Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the stunning Doon Valley, Dehradun is a hub of business activities and leisure alike. The bustling city is just 240km away from Delhi and lies in the way leading to several tourist destinations such as Haridwar, Rishikesh and Mussoorie. However, Dehradun attracts several tourists worldwide due to its picturesque landscapes, exciting excursions and pleasant weather all year around. From adventure activities to natural retreats and religious spots, Dehradun has no dearth of activities for its patrons.
There are numerous things to do in Dehradun, and it can sometimes get confusing where to start. To simplify the process, we have created this itinerary of things to see in Dehradun, along with sightseeing in Dehradun and adventure activities in Dehradun. Read on to know how you can make the most of your vacation to this gorgeous city.
7 Best Things To Do In Dehradun
1. Explore Robber’s Cave
Just 9km away from the city lies one of the most famous Dehradun attractions, the exciting Robber’s Cave. Known as Gucchu Pani amongst the locals, this cave is a narrow gorge between limestone formations and an underground river flowing through it. Being near this natural cave gives you a feeling of being in a dark and beautiful forest and is a surreal experience. While the area is best for picnics, you can also trek through the river inside the water, and at the end of the river, you can enjoy a small waterfall. The trek through the river is an enthralling walk and adds a much-needed adventure to your trip.
- Entry Fee: INR 35/- per person
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Also Read: Things To Do In Gangtok
2. Take A Trek
If you are always looking for all things thrilling, trekking is one of the best adventure activities in Dehradun. The city is a base camp for several exciting trekking trails that combine the best of lush greenery, gorgeous views and adventurous terrains. Routes such as the Kipling Trail Trek and George Everest Peak Trek are nearest to the city, just 14km and 34km away, respectively, and can be scaled by beginners. Other slightly challenging treks around Dehradun include Deoban, Nag Thatch, Nag Tibba and Surkanda Devi. Most of them are within a 100km distance and will require an entire day or more, depending on the course distance to be covered.
3. Visit Rajaji National Park
Surrounded by the scenic Shivalik mountain ranges, Rajaji National Park is one of the most famous Dehradun attractions, enriched with a vast range of flora and fauna. The Government of India recently declared the park a Tiger Reserve, spread over three districts of Uttarakhand – Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garwahal. You can enjoy an Elephant Safari or Wildlife Safari here wherein you can spot Tigers, Panther Bears, Indian Elephants, Pythons, Wildcats, Monitor Lizard, Kakar, Chital and Sambar. The park is also home to fossils as old as ten million years, a large variety of migratory birds and diverse shrubs.
- Entry Fee: INR 750/- (For Indians) & INR 1500/- (For Foreigners)
4. Spend Some Quiet Time At Mindrolling Monastery
One of the largest Buddhist centres of India, Mindrolling Monastery is an architectural marvel nestled amidst the lap of nature. It is easily one of the best things to do in Dehradun. The Buddhist monastery is built in Japanese architecture, and Tibetan art depicting the life of Lord Buddha adorns its walls. Other attractions of the monastery include:
- The Great Stupa.
- The largest stupa in Asia.
- A 130 feet statue of Lord Buddha inside the monastery.
The beautiful structure is also surrounded by several gardens and is a must-visit if you want some serenity and peace.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
5. Enjoy A Picnic At Sahastradhara
One of Dehradun’s most popular tourist attractions, Sahastradhara literally translates to ‘thousand-fold spring’. The waterfalls here flow through the limestone stalactites resulting in sulphur-rich waters. Due to this reason, it is believed that water has medicinal and therapeutic properties. A dip in these waters makes you feel refreshed, and the activity is fun-filled. Located approximately 14km from the city centre near Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara is also a famous picnic spot where you can enjoy a day with your loved ones.
- Entry Fee: Free
Also Read: Things To Do In Chandigarh
6. Learn At Forest Research Institute
A list of Dehradun things to do is incomplete without the mention of the iconic Forest Research Institute which was established in 1906. You might have already seen this beautiful building in the backdrops of movies such as Student Of The Year. However, its beauty is even better off-screen. The building features Colonial and Greco-Roman architectural styles and is spread over a massive 4.5 sq. km. Forest Research Institute is also home to numerous museums dedicated to forestry and research and is a must-visit for all nature and science enthusiasts.
- Entry Fee: INR 20/-
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
7. Paragliding
A great way to take in the fantastic landscape of Dehradun is through paragliding. Dehradun has several cliffs and peaks that make for the perfect takeoff spot for a tandem paragliding session. The views from a jump here are truly breathtaking as they comprise the stunning Doon Valley, the surrounding Shivalik ranges and several majestic peaks in the region. If you are an adventure enthusiast, paragliding above this beautiful city will surely be a brilliant experience.
As you chart your next vacation, make sure to add these fantastic things to do in Dehradun to your plans!
