Dehradun is famously regarded as the “Winter Capital of Uttrakhand”, is perched at an elevation of 1400 feet above sea level, and has a pleasant climate throughout the year. It is the capital of the Indian state of Uttarakhand and is situated in the beautiful Doon Valley at the foothills of the Himalayas. Dehradun is bordered by the two beautiful Ganges and Yamuna Rivers of India. It is nestled with beautiful caves, stunning waterfalls, and natural springs.
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Dehradun is famously known as the gateway to Mussoorie and Rishikesh and Haridwar. It encloses some of the prestigious universities and boarding schools in the country. It is a paradise for those who are looking for a rendezvous with natural greenery and tranquility. The uniqueness of Dehradun lies in its marvelous representation of nature.
It is an excellent destination for trekking and birdwatching. There are many incredible places to visit in Dehradun that will help to explore its history, culture, art, and lifestyle.
Places to Visit in Dehradun
Sahastradhara
The Sahastradhara is famously regarded as Sulphur Springs, which literally means ‘The Thousand Fold Spring’ is an amazing tourist destination in Uttrakhand. It is situated about 14 km from the main city. It is endowed with beautiful waterfalls, caves, and steppe farming lands and provides a totally eclectic and rejuvenating experience to its visitors.
The reason behind the name ‘Sulphur Springs’ is due to the water that drips from the limestone stalactites in the caves and its waterfalls. A dip in the Sulphur-rich water here feels cold and reviving and also has some remarkable medicinal advantages. One can even enjoy a magnificent view of the mountains on a fun ropeway ride. It is one of the popular tourist places in Dehradun.
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Major Attractions: Sulphur-rich water, Ropeway ride
Things to Do: Photography
Tiger Falls
The Tiger Falls is perched at a height of 1400 meters above sea level. The fall descends from an elevation of 50 meters and is one of the highest waterfalls in the country. It is situated amidst a picturesque dense forest of Chakrata and at the foothills of the Himalaya offers an amicable ambiance. The water assembles into a small pond which serves as a perfect spot for an outing with friends and family. It is one of the amazing places to visit in Dehradun.
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Major Attractions: Scenic view
Things to Do: Photography, Trekking, Rappelling, Canoeing, and River rafting.
Robber’s Cave
The Robber’s Cave is a 600 meters long river cave formed in the Himalayas, situated about 8 kilometers away from the main city. It is famously known as Gucchupani by the locals. This place is divided into two main parts with its highest fall descends from 10 m height.
This tourist spot in Dehradun is reckoned for its unique natural phenomenon known as the disappearing stream. This river cave abodes Lord Shiva. The cave was believed to be used by the robbers to hide during the British Raj hence owing to the name Robber’s Cave. It is one of the impeccable tourist places in Dehradun.
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Major Attractions: Waterfalls
Things to Do: Photography, Picnic
Mindrolling Monastery
The Mindrolling Monastery is famously called Buddha Temple Complex, was established in Clement Town by Khochhen Rinpoche in the year 1965. This tourist destination in Dehradun abodes the Ngagyur Nyingma College which is one of the largest Buddhist learning centers in India.
It is nestled with well-maintained gardens and a 60 meters high stupa and contains various rooms which are adorned with murals and enclosed various relics and a 35 meters high statue of Lord Buddha in Gold. It is one of the eminent places to visit in Dehradun.
Best Time to Visit: April to June
Major Attractions: Gold statue of Lord Buddha
Things to Do: Photography, Shop for Tibetan art and crafts.
Tapkeshwar Temple
The Tapkeshawar Temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples, situated at the banks of the beautiful Nandi River which offers it a unique sanctity. The Temple is constructed within a cave which is characterized by naturally dripping water over the Shiva lingam located here.
This place was once the home of the popular guru Dronacharya and hence is also famously known as Drona cave. While simple and adorning in its appearance, it is one of the beautiful tourist places in Dehradun.
