If you’re planning a trip, to Uttarakhand, I recommend starting your journey from the beautiful and ever-welcoming city of Dehradun. Snuggled in the Doon Valley at the foothills of the Himalayas this town captivates visitors with its sceneries, vibrant cultural traditions and mouth-watering cuisine.
Since Dehradun serves as a gateway to Uttarakhand, visitors can easily access neighbouring hill stations such as Mussoorie and Rishikesh, which makes it more pleasing to travellers looking for various experiences close by.
Why Travel to Dehradun for your next trip?
Dehradun is surrounded by hills making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Whether you seek a tranquil nature escape, crave thrilling adventures like trekking and wildlife safaris wish to explore landmarks or simply want to savour delicacies—Dehradun offers something for every kind of traveller. Its pleasant climate, locals and convenient accessibility from different places make it an ideal destination, for both relaxation and excitement. Essentially, Dehradun presents a blend of beauty, cultural richness and historical significance that promises an unforgettable and enriching journey.
Tourist Attractions in Dehradun
Dehradun offers a variety of scenic spots that appeal to every type of travellers. Here are some spots which are easily accessible and suitable individuals, families and people of all age groups:
Forest Research Institute (FRI): FRI is an institution famous for its extraordinary architecture, making it one of the top tourist spots in the area. FRI is well-known for being a location where the filming of many movies took place. The institute is open every day from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (including weekdays) and remains closed during lunch time i.e. 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm. The entry fee is INR20 and an additional entry fee is to be paid to visit museums inside the FRI campus.
Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani): After visiting FRI you can visit Robber’s Cave since it is located on the same route. Gucchupani is a famous picnic spot attracting families and youngsters and is known for its cold stream of water surrounded by beautiful caves. The best time to visit the caves is during summer so that you can beat the scorching heat of the sun and experience the refreshing water.
Mindrolling Monastery: Mindrolling Monastery famous as Buddha Temple in Dehradun is located in the Clement town area of the city, and is well known for its beautiful Tibetan Architecture and peaceful environment. The monastery opens at 8:00 am and closes at 7:00 pm and is free to visit. However, the Stupa rooms are accessible to the public only on Sundays. The temple can be fully explored within 2 hours and you can also reach there easily via public transport.
Dehradun Zoo: In the foothills of Shivalik lies Dehradun Zoo formerly known as Malsi Deer Park. Dehradun Zoo is home to various species of animals like leopards, ostrichs, emus, and crocodiles. The zoo also has an aviary that consists of several bird species and an aquarium named the Aquatic World which displays several rare fishes. For kids, there is a park area where they can enjoy swings along with other playful areas of the park. The zoo also features special areas such as Parking, Restroom and Canteen on the premises. Entry fee for adults will cost Rs.20 while for kids it is Rs.10 valid for 3 hours. The zoo remains open from 08:30 am to 6:00 pm every day.
Sahastradhara: The thousand-fold spring, known for its remedial sulphur springs and beautiful surroundings. Sahastradhara is visited by many tourists every summer for its attractive waterfalls and caves. The serenity surrounding the waterfalls is worth visiting if you are in Dehradun. The joy of watching the water pouring down several steps and forming little waterfalls is captivating.
The limestone stalactites of these waterfalls make them rich in sulphur, which has healing benefits and is known to cure skin ailments. The local people of Dehradun have always believed that drinking this sulphur water can cure many stomach diseases. Being a hill station, Dehradun experiences pleasant weather throughout the year, but if you want to enjoy the cold waterfalls in full momentum, it is best to visit here from May to June. To enjoy a scenic view of Sahastradhara from the top you must try the ropeway ride by paying INR200 per person.
In addition to these popular destinations, Dehradun holds many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From serene havens tucked away in the hills to picturesque cafes serving mouth-watering local cuisines, each one offers its appeal and temptation. Join me in my next post as I lay bare these unspoken riches and share their stories. Stay tuned for more adventures awaiting in the heart of Dehradun!
