Dehradun, India: travel guide
A green Doon Valley base for Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Haridwar
Doon Valley city flanked by the Himalayas and Shivalik ranges — a pleasant base for Mussoorie, Haridwar, and Rishikesh excursions, home to elite institutions.
About Dehradun
Dehradun lies in the Doon Valley between the Shivalik hills and the Himalayan foothills, and it serves as the capital of Uttarakhand. Cooler and greener than the plains, it works well as a base for the hill towns and river towns around it.
Within the city you can walk the grounds of the Forest Research Institute, shop at Paltan Bazaar near the Clock Tower, visit the Mindrolling Monastery and its tall Buddha Stupa, and drive out to Sahastradhara and Robber's Cave for water and rock. Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Haridwar are all within an easy day trip.
Dehradun travel is relaxed and practical. It suits families, those arriving by air or rail and onward-bound hikers. Spring and autumn bring clear skies and comfortable days, while the monsoon makes the valley lush.
- Country
- India
- Currency
- INR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
- Nearest airport
- DED
Last updated
Top places to visit in Dehradun
Forest Research Institute (FRI)
Heritage · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A magnificent 1906 Greco-Roman-Colonial campus set in vast lawns, with forestry museums — one of India's grandest colonial buildings and a film favourite.
Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)
Nature · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · entry ₹35
A natural river-cave gorge where a stream flows between tall limestone walls — wade through the cool waters of this popular Dehradun picnic spot.
Sahastradhara
Waterfall · 4.1 rating · about 1.5 h · entry ₹30
The "thousand-fold spring", a series of sulphur-rich limestone cascades and pools ~14 km out, with a cable car and bathing spots.
Clock Tower & Paltan Bazaar
Market · 4.2 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
The six-faced 1953 clock tower at the city's heart, beside the bustling Paltan Bazaar — Dehradun's lively shopping and street-food hub.
Mindrolling Monastery & Buddha Stupa
monastery · 4.6 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
A serene Tibetan monastery at Clement Town with the Great Stupa (one of the world's tallest), vivid murals, a giant Buddha and gardens.
Tapkeshwar Temple
temple · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A popular cave temple on the Tons riverbank where water drips onto the Shiva lingam, a serene natural shrine amid forest.
Malsi Deer Park (Dehradun Zoo)
Wildlife · 4.1 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A green zoological park at the foot of the Mussoorie hills with deer, leopards, birds and a children's area, a relaxed family outing.
Rajaji National Park (Mohand)
Wildlife · 4.3 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
A tiger-and-elephant reserve on the city's western edge, offering jeep safaris through sal forest, with elephants, deer and rich birdlife.
Lacchiwala Nature Park
Nature · 4.0 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A forested riverside picnic spot ~20 km out with man-made bathing pools fed by canal water, shaded by sal trees — a popular escape.
Daat Kali Temple
temple · 4.3 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A revered roadside Kali temple at the Dehradun-Saharanpur entrance, where travellers stop to seek a safe journey, especially for new vehicles.
Things to do
- FRI Heritage Campus Visit Cultural · 1.5 h · from INR 40 per person
- Robber's Cave & Sahastradhara Tour Nature · 4 h · from INR 800 per person
- Mindrolling Monastery Visit Cultural · 1.5 h · from INR 300 per person
- Rajaji National Park Safari Wildlife · 4 h · from INR 2,500 per person
Day trips and tours
- Dehradun City Sightseeing 8 h · from INR 1,500
- Dehradun & Mussoorie Day Trip 9 h · from INR 2,000
- Rajaji Safari & Riverside Day 8 h · from INR 2,800
Where to stay in Dehradun
- City Center about INR 2,500 per night
Main commercial area with mid-range hotels
Hotels
- Four Points by Sheraton Dehradun 4-star · INR 5,500 to INR 9,500 per night
- Lemon Tree Hotel Dehradun 4-star · INR 4,500 to INR 8,000 per night
- Hotel Madhuban 4-star · INR 4,000 to INR 7,500 per night
- Hotel Pacific 3-star · INR 3,000 to INR 5,500 per night
- Zostel Dehradun 2-star · INR 500 to INR 1,700 per night
- Hotel Saurabh 3-star · INR 2,500 to INR 4,500 per night
Where to eat
- Kumar Vegetarian (Sweet Shop) North Indian, South Indian, Chaat · about INR 250 per person
- Town Table Continental, Italian, North Indian · about INR 600 per person
- Ellora's Bakery & Cafe Bakery, Cafe, Continental · about INR 250 per person
- Punjab Restaurant Punjabi, North Indian, Tandoor · about INR 300 per person
- Orchard Restaurant North Indian, Chinese, Tandoor · about INR 450 per person
- The Doon Cafe Cafe, Continental · about INR 350 per person
- Yeti - The Kitchen Tibetan, Pan-Asian, Chinese · about INR 400 per person
- Black Pepper North Indian, Chinese, Continental · about INR 450 per person
Getting to Dehradun
Airport: Dehradun (DED)
Getting around
- Auto Rickshaw
- Ride Hail
- Walking
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Frequently asked questions about Dehradun
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Dehradun?
- The highest-rated places in our Dehradun guide are Mindrolling Monastery & Buddha Stupa, Forest Research Institute (FRI), Tapkeshwar Temple, Rajaji National Park (Mohand), Daat Kali Temple.
- Where should I stay in Dehradun?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Dehradun: City Center.
- How do I get around Dehradun?
- Ways to get around Dehradun covered in our guide: Auto-rickshaw, Ride-hailing app, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Dehradun?
- The nearest airport to Dehradun has the code DED.