Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun is a very famous hill station destination. With picture-perfect views, hilltops, and dense greenery that surrounds the city, it is a blessing for your eyes. Apart from the natural attractions, there are many man-made attractions as well, like the Forest Research Institute, Clock Tower, etc. And if you’re an adventure enthusiast, then it also has some of the best treks, like Kedakantha and Har Ki Dun.Dehradun is not only a blessing for your eyes but also for your mind and soul. Offering various natural attractions, war memorials, temples, hill stations, and many others, Dehradun is a must-visit for everyone. So come on, pack your bags, and come on this journey of wonders.
List of the top places to visit in Dehradun:
- Mindrolling Monastery
- Robber’s Cave
- Sahastradhara Ropeway
- Dehradun Zoo
- Clock Tower
- Shikhar Falls
- Tiger View Jungle Camp
- Kedarkantha
- Tapkeshwar Temple
- Forest Research Institute
- Fun Valley
- Lacchiwalla
- Rajaji National Park
- Har Ki Dun Trek
- Kalsi
- Zonal Museum
- Malsi Deer Park
- Paltan Bazar
- The Earth Lounge
- Tibetan Market
- Maldevta
- Asan Barrage
- Tapovan
- Shiv Mandir
- Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara
- Laxman Siddh Temple
- Khalanga War Memorial
- Chandrabani Temple
- Jwalaji Temple
- Buddha Temple
- Ellora’s
Mindrolling Monastery, also known by the name of Buddha Temple or Buddha Temple Complex, is located in the centre of the foothills of the Himalayas. Mindrolling Monastery is one of the largest Buddhist centres in India. It attracts visitors from all over India and from abroad as well.The architectural significance of this monastery makes it a visual bliss for tourists. The monastery offers a university complex, gardens, and the tallest Stupa in Asia. It has many shrine rooms, art, etc., but what catches the eyes of every tourist is the tall statue of Lord Buddha.
Things to do – Praise the architecture, be involved in rituals and prayers, sit and admire the peaceful environment, and take a walking tour of the museum.
Timings – 8 am to 6 pm.
Entry fee – Free
Just 10 km from the city, Robber’s Cave is a river cave located in the Himalayas. It is about 8 km from Dehradun, and the cave is believed to be a place where the Hindu God Shiva used to rest, whereas his holy abode is said to be at the Kailash Mansarovar. Locally, the Robber’s Cave is also known as Gucchu Pani. This cave is around 600 meters long, which will make you feel like you are in a mystery movie.
This cave is considered the most visited tourist place in Dehradun.
Things to do – Go for treks around the hills, visit Lord Shiva temple, and enjoy picnicking.
Timings – 7 am to 6 pm
Entry fee – INR 35
Located 16 km from Dehradun, it is a cable car ride that takes passengers to the hilltop, where you can enjoy an eye-soothing view of the surrounding area. Sahastradhara is a very popular attraction here, and it is a unique and adventurous way to enjoy the beauty of Dehradun.This ropeway is named after the Sahastradhara waterfall, which is located at the starting point of the hill.
Timings – 9 am to 6 pm every day
Fee – INR 350 for a round ride.
Dehradun Zoo is a famous attraction for people visiting Dehradun. The Zoo is home to a variety of animals, birds, and reptiles. it also has a small lake, a children’s playground, and a toy train ride. The Dehradun Zoo is a great place to spend your day with your family and friends. The Zoo is also an educational place and hosts many educational programs for children.Things to do – Take a boat ride, explore the zoo, take a toy train ride.
Timings – 10 am to 5 pm, Except Mondays
Fee – INR 50
One of the famous places to visit in Dehradun is the Clock Tower or Ghanta Ghar. It is a large building with iconic six clocks that are installed on the sides. It is a great place to immerse yourself in the culture, and it is surrounded by shops where you can find handicrafts, traditional clothes, jewellery, etc.Things to do – Learn about the historical significance of Ghanta Ghar; explore the local market.
Timings – All time opens
Entry fee – Free
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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. To reach the waterfall, there’s a 1 km hike on the rugged terrain. The mist from the waterfall creates a refreshing environment, which makes it one of the best offbeat places to visit in Dehradun.Things to do – Go for swimming or for a boat ride; explore various nearby temples.
