit near Dehradun

Dehradun has many places to visit that make your trip full of happy memories and good experiences.

Tehri Dam

Tehri Dam is one of the tallest dams in the world. It’s a strong structure built by human skill and effort. When you come here, you can see big mountains and a big dam full of water. You can enjoy fun activities like boating, paragliding, and jet skiing. Spending time here with your family is a great experience. You can also relax in houseboats and floating huts.

Kalsi

Kalsi is a beautiful little town near the Yamuna River, right between Chakrata and Dehradun. This place is known for its historical value. Here, you can find rock inscriptions made by the famous Mauryan king Asoka. In North India, Kalsi is the only place with King Asoka’s ancient stone writing. Its calm surroundings attract people who enjoy peaceful nature.

Kempty Falls

Kempty Falls is a great place to visit with family near Dehradun. It was built by a British man over 150 years ago. It’s perfect for picnics, and you can also enjoy boating and bathing in the cool water to feel refreshed. Apart from this, there are small shops close by where you can get snacks and drinks.

Haridwar

Haridwar is a calm and beautiful place to visit near Dehradun. If you’re looking to relax or feel spiritually connected, this is a wonderful spot. Haridwar becomes more beautiful with the Ganga River flowing through it. The city also has popular temples such as Chandi Devi, Mansa Devi, and Maya Devi. The Ganga Aarti is a beautiful and unforgettable experience you should see in Haridwar.

Dhanaulti

Lofty Himalayan Peaks, velvety forests of Deodar, oaks and Rhododendrons makes Dhanaulti extremely gorgeous. You will not be able to stop yourself from clicking pictures. It is very popular for camping and adventure activities like Burma Bridge, Rappelling and Hiking.

Surkanda Devi Temple

Surkanda Devi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas connected to Goddess Sati. It is believed that her head fell here when Lord Shiva was carrying her body to Kailash. People come here to pray and receive the blessings of Surkanda Devi.

Shopping in Dehradun

If you are visiting Dehradun, shopping is one of the most loved activities here as the tourists cannot resist the charms of colorful markets and bazaars. Dehradun has a delightful blend of traditional markets and modern shopping destinations to satisfy the needs of every type of tourist. Mentioned below are some of the most amazing shopping destinations in Dehradun:

Pacific Mall

Pacific Mall is one of the most popular shopping places in Dehradun, loved by both locals and tourists. It is a modern shopping center where you can find many well-known fashion and lifestyle brands at good prices. Along with stylish clothes, you’ll also find trendy fashion items like bags, watches, and jewelry all in one place. You’ll find a big food court in the mall with lots of food options for all kinds of eaters. Movie lovers can enjoy the latest films at the PVR cinema inside the mall. There’s also a play area for kids, so families can have a great time too. Pacific Mall is a new and modern place that many people in Dehradun now visit often. People love going there on weekends to shop, eat, and have fun.

Rajpur Road

Rajpur Road is the main shopping street in the city. You can find both big brand stores and local shops here. You’ll have a good time exploring craft shops, small stores with cheap things, and boutiques. Along the road, there are cafes and restaurants where you can relax and eat something nice.

Astley Hall

Near Rajpur Road, Astley Hall is a small shopping place where you can find things like art jewelry, bamboo items, wooden crafts, and woolen clothes. It’s popular because the entry fee is low and affordable, so both locals and tourists can easily visit.

Delicious Foods to Try in Dehradun

If you are an enthusiastic foodie, the landscape of Dehradun can trigger a delicious expedition for your senses. Certainly, you will be blown away by Dehradun’s multifaceted food scene. Mentioned here are some of the best dishes of Dehradun:

Kafuli

Kafuli is a traditional dish from Uttarakhand. It tastes really good and is healthy too. Some people think it’s like chutney, but it’s made from spinach and fenugreek leaves. In the Garhwal area, it’s called Dhapdi. Kafuli is a great example of how hill people cook in a simple and tasty way. People in Uttarakhand make it at home, especially to stay warm during the cold winter.

