Dehradun Travel Guide

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, which is why 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 a comprehensive detail about Dehradun Tourism to help you make informed decisions regarding planning your itinerary.

Things to do in Dehradun

There is no dearth of activities in Dehradun to spend memorable holidays with your loved ones. Looking for adventure and explorations? Dehradun has numerous adventure opportunities to delight your adventurer soul. Looking for natural wonders to escape the hustle and bustle of cities? Look no further, Dehradun’s natural beauty will blow your heart away. Dehradun is a treasure trove of attractions including the magnificent Mindrolling monastery, the ancient Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, the beautiful and mysterious Robber’s Cave, the gorgeous Sahastradhara Falls, the bustling Paltan Bazaar, and the knowledge hub- Forest Research Institute. Dehradun offers unforgettable adventures and attractions to elevate the level of your discovery. Here is a list of the best things to do in Dehradun.

Best things to do in Dehradun

• Trekking, The Enchanting Realms- Dehradun is a base of many beautiful trekking trails to delight your eyes and mind. The majestic Kempty Falls, Nag Tibba Trek, Barlow Ganj Trek, Thano Village Trek, etc promise breathtaking views and thrilling adventures.at every step, you will dance with nature’s beautiful wonders.
• Mountain Biking, Conquer the Peaks- To see the mountains meet the sky, Mountain Biking is the best thing to do in Dehradun. Dehradun’s gentle slopes and lush green valleys are so beautiful that you can’t resist pedaling in and around here.
• Lachhiwala, Picnic Time!- Don’t forget to visit Lachhiwala for a fun-filled picnic with your loved ones. It is one of the best places in Dehradun to embrace nature and cherish moments of joy and laughter with family and friends.
• Paragliding, Rule the Sky- Paragliding is the best way to enjoy the scenic views of Doon Valley and allow the soothing mountain breeze to be your guide. It’s one of the best adventure activities to do in Dehradun.
• Cycling, Pedal for new adventures- One pedal at a time, Cycling is one of the best activities for those who want to explore Dehradun at a slow pace. The delightful weather and natural sceneries will gaze at you lovingly. The rhythmic hum of wheels will carry you to the scenic landscapes both familiar and uncharted.
• Malsi Deer Park, Wild Terrains- Dehradun’s woodlands hidden gen- Malsi Deer Park is one of the best places to enjoy the wildlife of the Himalayas. If you are a nature lover or wildlife enthusiast, you must visit this place. It is home to a myriad of wild creatures, the lush greenery of the forest, the soothing breeze, and the symphony of birdcall are a thing of beauty and joy forever.
• Water Springs, where refreshment flows – Have you ever seen crystal clear streams bubbling from the earth? It’s only possible when you love traveling to the mountains. Dehradun has delightful water springs where you can visit with your family and friends to spend a lovely day. Visit Sahastradhara, Guchhupani, Tiger Fall, Shikhar Fall, Lachhiwala, etc where you will be energetic with the music of flowing water.

Dehradun attracts every wanderer with its soul-pleasing attractions and activities. Whether it’s trekking in the Himalayan foothills or exploring ancient temples and the tranquility of nature; Dehradun leads a traveler to a new adventure every time.

Places to visit in Dehradun

In Dehradun, there are numerous tourist attractions beckon with the promise of good memories and adventure. From ancient temples, and bustling markets, to gorgeous natural wonders, the heart of Dehradun is filled with stories of nature, spirituality, and of legends. Here is a list of places to visit in Dehradun for wholesome travel experiences:

• Forest Research Institute- The 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.
• Paltan Bazaar- If you want to embrace the soul of Dehradun and know about the local life then exploring markets is the best way to do that. Paltan Bazaar is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Dehradun. The bazaar starts from the clock tower and lasts till Railway Station. You will get beautiful clothes, accessories, handicrafts, bags, etc. There are delightful food stalls to spend quality time with your loved ones.
• Tapovan- You will love the tranquility of Tapovan if you are looking for an escape from the chaos of the city. Tapovan in Sanskrit means ‘Forest of Austerities’ meaning forest for spiritual practices. It is said that the iconic Tapovan Temple is a sacred place for penance; Tapovan Temple’s inner sanctum has a Shivlinga and a Rudraksha Tree on the temple premises. The colossal statue of Lord Shiva at the entrance elevates the soul with positive vibes. It is also called Rudraksha Shiv Mandir by local people.
• Mindrolling Monastery- Mindrolling Monastery in Dehradun receives a soothing embrace of nature. The tranquil experience and soul-pleasing surroundings rejuvenate the mind and body. It is one of India’s largest Buddhist centers known for its beautiful Japanese architecture and design. The walls of this monastery are adorned with scenes that depict 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- Translated as ‘Thousand fold spring’ Sahastradhara beauty has been captivating tourists for decades. Your visit to Dehradun is incomplete without embracing the refreshing and therapeutic waters of Sahastradhara Waterfalls. The waters are known for their healing properties as they trickle from the limestone stalactites that form sulfur springs. Visiting Sahastradhara with family and friends would be a rejuvenating experience.

