Dehradun is a lovely city snuggled in the beautiful foothills of the Himalayas. It’s a place full of interesting culture, history, and stunning nature. Whether you love adventures, nature, or learning about the past, Dehradun has something fun for you. Let’s explore the top activities, hotels to stay in, places to check out, and what kind of weather you can expect in 2024.
Weather in Dehradun
Dehradun experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year, characterized by mild summers, chilly winters, and moderate rainfall during the monsoon season. Here’s what to expect in 2024:
- Summer (April to June): Temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
- Winter (November to February): Temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C, with occasional snowfall in the higher altitudes, perfect for enjoying cozy evenings by the fireplace.
- Monsoon (July to September): Moderate to heavy rainfall brings lush greenery to the region, enhancing its natural beauty.
7 Best Dehradun Tourist Places
Dehradun boasts a plethora of tourist attractions that showcase its diverse heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Here are some must-visit places:
1. Sahastradhara
Welcome to Sahastradhara, also known as ‘Thousand Fold Spring,’ a beautiful place in Dehradun surrounded by green valleys. It’s famous for its stunning waterfalls that flow over rocks, making a peaceful atmosphere. The water here has sulfur in it, which is said to be good for your health and can make you feel refreshed. Whether you love nature, peace, or want to feel better, Sahastradhara is a perfect place to visit.
- Location: Sahastradhara is about 14 km from Dehradun city, close to the Baldi River on Sahastradhara Road.
- Timing: Open every day from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
- Entry Fee: Free entry for everyone. Ropeway ride costs INR 200 per person for aerial views.
- Location on Map: Click here
2. Robber’s Cave
Explore Robber’s Cave, also called Guchhupani, in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It’s a cool cave where a stream flows through a narrow gorge and disappears underground, only to reappear a bit further. The cave has a mysterious vibe, with echoes of the stream and legends of it being a hideout for robbers. Surrounded by hills and greenery, it’s a great place to experience nature’s wonders and feel the excitement of exploration.
- Location: Robber’s Cave is located around 8 km from Dehradun City center in Uttarakhand, India.
- Timing: Open daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 25 per person
- Location on Map: Click here
3. Tiger Falls
Visit Tiger Falls in Chakrata, a stunning waterfall also known as Keraao Pachad and Kailu Pachad. It drops 50 meters into a calm pond, forming a natural pool where you can take a refreshing swim. Surrounded by thick forests and the songs of birds, Tiger Falls is a peaceful escape from city life. The trek to the falls is an adventure in itself, passing through rhododendron and oak trees, with the sound of the waterfall getting louder as you get closer. Tiger Falls is perfect for picnics, nature photography, and relaxation.
- Location: Tiger Falls is located in Chakrata, approximately 100 kilometers from Dehradun in Uttarakhand, India.
- Timing: 7 AM – 7 PM
- Entry Fee: INR 30 for adults, INR 20 for children aged 5 to 12. No fee for children below 5 years old.
- Location on Map: Click here
4. Tapkeshawar Temple
Visit Tapkeshwar Temple in Dehradun, also known as Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple. It’s dedicated to Lord Shiva and famous for water droplets falling on the Shivalinga from the cave’s ceiling. Legend says it was where Dronacharya, a guru from the Mahabharata, lived, and his son Ashwatthama was blessed by Lord Shiva with a stream of milk, symbolized by the water droplets. The peaceful surroundings and the sound of dripping water create a meditative atmosphere, attracting both devotees and tourists.
- Location: Tapkeshwar Temple is in the Garhi Cantonment area, about 6 km from Dehradun city center, Uttarakhand, India.
- Timing: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- Location on Map: Click here
5. Tapovan
Tapovan is a peaceful spot surrounded by lush greenery and the River Ganga. It’s perfect for resting, meditating, and finding spiritual strength. Legend has it that Guru Dronacharya meditated at the Tapovan temple. Visitors can trek there and enjoy the serene atmosphere with holy chants and ringing bells. Tapovan is one of the top tourist spots in Dehradun, especially for those seeking peace and tranquility in the mountains.
