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Best Things to Do in Dehradun

Witness the miracle of Nature at the Robber’s Cave, which is approximately 8km from Dehradun. Robber’s Cave is a 600 M elongated naturally formed cave. A river passes through this cave making this place a perfect picnic spot for family and friends. 

The weird and wonderful thing about this place is that a stream of water miraculously appears in the Robbers Cave and vanishes under the ground and then reappears a few yards further. 

It is a very pristine and peaceful place and hence intrigues several tourists. Robber’s cave is a must-visit place when in Dehradun.

Location: Gucchupani, Malsi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248003

Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fees: INR 25 per person.

Popular Read: Best time and Season to visit Dehradun for your Holiday

Rejuvenate your inner self with camping in the verdant valleys of Dehradun. Since the city is one of the gateways to adventures, a small stopover with camp having delicious food and bonfire will be perfect for all. These camps are usually isolated from the main city center and provide an ardent beautiful view of hills around.

One can smell the fresh air, settle in comfortable tents, walk in the jungle and fall in love with the awesomeness!

Location: Raipur, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248008

Timings: Opens 24 hours.

Entry Fees: Starting from Rs 1200/-

Feel the adrenaline rush; go flying into that infinite sky. Soar high and witness a heavenly panorama of Mother Nature. One of the most exhilarating things to do in Dehradun is Paragliding. Get an aerial view of the immaculate beauty of Mussoorie, Chakrata ,Tehri Lake, Purola , Pauri and Rishikesh. 

Be the daredevil and explore the customer friendly packages offered here. One can be fearless as Paragliding here is a two seat ride, where your pilot is properly trained and qualified. The flight lasts for approximately an hour and the bookings can be made in advance. So, just book your tickets and get ready for a breathtaking experience.

Location: 256 Sarthi Vihar , PO, Nehrugram, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001

Timing: Between 7 AM to 4:30 PM

Best time to do this activity: June to December

What could be more amazing than making a joyful picnic in the midst of flora and fauna? Well, just hop into Malsi deer park where you can find soothing greenery, happy deer and they all are capable of making every visitor cheerful. And not only deer but you also get to see exotic birds, parrots, nilgai, 2-horned deer and much more.

This wildlife picnic spot is also loaded with waterbodies, slides for kids and canteen for healthy eatables. Do not miss a chance to spend some quality time with your family and kids, while in Dehradun.

Location: Dehradun zoo which is 10 km from Rajpur road

Timings: 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM

Entry Fees: INR 20 per person.

Check Out: Best Places to visit in Dehradun you must not miss.

The temple is located on the river banks of Tons Nadi river and one of the very ancient space to offer prayers. Hosting a fair on every Shivratri, it attracts hundreds of devotees and let them relish in the peace. The major shrine is lying within the cave where water drips on the Shivling, giving the name of Tapkeshawar Mahadev.

The cool sulfur water springs are an additional feature the temple where the devotees love to take a bath before they enter inside the temple.

Location: Garhi Cantt, Birpur, Dehradun

Timings: 9 am to 1 pm and 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm all days of the week.

Entry fees: None

Clock towers are specific buildings made to house a turret clock inside it. Turret clock is a clock which is a public amenity and larger than a domestic clock. It can have more than one face exceeding till four and even have a bell for the whole town to listen to the time.

The construction of this clock tower in Dehradun started in 1948 and completed in 1953. It doesn’t work anymore but it is said that at the time when it was working, the strike was that high that a person in the other end of the place could also hear it.

Moreover, it was inaugurated by our respected Lal Bahadur Shashtri Ji and the monument is worth watching once as it depicts the architecture style of that era.

Location: Clock Tower, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001

Timings: 24 Hours

Entry Fees: Free

The idea of an ideal vacation is to admire the exquisiteness of the environment and to attain peace in its captivating aura. Witness nirvana at Sahastradhara in Dehradun and forget about all your tensions and stress. It is popularly known for its serene vista.

The word Sahastradhara means 'Thousand fold spring'. The beauty of this waterfall during the rainy season is spellbinding. The water here contains Sulphur and is said to have medicinal properties. The magnificent waterfall and the alluring atmosphere make this place a perfect getaway. Spend some quality time with your peeps here and share some joyous moments.

Location: Khiroi, Uttarakhand 246422

Timings- 7 AM To 7 PM

Entry Fees: None

Must Read: 20 Best Hill Stations near Dehradun

Also known as ‘Rudreshwar Temple’, this temple is the place where Guru Dronacharya did his penance. He was the guru to Kauravas and Pandavas as written in Mahabharata.