Dehradun is a heaven of mesmerizing tourist attractions. Its tranquil landscapes promise unforgettable memories for all.  If you are planning your visit in Dehradun make sure you visit the above mentioned places for delightful travel experience.

Places to Visit near Dehradun

Explore Dehradun’s city limits and discover all the scenic locations where the time stops in the awe of nature. From the towering majesty of Tehri Dam to the divine paradise of Surkanda Devi temple, enrich your holidays with wholesome experiences. Here is a list of places to visit near Dehradun:

Tehri Dam – Tehri dam is one of the tallest dams in the world. Majestic and imposing, it’s a symbol of human ingenuity. If you visit Tehri Dam, the breathtaking views of Himalayan mountains, vast expanse of the reservoir and boating, paragliding and jet skiing adventures makes a day here with family awesome. You can also enjoy quality time with your loved ones in houseboats and floating huts.

Kalsi- Located between Chakrata and Dehradun, Kali is a serene town on the blissful banks of Yamuna river.  It holds immense significance from historical point of view.  It is a place where the rock edicts and inscriptions of famous Mauryan king Asoka are found. It is the only rock edict of King Asoka in North India. The serene surroundings of Kalsi invite every nature lover for peaceful contemplation.

Kempty Falls- Kempty Falls is an amazing spot to visit with your family near Dehradun. Do you know that it was developed by British man more than 150 years ago? It’s a best place to enjoy fun-filled picnics with family. Tourist can also enjoy bathing and boating activities to fine-tune their tired spirit with the whaling touch of refreshing waters.

Haridwar- Haridwar is a beautiful pilgrimage place to visit near Dehradun. If you are spiritually inclined or a seeking peace in amidst the soothing melodious flows of the holy river Ganges, a visit to Haridwar would not be a bad idea. There are numerous temples in Haridwar, Chandi Devi, Mansa Devi and Maya Devi temple are the prominent ones. You must not miss the ethereal Ganga Aarti; this is Haridwar’s spiritual heartland.

Dhanaulti – Lofty Himalayan Peaks, velvety forests of Deodar, oaks and Rhododendrons makes Dhanaulti extremely gorgeous. You will not be able to stop yourself for 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 of Devi Sati. Surkanda Devi is the divine manifestation of Devi Sati. It is a place where the head of Devi Sati fell when Lord Shiva was carrying her corpse while on his way back to Kailash. You must visit Surkanda Devi Temple to get her divine blessings

Dehradun’s adventure hub Tehri Dam, Kalsi’s soothing vibes, Kempty Falls’ mesmerizing vistas , Haridwar’s spiritual ambiance, Dhanaulti’s mind-boggling charm and healing touch of Surkanda Devi offers physical as well mental nourishment to the tourists.

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 delightful blend of traditional markets and modern shopping destinations to satisfy the needs of every type of tourists. Mentioned below some of the most amazing shopping destinations in Dehradun:

Tibetan Market –

From snug shawls to thoroughly complex sweaters, handmade woolens are in high demand, from people that struggle to find stylish and responsible garments. The market has not only a wide range of products but also a different atmosphere because of Tibetan dishes’ fragrances that fill the air. Traditional foods from the stores around such as momos, thukpa, noodles, are the main picks of children as a snack. In this manner, these marvelous culinary delights help shoppers get a relief from their fatigue, and the local atmosphere of hustle and bustle gives them the precious chance to have authentic meals.

Pacific Mall

As the first of its kind and a modern shopping center, Pacific Mall is one of the places that have gained popularity among both natives and tourists. At this shopping mall, one can locate well-known lifestyle brands at great prices for style-conscious consumers. Besides the chic clothes, Pacific Mall brings trendy accessories as well to a single place. Furthermore, the mall has a great food court comprising of several types of cuisines to satisfy any taste. Cinema lovers can enjoy recent blockbuster movies at the PVR cinema established in the mall premises, while as families can spend great time together at the dedicated child play area. Even though, Pacific Mall with its modern facilities has still personified the kindness of something novel in Dehradun’s popular perception where many look forward to their weekly trip to the lively, colorful city markets where people love to socialize and celebrate the culture.

