19 Best Things to Do in Dehradun

What You Should Know More About

• Q. What are the places to visit near Dehradun?

  Close to the National Capital, Delhi, and close to major holiday and honeymoon destinations, Dehradun is a quaint central city for enjoyment, Check Out Now!
  
  1. Rishikesh: The most adventurous of places to visit in Uttarakhand, Rishikesh is located in the foothills of the Shivalik range 
  2. Dhanaulti: Lesser-Known heaven of a place, Dhanaulti is a hill station in the state of Uttarakhand, located in the foothills of Garhwal Himalayas.
  3. Mussoorie: One of the most famous romantic destinations of the country, Mussoorie is a hill station in the hills of Garhwal, Uttarakhand.
  4. Haridwar: One of the seven holiest places in the country of India, Haridwar is one of the most famous pilgrimages and interesting places to visit near Dehradun
  5. Chakrata: Chakrata is one of the quietest and serene locations in the state of Uttarakhand, with forests, hills, and valley views like none other.
  6. Har ki Dun: A hanging valley in the shape of a cradle, Har Ki Dun is a beauty that unfolds with every step you take in this heaven.
  7. Fun Valley:  Located equidistant from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun, the Fun Valley is an amusement park cum entertainment destination and one of the best tourist places near Dehradun
  8. Tiger View Jungle Camp: The exhilaration of seeing a tiger in Uttarakhand is something that people have no basis to compare with, but it can be said that it is a life changing experience

• Q. What are the best Places to visit in Dehradun

   Dehradun is a popular tourist spot and attracts visitors from all over the country and the world. Since being made the capital of Uttarakhand,It has undergone tremendous changes, Check Here!
  
  1. Chopta-Tungnath Trek: Chopta Tungnath trek is a relatively unexplored trekking destination, which is known for its mesmerizing scenic beauty.
  2. Deer Park: This is a mini zoological park turned out to be one of the favourite picnic spots or hangout places in the city, ideal for family outings or school excursions
  3. Tapkeshwar Temple: Blessed by natural extravagant sights abundantly, the prominent feature of this temple is the main Shivlinga that is kept sacredly inside a cave
  4. Guchhupani, Rober's Cave: An authentic picnic spot for fun lovers and couples, Gucchupani or as officially known as Cobber’s Cave in Dehradun
  5. Asan Barrage: An adorning spot for bird lovers, the surrounding acts as a haven for 53 species of native birds and 19 types of migratory birds. 
  6. Rajaji National Park Wildlife Safari: If you are a nature lover, then this place is a heaven on earth for you.

• Q. What are the best hill station near Dehradun?

  Whether you are planning a vacation with your family in the mountains or you want to set out with your gang of friends to indulge in some action, there are numerous excellent hill stations near Dehradun. Explore Here!
  
  1. Rishikesh: Located in the foothills of the Himalayas on the banks of the River Ganges, Rishikesh is a hot spot not only for tourists and adventurers but also for pilgrims
  2. Shimla: With such a wide range of varied options for rejuvenation and recreation in Shimla, you will be spoilt for choice.
  3. Mussoorie: One of the most popular hill stations near Dehradun, Mussoorie is famous for its lush green hills and pleasant climate throughout the year
  4. Nainital: Nainital is a hill station in Uttarakhand. As far as the scenery is concerned, the city is extremely scenic and is set around a vast lake named Naini Lake. 
  5. Auli: Renowned as one of the best skiing destinations in the country, Auli is a hill resort town in Uttarakhand at an altitude of 8218 feet
  6. Parwanoo: Located in Himachal Pradesh, Parwanoo must be one of the most underrated hill stations near Dehradun
  7. Kasauli: Located in Solan District of Himachal Pradesh, Kasauli is the kind of hill station any solitude lover would love to visit
  8. Kanatal: If you prefer offbeat and uncommercialized places to spend your vacations at, Kanatal is one of the best hill stations near Dehradun.

• Q. Is Dehradun a good place to visit?

  The heartbeat of the Doon Valley, Dehradun with its exemplary beauty and innumerable sights and activities is a must-visit! There’s something here for everyone.
  
  - If you’re a nature enthusiast, you ought to visit the Sahastradhara (Thousandfold spring), the Bar ki Dun, and Lachhiwala, a pristine picnic spot.
  - Animal lovers can visit the Malsi Deer Park, the Tiger View Jungle Camp, and Rajaji National Park.
  - If you’re looking for an adventure-packed holiday, head to the Bali Pass, embark on the Kedarkantha Trek, the Rupin Pass Trek and most importantly, rafting in the Tuini River which is a thrilling experience!
  - Travelling with kids entails a trip to Fun 'n' Food Kingdom or Joy Land Water & Amusement Park, for an action-packed enjoyable day
  - Other sights include Kalinga War Memorial, Clock Towers, and a range of temples, monasteries and gurudwaras.
  
