Places to visit in Dehradun

• Sri Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib: An excellent place to start is where it all began—Sri Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib, the 17th-century gurudwara of Guru Ram Rai. The gateway, walls, ceilings and chhatris (cenotaphs), are imbued with exquisite 200-year-old Mughal style murals painted in bright vegetable dyes.
• Forest Research Institute: Northwest on Chakrata Road is the Forest Research Institute, an impressive red-brick colonial structure built in the 1920s. Set on a sprawling campus, it is devoted to the preservation of India's threatened woodlands. The FRI Museum is divided into six sections though the highlight is the slice of a 704-year-old deodar tree that marks global events across seven centuries.
• Guchhupani: At Anarwala, 6km from town, is the legendary Robber's Cave, known locally as Guchhupani. Tons river, a tributary of the Yamuna, flows through narrow limestone caverns carving a natural rock formation that was once a hiding place for bandits. [Tip: slippers are given on hire to wade through ankle-deep water along the 600m-long canyon to a small waterfall]. Simple eateries arrange tables and chairs in the stream where guests enjoy Maggi or bread-omelette while cooling their heels.
• Tiger Falls: Tiger Falls, nestled in the beautiful forests of Chakrata, offers a mesmerising view. With an elevation of 312 m, this is one of the highest direct waterfalls in India. It culminates into a beautiful pond which makes its a popular tourist spot. One can opt for trekking, canoeing, rappelling, and rafting in the waters and enjoy the entire day exploring this beautiful spot.

High-end shopping/luxury shopping/shopping malls in Dehradun

• Malls in Dehradun: Pacific Mall on Rajpura Road and Times Square Mall on Sahastradhara Road are the larger shopping complexes.

Street shopping in Dehradun

• Local bazaars: Paltan Bazaar, located in the heart of Dehradun near the clock tower, is the central shopping hub. You can find many shops along the busy Rajpura Road, Astley Hall and the Tibetan Market opposite the parade ground.
• Natraj The Green Book Shop: Situated on Rajpura Road, this is a famous bookstore where one can pick up books on the region besides personally autographed titles by author Ruskin Bond, who resides in nearby Landour.
• Purkal: For hand-made shawls, scarves and stoles using fibres and natural dyes like henna, pomegranate and indigo, head to Himalayan Weavers. Drop by at Purkal, a self-help group selling patchwork quilts and cushion covers made by local women. Dehradun is also famous for its basmati rice, and you can pick up a 5kg gift pack to carry home.

Nightlife/party places in Dehradun

Most bars in Dehradun, are located in hotels and malls where you can grab a drink and the odd live gig.

• Head over Heels in Hotel Madhuban is perhaps the best bar in town.
• MJ Cheers in Hotel MJ Residency, Retro Pub at The Solitaire and The Terrace at Four Points by Sheraton are also good hangouts.
• If you want to chill in a lounge-like atmosphere, try Sheesha Lounge and Restaurant, QB Lounge or The Tavern at Crossroads Mall.
• Vibezz in Jakhan is a music-themed bar lounge with rock shows every month and a DJ with a dance floor.

Sahastradhara

Among other favourite places to visit in Dehradun is Sahastradhara (literally 'a thousand-fold stream'), a series of cascades and sulphur springs.

Wildlife parks

If you are interested in wildlife, don't miss the Dehradun Zoo and Malsi Deer Park.

Tapkeshwar Temple

Tourists also throng Tapkeshwar Temple, said to be the place of penance of Guru Dronacharya, where water drips on a Shiva linga inside a cave.

Ghantaghar

At the centre of the city is the six-faced Ghantaghar. A famous landmark in the town standing much before Independence is encircled by various commercial centres such as GPO and shops.

Jungle safari

How about a jungle safari that too on a hill station? Special right! So, if you want to do something different from the regular sightseeing, head to Rajaji National Park nestled in the lap of the Himalayas and Shivaliks. This national park is especially famous for the Asian Elephant Reserve that you can explore by jeep safaris. There are two times for safaris - one in the morning and the other in the evening. While on safari, you can even spot Wild Boar, Leopard, Tiger, Barking deer, Goral two kinds of Bears Himalayan Black and Sloth along with more than 400 species of birds. It's a one-of-its-kind experience that will make your Dehradun trip different and memorable while letting you explore the brilliance of nature.

Places to visit near Dehradun

Mussourie

A popular destination among honeymooners, it's a perfect romantic gateway from Dehradun. This beautiful valley mesmerises everyone with its serenity while creating unforgettable memories. If you love adventure, you can go for trekking as well.

Haridwar

An essential site for Hindu pilgrimage, Haridwar is easily accessible from Dehradun. The place has ample tourist spots like Ganga Arti, Har ki Pauri Ghar, Mansa Devi temple, which attracts numerous tourists all around the year.

Rishikesh

A popular site for river rafting, situated close to Dehradun is among the ideal gate away from the city.

Dhanaulti

This beautiful, silent and picturesque place is an ideal destination for a short escape from Dehradun.

Kumaoni Holi

Holi festival is celebrated almost everywhere in India. Though, the forms of celebration vary from region to region. In Dehradun, this festival is more synonymous to a musical event. It falls every year in the month of March-April according to the Hindu calendar.

Tapkeshwar Mela

It is a celebration that takes place in the Tapkeshwar temple on the eve of Mahashivratri. This festival attracts a large number of devotees and is celebrated with great fervour every year in the month of February.