Dehradun Tourist Places

Forest Research Institute (FRI)

The beautiful architecture of FRI makes it one of the best Dehradun Tourist Places.

Being an environmentalist, I had always dreamt of visiting the Forest Research Institute for its lovely architecture, museums and overall premises. It is one of the most important Universities in India providing education and research opportunities in the field of forestry, the environment and its sub-branches. So while I was in Dehradun, FRI was on the top of my list to visit! 

For general visitors, Forest Research Institute is an attraction as many Bollywood movies are shot here and many times one may bump into an ongoing shooting. But other than that, FRI is a heritage complex spread across 2000 acres of land. The university complex is Greco-Roman architecture and houses six museums and a botanical garden. Guided tours are possible in the museum but all can be visited on their own. The six museums are Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Silviculture Museum, Timbra Museum, Non-Wood Forest Products museum, and Entomology Museum.

Because of the green campus, there are many bird species on the campus and it is a treat to photograph them here. Get your telephoto lens, choose a spot and get clicking!

Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

Entry fees: INR 10 (Guide fees: INR 50)

Mindrolling Monastery

Mindrolling Monastery also known as Place of Perfect Emancipation is India’s largest Buddhist learning centre. Research is conducted here about Buddhist scriptures, the Tibetan lunar calendar, astronomy, traditional Tibetan medicine and calligraphy. The Mindrolling Monastery boasts 220 feet tall stupa, beautifully maintained gardens and a shopping arena which is why it is one of the most popular Dehradun tourist places. 

The interiors of the monastery have vibrant wall paintings, depicting the life and works of Lord Buddha. 

Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm 

Entry fees: Free

Tapkeshwar Temple

Tapkeshwar is one of the famous picnic spots near Dehradun which is often visited by locals and students. Dehradun sightseeing isn’t complete without paying respects to Lord Shiva at the Tapkeshwar temple. The key attraction of the oldest Shiva temple in Uttarakhand is that it is built in a natural cave where water continuously drops on the Shiva Lingam. 

After visiting the temple, visitors often take a dip in the sulphur water springs near the temple which overlooks the beautiful mountains around. 

Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm

Entry fees: Free

Gucchu Pani

Gucchu Pani also known as Robber’s Cave is one of the offbeat places to visit in Dehradun. It is one of the favourite Dehradun Tourist Places. It is said that during British times, robbers used to treat this cave as a hideout, hence, the name. 

Visiting Gucchu Pani gives a sense of adventure as it has total fun packed into it. Located near Anarwala village, which is 8 km from Dehradun city, Gucchu Pani is a naturally formed cave that is long and narrow. The cave is 600 meters long, surrounded by hills and has freezing-cold springs inside. The river also flows through this cave. While some areas are shallow, as one goes further inside the cave, the water level may reach up to the waist. 

For details about how to reach, what to carry, whether swimming is allowed and how to experience this place to the best check out this detailed Gucchu Pani Guide.

Timings: 6:00 am to 7:30 pm

Fees: INR 25

Lachhiwala

Lachhiwala is the favourite summer picnic spot for students studying in Dehradun. Located 15 km away from the town, Lachhiwala is a Nature Park, which has a collection of man-made pools. Surrounded by Sal trees, it is a lovely picnic spot with gorgeous views of the hills. The water in these pools is sourced from the Suswa River, flowing nearby.

This area is also popular for trekking and bird-watching. sunset views, trekking trails, and bird watching. 

Timings: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm  

Entry fees: INR 10

Sahastradhara

Sahastradhara, also known as ‘Thousand Fold Spring’, is surrounded by caves and rivers. Sahastradhara is also one of the unexplored places in Dehradun which is formed by numerous sparkling streams cascading down the limestone stalactites. These sulphur pools make the water full of medicinal properties. The Sahastradhara pools look even more breathtaking with the prayer flags hanging from the rocks and hills in the background.

The ideal time to visit Sahastradhara is during the monsoon when the streams plunge down the rocks with full vigour. One can also take a ropeway ride to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of the waterfalls and its surrounding.

Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Entry fees: Free

Tapovan temple

Tapovan Temple is a sacred shrine famous as the place where Dronacharya, the teacher of Pandavas and Kauravas, performed penance. It can be translated as ‘Tapas’ meaning penance and ‘Vana’ meaning forest. With beautiful green surroundings and River Ganga flowing around, Tapovan is an idyllic location to rest or meditate. 

Visitors can reach this temple after a small trek to get enchanted with temple bells and aarti. Tapovan is one of the must-see places to see in Dehradun. 

Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm

Entry fees: Free

Asan Barrage

Asan Barrage is one of the top places to see in Dehradun, especially for bird-watching enthusiasts. At a distance of 42 km from Dehradun, the Asan Barrage is a wetland in the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border near Dhalipur village. It is located at the confluence of Eastern Yamuna Canal and Asan River and is a Ramsar Site. The Reservoir is a small wetland of 4 sq. km area and attracts a large number of birds. As many as 53 species of water birds visit the wetland which is also frequented by almost 19 European and Asian migratory birds. 