Timings – All time opens
Entry fee – Free
7. Tiger View Jungle Camp
Tiger View Jungle Camp is about 10 kilometers from Dehradun It is located in the village of Goolar Khalla and offers stunning views of the mountains. The Jungle is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, tigers, elephants, etc. The camp is a place to escape from city life, and it is totally surrounded by dense greenery, which makes it a suitable place to chill and enjoy.Tiger View Jungle Camp is definitely a must-visit for any nature lover or adventure seeker.
Things to do – Go on a jungle safari to spot wild animals; go on a bird-watching tour; hike or trek in the hills.
Timings – 9 am to 5 pm
Entry fee – Free
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.Trekking distance – 20 km
Days required – 6
Best time – December to April
Cost – Starts from INR 6500
Also known as the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, amongst the offbeat places to visit in Dehradun, 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 hence also known as Drona cave.Water dripping from the ceiling continuously makes it an interesting place to visit, making it one of the historical places in India.
Things to do: Seek blessings, visit nearby attractions, learn about local culture, attend Tapkeshwar Mela, take photographs, witness the Water Drip Ritual, and explore nearby sulfur water springs.
Timings – 6 am to 7 pm
Entry fee – Free
10. Forest Research Institute
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 famous places to visit in Dehradun. 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. The river flowing on its boundary enhances its beauty.Things to do – Explore the museum, take a guided educational tour, admire the architecture, visit the souvenir shop inside the institute.
Timings – 9 am to 5 pm
Entry fee – INR 15
Located in Uttarakhand’s scenic Golden Triangle, it is a best entertainment hub for friends and families. Fun valley offers a variety of activities, including a water park, diverse dining options and accommodations offering the best views of the Himalayas. It is North India’s largest amusement and water park, where you can enjoy go-karting, adventure rides and picnics.Things to do – Explore the museum, take a guided educational tour, admire the architecture, visit the souvenir shop inside the institute.
Timings – 10 am to 6 pm
Entry fee – INR 900
Famous for its lush greenery, Lacchiwalla is a favourite picnic spot among people. A water stream through the location makes it a natural water park for boating and swimming. This is a famous spot for families on weekends. It also has a garden full of monkeys swinging around the trees, which adds a fun vibe to the children.Things to do – Nature walks, picnics, river activities, camping.
Timings – 8 am to 5 pm, Except Mondays
Entry fee – INR 60
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. Explore the 34 km Jungle track to spot animals and other creatures.Things to do – Wildlife safaris, trekking, river rafting.
Timings – 6 am to 6 pm, 16th June to 14th November its closed.
Entry fee – INR 150
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Shaped like a cradle and offers stunning beauty, Har Ki Dun is one of the best places to visit in Dehradun and a popular destination for trekking. This place is also known as “Valley of Gods”, surrounded by dense forest of pine trees and magnificent mountain peaks. The trek takes you through the untouched parts of the Garhwal Himalayas, where you’ll experience the traditional way of living life. So if you’re looking for a peaceful adventure trek then this is the place for you.Trekking distance – 64 km
Days required – 8
Best time – September to November
Cost – Starts from INR 8000
Situated between Chakrata hill station and Dehradun, Kalsi is a small village along the banks of Yamuna river. Inhabited by the Khils, Mundar and Bhutis communities, it provides 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.Things to do – Try local cuisine, river activities, small trekking and hiking.
Timings – 8 am to 5 pm
Entry fee – Free
Established in the 70’s, the Zonal Museum is one of the best places to visit in Dehradun. A perfect place to enjoy ancient artefacts, sculptures and statues showcasing how early people lived. If you are a history lover then you are going to love this place. It also displays the lives and traditions of ancient people in the Himalayas.This Zonal Museum can also be considered as one of the unique museums, which defy the conventions.
Things to do – Explore the museum, take a guided educational tour, and admire the architecture.
Timings – 10 am to 1 pm & 2 pm to 5 pm, Sunday closed
Entry fee – INR 30
Malsi Deer Park is a perfect family destination in Dehradun. Covering over 25 hectares of land, it is home to leopards, deer, peacock and eagles. This spot serves as a perfect picnic spot for weekends. You can walk around the park, spend time in nature and feed little rabbits.Things to do – Deer and bird watching, photography, picnicking.
