Dehradun

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.

Weather in Dehradun

Dehradun experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year, characterized by mild summers, chilly winters, and moderate rainfall during the monsoon season.

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. By Air

Jolly Grant Airport (DED) serves as Dehradun’s main airport, located around 30 kilometers away from the city center. It has regular flights connecting Dehradun with major Indian cities, making air travel the fastest option to reach the city.

• Direct Flights: Frequent flights run from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Airlines including SpiceJet, IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara operate these routes.
• Airport Transfer Options: Taxis and services like Ola and Uber are available at the airport. You can also pre-book a taxi for ease, or check if your hotel offers shuttle service.
• Approximate Flight Time:
  • Delhi to Dehradun: 1 hour
  • Mumbai to Dehradun: 2.5 hours
  • Bangalore to Dehradun: 3 hours

a) 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.

a) 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.

2. By Train

Dehradun Railway Station (DDN) links Dehradun to many parts of India, making it an economical and convenient travel choice.

• Popular Trains to Dehradun:
  • Dehradun Shatabdi Express: Runs between New Delhi and Dehradun, a top choice for travelers.
  • Nanda Devi Express: Provides a comfortable journey between New Delhi and Dehradun.
  • Mussoorie Express: An overnight train from New Delhi to Dehradun.
  • Dehradun Express: Offers an overnight journey starting in Mumbai, ideal for travelers coming from western India.
• Travel Duration:
  • Delhi to Dehradun: 5-6 hours (depending on train type)
  • Mumbai to Dehradun: Around 30 hours
  • Lucknow to Dehradun: 12-14 hours

3. By Road

Dehradun is well-connected by road, with multiple highways linking it to other cities in Uttarakhand and neighboring states.

a) By Bus

Regular bus services operate from Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Chandigarh, and other neighboring regions. You can choose from government-run buses (like UTC and Uttarakhand Parivahan Nigam) or private bus services.

Types of Buses Available:

• AC Sleeper
• Volvo AC
• Deluxe
• Semi-Deluxe
• Non-AC

Popular Routes:

• Haridwar to Dehradun: Just an hour’s journey by bus, with frequent buses available throughout the day.
• Rishikesh to Dehradun: Takes about 1.5 hours, with buses running every hour or so.

b) By Car or Taxi

For a more personal and flexible trip, consider driving to Dehradun or hiring a private taxi. Driving yourself lets you stop along the way and take in Uttarakhand’s beautiful scenery.

• Haridwar to Dehradun: This 55-kilometer drive takes around 1-1.5 hours.
• Chandigarh to Dehradun: Approximately 168 kilometers, taking about 4-5 hours by car.

How to Travel 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.

Dehradun Tourist 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 14-16 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

Tips: Avoid peak hours as it can get crowded. Bring a towel and change of clothes if you plan to bathe in the springs.

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

Tips: Wear non-slip waterproof shoes, as the stones can be slippery. Keep extra clothing and towels for a comfortable experience.

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

Tips: Try to visit early in the day to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the temple area involves a bit of trekking.

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 (FRI)

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

Tips: Guided tours are available for a small fee. Photography is allowed, so make sure to capture the stunning architecture and landscape.

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

Tips: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for outdoor activities. Carry a camera to capture the stunning wildlife and nature views. It’s advisable to book the camp in advance, especially during peak seasons.

8. Malsi Deer Park (Malsi Zoo)

Malsi Deer Park, also known as Malsi Zoo, is a popular spot for families and wildlife enthusiasts. This compact zoo houses a variety of animals, including deer, tigers, leopards, and exotic birds, making it a fun visit for all ages.

• Location: Goolar Khalla, Dehradun
• Timing: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Entry Fee: INR 20 for adult, Children and senior citizens pay a reduced ticket price of INR 10.
• Location on Map: Click here

Tips: Bring snacks, water, and a picnic mat. Photography is allowed, so capture the animals from a safe distance.

5 Best Hotels in Dehradun (Affordable)

1. Hotel Ajanta Continental

2. Hotel The Onix

3. Hotel Skyking

4. Hotel Vishnu Inn

5. Comfort Inn Dehradun

Things to do in Dehradun

Post from Garhwal Division