22 Places To Visit In Dehradun The Picture-Perfect Hill Station

Located in the foothills of Himalayas at an altitude of 2,200 feet, Dehradun provides a good respite from the warmer surrounding regions as it maintains a mild and pleasant climate during most of the year. Not just that, it is a getaway to various hills stations like Mussoorie, Nainital, Kanatal, Auli, Landsdowne and Kasauli. However, if you think it’s only that, you will be surprised to know about various places that you can explore within Dehradun, for which just a day or two won’t be enough.

Let us take a look at some of the most popular tourist attractions that lie within this capital of Uttarakhand.

1. Sahastradhara

Situated around 11 kms from Dehradun, Sahastradhara is by far the most popular tourist spot of this region. This place is known for its sulphur springs as water drips from the limestone stalactites and becomes rich in sulphur thereby, making it therapeutic for the human body. Sahastradhara is also known for being home to beautiful caves, waterfalls and terrace farming. Sit next to the Baldi river to take a bath in its sulphur rich water, the serenity and freshness would leave you rejuvenated.

2. Tapkeshwar Temple

This temple is one of the most popular temples dedicated to lord Shiva and is located around 6 kms from the main city of Dehradun. The temple is flocked by the pligrims/tourists from and around Dehradun to offer prayers to Lord Shiva after taking a dip in the cool sulphur-rich water springs. The shivalinga is located in a cave and a sight not to be missed is, how the water from the ceiling of the cave drops on the shivaling and further disappears into the ground only to appear as a stream flowing out of it.

3. Tapovan

This place gets its name from two words, Tapasya and Van, which refers to Guru Dronacharya’s penance that he did here. Tapovan is located around 5 kms from Dehradun city and is home to a temple and an ashram which conducts yoga classes. Come here and relish the crispness in the air and feel rejuvenated.

4. Tibetan Market

If you come to Dehradun and do not shop/eat at the Tibetan markets, your trip remains incomplete. There are two Tibetan markets in Dehradun, one near the Parade Ground Road and the other near Rispana Pul. Run by the Tibetan community, they sell handicrafts, Garhwali jewellery, wooden item, wind chimes and colorful woollens. While here, do not forget to gorge on lip-smacking momos, noodles and soups/thupkas.

5. Rajaji National Park

Interested in watching wild animals like tiger, elephant, panther, bear, wild boar, chital, sambar, kakar, python, monitor lizard and many more? Head to the Tiger Reserve in the vicinity which spreads across 3 districts of Uttarakhand, Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal. Indulge in a Jungle/jeep safari in the Rajaji National Park which is located at the foothills of the Shivalik range, to explore the lives of wild and endangered species.

6. Robber’s Cave

This place is best known for its strange phenomenon as here, a stream of water goes underground only to reappear after a few metres. Situated around 8 kms from the Dehradun city center, Robber’s Cave is a 600 metre naturally formed cave through which a stream passes and can be reached by trekking for about 1 km from Anarwala village. It is also known as Guchhu Pani and is believed to be an Lord Shiva’s abode. Walk a little further along the stream, and you will witness a breathtaking sight of a waterfall! Robber’s Cave is a perfect place to have family picnics.

7. Asan Barrage

Popularly known as Dhaulipur Lake, Asan Barrage is located 32 kms from Dehradun and is a birdwatcher’s delight! The place is ‘flocked’ by thousands of birds, migratory and non-migratory alike. Apart from that, the place offers the best of nature and splendid scenic beauty. Come prepared early in the morning with the best of cameras to make the most of the place!

8. Malsi Deer Park

A perfect place for a whole days’s outing, Malsi Deer Park is heterogenous park rich in flora and fauna and various wild rare species like Neelgai, tiger and two-horned deer along with rabbits and peacocks. The park is located around 10 kms from Dehradun and houses outlets providing refreshments and drinks along with swings and slides for the kids.

9. The Char Sidhhs

As per a belief, if you visit the four sidhhs in one day, your wishes will be fulfilled. Now you might want to know what those four sidhhs are! Well, these sidhhs are temples around Dehradun – Lakshman Sidhh (12 kms from Dehradun on the Dehradun-Rishikesh road), Kalu Sidhh (near Baniyawala), Manak Sidhh (near Shimla Bypass road) and Madu Sidhh (near Premnagar). Not just that, these temples are located at beautiful unspoiled locations and offer serenity and astounding views.

10. Mindrolling Monastery

Located near Clement Town in Dehradun, is the Mindrolling Monastery which was established in 1965 and currently houses the Ngagyur Nyingma College which is one of the largest Buddhist Institutes in India. The Monastery complex also contains a 190 feet high Stupa of the Buddha’s Descent from the God’s Realms, which is dedicated to world peace. While the monastery has 5 floors, however, the fifth floor is open to tourists only on Sundays. The monastery is known for its architectural work and various carvings and paintings reflecting upon the life of Buddha. Come here for an tranquil escape from the world and be surprised by the mesmerizing beauty of the surrounding valley.

