Nestled in the lower foothills of the Himalayas at an elevation of 430 m above sea level, Dehradun has an enigma that makes the poets fascinated with its beauty. For instance, the Indian author of British descent, Ruskin Bond, was highly fascinated with the beauty of the Doon Valley, now touted as Dehradun. Deep pine forests and meadows of Dehradun have an unbreakable connection with Ruskin Bond, which you can still read in his short stories, novels, and endless books! Dehradun and its tourist attractions played a key role in Bond’s journey as a writer. Hence, it becomes apparent to explore the places to visit in Dehradun.
11 Top Places To Visit In Dehradun In 2024
The top places to visit in Dehradun, all are excellent to visit for couples, family travelers, leisure tourists, backpackers, religious travelers, and adventure seekers. Here’s a list of places you can add to your Dehradun itinerary!
- Sahastradhara
- Robber’s Cave
- Tiger Falls
- Tapkeshwar Temple
- Forest Research Institute
- Mindrolling Monastery
- Malsi Deer Park
- George Everest’s House
- Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara
- Shikhar Falls
- Asan Barrage
1. Sahasradhara
Distance from Dehradun City Center: 15 km (approx.)
Sahastradhara means thousand fold springs, a gorgeous waterfall within the vicinity of Dehradun. It is located on the small river banks, Kali Gadd, which itself is the tributary of the Song River. Amongst all the other places to visit in Dehradun, this sight in Dehradun warrants a visit because it contains the Sulphur Water Springs, which cascade and can cure skin problems since it contains medicinal properties.
There is a ropeway ride system which will give you more profound views of the falls from the heights. If you are looking to explore the places to visit in Dehradun with family, remember to rent a tube to relax in the cold pool to beat the summer heat.
- When to Go: 8 AM to 6 PM (approx.)
- Ideal Hours: 2-3 hours (approx.)
- Best Time/Month to Visit: Monsoon
- Travel Tip: Go early on weekends
2. Robber’s Cave
Distance from Dehradun City Center: 15 km, 25 min (approx.)
Watch the river water flow out from this cave near Sahastradhara and a river cave. Locals called it Guchchu Pani (a waterfall inside the cave) and often associated Robber Cave with one of the resting points of Lord Shiva. Robber’s Cave is one of the best places to visit in Dehradun for couples in summer. Here, the water inside the cave remains cold, which gives respite from the blistering heat.
Also, you can take an easy 1-kilometer (approx.) trekking tour to Robber’s Cave, whose basepoint starts from Anarwala Village. These naturally formed caves highlight that a river flows through them and the caves are made up of dark limestones. Not only for couples, but Robber’s Cave is a hit tourist place in Dehradun to explore with friends. Lastly, surrounding the caves are various small eateries serving Maggie and Chai.
- When to Go: 7 AM to 6 PM (approx.)
- Ideal Hours: 2-3 hours (approx.)
- Travel Tip: Avoid the weekend and public holidays
- Travel Tip: Don’t walk barefoot, as the stones below are quite rough. Also, carry flip flops.
3. Tiger Falls
Distance from Dehradun City Center: 108 km, 3.5 hours (approx.)
Waterfall excursions are happy because they can turn you into a storyteller. Therefore, on your visit to Dehradun, make sure you take the path less traveled and go outside a few kilometers away from the Dehradun to Chakrata. Tiger Falls is one of the secluded waterfalls in Uttarakhand that cascades from the height of 312 ft (approx.) and thus is among the best places to visit in Dehradun for couples. The water that falls accumulates into a natural pool down where swimming is the best thing to do! To reach the waterfall, trekking is the only option.
You can choose to trek 1 kilometer (approx.) if you are an amateur or select 5 kilometers (approx.) the trekking route to test your adrenaline. Surrounded by dense oak, deodar, and pine trees, your mind will get enchanted as there are many things to do in and around Tiger Falls, including waterfall rappelling, camping, trekking, and swimming in the pond.
- When to Go: 8 AM to 6:30 PM (approx.)
- Ideal Hours: 2-3 hours (approx.)
- Best Time/Month to Visit: Summer, winter, pre/post-monsoon
- Travel Tip: Make sure you know the water flow from the locals during the monsoon and then plan accordingly.
Explore more places in Uttarakhand with our well-crafted Uttarakhand tour packages.
4. Tapkeshwar Temple
Distance from Dehradun City Center: 7 km, 20 min (approx.)
How could you say that you have explored the capital of the Land of God without actually visiting any temple? Personify your Dev Bhoomi exploration by paying a visit to Tapkeshwar Temple. Whether you are with your family or spouse, Tapkeshwar Temple is among the top religious places to visit in Dehradun in 1 day. The temple is constructed inside a natural cave and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The water inside the cave drops continuously on Shiv Lingam as the temple is located on the banks of the Tons River.