  Coupled with good weather, you and your loved ones are in for a real treat when in Dehradun!

• Q. What is famous in Dehradun for shopping?

  - Tibetan Market: This bustling market with an array of colours offers everything from artefacts to handicrafts, and jewellery to prayer flags. These make for great souvenirs, which is why the Tibetan Market is a must-visit.
  - Paltan Bazaar: Some of the best brass articles, especially for home decor, and soft cardigans knitted by local women can be found here.
  - Himalayan Weavers: You’ll find the best handwoven Pashmina shawls, stoles, and scarves here, all of which are designed with all-natural dyes, boasting of eco-friendly products.
  - Arhat Bazaar: If you want to pick some fragrant, local spices to take back home, look no further. Try your best to visit it during the week when crowds are few.

• Q. What is the famous food of Dehradun?

  Dehradun has a plethora of dishes and dining spots to choose from, some of the must-try dishes here being:
  
  - Chilli Momos: Served in thick spicy gravy, loaded with bell peppers and onions, the melt-in-your-mouth momos are heavenly! Try them out at Kalsang, a Chinese and Tibetan fast-food joint.
  - Butter Toffees: Make sure you visit Ellora Bakery to try out the butter toffees, called Sticky Jaws, which are available in butter and chocolate flavours and are absolutely sinful.
  - Rasmalai: Served in earthen Kulhads, this spongy traditional dessert, with a hint of saffron is one of the best things that you’ll try in Dehradun, especially at Kumar Sweets.
  - Poori Thali: If you’re on the lookout for a street-food experience, look no further than the delectable Poori Thali, served with a side of Potato Gravy and Chhole (chickpeas).

• Q. How safe is Dehradun?

  Both tourists and locals claim that Dehradun is extremely safe, for one and all. The people of Dehradun are warm and welcoming, and being a common destination for boarding schools, students from across cities reside here. The city is always bustling with office goers, shopkeepers, travellers and others.
  
  Also, being a post-retirement settlement plan for most people, the vibe in Dehradun is very relaxed and easy-going, with not much to worry about.

• Q. What is the best time to visit Dehradun?

  Dehradun’s year-round beautiful weather is what attracts most tourists
  
  - Summers (March to June) are perfect for those who prefer just a pleasant breeze. Temperatures vary between 17°C and 35°C and being the dry season, all adventure sports are fully accessible and great to try out!
  
  - Monsoons (July to September) are an ideal time to visit if you’re a lover of landscapes. Thus it is the best time to visit Dehradun.Nature’s bounty is in full bloom during these months, and treks across the city are an unmatched experience!
  
  - Winters (October to February) can be pretty cold as temperatures drop as low as 3°C in the evenings, but temperatures during the day are approximately 22°C and the winter sunshine is worth soaking in as you roam the streets and admire the sights.

• Q. Is Dehradun a hill station?

  Dehradun is a city and cannot really be termed as a hill-station, but a lot of tourists consider it to be one. This is because the city lies 450m above sea level, and was originally called Doon Valley, owing to which Dehradun came to be known as a hill-station. However, unlike most hill-stations, Dehradun doesn’t even experience snow, so calling it a city would be wiser than calling it a hill-station.

• Q. How can I visit Dehradun in 2 days?

  Day 1: On arriving in Dehradun, check-in and head out for sightseeing. Choose simpler activities since travel might get tiring.
  
  - Visit Lord Shiva’s Tapkeshwar Temple, 6 km from the city
  - Head to Robber’s Cave, known as Guchchu Pani, a beautiful picnic spot.
  - Go to Shehasdhara, the cold Sulphur Water Spring.
  - Visit The Forest Research Institute Museum, India’s biggest forest based training institute, built on 450 hectares of lush greenery with the Himalayas in the background.
  
  Day 2:
  - If you love adventure, begin your day with a short trek.
  - Head out to see the Gurkha Fort and Tapovan Forest Area where Mahabharat’s Dronacharya would seek penance.
  - Get a glimpse of the Kalinga War Memorial.
  - End your day with a temple tour as you visit Mindrolling Monastery, Ram Rai Darbar, Sai Darbar Temple and The Char Siddhas.

• Q. Does Dehradun have snow?

  Although winters are very cold, and temperatures in Dehradun might fall as low as 3°C, Dehradun experiences no snowfall. But there’s often a chilly breeze through most of the year.