Top 20 Must Visit Places in Dehradun

Dehradun, located in beautiful Doon Valley in foothills of the Himalaya, is the capital city of Uttarakhand, providing gateway to some well known travel stations of India, including Mussoorie, Nanital, Rishikesh and Haridwar. 

Popular among tourists and travelers for its pleasant climate, this city is bordered by two holy rivers of India - The Ganga and the Yamuna. 

During rainy days, this beautiful valley enjoys very heavy rains and during winters the climate becomes ice cold. During summers, the climate stays normal. 

Being a suitable destination to visit through out the year, this city has become a preferred destination for all kind of tourists like family, couples, foreigners, group travels, corporate holidays and travelers including solo travelers like me :) 

Being a part of the Princely Garhwal State the local customs of the Garhwali people have influenced the culture in the city. 

Read : 

Dehradun - City on its Pathway from Ancient to Modern

देहरादून - अतीत से वर्तमान की पगडंडी पर बसा एक शहर

Local beauty can be enjoyed anytime of the day. But in order to enjoy all the sight-seeing destinations in Dehradun, you must stay for 3-4 days. 

Being a mobile photographer, I prefer capturing my travels in my cellphone only. Unfortunately I lost my phone in my travel and with that, almost all the images. Some are here, which I was able to save, as had shared with friends. 

Here, I am listing the top 20 must visit places in Dehradun, that I visited myself, with some other local attractions which are optional. If you are planning your trip to Dehradun, then you must visit these places : 

1. Sahastradhara, Dehradun

Sahastra Dhara, the name means - Thousand Fold Spring; got its name due to the waterfalls it has along with the water dripping from limestone stalactites in the caves and its waterfalls.

Being, comprised of waterfalls, caves and steppe farming lands and Baldi River, it provides a totally marvelous and rejuvenating experience to tourists. 

Owing to the presence of sulphur in the water of this spring, it is believed to have medicinal value. 

With its medicinal properties and beautiful views, Sahastradhara enjoys plenty of attraction. 

Just 14 km from the city, it is the must visit places in Dehradun. 

2. Tiger Falls, Dehradun

Tiger Falls, situated amidst a picturesque setting of dense forests at the foothills of the Himalayas, this 50 meters high waterfalls is located 1400 meters above sea level. 

The pond created by fall, makes a wonderful picnic destination for outing with friends and family. 

3. Robber’s Cave, Dehradun

Robbers cave is a 600 meters long river cave, which is locally known as Gucchupani. According to the local story, during British Era, the robbers used to hide in these caves after loot, hence owing its present name - Robber's Cave. 

Divided into two main parts with its highest fall being 10 meters long, Robber's Cave is famous for its unique natural phenomenon known as the disappearing stream, which suddenly disappears from the sight and appears again after few metres.

Located at a distance of 8 km from Dehradun, it is a must visit destination in Dehradun. 

4. Tapovan

Tapovan, according to the Hindu epic Mahabharatha, is the place where Guru Dronacharya performed his penance. The place is located on the banks of the River Ganges and is considered to be a major pilgrim spot. It is also known for its amazing meadows known as Nandavan which are trekked by various pilgrims and trekkers.

5. Mindrolling Monastery

Founded in 1965, this re-established facility of the original Mindrolling Monastery and was established by Khochhen Rinpoche. It is located in Clement Town area of Dehradun and is locally known as Tibetan Monastry. 
Originally it was established in 1676, by Rigzin Tendak Lingpa. The name of the monastery, Mindroling in Tibetan language means Place of Perfect Emancipation.
The Monastery houses the Ngagyur Nyingma College which is one of the largest Buddhist learning centers in India. 
The well maintained gardens and a 60 meters high stupa and contains various rooms which are decorated with murals and house various relics and a 35 meters high statue of Lord Buddha in Gold.

The Great Stupa, inaugurated on 28th October 2002 is one of the major attractions here. Being 185 ft tall and 100 sq. ft in width, these dimensions make it the world's largest stupa.