Situated on the bank of river Ganga, this temple’s name has been combined using two terms, ‘tapo’ means ‘penance’ and ‘van’ means ‘forest’ suggesting a place where someone has had penance. Having said that, it is justified that this place is perfect for meditation as nestled in a valley with a free-flowing sacred river beside it.

So, yoga is one of the other things to do in Dehradun as courses are organised for the interested ones in the dense greens, soothing breeze and calming sound of water.

Location: 9, Lane-2, Raipur, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248008

Timings: 06:00 am to 08:00 pm

Entry Fees: Free

Shiv Mandir Dehradun is a massive temple. It attracts a lot of devotees from around India. Its rich history and importance in Hindu mythology is not the only reason for it getting all the popularity it has.

The better reason is that this temple is privately owned by an unknown person and there is no box kept for offerings in terms of money or anything else. The only thing you can offer is water to the Shivling and besides that, you get things in return.

Having Bhandara on the premises is one of the activities in Dehradun to do as not every temple offers that for free. The owner has managed to keep his identity concealed and in a world full of greedy people, he’s serving humankind.

Location: Shiv Mandir Dehradun, 110, 4, Chandra Nagar Rd, Chander Nagar, Race Course, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001

Timings: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm

Entry Fees: Free

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Settled in the abode of Himalayas, Mindrolling monastery offers a serene and peaceful environment and is one of the largest Buddhist centers in India. Visiting the monastery is surely one of the essential things to do in Dehradun which is known for its grandness, architecture, beautiful Buddha statue and the walls that explain Buddha's life in detail.

Fill your heart in spiritual tone and dive into the new world with Mindrolling monastery.

Location: Mindrolling Monastery, Clement Town, Dehradun

Timings: Open for all, all Days- 9:00am to 7:00pm

Entry Fees: Nothing! Seek peace without paying any cost!

The Forest Research Institute (FRI) is one of India's foremost organisations. It is a significant and unique institute, dealing in research related to forests. Situated on rich green grounds and stretched across 450 hectares, the FRI is an enticing place to explore. It was developed by the British and till date stays one of the most stupendous structures constructed amid provincial times. The blend of Greco-Roman and Colonial architecture is highly admirable.

 This campus encompasses laboratories, libraries and herbariums and is also an abode to several museums like Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Silviculture Discover places to visit in Dalhousie and experience both peace and exhilaration amidst the picturesque landscape around this hill station.  

 Museum, Timbra Museum, Non-Wood Forest Products Museum and the Entomology Museum. The fees to enter the museums is Rs.15 per person.  One can take advantage of the services of tour guides who will take you around the institute and give you information. The campus is an excellent place for photography. It was also used as a set for the well known movie Student of the Year.

Location: Chakarata Rd, New Forest, P.O, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248006

Timings: 9 AM TO 5 PM

Entry Fees: INR 10 per person.

Lighten your pockets a little, because things to do in Dehradun are incomplete without Shopping. The popular Tibetan market is based near Parade Ground Road and also near Rispana Pul in Dehradun.These markets are extremely well-known for its multi coloured woollen garments.

They are run by the Tibetan community and their culture is showcased in the handicrafts and Garhwali jewellery sold here. One can also purchase stunning wind chimes and a variety of wooden art pieces. Savour the delicious momos and the popular hot noodles with butter soup, served at the Tibetan Market. So collect some souvenirs and cherish the memories from Dehradun.

Location: Opposite Parade Ground, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001

Timings- 10 AM to 10 PM

Entry Fees: None

Let some fun take you high on the rides with Fun n food village! This first Amusement and Water Park of Dehradun encompasses 13 high tech rides, awesome Picnic Area, Boat Club, Water Slides, Wave Pool, Rain Dance, Kids Pool, water activities and all.

And moreover, it is studded with lush green lawns and fountains, lets one gaze at them for unlimited time. This place is just perfect for a family visit or a group of friends who wish to spend a day at leisure and fun.

Location: Village Kohlupani, Nanda Ki Chawki, Near Prem Nagar

Timings: It is open for all between 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM

Entry Fees: INR 650 per person for adult

Trekking and Camping have always been amongst those activities that help you revitalise. Situated at the base of the Shivalik Crests, Dehradun is a hub for all the adventurers. Being at an elevation of 640 M above the sea level, amidst the lush green hills; Dehradun is a base camp for numerous trekking trails. 

These trekking trails will take you up to a height of 1800-2000 M. Trek to Chhaskhet, Bhadraj Hill, Nag Tibba are some of the challenging and popular trekking routes in Dehradun. So zip your pull over, tie your shoelaces and embark on this expedition.

Location: 263, Phase II, Vasant Vihar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001

Timing: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Best time to do this activity: June to December

Witnessing a tiger or two is something a lot of people fantasize about. Situated in Goolar Khalla, this camp provides you with the opportunity to spot tigers in their common living space.

