Tucked away in the Doon Valley, Dehradun is a popular and preferred hill station in Uttarakhand. It boasts of the scenic backdrop of the Garhwal Himalayas that invites couples, families and solo travelers alike. The best places to visit in Dehradun consist of religious attractions, tourist points, and wildlife havens.
There are places to chill out and watch the sun go down with your partner, tourist pockets to explore with your family, and adventure stops to try thrilling activities with friends. Dehradun tourism has many tourist places to let you plan your tour accordingly.
Explore Dehradun’s tourist places with our little guide
1. Mindrolling Monastery – The largest Buddhist learning center of India
Mindrolling or Place of Perfect Emancipation is the largest Buddhist learning center of India is devoted to the research of Buddhist scriptures, Tibetan lunar calendar, astronomy, traditional Tibetan medicine and calligraphy.
The 220 feet high Buddhist temple tops the list of most popular places to visit in Dehradun. Key attractions here are – the spectacular holy shrine of Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava and vibrant looking wall paintings, depicting the life and works of Lord Buddha. The monastery complex has a well maintained manicured garden and a buzzing shopping arcade selling artifacts, souvenirs and knick knacks.
But what totally steals the show here is the spectacle of nature! Top floors of the building offer jaw dropping views of Doon Valley that you shouldn’t miss for anything.
Opening hours: 9 am to 7 pm. The garden and shops are open on all seven days while the monastery is open to tourists only on Sunday.
Distance from ISBT Dehradun:7 km
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2. Zonal Anthropological Museum – A must visit museum of Dehradun
Zonal Museum is one of the most engrossing places to visit in Dehradun city for history and culture enthusiasts. It was established in 1971 by the Anthropological Society of India. The beautifully designed museum tries to recreates scenes from the everyday life of early inhabitants of Garhwal.
Irrespective of your interest in history, the displayed artifacts will make you think about how the life was in the Himalayan region, many years go. Quite an interesting tourist place in Dehradun for kids.
Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm except on holidays, second Saturdays and Sundays
Entry charges: INR 70/person
Distance from ISBT Dehradun: 8 km
Suggested Read: 50 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30
3. Forest Research Institute – Much more than a university
Forest Research Institute or FRI is a heritage building and the complex of the university is as huge as 2000 acres. The reason it is among the most popular places to visit in Dehradun is its Greco-Roman architecture and the six museums that attract kids and adults alike. It is a great place for a family outing in Dehradun, where you can take guided tours inside the museums and stroll around the Botanical Garden.
Six museums inside the FRI Campus are – Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Silviculture Museum, Timbra Museum, Non-Wood Forest Products Museum, and the Entomology Museum.
Opening hours: 9 am to 5:30 pm
Entry charges: INR 15/person
Distance from ISBT Dehradun: 9 km
Suggested Read: 20 Most Famous Historical Places In India: You Think You Know Them Well Enough?
4. Tapkeshwar Temple – For a holy rendezvous
Tapkeshwar Temple – dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the best places to visit in Dehradun city for religious tourists and your Dehradun sightseeing isn’t complete without it. The temple is built in a natural cave where water continuously drops on the Shiva Lingam. This is one of the key attractions that make Tapkeshwar Temple so popular among tourists. The other is the sulphur water springs near the temple.
Located on the bank of Tons river, it is surrounded by majestic mountains that add to the beauty of this holy place. Nature lovers and photographers visiting Dehradun, must take out some time to visit this temple.
Opening hours: 6 am to 7 pm
Distance from ISBT Dehradun: 10 km
5. Malsi Deer Park – A popular picnic spot in Dehradun
Another one of the best places to visit in Dehradun with family is Malsi Deer Park. This zoological garden of Dehradun spreads over 25 hectares and acts as a habitat for species such as two horned deer, nilgai, leopard, peacock and eagle.
Malsi Deer Park is popular picnic spot, which becomes lively during weekends. One can explore the zoological park, feed the rabbits, relish the gardens, and enjoy munchies in the cafeteria.
Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm. The deer park remain closed on Mondays.
Entry charges: INR 10/person
Distance from ISBT Dehradun: 14 km
Must Read: 15 Things To Do In Dehradun For An Adventurous Yet Relaxing Vacation!
6. Robber’s Cave – A popular hangout place in Dehradun
As one of the most popular picnic spots—Robber’s Cave or Gucchhu Pani is a natural cave – long and narrow. It is surrounded by lofty hills and has freezing-cold springs inside. Robber’s Cave is one of the interesting places to visit in Dehradun in one day. Tourists flock here for day picnics, excursions, and trekking.