6. Tapkeshawar Temple

Tapkeshawar Mahadev Temple, located at the banks of the Nandi River,  is considered to be the oldest Shiva temple in Uttarakhand. 
The Temple is located within a cave which is characterized by naturally dripping water over the Shiva lingam placed here. The dripping water is the reason behind the name of this temple. Water drops ( Tapak in Hindi ), naturally on Shivlainga.
According to old legend, lord Shiva made milk flow here for Ashwasthama, son of Guru Dronacharya. 
The cool sulphur springs located around the temple are believed to have therapeutic value. Hence, these springs are ideal points for tourists to take a dip while visiting the temple.
Every year, the shivratri festival is organized here, that attracts a lot of devotees.  

7. Sai Durbar Temple

Sai Durbar Temple, located at a distance of around 8 km from the Clock Tower, is situated on the Rajpur Road. Built with marble stones, the chief idol is established in the core of this temple. The interiors of this temple are adorned with several beautiful paintings, which are made using different colours.

8. Laxman Siddh Temple

Laxman Siddh Temple, located at a distance of 12 km from Dehradun, is known for its scenic beauty. This temple is the cremation site of the Saint-Swami Laxman Siddh, which is visited by large number of tourists every year.

According to a popular belief, it is said that the temple is constructed on the same place where Laxman underwent repentance for killing the demon king Ravana. Thousands of devotees visit this temple during the annual Laxman Siddh Fair, which is also a major attraction. Tourists visiting the temple can reach the here only on foot.

9. Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park, spread over a massive 820 sq kilometers of land, it falls in a region shared by 3 districts, Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal. The reserve consists of subtropical and tropical moist broadleaf forests that house a plethora of wildlife, birds and fish species. 
It is also a major habitat of the Asian elephant and the Bengal Tiger in India.

10. Forest Research Institute

The Forest Research Institute, established in 1906, as the British Imperial Forestry Service; is a premier research institute. 
Spread over an area of around 2000 acres, the institute contains a museum for forestry with six main sections that are Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Silviculture Museum, Timber Museum, Non-Wood Forest Products Museum and Entomology Museum.

The main attraction of this institute is the building itself, which has been constructed in Greco-Roman colonial style. 

In addition, the place also houses a Botanical Garden, which is a popular picnic spot among travellers. Besides, inside the estate, there is Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy that trains probationer officers of the Indian Forest Service.

11. Lacchiwalla : 

The verdant forests of Lachhiwala lies along the Haridwar-Rishikesh Road at a distance of just 17 km from Dehradun and 30 minutes drive from Haridwar. Being an important picnic spot, people come here along with family and friends to spend some quality time, away from the frenetic rat race of the city life. 

12. Mall Road, Dehradun 

Mall Road in Dehradun is one of the busiest shopping centres and is located in the heart of the city. It is a perfect place to talk a walk with your loved ones. 

Shopping at Mall Road can be a memorable experience for the whole family. It is a one stop place for shoppers and exhibits a wide range of products such as electronics items, ornaments, second hand books, handicrafts and readymade garments. 
Though the main attraction in this place are the woollens items like Tibetan carpets, blankets and Garwahli shawls, other products like wooden bangles, traditional jewellery, dry fruits and traditional embroidered garments are easily available. 

13. Clock Tower 

Clock Tower, located on the Rajpur road, is one of the most prominent attractions of the destination. Encircled by the commercial centre of the city, the Clock Tower is one of the most renowned landmarks of the city that was constructed before independence by the British. A beautiful tourist attraction, this tower has six faces.

At present, this clock tower is not functional but it is said that previously the chime of this clock was audible even far away from the commercial centre of the destination. Tourists visiting the Clock Tower can also head towards the important institutions, schools, hotels, shopping complex and tourist spots located in the vicinity.

14. Indian Military Academy

Indian Military Academy, located in Dehradun, became functional from 1st October 1932. It is situated at a distance of around 8 km from the main city, on Dehradun-Chakrata Road. Initially, it started with a batch of 40 Cadets. The first commandant of this academy was Brigadier L.P. Collins.

In order to establish Indian Military Academy, the government acquired the former Railway College of Dehradun. Popularly known as Chetwode Building, the academy was named after Field Marshal Sir Philip Chetwode. He was the Commander-in-Chief of India at the time of establishment of the Indian Military Academy. In addition, he was the one who inaugurated this academy.

15. Malsi Deer Park 

Malsi Deer Park, located at a distance of 10 km from Dehradun, is one of the major tourist attractions in the city. Situated on the foothills of the Shivalik mountain range, this park is a Zoological Garden.