This camp will be one of the unique things to do in Dehradun for you as you will be watching tigers in their natural habitats. You can explore tigers in the wilderness and you will be safe as well because you will be provided safe camps sites.

Besides this, you can spot birds and other wildlife too.

Location: Goolar Khalla, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248001, India

Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm

Entry Fees: Free

Situated near the bank of a tributary of Song river, Lachhiwala nature park is the ultimate choice to relax with your kids and spend some quality time with your family over a fun-filled picnic. This park offers you a man-made pool amidst the luscious greens and the breeze of oak trees. Taking swings in this environment will turn out to be one of the most memorable things to do in Dehradun for your kids.

Moreover, you can visit one of the most popular houses in the forest of that area which is an administrative and tourist centre.

Location: Haridwar-Rishikesh Road, Doiwala, India 

Timings: All days- 10:00 am to 05:00 pm

Entry Fees: Free

It is Indian Military Academy, Dehradun which is the administrative headquarters established in 1932 after the recommendation by Indian Military College Committee under the chairmanship of Field Marshal Philip Chetwode in 1931. In the initial year, it had a batch of 40 gentleman cadets which are now exceeded to 400 gentleman cadets per batch making its overall strength 1200 gentleman cadets.

It has a lot of lecture halls, computer labs, a central library and a cafe too. It is one of the very fascinating activities in Dehradun as visiting this hall develops a sense of pride when you see the disciplined and hardworking Indian Army. 

Location: 19, Chakarata Rd, Panditwari, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007

Timings: 24 Hours

Entry Fees: Free

A trip without shopping is not a trip complete! And when you have Paltan Bazaar in your destination, the wish can be fulfilled where a bunch of coffee shops, food joints and bakeries wait to get explored.

One can pass through famed school crowd in the lanes and help yourself in buying antiques, local jewelry, budget fashion wear, limited edition books and much more to calm the pleasure of shopping distinct items. The huge clock tower in the middle is another major attraction for all the guests within the city crowd.

Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001

Timings: The shops and cafe keep on glittering in between 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM

Entry Fees: None

Buddha means ‘the awakened one’ or ‘the enlightened one’. And these enlightened souls offer their prayers in monasteries, which varies from place to place. According to their structure they can be called vihara, chaitya, stupa, wat or pagoda. The design is made to symbolise five elements: fire, air, earth, water and wisdom.

These efforts are to inspire inner an outer peace in anyone who is offering prayers. Visiting this temple filled with calmness, purity and healthy environment would be one of the most peaceful things to do in Dehradun. This Tibetan temple is a stupa and the ultimate place to find serenity. This temple is surrounded by tombs and idols of Buddha.

Counted among one of the largest monasteries, this place tells the life of Buddha in detail.

Location: Buddha Temple, New Basti, Clement Town, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248002

Timings: 08:00 am to 07:00 pm and 12:00 noon to 02:00 pm is lunch break

Entry Fees: Free

Stretching from Picture Palace at east to the Library at the west, the Mall road in Mussoorie is filled with everything you would want to buy starting from food to clothes, from purses to cakes, from chocolates to drinks and whatnot.

This road could make anyone in your group happy be that person like earrings, bracelets or you want to buy something for your family as a souvenir. This road also gives you the opportunity to explore local and authentic street food amidst the beautiful environment it has settled in. 

Location: The Mall Rd, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 248179

Timings: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm

Entry Fees: None

Being the oldest pilgrimage for Sikh in Dehradun, this gurudwara is settled in the heart of the city. The construction of this building was completed in the year 1707 with the great help of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He was highly impressed by the powers of Guru Ram Rai Ji and so he did every possible help to make this construction possible.

It is the reason that the building is very much influenced by the Muslim architectural style which makes it one of the compulsory things to do in Dehradun.

In the present days, the gurudwara committee is contributing in different social sectors like education, ecology, environment, agricultural farms, games & sports and they also play the role of a philanthropist and helps the society around them develop along.

Location: Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara, Tilak Rd, Jhanda Bazar, Jhanda Mohalla, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001

Timings: 24 Hours

Entry Fees: Free

After some relaxation in the valleys, get ready for a simple yet exciting activity of cycling along the Mussoorie road. Probably, one of the most beautiful things to do in Dehradun, this slow-motion trip will expose through the distinct terrains, mountain passes while you catch the routes like Rajpur, Sasasthradhara, Maaldevta or Purkul.

Location: Routes like Rajpur, Sasasthradhara, Maaldevta, Purkul, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Haridwar and Ponta Sahib.