- Location: The Gangotri Glacier, near the Shivling peak.
- Timing: Usually accessible during daylight hours for trekkers and pilgrims.
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- Location on Map: Click here
6. Forest Research Institute
If you’re into plants, birds, animals, and forestry, you should visit Dehradun’s Forest Research Institute. Established in 1906, it’s a famous place for forestry research. The buildings have impressive colonial and Greco-Roman architecture. Even though it’s an educational place, visitors can go there too. Inside, there are 6 museums showing research on different forestry topics. Surrounded by nature, it’s a favorite spot for nature lovers and picnickers.
- Location: Kaulagarh Road, near the Indian Military Academy.
- Timing: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Closed for lunch from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.
- Entry Fee: INR 20 per person to enter the institute. Additional charges for parking and guided tours, which include visits to the museums on the campus.
- Location on Map: Click here
7. Tiger View Jungle Camp
About 10 km from Dehradun, in Goolar Khalla village, lies the Tiger View Jungle Camp, a hotspot for wildlife lovers. It’s famous for conserving the endangered Indian tiger. Besides camping in the wild, you can take a jungle safari here to see different plants and animals. The natural beauty of the area will take you away from city noise. Seeing magnificent tigers in their natural home will be an unforgettable experience.
- Location: Goolar Khalla, Dehradun
- Timing: Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Entry Fee: No entry fee to visit Tiger View Jungle Camp. Charges for jungle safari apply. Additional fees may apply for other activities or services.
- Location on Map: Click here
How to Reach Dehradun
Dehradun, Uttarakhand’s capital, is a starting point for exploring the beautiful Garhwal region and reaching Himalayan tourist spots. Whether you’re traveling from Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore, there are many easy ways to get to this peaceful city.
1. From Delhi to Dehradun
The Delhi to Dehradun distance is approximately 238 km. Travelers can choose from a variety of options including bus, train, or car.
- By Bus: There are regular bus services from Delhi to Dehradun. The journey takes about 5 to 7 hours depending on the traffic and the type of bus service chosen. You can book tickets through various online platforms or directly at the bus stations.
- By Train: Trains are a comfortable and convenient option. The travel time by train is around 5 to 6 hours. There are multiple trains available, including the Dehradun Shatabdi, which is a popular choice for its speed and comfort.
- By Car: If you prefer a road trip, driving from Delhi to Dehradun can be an enjoyable experience. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours via NH334 and NH307, and you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the route.
2. From Mumbai to Dehradun Flight
Flying is the quickest way to travel from Mumbai to Dehradun. The aerial distance is about 1380 km and the flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes for a non-stop flight. Airlines like IndiGo and Vistara offer direct flights, and there are also options with one or more stops that might be cheaper.
3. From Bangalore to Dehradun Flight
Direct flights from Bangalore to Dehradun are available, making it a swift journey of about 2 hours and 40 minutes. The distance covered is roughly 1900 km. IndiGo and Vistara are among the airlines that provide direct flights, and there are also connecting flights with varying durations and prices.
