Located amidst the lap of the Himalayan mountains, Dehradun is one of the most famous cities in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. With its beautiful valleys, mountain ridges, and other natural landscapes, Dehradun is a must-visit for mountain lovers.
The headquarters of some important Indian companies like ONGC, Survey of India, and Forest Research Institute are located here.
If you plan to visit Dehradun, you should know about some crucial factors, like the best time to visit and the top-rated places to visit in Dehradun. Read on to know the details for a blissful trip ahead.
Table of Contents
Why Is Dehradun Famous?
Known as the city of love, Dehradun has a prime location between religious cities like Haridwar and Rishikesh and the gateway to hill stations like Mussoorie. It is famous for its scenic landscapes and the preferable weather throughout the year.
Moreover, Dehradun also has important institutions and educational centers like Welham Schools and Doon University. Basmati rice from Dehradun is famous worldwide for its rich texture and taste.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Dehradun?
March to June is the perfect time to visit Dehradun to avoid the scorching heat prevalent in the rest of India. However, you can visit sometime around November or December if you also want to enjoy snow and cold climates.
It would be best if you kept in mind that Dehradun has freezing conditions during this time, and it is also not a good time for tourists.
If you visit during the summers, you will also enjoy comfortable climatic conditions in the nearby hill stations as you plan to visit the most famous Dehradun viewpoints.
Top-Rated Tourist Attractions In Dehradun
Dehradun is a prime spot in the Lesser Himalayas with many popular tourist attractions. It is now the capital city in Uttarakhand, popularly called the ‘Abode of Drona’ (mainly because of the highly developed educational institutions here). Here are 12 top-rated tourist spots in and around Dehradun that you must visit during your trip:
Tapovan
It is a popular tourist attraction having a direct connection with the famous epic tale of Mahabharata. It is said that Rishi Dronacharya did his penance in this peaceful place in Dehradun.
It consists of the swiftly flowing Ganges river with a massive collection of trees and a natural landscape. It is an ideal location to meditate and calm your nerves. Make sure you visit the temple along the riverside and pay your respects to the Adi Guru of the Pandavas, Rishi Dronacharya.
Sahastradhara
It is a Hindi term that means ‘A Thousand Fold Springs.’ The Sahastradhara is spring water located beside the Baldi river. It is said that the waters have high sulfur content and are of immense medicinal value.
The scenic beauty of the place is what is going to grab most of your attention. You can also take a ropeway tour on top of the river to get a bird’s eye view of the whole place.
In the monsoon season, the water comes thundering down the mountains, which is a treat. Sahastradhara is regarded to be a mixture of waters from nearby rivers.
Tiger Falls
Located in Chakrata forest, Tiger Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in India, sprawling over from an elevation of 312m.
The natural landscape is unique and filled with a vast collection of deciduous trees. The continuous rumbling sound of water will make you fall in love with the place and its mystic charm.
Spend quality time with your family and click photographs in front of the waterfall to make your trip memorable. It is one of the most popular Dehradun viewpoints for tourists across the globe.
Tapkeshwar Temple
The Tapkeshwar temple in Uttarakhand is the oldest Shiva temple in Uttarakhand. The Shrine or Lingam inside this temple receives continuous water droplets from the Asan river, making it a very holy place to visit.
Moreover, unending chantings are done by saints regularly in this temple, making the whole place mystic and religious. Visit this famous shrine and pay your respects. Your tour guide will be able to help you with more details.
Robber’s Cave
The 600m cave is located about 8 km from the central city of Dehradun, with several minor waterfalls and a river flowing inside it. Historians claim this cave was the abode of robbers during British rule, hence the name.
There is a mystery surrounding the place, mainly related to the topography. The river suddenly disappears in the middle of the cave and reappears after a certain distance.
If you are brave-hearted, you can walk through the river inside the cave and witness it on your own. However, you require additional permission for this tour.
Mindrolling Monastery
Dehradun is a famous city that embraces Buddhism in all its essence. The Mindrolling Monastery is a Buddhist temple built in 1965 by His Eminence Kochen Rinpoche.
The Japanese architectural designs of the monastery are a must-watch, along with the pictorial description of Buddhist teachings and cultures.
Malsi Deer Park
Wildlife lovers will fall in love with the Malsi Deer Park mainly because of the enormous collection of spotted deer. Not only that, but you will also find unique species of migratory birds in this area.
Plan a picnic with your family amidst the quiet natural landscape in this park. The Dehradun trip is complete with a good tour of Malsi Deer Park. Spend quality time with your family here, especially with your children.
Lachhiwala
This place is better known as Nature Park and is filled with man-made pools derived from the Suswa river.
Moreover, you will also find a huge collection of Sal trees in this area, canopying like a forest. It is a great place to spend quality time with your family and friends. Many people also arrange for a picnic to enjoy the serenity of Lachhiwala.
Daat Kali Mandir
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, a popular religious spot in Dehradun. Many people pay a visit regularly throughout the year. Also, people who are about to start their life together also come for special Puja and Havan in this temple.
It is a famous saying that the flame in Daat Kali Mandir has been burning since 1921, which is why many devotees also offer ghee and oil in the temple. It has become popular as a point of interest in Dehradun.
Forest Research Institute
If you are a nature lover, then the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun should be at the top of your list of must-visit places.
Built in 1904, this institute is mainly an educational institution open to tourists. There are six museums with fantastic architectural designs. You will also witness an amazing collection of flora from all over the world.
Khalanga War Memorial
Image Source: holidifyBuilt by the British in 1814 during the Anglo-Nepalese war, the Khalanga War Memorial symbolizes pride for the Gorkha tribe. It is one of the first monuments built for the opponent’s army.
It is said that the British were impressed by the skills and artillery of the Gorkha tribe and hence built this Memorial as a sign of respect.
Rajaji National Park
Located along the Shivalik Range, the Rajaji National Park is a must-visit in Uttarakhand. More than 30 species of animals and 300 species of birds are present in this park.
You can take a jeep safari to witness the magic of a perfect blend of flora and fauna in this park in the Motichur Range. Elephant safaris are also popular. It ideally takes 2-3 hours to tour the Rajaji National Park.
If you plan your Dehradun trip with the help of a good travel agency, you can organize it better. You can also visit the top-rated tourist attractions and points of interest in Dehradun in one go based on their geographical locations.
Apart from the popular tourist attractions, there are many hidden gems in and around Dehradun. Visit these spots to make your trip more memorable.
Plan Your Dehradun Trip With The Best Guide For Your Journey
In the Doon Valley region, Dehradun is one of the most beautiful cities in India. The scenic views and unique landscapes are sure to make your trip memorable.
Not only that but you will also be able to have a greatly educational tour with a lot to know about the small hillside city. Make a list of all the places to visit in Dehradun, and note the timings, entry fees, locations, and other details.
Book your tickets and look for the best hotels in Dehradun to have a perfect trip with your family. Visit the nearby hill stations and cities like Haridwar and Rishikesh. The swiftly flowing Ganges will help you achieve spiritual recognition of your soul and have a splendid trip to remember.
FAQs
Q: What are the famous places in Dehradun?
Ans: Malsi Deer Park, Tapkeshwar Mahadev Mandir, Mindrolling Monastery and Tapovan
Temples are some of the most famous places to visit in Dehradun. You will also find several natural waterfalls in and around Dehradun, like Sahatradhara and Tiger Falls.
Q: Are two days enough for Dehradun?
Ans: Yes. You need to plan your 2-day Dehradun itinerary with the best guide to experience the popular places to visit.