Paltan Bazaar:

Paltan Bazaar, a central Dehradun locality, is also known to be economical and offers a wide range of goods. Take a stroll down its tiny alleyways and you may get to discover the bazaar selling basmati rice, cheap clothing, ethnic artifacts, vintage books, and classy Pahadi handicrafts. Finish off your shopping trip with Chilling out in any of the nearby cozy cafes or restaurants.

Rajpur Road:

Rajpur Road becomes the city’s commercial artery and is popular with shoppers as it has both brand outlets and shopkeepers selling local goods. Take a stroll in an array of craft shops, affordable vendors of wares, and boutiques within the vibrant area. Moreover, it has cafes and restaurants right on the road as well that can make your night out even more delightful.

Astley Hall:

Close to Rajpur Road, Astley Hall is a little shopping arcade where one can find art jewelry and bamboo artifacts from among other vendors selling wooden crafts to woolen clothing. It is also one of the favorites considering it has low but moderate entry fee that makes it accessible to both the locals and the tourists as well.

Food of 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 some of the best dishes of Dehradun:

Kafuli

Kafuli is an age-old recipe of the Uttarakhand region. It’s a real gift for your taste buds. People confuse it with Chutney, but it is a combination of Spinach and Fenugreek leaves, and it’s very nutritive. It is also referred to as Dhapdi in Garhwal. In Kafuli one can see the beauty and straightforwardness of hill cooking. In the hilly belt of Uttarakhand they make Kafuli at home to fight the harsh winter.

Phanu

Phanu is certainly the tastiest native dish of Dehradun. Unlike Chainsoo, a wide range of dals such as Gahat, black gram, moong dal etc. are soaked in water for 4-6 hrs. to cook with spices, herbs and masalas. Phanu can be made in many ways. There are wide varieties, but they are different in different parts of Uttarakhand. The folks of Garhwal have Phanu on their menu to fight the brutal coldness of the mountains through winter. Boiled rice is served with Phanu and you can have this mouth-watering dish to experience the natives’ cuisine of Uttarakhand. Do you want to taste Phanu? If so, head to Dindyaali restaurant to treat your palate.

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. You can have the best momos in Dehradun strolled through at KC momos situated on Rajpur Road. No worries about getting the best mutton momos here.

Chole Puri

Who doesn’t love the mouthwatering combination of hearty Chickpeas and crispy pooris? Chole Poori in Dehradun is the street food that everyone love and helps in filling the tummy to the core. Chickpeas are popular because they are tasty being served in a gravy and spice. The wheat dough of poori is deep fried till it turns to be golden brown with puffed up. Chole Poori is the most popular dish that is enjoyed with pickles and sliced onion when served. You will delicately savor the world’s best Chole Pooris at Chetan Pooriwala, located in Hanuman Chowk. It is one of the favorite spots to eat out Chole Poori in Dehradun.

The delightful blend of traditional flavors as well as modern twists will surely tickle your taste buds in Dehradun. Dehradun’s food is the gateway to experience the rich culinary heritage of Uttarakhand.

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

Worth noting is the fact that the perfect time to be in Dehradun is between March and June, and then again between September and November when the weather is cool, and activities like outdoor will be just perfect. The summer time is somehow better from the heat while the post monsoon season offers fresh green nature and clear sky which is suitable for sightseeing and trekking. Avoid a visit between July and August, monsoon season, as rains are frequent and landslides are possible.

Hotels to stay in Dehradun

To create lasting memories of this dynamic city, selecting the right hotel is of primary importance. Ranging in prices right from the budget-friendly options to the ones catering to luxury travelers, Dehradun hotels have something for every type of traveler. We shall look at some of the leading hotels in Dehradun with a guarantee of a comfortable stay, ease of access, and a memory to cherish forever.

Hotel Gomti Residency: The hotel is situated close to Paltan Bazaar, and Dehradun railway station, and can be counted for its comfortable rooms with all kinds of modern facilities and beautiful rooftop view.

Hotel Mandakini: Hotel Mandakini, situated along Haridwar road, offers amenities like AC/non-AC deluxe and semi-deluxe rooms with access to nearby attractions like Robber’s Cave and ICFRE Photo Gallery and Museum, as well as its lush gardens and multi-cuisine restaurant.

Lakshmi Guesthouse: Lakshmi Guesthouse is set up in the middle of the Shivalik mountain ranges offering you private bedrooms and dormitories with great views of mountains from its common veranda exclusively, about 1 kilometer from the main road. The accommodation is 3 kms away from the 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.

 So, now you have got a comprehensive guide to plan your Dehradun holidays with your family and friends. Do not forget to share your experience with us. Dehradun is a beautiful place to cherish and create some delightful moments of togetherness with your near and dear ones.