5 Best Hotels in Dehradun (Affordable)
1. Hotel Ajanta Continental
- Rating: Impressive 8.2 out of 10
- Address: 101, Rajpur Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
- Location: Conveniently situated 4.5 km away from Dehradun Railway Station and 31 km away from Jolly Grant Airport
- Price Range: Starts from approximately ₹2,189 (for 2 Person)
- Room Facilities:
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Complimentary free Wifi
- Wardrobe, sofa, study table/chair, TV, mini-fridge
- Attached bathrooms with toiletries, shower curtains, shower cabinets; some rooms with bathtubs
- Additional Amenities:
- On-site parking
- Laundry service
- Ironing board available on request
2. Hotel The Onix
- Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Address: 1 Shakti Vihar, Saharanpur Road, Majra, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
- Location: Conveniently situated on NH-72A, close to the heart of Dehradun
- Price Range: Rooms starting at approximately INR 2,006 (for 2 Person)
- Highlights:
- Boutique hotel offering comfortable rooms and personalized attention
- Elegantly appointed rooms with air-conditioning, LED TV, and luxurious marble bathrooms
- Multi-cuisine restaurant providing various food options
- Free Wi-Fi access and other high-end facilities at budgeted prices
- Proximity to tourist attractions and major establishments in Dehradun
3. Hotel Skyking
- Rating: 5.0 out of 5
- Address: 152/2B Near Scholar Home School, Rajpur Road, Jakhan, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
- Location: Centrally located in Dehradun, close to the railway station and airport
- Price Range: Rooms starting at approximately INR 1,500 per person, per night
- Highlights:
- Offers amenities like a 24-hour front desk, meeting/banquet facility, and a garden
- Fan-cooled rooms with seating area, cable TV, and attached bathroom; air-conditioned rooms available on request
- Services include newspaper, laundry, dry cleaning, and car rental for sightseeing
- Proximity to local attractions like Robber’s Cave and Sahastradhara waterfall
4. Hotel Vishnu Inn
- Hotel Name: Not provided
- Rating: 3.5 out of 5
- Address: 1, Railway Station Road, Near Railway Station, Govind Nagar, Race Course, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
- Location: Near Dehradun Railway Station, offering easy access to transportation
- Price Range: Starts at approximately ₹2,100 (for 2 Person)
- Highlights:
- Features a garden, terrace, and free WiFi throughout the property
- Air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and satellite TV
- On-site restaurant serving Indian cuisine, with continental breakfast available daily
- Proximity to local attractions like the Indian Military Academy and Jolly Grant Airport
5. Comfort Inn Dehradun
- Rating: Excellent reviews, averaging 5.0 out of 5
- Address: 9 Sahastradhara Road, Kandoli, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India
- Location: Situated on Sahastradhara Road, close to Rajpur Road known for shopping, restaurants, and entertainment
- Price Range: Starts at approximately INR 3,595 per night, excluding taxes and fees
- Highlights:
- Modern and aesthetically designed hotel
- Spacious guest rooms with premium bedding and impressive decor
- Rooftop restaurant offering regional and international cuisines with panoramic views of Mussoorie
- Ideal venue for weddings, conferences, and meetings with creatively designed banquets and beautiful lawns
- Conveniently located a 45-minute drive from Jolly Grant International Airport and 6 km from the railway station
Things to do in Dehradun
| Category | Activity | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Adventure Enthusiasts & Nature Lovers | Trek to Robber’s Cave, Paragliding | Feel the excitement of exploring this natural cave, also known as Gucchipani. Soar high and witness the panoramic views of the valley. |
| Nature Lovers & Spiritual Seekers | Sahastradhara, Malsi Deer Park, Tapkeshwar Temple, Shiv Mandir | Take a dip in the therapeutic waters of these sulphur springs, spend a day amidst the flora and fauna, visit sacred sites, and offer prayers. |
| Culture Curious & Explorers | Forest Research Institute, Mindrolling Monastery, Rajaji National Park, Tiger Falls | Marvel at colonial architecture, find peace at a Buddhist center, embark on a safari, and be embraced by nature at a stunning waterfall. |
| Shopaholics & Foodies | Tibetan Market, Paltan Bazaar, Ellora’s, Local Cuisine | Bargain for unique handicrafts, explore local markets, indulge in baked goods, and savor authentic Garhwali dishes. |
| Night Owls | Nightlife | Groove through the night at Dehradun’s happening spots. |
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for general purposes only; if you want to read more about our disclaimer, visit our disclaimer page.
FAQ’s
What are the top attractions in Dehradun?
Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, Tapkeshwar Temple, and Mindrolling Monastery are must-visit places.
Best time to visit Dehradun?
The ideal time is from March to June when the weather is pleasant.
How to reach Dehradun?
Dehradun is accessible by road, rail, and air with Jolly Grant Airport being the nearest airport.
Are there shopping spots in Dehradun?
Yes, Paltan Bazaar and Tibetan Market are popular among shoppers.
Local cuisines to try in Dehradun?
Don’t miss out on trying the local Garhwali cuisine for an authentic taste.
Educational institutes in Dehradun?
Dehradun is home to renowned institutions like the Doon School and Forest Research Institute.
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