Best Time to Visit: Feb to March
Major Attractions: Drona Cave
Things to Do: Maha Shivratri festivals, Photography, Picnic
Forest Research Institute
The Forest Research Institute was established in the year 1906 as the British Imperial Forestry Service. It possesses impressive Colonial and Greco-Roman styles of architecture. This place also encloses a museum for forestry with six main sections.
This sightseeing in Dehradun has been featured in many Bollywood movies. It is endowed in the picturesque backdrop of the Doon Valley. The magnificent Botanical Museum in the institute draws a large number of tourists throughout the years. It is one of the popular places to visit in Dehradun.
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Major Attractions: Museum
Things to Do: Photography
Tapovan
The Tapovan is located on the banks of the river Ganga, it is a sacred place that is located at a distance of 5 km from the main city. It is popularly known to be the place where Guru Dronacharya performed his atonement according to the Hindu epic Mahabharatha. It has been the major pilgrimage tourist destination in Dehradun.
This place is also popular for its picturesque meadows known as Nandavan which are trekked by various pilgrims and trekkers.It is nestled with lush greenery and is a must-visit tourist place in Dehradun, is known for releasing the tension and providing serenity to the visitor.
Best Time to Visit: April to July
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Major Attractions: Meadows
Things to Do: Trekking, Yoga, and Meditation
Har Ki Dun
A spectacular trek to Har Ki Dun is something that everyone should explore at least once in their lifetime. It is situated away from the hustle-bustle of the city, it is a beautiful cradle-shaped valley that offers a panoramic view. It is perched at an altitude of 3,566 meters above sea level.
It is famously regarded as the “Valley of Gods”, in Har Ki Dun. It is endowed with thick Pine forests, pristine mountain peaks, spectacular views of the verdant meadows, snow-capped mountains, lush green hillocks, full of alpine, oak, Rhododendrons flowers, frozen glaciers, exquisite blue Tamsa river, and the ancient shrine of Har Ki Dun. It is one of the beautiful places to visit in Dehradun for those who are looking for a rendezvous with tranquility and adventure.
Best Time to Visit: September to November
Major Attractions: Peaks
Things to Do: Photography
Khalanga War Memorial
The Khalanga War Memorial is nestled along the Sahastradhara road, is located about 5km away from the main city. It was constructed by the British to honor the memory of their general as well as the Gorkhas during the war of Nalapani in the year 1814. This place is a symbol of pride for the Gurkha community. It is the world’s very first war memorial erected in Dehradun. It is one of the incredible places to visit in Dehradun.
Best Time to Visit: September to November
Things to Do: Photography
Rajaji National Park
The Rajaji National Park is sprawled across 820 sq. Km which encompassed the Shivalik range of the greater Himalayas. An amazing abundance of wildlife here makes it enthusiast heaven. It has apparently reckoned the status of a Tiger Reserve by the Government of India.
This place is also a tiger reserve and abodes of Elephants, tigers, leopards, Himalayan Black bears, Striped Hyena, Panther, Bear, Chital, Sambar, Wild Boar, Kakar, Python, Monitor Lizard, Wild Cats, and many others. It is adorned with beautiful green hillocks, and subwa river offers a fabulous landscape. Rajaji National Park is filled with exquisite flora and fauna and a great place to visit in Dehradun for nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit: November to June
Opening Hours: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Major Attractions: Tigers
Things to Do: Photography
Dehradun, with the abundant greenery, scenic view, beautiful lakes, majestic hills, temples, wildlife, magnificent peaks, and every other tourist attraction is indeed a great place where you can spend a fantastic vacation. The list of amazing places to visit in Dehradun offers a picturesque blend of nature and wildlife, where you can explore the greenery and view the beautiful scenery around you.
FAQ
What are the famous foods of Dehradun?
The sumptuous foods of Dehradun include Bun TIkka, Bread Pakora, Momos, Chole Puri, Rava Dosa, Chowmein, Noodles, Paneer Samosas.
What is special about Dehradun?
Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand is a gateway to some of the most pristine hill stations in the country like Nainital and Mussoorie. It is endowed with beautiful Doon Valley, it is famously known for the number of elite boarding schools.