Places to Visit in Dehradun

Known for its natural resources, Dehradun is the capital city of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Located in the Doon Valley at the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun is bordered by the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers of India.
The city is known for its pleasant climate and provides a gateway to the popular hill stations like Nainital, Mussoorie etc. and pilgrim sites like Haridwar and Rishikesh. The city receives high amounts of rain during the monsoon season and get really cold during the winters. Being a part of the Princely Garhwal State the local customs of the Garhwali people have influenced the culture in the city. Here are the places that you must visit on your trip to Dehradun.

Dehradun Zoo:

One of the best places to visit in Dehradun with family is Dehradun Zoo. This zoological garden of Dehradun spreads over 25 hectares and acts as a habitat for species such as two horned deer, nilgai, leopard, peacock and eagle.

Dehradun Zoo is popular picnic spot, which becomes lively during weekends. One can explore the zoological park, feed the rabbits, relish the gardens, and enjoy munchies in the cafeteria.

Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm. The Zoo remain closed on Mondays.

Entry charges: INR 10/person

Distance from ISBT Dehradun: 14 km

Robber’s Cave – A popular hangout place in Dehradun:

As one of the most popular picnic spots—Robber’s Cave or Gucchhu Pani is a natural cave – long and narrow. It is surrounded by lofty hills and has freezing-cold springs inside. Robber’s Cave is one of the interesting places to visit in Dehradun in one day. Tourists flock here for day picnics, excursions, and trekking.

You can dip your feet in the ice-cold water of the cave and walk through it. It is always advisable to carry an extra set of clothes as one may get wet while playing with water. Bathroom and locker facility is available at Gucchhu Pani.

Note: The stones underneath are quiet sharp and piercing, so it is better not to walk barefoot, instead carry slippers.

Opening hours: 6 am to 7:30 pm

Distance from ISBT Dehradun: 15 km

Sahastradhara – A scenic waterfall:

 

Also known as ‘thousand fold spring’, Sahastradhara is one of the most beautiful, serene, and popular tourist places to visit at Dehradun. It is known for its scenic beauty created by numerous sparkling streams cascading down the amazing karst (limestone) outcrops.

The ideal time to visit Sahastradhara is during monsoon, when the streams plunge down the rocks with full vigor. One can also take a ropeway ride to the top of the mountain to relish the spectacular view of the waterfalls and its surrounding.

Opening hours: Everyday 7 am to 7 pm

Ideal duration of visit: 2 hours

Distance from ISBT Dehradun: 20 km

Forest Research Institute – Much more than a university:

Forest Research Institute or FRI is a heritage building and the complex of the university is as huge as 2000 acres. The reason it is among the most popular places to visit in Dehradun is its Greco-Roman architecture and the six museums that attract kids and adults alike. It is a great place for a family outing in Dehradun, where you can take guided tours inside the museums and stroll around the Botanical Garden.

Six museums inside the FRI Campus are – Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Silviculture Museum, Timbra Museum, Non-Wood Forest Products Museum, and the Entomology Museum.

Opening hours: 9 am to 5:30 pm

Entry charges: INR 15/person

Distance from ISBT Dehradun: 9 km

Tapovan:

Among the most beautiful and tranquil tourist places in Dehradun, Tapovan is a perfect blend of nature and holiness. Home to Tapovan temple, this is a popular holi site in Uttarakhand, which hold an important place in Hindu religion. With the holy Ganges flowing through it, Tapovan is one of the must-see places to see in Dehradun.

Opening hours: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. All days

Ideal duration of visit: 1.5 hours

Distance from ISBT Dehradun: 13 km

Lachiwala:

A popular picnic destination, Lacchiwala is famous for its lush greenery unspoiled by human activity. It is located at a small drive away from Dehradun.

With rejuvenating man-made pool to chill out and luxuriant greenery around it, Lachhiwala is one of the ideal places to visit in Dehradun for couples.

Ideal duration of visit: 3 hours

Distance from ISBT Dehradun: 15 km

Mindrolling Monastery:

Mindrolling or Place of Perfect Emancipation is the largest Buddhist learning center of India is devoted to the research of Buddhist scriptures, Tibetan lunar calendar, astronomy, traditional Tibetan medicine and calligraphy.

The 220 feet high Buddhist temple tops the list of most popular places to visit in Dehradun. Key attractions here are – the spectacular holy shrine of Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava and vibrant looking wall paintings, depicting the life and works of Lord Buddha. The monastery complex has a well maintained manicured garden and a buzzing shopping arcade selling artifacts, souvenirs and knick knacks.

But what totally steals the show here is the spectacle of nature! Top floors of the building offer jaw dropping views of Doon Valley that you shouldn’t miss for anything.

Opening hours: 9 am to 7 pm. The garden and shops are open on all seven days while the monastery is open to tourists only on Sunday.

Distance from ISBT Dehradun:7 km