Located in the Garhwal region, Dehradun is a scenic place to visit in Uttarakhand. The tourist place blessed with natural beauty and has a pleasant climate all around the year. Situated in Doon Valley at the backdrop of the Garhwal Himalayas, it attracts couples, families and solo travellers alike.
It is located very near to other popular tourist destination such as Nainital, Auli and Mussoorie, hence the location frequently visited by lots of tourists every year. Further, the place bordered by the Ganges and Yamuna River that add another charm to this place. So here we are going to mention the best places to visit in Dehradun. Check below mention detailed information about these major tourist attraction in Dehradun. Apart from all these things the location is very suitable for all kind of adventure seeker as there are many things to do in Dehradun.
Sahastradhara
Sahastradhara is another popular and serene destination in Dehradun. Sahastradhara literally means ‘thousand-fold spring’. The scenic waterfall cascading down from a height of 30 feet and make a large pool at the bottom. Further, the water spring contains medicinal properties and can cure skin ailments.
The surrounding natural beauty makes it a prime tourist destination in Dehradun. It is located at a distance of 11 km from the city of Dehradun and lies very near to Robber’s Cave. The best time to visit this waterfall is during monsoon season when the water comes gushing off the cliff.
- Opening Hours: 7 am to 7 pm
- Entry fee: Free
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Time required: 2-3 hrs
- Distance from Dehradun (IBST): 20 km
- Things to Do at Sahastradhara – Sightseeing, Swimming, Photography and Visit Shiva Temple.
Robber’s Cave
Located at a distance of 8 km from Dehradun, Robber’ Cave is another favorite tourist spot in Dehradun. It is also known as the ‘Gucchupani’ by local people. The natural cave formed due to water flow inside the cave. Divided into two parts, it is about 600 m long. Apart from all these things, the place is very famous for its strange phenomenon as you can see water suddenly disappears from the sight and reappear again a few meters away.
It is also believed that the robbers used this cave to hide themselves during the British rule, hence the place owing to this name. The mesmerizing natural beauty of this location makes it a perfect picnic spot to chill out with friends and loved ones.
- Opening Hours: 7 AM – 6 PM
- Entry fee: Free
- Best time to visit: April to October
- Time required: 3-4 hrs
- Distance from Dehradun (IBST): 14 km
- Things to Do at Robber’s Cave – Picnic, Trekking and Photography.
Lacchiwalla
Located at a distance of 16 km from Dehradun Railway Station, Lacchiwalla is a popular picnic spot in Dehradun. Surrounded by the dense forest of Sal trees it is a perfect place for the nature lover and adventure thrill. Further, you can find a large man-made pool which is ideal for swimming. The location is also very famous for sunrise and sunset view. Moreover, if you want to spend a peaceful holiday vacation with your friends and loved ones that should not be missed.
- Opening Hours: 7 am to 7 pm
- Entry fee: Free
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Time required: 2-3 hrs
- How to reach: 15.5 km from Dehradun bus station, nearest train station- Dehradun (22 km), nearest Airport- Dehradun (8 km).
- Things to Do at Lacchiwalla – Trekking, Picnic, Bird Watching and Photography.
Har ki Dun
Located in Garhwal region, Har Ki Dun is a cradle shaped valley and well-known for its panoramic view. It is a perfect delight for nature lover and trekkers. Situated at an altitude of 3550 m above sea level, the location offers a spectacular view of surrounding nature.
Further, the valley can be accessible through Govind National Park which is well-known for its rich variety of flora and fauna. The beautiful trails offer you stunning view of Garhwal Himalayan region as it passes through alpine meadows, glacier basins and pine forests. There is a long trek route start from Thamsa River to Har Ki Dun valley which is one of the best trekking destinations in Dehradun or even Uttarakhand.
- Region: Garhwal
- Approx trekking distance: 54 kms
- Base Camp: Sankri
- Difficulty: Easy-Medium Gradient
- Nearest Airport: Dehradun (250 km)
- Nearest Railhead: Dehradun (232 km)
- Things to Do at Har Ki Dun – Trekking, Sightseeing and Nature Walk.
Malsi Deer Park
Situated at a distance of 11 km from Dehradun Railway Station, Malsi Deer Park is one of the famous hotspots in Dehradun. It is a zoological garden which is also known as Dehradun Zoo. Spread across 25 hectares of land, the park was established in 1976. Set on the foothills of Shivalik mountain range, it is a natural habitat where you can spot many wild animals like horned deer, tiger, nilgai and peacocks.
Further, the place has a wide range of flora and fauna that makes it one of the best picturesque locations in Dehradun, hence the location is very suitable for Photographer. Apart from all these things, it is a bird watching paradise too where you can spot some rare species of birds. Overall a peaceful and serene place for those who want to spend some relaxing time with there friends, family and loved ones.
