Overview
About Dehradun
Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, lies in the Doon Valley between the Shivalik hills and the outer Himalaya, with the Ganga flowing to its east and the Yamuna to its west. The valley's green setting, mild winters and old reputation as a retirement town for civil servants and army officers have given it a laid-back character, even as it has grown into a busy state capital.
The city is known across India for its institutions. The Forest Research Institute, the Indian Military Academy, the Survey of India and several well-known boarding schools are based here, and their leafy campuses add to Dehradun's green feel. The valley was also famous for its fragrant basmati rice and for its bakeries, whose rusks and cookies are still a favourite souvenir.
Most travellers know Dehradun as the gateway to Mussoorie, which sits on the ridge just above the city, and as a convenient base for Rishikesh, Haridwar and Rajaji National Park. Yet the city has its own attractions: cool river caves, sulphur springs, Tibetan monasteries and temples tucked into forested gorges, all within an easy drive of the centre.
- Forest Research Institute
- Gateway to Mussoorie
- Robber's Cave
- Boarding schools
- Bakeries
- Basmati rice
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Dehradun
Heritage & Museums
Forest Research Institute
A grand red-brick colonial building set in a vast landscaped campus, with museums on forestry, timber, insects and plant diseases. Its corridors and lawns are a favourite with photographers and film crews.
Clock Tower and Paltan Bazaar
The Ghanta Ghar marks the centre of old Dehradun, and the busy Paltan Bazaar beside it is the place for woollens, bakery goods, spices and street food.
Nature
Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)
A narrow limestone gorge where a cold stream runs through the cave floor. Visitors wade through ankle-deep water between rock walls, making it a popular half-day outing.
Sahastradhara
Meaning "thousand-fold spring", this spot about 15 km from the city has sulphur-rich springs dripping from limestone ledges, believed to have therapeutic value.
Malsi Deer Park
A small zoo and park on the road to Mussoorie, set in forest, with deer, birds and play areas for children.
Temples & Monasteries
Tapkeshwar Temple
A cave temple to Lord Shiva on the banks of a seasonal stream, where water drips steadily onto the lingam from the rock ceiling.
Mindrolling Monastery
A large Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Clement Town, crowned by a tall stupa with shrine rooms, murals and a view over the valley from the upper levels.
Nearby Excursions
Mussoorie
About 35 km uphill, the "Queen of the Hills" offers the Mall Road, Kempty Falls, Gun Hill and views of the Himalayan snow ranges.
Rishikesh
The yoga town on the Ganga, about 45 km away, known for its suspension bridges, ashrams, riverside aarti and white-water rafting.
Rajaji National Park
A large protected forest between Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh, home to elephants and a range of birdlife, with safaris from several gates.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Dehradun
- 1
Wade through Robber's Cave
Wear shoes you do not mind getting wet and walk upstream through the gorge, best done on a warm day.
- 2
Spend a morning at FRI
Walk the corridors and museums of the Forest Research Institute and picnic on its lawns.
- 3
Drive up to Mussoorie
Take the winding road to Mussoorie for a day of walks along the Mall, cable car rides to Gun Hill and Himalayan views.
- 4
Pick up bakery treats
Dehradun's old bakeries are famous for rusks, cookies and cakes, which make for popular gifts to take home.
- 5
Visit a Tibetan monastery
Explore the Mindrolling stupa and the Tibetan colony in Clement Town, with its cafes and handicraft shops.
- 6
Go on a jungle safari
Combine a stay in Dehradun with a safari in Rajaji National Park during the months it is open to visitors.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Dehradun
The best time to visit Dehradun is October to April. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to June
20°C to 36°C
Warm days, with May and June getting quite hot in the valley. A good time to head up to Mussoorie for cooler air.
Monsoon
July to September
22°C to 30°C
Dehradun receives heavy monsoon rain. The valley turns very green, but landslides can affect hill roads and some river spots become unsafe.
Winter
October to February
5°C to 22°C
Pleasant, sunny days and cold nights, ideal for sightseeing. Mussoorie, just above, sometimes gets snow in the coldest weeks.
Getting there
How to Reach Dehradun
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport, about 25 km south-east of the city, has regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities. Taxis and app cabs connect the airport with Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar.
By Rail
Dehradun Railway Station is the terminus of a line from Haridwar, with direct trains from Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata and other cities. Haridwar Junction, about 55 km away, offers more train options.
By Road
Dehradun is about 250 km from Delhi, reached via Meerut and Roorkee or through the newer expressway corridor. Uttarakhand Roadways and private buses run frequently from Delhi's ISBTs, and taxis connect the city with Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Dehradun
Kafuli
A Garhwali curry of spinach and fenugreek leaves thickened with rice paste, usually eaten with rice.
Aloo ke gutke
Potatoes tempered with cumin, chilli and local herbs, a popular Uttarakhand snack.
Jhangora kheer
A creamy pudding made with barnyard millet, a traditional hill grain.
Bakery rusks and cookies
Crisp rusks, buns and biscuits from the city's long-running bakeries.
Momos
Tibetan dumplings available across the city, especially around Clement Town and Rajpur Road.
What to Buy in Dehradun
- Bakery rusks, cookies and cakes
- Basmati rice
- Woollens at Paltan Bazaar
- Tibetan handicrafts in Clement Town
Travel Tips for Dehradun
- Avoid river spots like Robber's Cave and Sahastradhara during heavy monsoon rain, when water levels can rise suddenly.
- Leave early for Mussoorie on weekends, as traffic on the hill road builds quickly.
- Carry a light jacket in winter evenings, which can get surprisingly cold.
- Check Rajaji National Park's opening months before planning a safari.
FAQs
Dehradun Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Dehradun?
October to April is the best time to visit Dehradun, when the weather is pleasant and dry. Summers are warm and the monsoon brings heavy rain.
How many days are enough for Dehradun?
Two days are enough to see the main sights of Dehradun. Add a day or two if you plan to include Mussoorie, Rishikesh or Haridwar.
What is Dehradun famous for?
Dehradun is famous for the Forest Research Institute, its boarding schools and the Indian Military Academy, Robber's Cave, bakeries and as the gateway to Mussoorie.
How far is Mussoorie from Dehradun?
Mussoorie is about 35 km from Dehradun by road, usually a drive of an hour or a little more through hairpin bends.
Which is the nearest airport to Dehradun?
Jolly Grant Airport, about 25 km from the city centre, is the nearest airport and also serves Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Is Dehradun good for a family trip?
Yes. Easy outings to Robber's Cave, Sahastradhara, FRI and Malsi Deer Park, plus day trips to Mussoorie, make Dehradun a good family destination.