Timings – 9 am to 5:30 pm
Entry fee – INR 20
You cannot miss this location when you’re in Dehradun, Paltan bazar is a marketplace offering local culture and a vibrant blend of shopping materials. Explore delicious food, handicrafts, clothes and jewelry. Paltan bazaar is a bustling place where you can immerse yourself in the authentic flavors and unique shops.Timings – 10 am to 10 pm
Entry fee – Free
Willing to spend your night in one of the happening places of Dehradun? Earth Lounge serves the best pubs, cafes, clubs and lounges. Some of these places offer some of the best mountain views of the Himalayas. Surely, you will have a great time here.Things to do – Spa and wellness, try different cuisines and drinks to explore the dining culture.
Timings – 10 am to 11 pm
Entry fee – Totally depends on the season
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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 provides a unique experience and opportunity to explore its culture and foods.Timings – 10 am to 10 pm
Entry fee – Free
Maldevta, located near Raipur, is another one of the best offbeat places to visit in Dehradun. Named after a Temple, this place is really popular among families and friends. You can enjoy your day in the cool waters, take nature walks, and visit the Maldevta temple, which is the major attraction of this whole place. It is one of the best places for couples to visit in Dehradun. There are a lot of other tourist attractions near Maldevta, so don’t forget to explore more.Things to do: Adventure activities, camping, meditation, relaxation, and visiting the Maldevta temple.
Timings – 10 am to 6 pm
Entry fee – Free
Situated near to the city, Asan Barrage is a peaceful and serene waterbody for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. This place becomes home to migratory birds in winter, one can also enjoy various activities like angling and boating here. With its scenic charm this place is one of the ideal places to visit in Dehradun for couples, family and friends. Things to do – Boating, kayaking, fishing, bird watching.
Timings – 9 am to 5 pm
Entry fee – Free
Tapovan is considered as one of the best places to visit in Dehradun. There’s Tapovan temple here and the place is named after the same, Tapovan is an important place of Hindu religion. Ganga river flowing through it makes it a must visit destination of Dehradun. Things to do – Spiritual exploration, ayurvedic treatments, rafting and boating.
Timings – 6 am to 8 pm
Entry fee – Free
Located on the scenic route of Dehradun Mussoorie, Shiv Mandir is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The environment and mountain views from this temple is a blissful experience. Inside the temple, there’s a small area of shopping where you can buy gemstones and other stuff.Things to do – Attend Aarti, spend some time doing meditation for inner peace, experience and participate in festivals.
Timings – 8 am to 9 pm
Entry fee – Free
25. Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara
Considered as one of the peaceful 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.Things to do – Participate in prayers, seek blessings, sit is a Langar seva.
Timings – Always open
Entry fee – Free
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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.Things to do – Explore the temple complex, practice rituals, poojas and aartis.
Timings – 9 am to 12 pm & 5 pm to 9:30 pm
Entry fee – Free
27. Khalanga War Memorial
Khalanga War Memorial, located 5 km from Dehradun, It is one of the patriotic places to visit in Dehradun. This war memorial whispers the legendary story of Gorkhas.Things to do – Learn about the history, offer your respects to the soldiers and their sacrifices.
Timings – 9 am to 5 pm
Entry fee – Free
Dedicated to Divine Goddess Chandrabani, a great place to visit when you are in Dehradun. Chandrabani Temple is one of the religious places to visit in Dehradun. The temple is also famous as the name Gautama Kund.Timings – 6 am to 7 pm
Entry fee – Free
Jwalaji Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, it is one of the best places to visit in Dehradun. Historical significance of this temple pulls tourists from all over the world. If you want to experience this temple at its fullest then plan your time parallel to the timings of the Aarti, it will surely be a blissful experience for you.Timings – 5 am to 12 pm & 4 pm to 8 pm
Entry fee – Free
The Buddha temple is considered to be one of the famous temples in Dehradun. Popular for its massive Buddha statue which attracts thousands of believers from across the world. Experience a huge structure surrounded by gardens.Timings – 7 am to 7 pm
Entry fee – Free
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Want to visit a place where you can have delicious bakery feasts? Well, Ellora’s is among the best places to visit in Dehradun. Create some melting moments from the luscious bakery items like plum cake, brownies, and cream rolls.Timings – 9 am to 10 pm
Top dishes – Explore a variety of Desserts, mocktails, and chinese dishes.
Above listed places are some of the best destinations which you should never miss while visiting Dehradun. There are a lot more unexplored destinations that have remained untouched or less crowded so, do visit these places. But always remember to travel responsibly to any destination, it will make sure that the destination remains pure and sustainable.