This beautiful trek to Serpent’s peak is one of the best activities in Dehradun that you shouldn’t miss. It will be a two-day trek.

Day 1: Once you reach Dehradun, you will be taken to Pantwari and then to Nag Tibba Base Camp which would require a drive of 85 KM and a trek of 4 KM. After a good dinner and a sound sleep, you will take a 7 KM long tiring trek to the Serpent’s peak. You can see great peaks of other mighty mounts from their like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath and Gangotri.

Day 2: Second day would cover the Nag Tibba Temple and coming back to the base from a different path to see the Himalayas from the other angle.

Location: Dehradun

Timings: 2 days

Distance from Dehradun: 120 KM

Entry Fees: 3,050 INR

While you are in Dehradun and those snowy peaks catch your attention, just step on and fix a plan to reach Har ki Dun. This trek lets you pass through green meadows, allows to camp in calmness, give you an instant freshness and make one fall in love with it. Though a little tough on one side, new energy picks up every morning as the peak is near and you grab the altitudes easy.

 A splendid view of sprawling wild orchids will be along the trail, and if lucky, encounter the wilderness of the Himalayas like Barking Deer, Bores, Leopards and the likes. At those heights, spend the night under the star clad sky and enjoy the lovely aura. 

Location: Dehradun to Sankri is 7 to 8 hours by road, from where one hikes above to reach the peak.

Timings: Open all day.

Distance from Dehradun: 98.7 km 

Entry Fees: None

Do not forget to add Rajaji National Park to your things to do in Dehradun list. If you are a nature lover, then this place is a heaven on earth for you. Capture the mesmeric panorama and the flora and fauna in your cameras. This place is an abode to approximately 400 species of birds.

There are also several animals in the Park like the Tiger, Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Cheetah, hog deer, barking deer, Leopard Cat, Civets, Himalayan Yellow-Throated Marten, Sloth Bears, Pythons, King Cobra, Common Krait, Indian Cobra and the Monitor Lizard, Asian Elephant and many more. The best way to travel around the park is to go for the wildlife jungle safari and explore the wilderness with family and friends.

Location: 5/1, Ansari Road, Mohand Range, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001

Timings - Morning 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM
                  Afternoon 02:00 PM to 06:00 PM.

Distance from Dehradun: 60 km

Entry Fees: INR 150 for Indians.

Those who love to explore nature through treks and hikes, they have a brilliant option of Kedarkantha trek. Dehradun acts as its gateway from where one needs to travel to Sankri via Mussoorie. The trek takes up high at an altitude of 9100 feet, experience heavy snow in winters and lush greenery in summers.

So do not wait, pack bags, wear jackets and hit the place while savoring natural beauty all through the way.

Location: Dehradun to Sankri is 7 to 8 hours by road, from where one hikes above to reach the peak.

Timings: Open all day. 

Distance from Dehradun: 220 km

Entry Fees: None

Tiger falls are boasting the surrounding natural beauty and are lying comfortably in Chakrata. A hidden gem of Dehradun’s proximity is cascading form 50m and also a major picnic spot to the young hearts. One needs to trek down a good 5 km to be here within which the trail is loaded with calm greenery.

Moreover, the pool that forms beneath is an amazing place to dip in own feet, relax, click pictures and embrace it all. Not just this, those chirping birds and tiny animals will be a part of your fun, making the day most exciting than ever.

Location: Chakrata

Timings: Not allowed after 7 PM

Distance from Dehradun: 88 km by the drive to its base, after which you need to trek for another 5 km

Entry fees: None!

Also known as Rajpur Road Park, it is a serene park nestled amidst green valley covered with oaks and pines. You can come here to sit and relax and watch people enjoying their lives as it is visited by people of every age group be it kids, youngsters, families, old people and fitness freak also as they get the chance to run on already laid jogging tracks.

 If you come here then it is suggested to witness the sunrise and sunset as it is one of the most beautiful sights there. You can even visit the aquarium it has inside it and grab some food from the canteen as well.

Location: Prem Nagar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007

Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm

Distance from Dehradun: 12 KM

Entry Fees: Free

This confluence of river Assan and Yamuna, is home to a diverse waterfowl, both waders and divers. It is popularly known as ‘Dhalipur Lake’. You will find a lot of different types of birds swimming and playing in the water including birds which are listed as globally threatened species.

Watching unique birds here is one of the most mesmerising activities in Dehradun. You can visit any time of the year as this reservoir is filled with water throughout the year.

It is an artificial lake which is filled by Asan river water whereas Yamuna is its discharge channel through Dhalipur power house.

Location: Assan Barrage, Uttarakhand 248142

Timings: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm

Distance from Dehradun: 45 KM

Entry Fees: Free