The barrage contributes to electricity generation for the area and that is why it is extremely significant. GMVN has also started an adventure water sports complex near the barrage which is why it is climbing the popularity charts. Activities like water skiing, rowing, paddle boating, kayaking, double waters skiing, mono-skiing and motor boating are offered to visitors. 

Timing: 8 am to 5 pm

Entry fees: INR 150

Shopping in Dehradun

Apart from being a stopover, Dehradun is bustling as a shopping destination. with vibrant street markets, malls, and shops catering to all needs, I suggest spending a couple of hours in retail therapy. Winter wear, handicrafts, Indian outfits and brassware, are some of the popular things to buy in Dehradun. 

Paltan Bazaar is the most popular and vibrant market in Dehradun. This market has permanent as well as makeshift street vendors who start selling stuff from Clock Tower to the railway station. Clothes, woollen wear, footwear and handicrafts, are famous to buy in Paltan Bazaar. Do not forget to indulge in some street food while you are at retail therapy to take a break and enjoy the local food.

Other markets in Dehradun are Indira market, Arhat Bazaar, Tibetian market and Rajpur Road. Check guide to shopping in Dehradun. 

Market timings: 10:00 am- 9:00 pm

Entry fees: Free

Must try food in Dehradun

Dehradun’s food culture is like every other city in India – full of fast food and chaats majorly catering to the student population in the town. However, traditional food is savoured by the local population and is available at selected restaurants. The staple food of Dehradun specializes in Kumauni cuisine which is nutritious for the hilly terrain. Kafuli – spinach and fenugreek-based curry, Chainsoo & Phanu – a type of lentil, Dubuk, Baadi, Jhangora Kheer, Gulgula, Arsa, Kandalee, are some of the local dishes worth trying.

Street food is popular at Rajpur Road, Dehradun. The Buffet Snacks Shop and KC Momos & Soup Bar at Rajpur Road are some of the most popular street food joints. Burger and bread rolls are best at Buffest Snacks while momos are best at KC Momos. Check out the other list of must try foods in Dehradun.

How to reach Dehradun

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport is located around 30 kilometres from Dehradun city. The airport caters to visitors for their onward journey to Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. There are direct flights to Dehradun from major cities of India. From the airport, one needs to hire a cab as no public transportation is available. Uber and Ola do not service to and from the airport due to the Union Taxi Association.

By Train

Dehradun railway station is connected to all major cities (Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Indore, Varanasi, Allahabad, Amritsar) and several trains run along this rail route. 

By Road

Several private and government bus tour operators depart from all the nearby cities to Dehradun. A bus journey from Delhi takes about 6-7 hours to reach Dehradun. Various car rental companies also operate to Dehradun from Delhi airport/ railway station. 

Commuting within Dehradun

Private cabs as well as Uber and Ola cabs service in Dehradun city.. Shared autos are commonly seen across the city. Visitors also have the option to rent a 2-wheeler from many rental vendors in the city. The vendors drop the vehicle at your hotel and pick it up. The rent starts from INR 300 per day.

Best time to visit Dehradun

Since the altitude is Dehradun is closer to sea level, it does get hot in summer apart from being crowded due to school vacations. Summer and Monsoon are the seasons to avoid visiting Dehradun. Winter is much more pleasant.

Where to stay in Dehradun?

Dehradun has many accommodation options to choose from resorts to hostels to homestays. Depending on your onward journey, you may choose to stay near Mussoorie road or in the city centre.

Resorts in Dehradun: Sanjeevani Resorts, Bougain luxury villa

Mid-range hotels in Dehradun: Hotel Madhuban, Hotel Forest Avenue

Hostels in Dehradun: Deep Hostels, Nomads House

Homestays in Dehradun: Horizon Homestay, Oxygen Homestay

So Is Dehradun worth a stopover?

Yes! From all the places I visited and couldn’t, I feel the capital of Uttarakhand state should be given at least 2 days for proper sightseeing. 

Sustainable tips for Dehradun Tourist Places

• Dehradun is a hill town and already reeling under the heavy influence of polythene. It is best to avoid polythene bags so do not use single-use or disposable plastic. Dispose of biscuit wrappers, wafer packets, and juice boxes in designated bins. Do not litter the highways, places of tourist interest or riverbanks.
• Respect nature during adventure activities and do not harm it in any form. A single cigarette butt can give rise to fires hurting the economy of the entire region.

Read More blogs on Uttarakhand

• Things to do in Rishikesh
• Places to visit in Nainital
• Bhimtal, Pangot, Sattal Birding 
• Jim Corbett National Park
• Chopta Chandrashila Trek

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