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Table of Contents
Dehradun, the laid-back capital of Uttarakhand, is often seen as a stopover. But, if you are planning your India tour , pause right here. Because the best places to visit in Dehradun aren’t just worth your time, they might just become the highlight of your journey.
This guide rounds up the most popular and lesser-known tourist places to visit in Dehradun, from ancient temples and mysterious caves to peaceful parks and buzzing local eateries.
Dehradun is a beautiful city known for its landscapes, peaceful temples and pleasant weather. Here’s a list of must-visit places in this charming city.
Mindrolling Monastery, also known as Buddha Temple or Buddha Temple Complex, is located in the centre of the foothills of the Himalayas. It is one of the largest Buddhist centres in India, attracting visitors from all over India and from abroad as well. It is also considered one of the most popular Dehradun tourist places, known for its peaceful environment, stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
Just 10 km from the city, Robber’s Cave is on of the most fascinating Dehradun tourist places. Also known locally as Gucchu Pani, this river cafe is located in the Himalayan foothills and offers a unique natural experience.
Stretching around 600 meters, the cave features a stream running through it, making you feel like you have steep into a mystery movie! Cool water under your feet, echoing chambers, and the sound of flowing water all around, it’s no wonder this is a must-visit spot for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
A quick cable car ride that takes you to a hilltop with stunning valley views, the Sahastradhara Ropeway is perfect for a peaceful escape. It’s a fun add-on to your visit to Sahastradhara and ideal for families and couples, making it among the amazing Dehradun tourist places.
Set along the scenic Dehradun-Mussoorie road, Dehradun Zoo is still fondly called Malsi Deer Park by locals. Surrounded by forested hills, the zoo is like a quiet escape with well-kept enclosures and shaded walkways.
Home to deer, leopards, peacocks and a small reptile section, it’s ideal for families, couples and anyone craving a peaceful break from the normal places to visit in Dehradun. Plus, the cool mountain air and greenery make it a pleasant stop nearly all year round! Coming here with your family could be one of the best things to do in Uttarakhand for a good time.
Located right in the heart of the city, Clock Tower or Ghanta Ghar, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Dehradun. Built during the British era, it comes with a rich historical vibe! Even though the clock itself no longer ticks, the tower remains the city’s timeless meeting point.
Surrounded by bustling markets, bookshops and old-school bakeries, the area around Clock Tower is perfect for a casual walk, street food sampling or picking up souvenirs.
Located 13 km away from the centre of the city yet easily accessible by vehicles, Shikhar Falls is a spectacular waterfall and a famous spot for nature lovers and photographers. It’s one of the more offbeat Dehradun tourist places, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure and raw beauty!
The walk to the falls is about a kilometre through uneven trails, rocks and shallow streams! So, wear comfy shoes and be ready for a bit of a climb. The water tumbles down moss-covered stones, the mist hits your face, and everything just feels amazing!
Ever wanted to disappear into the jungle without actually getting lost? Tiget View Jungle Camp, just 10 Kilometers from Dehradun, lets you do exactly that. Hidden in the village of Goolar Kahalla, this off-grid escape surrounds you with thick forests, mountain views and the distant calls of wild animals - yes, including actual tigers. So, make sure you visit one of the most amazing places in Uttarakhand.
If you’re looking for a trek then Kedarkantha is one of the best places you can go to. Definitely one of the most famous treks in India, the Kedarkantha trek is a dream destination for adventure seekers. This trek is around 20 km from starting to end which takes 6 days to summit and offers a sky touch view and stunning views of the Himalayas.
Also known as the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, amongst the offbeat Dehradun tourist places, It is a cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Tapkeshwar Temple is 7 km from the city and famous for its unique sanctity. Locals believe that this cave was once the abode of Guru Dronacharya and is hence also known as Drona cave.
The Forest Research Institute is over 4 km in area and has impressive Greco-Roman and Colonial architecture. Established in 1906, this institute is one of the Dehradun famous places. A lot of big movies like Student of the Year, Rehna hai tere dil me, Krishna Cottage and many more are shot here, hence TV Tourism played its role.
Surrounded by thick greenery and peaceful forest vibes, Lacchiwala is one of Dehradun’s classic Dehradun tourist places and a go-to picnic spot, especially on sunny weekends. A flowing stream runs through the area, creating natural pools perfect for swimming, splashing, or a lazy paddle boat ride. Add to that a garden full of cheeky monkeys swinging through the trees, and you've got a spot where kids stay entertained and adults can truly unwind.
Rajaji National Park is a thrilling destination for those who love nature and wildlife. Located in the Shivalik mountains, it is famous for tigers, elephants, and diverse wildlife, and it was recently declared a tiger reserve. This park also has ancient fossils, which are around 10 million years old adding a layer of prehistoric wonder to your visit. As one of the most adventurous Dehradun tourist places, it’s perfect for safaris, birdwatching and more!