You can dip your feet in the ice-cold water of the cave and walk through it. It is always advisable to carry an extra set of clothes as one may get wet while playing with water. Bathroom and locker facility is available at Gucchhu Pani.
Note: The stones underneath are quiet sharp and piercing, so it is better not to walk barefoot, instead carry slippers.
Opening hours: 6 am to 7:30 pm
Distance from ISBT Dehradun: 15 km
Suggested Read: 15 Spectacular Caves In India That Should Be Explored At Least Once In A Lifetime
7. Lachhiwala – A place to enjoy spectacular sunset
If you are looking to spend a day amid breathtaking beauty in Dehradun, head to Lachhiwala. Surrounded by Sal trees, this place is a relaxing and serene picnic spot known for gorgeous sunset views, trekking trails, and bird watching.
With rejuvenating man-made pool to chill out and luxuriant greenery around it, Lachhiwala is one of the ideal places to visit in Dehradun for couples.
Entry fee: None
Ideal duration of visit: 3 hours
Distance from ISBT Dehradun: 15 km
8. Sahastradhara – A scenic waterfall
Also known as ‘thousand fold spring’, Sahastradhara is one of the most beautiful, serene, and popular tourist places to visit at Dehradun. It is known for its scenic beauty created by numerous sparkling streams cascading down the amazing karst (limestone) outcrops.
The ideal time to visit Sahastradhara is during monsoon, when the streams plunge down the rocks with full vigor. One can also take a ropeway ride to the top of the mountain to relish the spectacular view of the waterfalls and its surrounding.
Opening hours: Everyday 7 am to 7 pm
Ideal duration of visit: 2 hours
Distance from ISBT Dehradun: 20 km
Suggested Read: 15 Cafes In Dehradun That Are Too Awesome To Resist
9. Paltan Bazaar
Every shopper’s den, Paltan Bazaar is among the most happening and lively places to see in Dehradun. The bazaars starts from Clock Tower till the railway station. One can buy inexpensive clothes, fancy shoes, bags, handicrafts, and there are some interesting food joints and street food stalls too.
Opening hours: 10:00 am- 10:00 pm
Ideal duration of visit: 2-3 hours
Distance from ISBT Dehradun: 6 km
10. Tapovan
Among the most beautiful and tranquil tourist places in Dehradun, Tapovan is a perfect blend of nature and holiness. Home to Tapovan temple, this is a popular holi site in Uttarakhand, which hold an important place in Hindu religion. With the holy Ganges flowing through it, Tapovan is one of the must-see places to see in Dehradun.
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. All days
Ideal duration of visit: 1.5 hours
Distance from ISBT Dehradun: 13 km
Suggested Read: 20 Best Restaurants In Dehradun That Serve As A Paradise For The Food Lovers!
11. Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology
One of the finest Dehradun, India points of interest include Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. Established in June, 1968, it is an autonomous research institute for the study of Geology of the Himalaya. The institute also has a museum which offers a glimpse into the mighty Himalayas, its origin, its evolution, and life in the geological past.
Opening hours: All days from sunrise to sunset
Ideal duration of visit: 2-3 hours
Distance from ISBT Dehradun: 6 km
Frequent asked questions about places to visit in and around Dehradun
1. What are some places to visit in Dehradun with friends?
Other than the above mentioned places to visit in Dehradun, there’s Lacchiwalla, Fun Valley, Malsi Deer Park, Tiger View Jungle Camp, and FRI that can be explored with friends.
2. What are best places to visit in Dehradun with family?
If you’re planning a trip in Dehradun with family, then you must include Fun Valley, Sahastradhara, Tapovan temple, Asaan barrage, Tapkeshwar temple, and Malsi Deer Park.
3. What are places to visit near Dehradun in December?
If you’re done exploring Dehradun and willing to travel a few kilometres from the city, then do add Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Kempty Falls, Dhanaulti, Kalsi, Haridwar, and Chakrata.
4. What are the best places to visit in Dehradun in winter?
Some of the most amazing places to visit in Dehradun in winter include Mussoorie, Malsi Deer Park, Tapkeshawar Temple, and Forest Research Institute.
5. What are some places to visit in Dehradun in summer?
Sahastradhara, Robber’s Cave, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun Zoo, Lacchiwala Picnic Spot, and Malsi Deer Park are some of the most lively and beautiful places to visit in Dehradun in summer.
With the list of best places to visit in Dehradun, wait no more and plan for a fulfilling vacation right away. You can also explore some beautiful hill stations in Uttarakhand, including Rishikesh, Chakarat, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, and Landour.
Further Read: 7 Honeymoon Places In Uttarakhand For An Idyllic Escape Right After The Wedding
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