Phaanu

Phaanu is the most delicious traditional dish from Dehradun. Instead of Chainsoo, Phaanu uses various types of pulses such as Gahat, black gram, and Moong Dal, which are soaked in water for 4 to 6 hours. After soaking, they are cooked with spices, herbs, and masalas. Each region of Uttarakhand makes Phanu a little differently. In the cold areas of Garhwal, Phaanu is mostly eaten with boiled rice and is a perfect example of local mountain food.

Momos

Don’t forget to have Momos, which is the most esteemed roadside snack in Dehradun. It is a vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dumpling dish made with a variety of fillings and served with a dipping sauce made with soybean sauce, vinegar, and pepper paste. It has also been widely accepted in other areas of the province besides Dehradun. Dinky dumplings can be steamed, fried, or boiled. It is widely used as a popular street food snack in Dehradun, which is a fast-selling item. For delicious momos in Dehradun, KC Momos on Rajpur Road is the place to go. Their mutton momos are always tasty. You can also enjoy their flavor.

Chole Puri

Most people love the yummy combination of spicy chickpeas and crispy pooris. Chole Poori is a favorite street food in Dehradun. The chickpeas are cooked in a spicy sauce and pooris are made from wheat dough and fried until they turn golden and puff up. It is usually served with pickles and sliced onions to make it even more delicious. You can enjoy some of the best Chole Pooris at Chetan Pooriwala in Hanuman Chowk. It is a favorite place for both locals and visitors.

How to Reach Dehradun

• Air:Dehradun is available through the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and Pantnagar Airport – that are linked with major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai via flights.
• Rail: At Uttarakhand’s key cities, trains are well-connected. Between stations at Haridwar, Dehradun, and Rishikesh on one side and cities like Delhi, Lucknow, or Varanasi, the trains link the two sides.
• Road: The state of Uttarakhand is convenient to reach by road, with the National Highways creating easy passages between popular destinations like Haridwar, Rishikesh and Nainital and some other neighboring states to Delhi.

Best Time to Visit Dehradun

The best time to be in Dehradun is between March and June, and again from September to November, when the weather is cool and suitable for outdoor activities. Summer offers relief from the heat, while the post-monsoon season brings fresh greenery and clear skies ideal for sightseeing and trekking. Avoid visiting between July and August due to frequent rainfall and possible landslides.

Hotels to Stay in Dehradun

To create lasting memories of this dynamic city, selecting the right hotel is essential. From budget options to luxury stays, Dehradun has accommodations for every traveler. Here are a few great options:

Hotel Gomti Residency

The hotel is situated close to Paltan Bazaar and Dehradun railway station. It offers comfortable rooms with modern facilities and a beautiful rooftop view.

Hotel Mandakini

Hotel Mandakini is located on Haridwar Road. It offers various rooms including AC, non-AC, deluxe, and semi-deluxe options. The hotel is close to Robber’s Cave and the ICFRE Photo Gallery and Museum. It features beautiful gardens and a multi-cuisine restaurant.

Lakshmi Guesthouse

Lakshmi Guesthouse is set in the Shivalik mountain ranges, offering private bedrooms and dormitories with great mountain views. It's around 1 kilometer from the main road and 3 kilometers from Dehradun railway station.

Hotel Sukhsadan

The hotel is well known for its hospitality and caters to different clients with clean and nice rooms and a prime location which permits the clients to stay as long as they want.

Hotel Kamla Palace

A pocket-friendly option that fits to the budget with reasonable rate and free Wi-Fi, Hotel Kamla Palace gives us a comfortable accommodation for long stay in Dehradun.

Conclusion

Dehradun is a beautiful and peaceful city in Uttarakhand that welcomes every kind of traveler. Whether you enjoy nature, adventure, shopping or food this city has something for you. You can beautiful spots like Robber’s Cave and Sahastradhara as well as holy places like Tapkeshwar Temple and Tapovan. Dehradun has many fun things to do, like paragliding and wildlife safaris.

If you want to shop markets like Paltan Bazaar and Rajput Road are amazing places to visit. Food lovers will enjoy local dishes like Kafuli, Phanu, Momos, and Chole Puri. The city is well-connected by road, rail, and air, that makes travel easy. The best time to visit is from March to June and September to November. With options for both budget and luxury stays, planning your trip here is simple. So, if you're thinking about a peaceful and enjoyable holiday, Dehradun is a great place to make happy memories with family and friends.