Situated between Chakrata hill station and Dehradun, Kalsi is a small village that often flies under the radar, but it’s one of the most culturally rich and beautiful places in Dehradun. Inhabited by the Khils, Mundar, and Bhutis communities, providing a warm and domestic experience to its visitors. This place is a vast valley of lush green oak and sal trees, which makes it a serene spot offering tremendous views of the Himalayan ranges.
If you are into culture, history or just curious about how Himalayan tribes lived centuries ago, the Zonal Museum is worth a quick stop. Managed by the Anthropoligcal Survey of India, this museum showcases the lifestyle, traditions and tools of the indigenous people from the northern Himalayan region.
It’s one of the small but insightful tourist places to visit in Dehradun with family, a great way to understand the roots of the region beyond its scenic beauty. While it’s more suited for a daytime visit, and not among the best places to visit in Dehradun at night, so why not have a good family outing here.
Suggested read: Travel Tips for Uttarakhand
No trip to Dehradun is complete without a stroll through the buzzing lanes of Paltan Bazaar. Located near the Clock Tower, this market is a favorite among locals and travelers alike - packed with everything from budget shopping and street food to old-school bookstores and hidden snack stalls.
A popular shopping destination near Parade Ground Road is the only pocket-friendly Tibetan market in Dehradun and offers Tibetan handicrafts and jewelry. Known for its vibrant markets and diverse shopping experience, this market is the best place to indulge in shopping. This market is definitely one of the those places in Dehradun that provides a unique experience and opportunity to explore its culture and foods.
If you are craving some peace, fresh air and mountain river vibes, Maldevta is the perfect local escape. Located on the outskirts of Dehradun, this scenic spot is surrounded by thick forests, hills and the clear waters of the Song River - making it a favourite among the locals for picnics, quick road trips and weekend hangouts.
Located on the Dehradun-Mussoorie road, Shiv Mandir is one of the most peaceful and well-maintained temples in the region. Surrounded by lush greenery and set against the backdrop of the hills, it’s dedicated to Lord Shiva and draws both locals and tourists for its calm atmosphere and striking architecture. It’s also considered one of the serene tourist places to visit in Dehradun, especially for those looking to add a spiritual stop to their journey.
Considered as one of the peaceful and best places to visit in Dehradun, Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara is amongst the oldest religious places of the city. Established in the 17th Century and located in the main city, this is the spiritual heart of the city.
Willing to spend your time at a peaceful and religious place then Laxaman Siddh Temple is a must visit for you. It is popular as a place of saints and named after Swami Laxman Siddh. People visit the temple to perform various rituals, seek blessings and to gain faith spirituality. It’s one of the lesser-known yet meaninful tourist places to visit in Dehradun away from the crowds.
Located on the edge of Dehradun, the Khalanga War Memorial is a powerful tribute to Gorkha soldiers who fought bravely against the British army in the battle of Nalapani in 1814. What makes it truly unique is that it was built by the British themselves, as a mark of respect for the courage of their opponents.
Located about 7 Kilometers from Dehradun citty, Chandrabhani Temple is a serene and sacred spot surrounded by nature and mythology.
Dedicated to Goddess Chandrabani, the temple is believed to be the place where she meditated with her daughter, Anusuya. This makes it not just a place of worship, but also a site steeped in spiritual legend. It’s one of the spiritually rich tourist places to visit in Dehradun, perfect for someone who wants a quiet escape in the hills.
Suggested read: Adventure sports in Uttarakhand
This ropeway, stretching over 5.5 km, is set to become India’s longest and promises to revolutionize travel between these two cities. With an investment of INR 300 crore, it’s expected to be operational by September 2026, drastically reducing the travel time to 15 minutes. Currently, the journey takes 1.5 to 3 hours, subject to traffic conditions, covering a distance of approximately 33 km.
On my visit to Mussoorie, I couldn’t resist exploring its darker side – that’s just how most of my trips go! The Lambi Dehar Mines had been sitting on my list for the longest time, and this felt like the perfect chance to tick it off.
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What are the best tourist places to visit in Dehradun?
Some of the best tourist places to visit in Dehradun include Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, Tapkeshwar Temple, Forest Research Institute (FRI), Mindrolling Monastery, and Malsi Deer Park. For offbeat spots, don’t miss Shikhar Falls, Maldevta, and Tiger View Jungle Camp.
What are the Popular places to visit in Dehradun?
What are the unique places to visit in Dehradun?
What are the most sacred places to visit in Dehradun?
Which are the Dehradun famous places to visit in Dehradun are best for families?
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