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry fee: Rs.10/- per person
- Best time to visit: September to April
- Time required: 1-2 hrs
- Distance from Dehradun (IBST): 15.5 km
- Things to Do at Malsi Deer Park – Bird Watching, Spot Wild Animals and Best for Photography.
Tiger Falls
Located in Chakrata, Tiger Falls is a scenic waterfall to visit in Dehradun. Situated at an elevation of 1395 m above the sea level, the waterfall cascades down from a height of 50 meters that make a small pond at the bottom. Further, the picturesque surrounding makes it one of the best place for an outing with your friends and family. Take a bath at this pond and rejuvenate your body, minds and soul. For the adventure seeker, there is a 5 km long trekking route start from Chakrata passes through dense forest to reach this fall.
- Opening time: Every day
- Entry fee: Free
- Best time to visit: March to November
- Time required: 1-2 hrs
- How to reach: 25 km from Chakrata, nearest railway station- Dehradun (86 km), nearest airport- Dehradun (116 km)
- Things to Do at Tiger Falls – Trekking, Sightseeing and Photography.
Tapkeshwar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Tapkeshwar Temple is just 6 km away from the main city of Dehradun. Set alongside the bank of Nandi River, the site has high religious value, hence it is frequently visited by lots of tourists every year. The key attraction of this temple is a Shiva Linga which kept inside a natural cave known as Drona Cave. Further, you can see water trickles from the ceiling continuously on the Shivalinga that make it an interesting spectacle to watch.
A famous Shivratri festival also organised at this temple every year when lots of devotees come here to worship the deity. You can also find a cool sulphur- water springs near this temple that adds another charm to this place. Moreover, the site has great religious significance, hence it is one of the best tourist places in Dehradun for the spiritual lover.
- Opening Hours: 4 AM – 10:30 PM
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- Best time to visit: October to June
- Time required: 1 hr
- Distance from Dehradun (IBST): 10 km
- Things to Do at Tapkeshwar Temple – Relaxing, Explore nearby Surrounding and Take a bath at cool Sulphur-Water Spring.
You Also Like to Read: Famous Temples of Uttarakhand
Tapovan
The tourist spot blessed with natural beauty and tourist often come here to meditate themselves. It is very famous for Tapovan Temple which is an important pilgrim for Hindus. The beautiful Ganges River also flowing through it that adds another charm to this location. Legend believed that the Guru Dronacharya has undergone his penance according to the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Overall a worth visiting sightseeing in Dehradun that can’t be missed at any instant.
- Opening time: Every day
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- Best time to visit: April to June
- Time required: 2-3 hrs
- How to reach: Nearest railway station- Dehradun (6 km), nearest airport- Dehradun (27 km).
- Things to Do at Tapovan – Trekking, Yoga, Meditation and Sightseeing.
You May Also Like to Read: Famous Caves in Uttarakhand
Forest Research Institute
Located at a distance of 5 km from Dehradun Railway Station, Forest Research Institute is a premier research institute of forestry in India. Spread an area of 4.5 sq km, it is a heritage site to visit in Dehradun which is very famous for its Greco-Roman styles of architecture. Further, you can find six museums inside this research institute that makes it one of the perfect place for kids and adults alike.
The research institute was established by Britishers in 1906 and later it was declared as a deemed university in 1991. Further, the institute has been used in various Bollywood films like Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein, Paan Singh Tomar, Krishna Cottage and Student of the Year. If you are planning a holiday vacation with your family then it will a great choice that one can go for.
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
- Entry fee: Rs.10/- per person
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Time required: 2-3 hrs
- Distance from Dehradun (IBST): 8.5 km
- Things to Do at Forest Research Institute – Visit Botanical Museum and Explore the location by taking photographs.
Mindrolling Monastery
Mindrolling Monastery was established by Rigzin Terdak Lingpa in 1676 and it is one of the largest Buddhist learning centres in India. Further, it was re-established by Khochen Rinpoche along with a group of monks in 1965. It is also famous for its holy shrine of Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava and vibrant looking wall paintings.
The monastery was built in Japanese architectural style consisting a 60 meters high Stupa and a 35 m high statue of Lord Buddha. Further, a two acres lush green garden also spread around this location which offers a magnificent view.
- Address: Rajpur Road, Kishanpur, Dehradun 248009
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 7:00 PM
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Time required: 1-2 hrs
- How to reach: Nearest railway station- Dehradun (9 km.)
- Things to Do at Mindrolling Monastery – Visit Tibetan Buddhist Temple, Shopping and Sightseeing.
So these some major tourist attraction and places to visit in Dehradun that you can add to the itinerary. Dehradun is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Uttarakhand that attracts thousands of tourists every year. If you are planning to visit this location then don’t miss all the above mention sightseeing in Dehradun.