11. Tiger Falls

A one hour drive from Dehradun would take you to this natural beauty displaying the fine work of nature amidst some rocks, boulders, a gushing stream and greens around! Located about 87 kms from Dehradun, is the Tiger Falls, at an elevation of 1,400 metres, with a height of the falls is around 50 metres. It comes in the category of being the highest direct waterfall in India as the water gushes down from a height of 312 feet into a pond. The place is apt for a fun day with family and friends.

12. Forest Research Institute

Located around 5 kms from Dehradun main city, this institute is a premier institution in the field of forestry research in India and believed to be one of the oldest institutions of its kind. The Institute contains a museum of forestry as well, which is divided into six sections – Pathology, Social Forestry, Silviculture, Timber, Non Wood Forest Products and Entomology. The Institute has also been a hotspot for many Bollywood movies which have been shot here like Student of the Year, Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein and many more. One of the many ‘must-visit’ places of Dehradun, it is also the largest campus in India.

13. Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology

As scientific as it is, its a perfect ground for nature lovers and photographers too! The Institute is an autonomous research base for the study of Geology of the Himalaya and has done some exceptional work in the field. The most prominent feature of this Institute is the museum, which displays the geographical diversity of the sub-continent. The institute is located within the Dehradun main city, just 4 kms from the Railway Station and Clock Tower.

14. Lachhiwala

Lachhiwala is one of the most popular picnic spots around this region with an estimated footfall of 5000 people per day during the peak season in April and May. The place consists of a lush forest and man-made water pools along with a picturesque landscape. It is located on the banks of a tributary of the river Song and is managed by the forest department of India. The forest houses in the vicinity serve as the administrative and tourist center.

15. Har ki Doon

This is a valley that is situated at an altitude of 3,500 metres and remains covered with snow during the months from October till March. This cradle shaped hanging valley is also known to be one of the most beautiful trekking route, which starts from Taluka village and can be covered in two days. From here, you can also see the Himalayan peak called Swargarohini.

16. Fun Valley

Fun Valley is the perfect place to ‘chill’, enjoy the scenic beauty and indulge in adventure. This resort-cum-amusement park houses a plethory of facilities like waterpark, restaurants and kiosks, adventure rides, luxurious cottages, go karting, water slides, wave pool, motel, shopping hubs and much more. This complete entertainment hub for the entire family is located about 30 kms from Dehradun on the Dehradun-Haridwar highway. They also provide swimsuits on rent along with locker facilities. The most preferred time to visit this wonderland is during the summer months.

17. Paltan Bazaar

Looking for a true Dehradun shopping experience? Head to Paltan Bazaar which is one of the most popular shopping areas in Dehradun. Here, you get the local varieties of Basmati rice, locally handmade woollens (by the Tibetan community), footwear, books, bangles, shawls, spices, edibles, handicrafts and many artifacts. The bazaar is located next to the Clock Tower, in the centre of Dehradun main city.

18. Clock Tower

In the heart of Dehradun is this major tourist attraction also called ‘Ghanta Ghar’ locally. The tower is 85 metres in height and has a gold plate on top which bears the names of various freedom fighters who fought for the independence of the country. The tower serves as a major landmark for all the business and shopping hubs around it. Completed in 1953, the Tower is just 2 kms away from the Dehradun railway station.

19. Fun and Food Kingdom

Another fun place to be at is Fun and Food Kingdom and more so due to its prime location within the Dehradun main city. Loaded with activities like water slides, rides, wave pools, free fall, Ferris Wheel, rain dance and so much more, this is a perfect holiday destination for all age groups, without the hassle of driving for long hours to the outskirts!

20. Kalsi

Kalsi is a small village in Dehradun, along the banks of river Yamuna and witnesses the confluence of two rivers -Yamuna and Tons. Come here for an unforgettable time spent in the lap of nature, amidst beautiful landscapes, lush greens, spectacular views and fresh air! Kalsi is also known to contain many ancient documents such as The Edicts of Ashoka. The village, located between Dehradun and the hill station Chakrata, provides a perfect backdrop for an eventful day, even if the event means relaxing surrounded by the pristine nature!

21. Ram Rai Gurudwara

Welcoming people from all religions is this Sikh Gurudwara, Ram Rai Darbar which was built by the eldest son of the seventh Guru of the Sikhs, Sri Har Rai ji in the 17th century. It is considered one of the oldest Gurudwara in the region and holds an annual fair every year on the 5th day after Holi. It is located in Jhanda Mohalla area of Dehradun. Dehradun derived its name after Ram Rai set up his ‘dera'(camp) in this ‘dun'(valley).

22. Chetwode Hall

Dehradun is known for the Indian Military Academy and the Chetwode Hall is situated right next to it. It lays out on display the various contemporary and sophisticated arms and ammunition that are being deployed by the Indian Army. Estaliblished in 1930, the Chetwode Hall houses the administrative headquarters of the IMA and is also considered the hub of training comprising of lecture halls, computer labs and a cafe.

Home to a whole lot of tourist attractions, Dehradun is an excellent place to explore. Not only does it have plenty of option within the city, but you can find many others as you move a bit further on the outskirts. And the distances are not worth much of a hassle as Dehradun is well connected with its surrounding areas.

Also read- 23 Places To Visit In Mussoorie The Queen Of The Hills