Dehradun is a beautiful city renowned for its pleasant climate, lush greenery, and scenic views of the Himalayas. The city offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban attractions, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Tourists can explore the iconic Robber's Cave, the tranquil Sahastradhara waterfall, and the historic Forest Research Institute. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, Dehradun tourism promises a memorable experience for every traveller. In this Dehradun travel guide, you will find a detailed itinerary to make your journey to this beautiful place worthwhile.
How to reach Dehradun
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), the main airport for the city, provides regular flights to Dehradun. The airport is 20 km from the city centre and boasts a single terminal building catering to all the city's air traffic.
- By train: The Dehradun Railway Station connects the city to the broader Indian rail network. This station facilitates regular train services to and from Dehradun for long and short rail distances.
- By road: Dehradun is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Shimla, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Agra, and Mussoorie through various buses, including the Uttarakhand State Transport buses.
- Getting around/local transport in Dehradun: You can travel within Dehradun using local transport like taxis, buses, tongas, cabs, auto rickshaws, and tempos.
Places to visit
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Robber’s Cave
Natural cave formation, mysterious atmosphere, and scenic surroundings.
Exploration time: 3 hours
Sahastradhara
Exploration time: 3 hours
Forest Research Institute
Exploration time: 2-3 hours
Tapovan Temple
Exploration time: 4-5 hours
Shikhar Fall
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Mindrolling Monastery
Exploration time: 2-3 hoursView All 6 places
Places to eat
Dehradun boasts pleasant weather all year round, making it the perfect setting for a culinary adventure. Discovering a cosy café or restaurant to relax and enjoy the atmosphere will greatly enhance your visit to the city.
Orchard Restaurant
Orchard Restaurant offers some of the best Thai, Chinese and Tibetan cuisine with a scenic view of the surroundings.
Popular dishes: Schezwan rice, pad thai noodles, seasoned chicken, Chicken kothey, tiramisu, and blueberry cheesecake.
Countdown Restaurant Since 1980
This is the oldest Chinese restaurant and the first to sell pizzas in Dehradun.
Popular dishes: Chinese pizza, spring rolls, and momos.
Y Café & Restaurant
Y Cafe & Restaurant is a casual dining outlet that offers a wide variety of delicious food and drinks. The restaurant has an inviting atmosphere that is perfect for lunches and dinners.
Popular dishes: Hand-beaten coffee, mango smoothie, Chinese firebolt, and burritos.
Black Pepper Restaurant
Black Pepper Restaurant in Dehradun serves Chinese, Mughlai, North Indian, and Continental. Dishes.
Black Pepper Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience along with inviting ambience and excellent service. It offers delectable North Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines.
Popular dishes: Paneer tikka, butter chicken, and chicken lollypop.
First Gear Cafe
The cafe has a perfect romantic setting with amazing views of the Himalayan skyline from its balcony and live music.
Popular dishes: Cappuccino, white sauce pasta, mojito, and oreo shake.
Jalapenos
Jalapenos is a lively cafe known for its authentic flavours and relaxing ambience. Its range of beverages and desserts are quite popular among customers.
Popular dishes: Kullad chai, salsa, pancakes, hot chocolate, cheese bombs, and sandwiches.
Things To Do
Dehradun has many activities to ensure a memorable experience and make your time in the city fulfilling
Trekking excursion
Nature and wildlife
Cave exploration
Architectural tours
Museum visits
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Dehradun is from March to June and September to November. These months offer pleasant weather, which is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Most commonly spoken languages
The languages spoken in Dehradun are Hindi, Garhwali, and English.
Shopping
Apart from breathtaking landscapes, Dehradun is known for its bustling markets. Shopping is an exciting experience here. Take a look at some of these popular shopping places:
- Paltan Bazaar: Stroll through the bustling lanes of the Paltan Bazaar to find affordable clothing, unique antiques, second-hand books, and traditional Pahari handicrafts. Treat yourself to a delightful meal at one of the nearby cafes or restaurants, rounding off your day of shopping in Dehradun. The place is renowned as one of the city's most popular Sunday markets.