Apart from Deers, tourists visiting the park can also spot beautiful peacocks. In addition, this reservoir is home to Nilgai, which is also known as Antelope. This place is an ideal picnic spot, where the park authorities have even installed several slides for children to play.

At present, there are several attractions located within this academy that attract travellers. Museum, War Memorial, Shooting Demonstration Room and 18-holes FRIMS Golf Course are some of the attractions located within the Indian Military Academy.

16. Paltan Bazaar

Looking for local stuff, Paltan Bazaar is here for your. It is the main local market in Dehra Dun, is permanently filled with the fragrances of Basmati rice and spices, for which it is well known.
These woollen garments are made by the local tribes. Among the woollen garments abundantly available in the bazaar are sweaters, cardigans and shawls woven by the Nepalese women. The market is also famous for woollen carpets.

Other attractions in the market are the products made of bamboo and cane. 
Local paintings, brass statues, gift items and ornaments are also available in the market. The Paltan Bazaar is the right place to buy some mementoes on your visit to Uttarakhand.

The other nearby markets in Dehra Dun are Rajpur Road, Ashley Hall area, Sahakari Bazaar, Mall Road and Connaught Place. Dehra Dun, which is famous for Doon schools, is easily accessible by all modes of transport. October to April is the best season to visit the place.

17. Sri Ram Rai Gurudwara 

Sri Ram Rai Gurudwara, constructed in early 17th century, established by Guru Sri Ram Rai Ji, the 7th Sikh Guru, is one of the oldest gurudwaras in this valley.
It is said that Guru Ram Rai was casted away for becoming a Sikh Guru and was forced to leave his native place. 

After being moved out from his home town, he settled in Dehradun, where he constructed this famous gurudwara. 

18. Chandrabani

Chandrabani is located at a distance of around 7 km from Dehradun. This temple is also the site of the popular Gautam Kund, where devotees take a dip in the holy water.

According to ancient mythology, it is believed that the place was the resident of Maharishi Gautam, his mate and Anjani, his daughter. In addition, it is also believed by many that Chandrabani is the spot where the daughter of heaven, Maa Ganga, manifested herself.

19. Asan Barrage Water Sport Resort

Developed by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam at the Asan barrage, the water sports facility was opened in 1994. Located at the Dhalipur Lake the Asan Barrage Water Sport Resort offers various types of water sports facilities like boating, kayaking, canoeing and is also known as a shutterbug’s delight for its various migratory birds.

20. Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology

Previously known as the Institute of Himalayan Geology, the facility is one of the best centers of Himalayan Geology in the country. The best attraction here is the museum that displays the diverse geographic locations of India and visitors often get to know a few stunning facts about the geology of different regions in India.

Other Places : Chetwoode Hall, Jwalaji Temple (Benog Hill), Lakha Mandal Temple, Santala Devi Temple

How To Reach Dehradun

Want to know how to go to Dehradun? There are a lot of options for sightseeing in Dehradun. Hotels in Dehradun are also quite easy to find, the pre-booking facility is available for most hotels in this place and you should book in advance as it is a popular sightseeing spot. HolidayIQ provides you with a detailed guide about how to reach Dehradun.

By Bus: Dehradun trip by bus is scenic experience. You can choose to go for the Dehradun trip by bus by doing pre-bookings from any of the major travel websites. 

By Train: You can board a train to Dehradun from any part of the country. 
Book you tickets on a Dehradun train through IRCTC website. Get off at the Dehradun railway station from where other transport options are available.

Train No. 12017 - Dehradun Shtbdi

Train No. 12055 - Dehradun Janshtbdi

Train No. 13009 - Doon Express

Train No. 14041 - Mussoorie Express

Train No. 14113 - Sangam Express Slip

By Flight: You can reach Dehradun by flight as well. The Jolly Grand Terminal also known as the Dehradun airport is a domestic terminal located in the foothills of the Himalayas. There are a number of flights to Dehradun connecting major metro cities.

By Cab/Car: Dehradun is one of the most popular many hill stations in India. Most commonly travellers access Dehradun by road in order to experience the angelic beauty of the Himalayan Ranges. Travel to Dehradun by car through the hairpins and mountain roads.

Post By -
Alok Upadhayay