This attraction in Dehradun provides a visual retreat to the spiritual travelers because lofty mountains surround the temple setting. Moreover, Tapkeshwar Temple is situated adjacent to the forest, and therefore, trekking around the temple hills is one of the best things to do. If you want to manifest what you want, make sure to attend the Shivratri gathering, where dozens of tourists flourish to seek the blessings of the presiding deity.
- When to Go: 6 AM to 7 PM (approx.)
- Ideal Hours: 45 minutes – 1.5 hours (approx.)
- Best Time/Month to Visit: All the year-round
- Travel Tip: Don’t engage in kind of irrelevant activities in and around the temple premises
5. Forest Research Institute
Distance from Dehradun City Center: 6.5 km, 15 min (approx.)
Do you consider yourself an environmentalist, botanist, or colonial architectural enthusiast? If you are shaking your heads with the agreement, don’t miss to pay a visit to Forest Research Institute on your Dehradun holiday. This place is one of the worth visiting places to visit in Dehradun with kids. Inside the Forest Research Institute, 6 museums provide enriching information about the Himalayan plants, shrubs, and animals.
Did we mention that the Greco Roman architecture inside the Forest Research Institute is another fascinating reason to consider a visit to Forest Research Institute? The campus is mountainous, and therefore, trekking enthusiasts can embark on easy-to-cover treks to open up the opportunities for spotting the migratory Himalayan birds.
- When to Go: 9 AM to 5:30 PM (approx.)
- Entry Fee: 10 INR (approx.) per person, and 50 INR (approx.) guide fee
- Ideal Hours: 1-2 hours (approx.)
- Best Time/Month to Visit: All the year-round
- Travel Tip: Go on a guided excursion for half-day sightseeing for better understanding.
6. Mindrolling Monastery
Distance from Dehradun City Center: 14 km, 45 min (approx.)
Indian tourists are always fascinated with the research of Buddhist scriptures. If you are among them, pay a visit to Mindrolling Monastery, which is one of the best places to visit in Dehradun for 2 days. This 200 feet (approx.) height Buddhist temple is a sacred place and demands a visit if you plan a trip to Dehradun with your family. Manifest the divine, positive powers when you attend the morning prayer season.
Inside the Mindrolling Monastery is an ancient painting that depicts the life of the Buddha. Inside the Mindrolling Monastery is the book store where you can read books related to the life and work of Buddha. The lush green manicured garden adds strokes of charm while the buzzing shopping arcade sells antique artifacts and Buddhist souvenirs.
- When to Go: 9 AM to 7 PM (approx.)
- Entry Fee: Free for all
- Ideal Hours: 1-2 hours (approx.)
- Best Time/Month to Visit: All the year-round
- Travel Tip: Remain respectful to the customs performed inside the monastery. Also, wear clothes that cover your whole body.
7. Malsi Deer Park
Distance from Dehradun City Center: 7 km, 15 min (approx.)
Give your kids the dose of the wildlife on their weekend trip to Dehradun from in and around Delhi. Let them appreciate the natural beauty and the habitat of wild animals. Malsi Deer Park is on the way to Mussoorie from Dehradun and should be on your itinerary if you want to spot the two-horned deers and the nilgai. Inside the Malsi Deer Park, unique migratory birds flourish because the park is encircled by the Malsi Reserve Forest.
One of the best places to visit in Dehradun in 1 day, Malsi Deer Park is a zoological park. So, foot exploration is the best and only way to embrace wildlife. Vehicle safari is not available. For little tourists, there is a vast playing area inside the Malsi Deer Park. You will get refreshment options like snacks to relish, so make plans to visit Malsi Deer Park.
- When to Go: 10 AM to 5 PM (approx.)
- Entry Fee: 10 INR (approx.) per person for all
- Ideal Hours: 3-4 hours (approx.)
- Best Time/Month to Visit: Pre/post-monsoon, winter, summer
- Travel Tip: Keep a watch on your kids to refrain from crossing the barricade to avoid any unwanted wildlife intersection. Observe the wildlife at its best on a guided excursion.
8. George Everest’s House
Distance from Dehradun City Center: 37 km, 1.5 hours (approx.)
Unlock the shivering and enchanting feel of the past by visiting Geroge Everest’s House in Mussoorie. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions near Dehradun with friends. George Everest’s House is the same place where Sir Geroge Everest used to live. He was the same person who measured the altitude of Mount Everest.
This place is one of the famous historical landmarks in Uttarakhand, and family travelers and history lovers usually include Geroge Everest’s House in their Dehradun itinerary. While you are here, get ready to be dazzled by the stunning views of the dazzling Doon Valley. Nature photography is one of the best things to do at George Everest’s House. You can plan a trip with your girlfriend or wife to witness the sunrise over the snow-clad Himalayas. Ain’t this a great way to spice up your romantic date?