- Tibetan Market: Dehradun's hidden gems include Buddhist monasteries and a vibrant Tibetan settlement. The Tibetan market is a must-visit, offering stunning jewellery, handicrafts, and semi-precious stones. Don't miss out on the delicious Tibetan delicacies like momos, thukpa, and noodles that local vendors sell.
- Ashley Hall: The market is housed in a historic building that adds charm and character. The architecture reflects a blend of colonial and local styles. It is home to various shops selling products, including artificial jewellery, carved wooden items, woollen clothes, cane and bamboo artefacts, and more.
- Connaught Place: Situated on Chakrata Road, this bustling market is a Dehradun activity hub. Here, you'll discover retail stores offering local wooden handicrafts, Garhwali paintings, and artificial jewellery. If shopping isn't your thing, you can join the city's youth and enjoy a cup of cocoa at one of the coffee houses.
- Gandhi Road Market: This street market specialises in pocket-friendly shopping. You can get second-hand books and souvenirs like jewellery, brass statues, wooden items, shoes, and sunglasses.
- Arhat Bazaar: This market is a one-stop destination for groceries, offering a variety of lentils, spices, rice, and more at affordable prices. It's also known for its timber merchants. If you're searching for exotic spices, this is the place to be, making it one of the top shopping spots in Dehradun.
Festivals
The mesmerising landscapes of Dehradun come alive when people celebrate its cultural richness. You will find a blend of traditional rituals, spirituality, and modern exuberance in the festivals of Dehradun.
Holi
The festival of colours is one of the most vibrant and joyous festivals celebrated in Dehradun. People gather to smear each other with coloured powders and water, sing and dance to traditional music, and indulge in festive foods and drinks. On the fifth day after Holi, the Jhanda Fair is held at the historic Guru Ram Rai Darbar. Apart from locals, many devotees from around the country come to attend the fair.
Shivratri
Shivratri, the festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, is celebrated enthusiastically in Dehradun. Devotees visit the famous Tapkeshwar Temple and other Shiva temples across the city to offer prayers and seek blessings. During the festival, the annual Tapkeshwar Mela draws crowds of pilgrims seeking blessings.
Basant Panchami
Basant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja, is a vibrant festival celebrated in Dehradun to mark the arrival of spring. People celebrate by wearing yellow clothes, flying kites, and visiting temples, especially the Tapkeshwar and Tapovan Temples.
Bhitauli Festival
Bhitauli is a traditional festival celebrated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, marking the beginning of the Hindu calendar month of Chaitra that generally falls in March. It is a joyous occasion deeply rooted in the region's cultural fabric, reflecting the importance of tradition and community in Kumaoni society.
Harela Festival
Harela is another festival celebrated in the Kumaon region, to mark the onset of the monsoon and the sowing season. The festival falls in the Hindu calendar month of Shravan, usually in July or August. Harela holds agricultural and cultural significance, symbolising the renewal of life and the Earth's fertility. It is a colourful affair with community gatherings, feasts, and traditional performances.
More reasons to visit
Let’s dive into some more reasons that can make your trip even more eventful.
- Tiger View Jungle Camp: Located in Goolar Khalla, it offers a rare chance to witness tigers in their natural habitat. It's a unique experience in Dehradun, where you can observe these magnificent creatures in the wild. In addition to tigers, you can also spot various bird species and other wildlife, making it an unforgettable adventure.
- Tiger Falls: Located in the beautiful forests of Chakrata, it is a magnificent waterfall. It is at an elevation of 1,395 metres above sea level. Below the 50-metre waterfall, visitors can enjoy a rejuvenating bath, which converges into a small pond.
- UCOST Science Fiesta: A visit to the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) in Dehradun promises a unique experience. This institution is dedicated to showcasing the wonders of science and its practical applications. Open every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, UCOST offers a fascinating insight into the world of science.
- Malsi Deer Park: Located about 10 km from Dehradun, Malsi Deer Park, also known as Dehradun Zoo, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The park offers a glimpse of various deer species, such as spotted and sambar deer, in their natural habitat. Visitors can stroll through the park and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while observing various animals, including tigers, leopards, and Himalayan black bears.