- When to Go: 10 AM to 5 PM (approx.)
- Ideal Hours: 2-3 hours (approx.)
- Best Time/Month to Visit: pre/post-monsoon, winter, summer
- Travel Tip: Wear good hiking shoes because you have to hike around 1.5 kilometers (approx.) to reach the Geroge Everest’s House. Furthermore, be a responsible tourist and don’t litter around the place.
9. Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara
Distance from Dehradun City Center: 5 km, 10 min (approx.)
Finding inner peace on a post-pandemic vacation is the best thing to do for family, couples, or leisure travelers. One such soul-stirring tourist place to visit in Dehradun is Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara. It is a 17th-century place where the Sikh community of Dehradun performs its spiritual activities.
Make your “Mannat” come true when you take blessings at the Guru Ram Gurudwara with your girlfriend or boyfriend. This spiritual place to visit in Dehradun is for those who know the power of positivity and divinity in life. Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara brims with the tourist crowd on special Sikh occasions like Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti.
- When to Go: 5 AM to 9 PM (approx.)
- Ideal Hours: 30-45 minutes (approx.)
- Best Time/Month to Visit: pre/post-monsoon, winter, summer
- Travel Tip: Cover your head with a scarf before taking entry into the premises of the Gurudwara.
10. Shikhar Falls
Distance from Dehradun City Center: 10 km, 25 min (approx.)
There is no greater joy than witnessing the cascading waterfalls in the blistering heat. Shikhar Falls in Dehradun is one such attraction to visit in Dehradun in summer with family and friends. The fall is surrounded by manicured green coniferous trees and is the spot for shutterbugs to unleash their love for nature photographs.
A hiking option around the fall is a great picnic spot for the little tourists to embrace the beauty of nature in its raw form. Hear the sounds of the cascading waters as they are a relief to the ears of wanderlust souls. You need to hike around 1.5 kilometers (approx.) to reach the falls from the parking space, which is pretty much coverable by anyone except the senior citizens.
- When to Go: 8 AM to 6 PM (approx.)
- Ideal Hours: 2-3 hours (approx.)
- Best Time/Month to Visit: pre/post-monsoon, winter, summer
- Travel Tip: Senior citizens should avoid hiking to skip the breathing problem.
11. Asan Barrage
Distance from Dehradun City Center: 46 km, 1.5 hours (approx.)
This tourist place in Dehradun is a hot spot for couples because Asan Barrage is where you can spot migratory birds in action. Asan Barrage is a wetland which is situated at the confluence of Eastern Yamuna Canal and Asan River. Here you can spot the 53 (approx.) species of native birds and 20 (approx.) species of migratory birds.
Don’t forget to take a good camera here to have the best snaps of the birds flocking at the Asan Barrage. Nearby to the Assan Barrage is the GMVN water sports complex, where you can enjoy row boating and motorboating.
- When to Go: 10 AM to 6 PM (approx.)
- Ideal Hours: 2-3 hours (approx.)
- Best Time/Month to Visit: pre/post-monsoon, winter, summer
- Travel Tip: Winter and monsoon is the best time to visit because migratory birds flourish during this time.
Why Should You Visit Tourist Places in Dehradun?
Dehradun offers stunning views of the Garhwal Himalayas. The city is the epicenter of religious attractions along with adventure activities. Even more, there are Basmati fields and Mango orchards to take strolls. You can camp under the star-studded sky over a bonfire.
And yes, Dehradun is the base camp for visiting Mussoorie as both of the destinations are within 40 kilometers (approx.). Furthermore, Delhi-Saharanpur-Dehradun Economic Corridor is under construction, and it will complete within the next two years. As a result, this expressway will reduce the distance between these two cities by 210 kilometers (approx.).
Interesting Facts About Dehradun Tourism
Although considered a hill station of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is not a hill resort town. Instead, Dehradun is a valley city strategically positioned in the Himalayan foothills and is the capital of Uttarakhand. Legendary stories of Dehradun state that this is the same place where Lord Rama and his brother Lakshman came to Dehradun after defeating Ravana to perform a penance.
Another legend states that Dehradun is the birthplace of the Guru Dronacharya – the teacher and the royal preceptor of Pandavas and Kauravas. Apart from being just the Land of God’s capital, Dehradun is the stop-over destination for travelers in the future to Mussoorie, Chopta, Haridwar, and Rishikesh.
So now that you have the list of best places to visit in Dehradun, it is time to book a trip to Dehradun. Tourism of India offers meticulously crafted Dehradun packages that cover all the meals, attractions, and accommodation costs. Just contact us, and our travel experts will customize the tour as per your interests and budget.
Read Also: Places to visit in Uttarakhand