Dehradun Travel Guide

A natural limestone cave with a flowing stream, ideal for picnics and a refreshing dip in calm waters.

• Location: 8 km from Dehradun city centre

• Best Time to Visit: Morning for fewer crowds; post-monsoon for full stream flow.

• Tips: Wear non-slip shoes, carry water and snacks, and avoid the area during heavy rains.

• Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners.

• Timings: 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.

A scenic waterfall and sulphur springs with therapeutic properties, set amidst lush hills.

• Location: 14 km from Dehradun city centre

• Tips: Visit during the post-monsoon season (October–November) for the full flow; try the ropeway for stunning views (₹150).

• Entry Fee: Free; ropeway and activities extra.

• Timings: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.

A colonial-era institute with sprawling lawns, museums, and Indo-Gothic architecture, featured in Bollywood films.

• Location: 5 km from the city centre, Kaulagarh Road

• Tips: Take a guided tour (₹50–₹100) for a comprehensive look at the museum and campus history; photography is permitted.

• Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹80 for foreigners.

• Timings: 9:00 AM–5:30 PM; closed Sundays.

A historic cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, set along the Tons River with a natural dripping spring.

• Location: 6 km from the city centre, Garhi Cantt

• Tips: Visit during Maha Shivratri (February–March); dress modestly.

• Entry Fee: Free; donations accepted.

• Timings: 5:00 AM–8:00 PM.

One of India’s most significant Buddhist monasteries, featuring a grand stupa, gardens, and vibrant murals.

• Location: 10 km from the city centre, Clement Town

• Tips: Explore the Great Stupa; visit on Sunday mornings for chanting sessions.

• Entry Fee: Free.

• Timings: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM; the stupa is open from 6:00 AM–12:00 PM and 3:00 PM–6:00 PM.

A bustling market near the Clock Tower, offering local handicrafts, street food, and Dehraduni basmati rice.

• Location: 1 km from the city centre

• Tips: Bargain for 20–30% off; visit evenings for vibrant energy.

• Entry Fee: Free.

• Timings: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM.

A serene park with deer, peacocks, and picnic spots, ideal for families and nature lovers.

• Location: 10 km from the city centre, Mussoorie Road

• Tips: Visit early morning for wildlife spotting; carry snacks.

• Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children.

• Timings: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Mondays.

Dehradun’s iconic landmark is surrounded by shops and eateries, reflecting the city’s colonial past.

• Location: City centre, Rajpur Road

• Tips: Ideal for evening strolls; combine with a visit to Paltan Bazaar.

• Entry Fee: Free.

• Timings: Open 24/7.

A scenic cable car ride offering panoramic views of the waterfall and the Shivalik hills.

• Location: 14 km from the city centre, Sahastradhara

• Tips: Book tickets (₹150) early; avoid during peak weekends.

• Entry Fee: ₹150 per person.

• Timings: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Like Udaipur, which is renowned for its lakes and culture, Dehradun also offers unique experiences.

A Himalayan style is presented here through rivers and heritage, which makes you feel that way.

Tons River Walks and Picnics

Just like boat rides in Udaipur’s Lake Pichola, you can walk along the Tons River near Tapkeshwar Temple.

These tours cost 800-1500 rupees and depart at 6:00 AM.

They take 2 hours and they will take you to villages and gentle paths.

Four points by Sheraton hotels are relatively affordable, as they provide riverside picnics with pakoras and chai at 1000 2000.

We recommend wearing good shoes and a jacket, as it can be cool in the mornings, especially from October to March.

Garhwali cultural arts

Like dance shows in Bagore Ki Haveli in Udaipur, Dehradun also has folk dance events.

They are Jhoda and Thadya’s acts.

They take place at venues such as Hotel Madhuban or the Doon Cultural Centre, with ticket prices ranging from ₹500 to ₹ 1,000.

The shows begin at 7:00 PM and include a Garhwali thali dinner.

“Quote: So understand a place when you can eat its dish and from its rhythm”.

Heritage Walks in Old Dehradun

Similar to Udaipur’s city walks, Dehradun offers morning walks (₹800–₹1,500) that start from the Clock Tower at 7:00 AM.

These cover old churches, Rajpur Road, and the grand Forest Research Institute (FRI).

During this tour, you will learn about British history, read the local myths, and go to the local markets.

The guides provide English translations and recount interesting stories during the two- to three-hour walk.

Garhwali Food Workshop & Food Tours

Like cooking lessons in Udaipur, you can also join Garhwali food classes.

These teach you how to make kafuli, bhatt ki churdkani, and pahadi raita.

Classes cost VND 1,000-2,000 per hour or 2-3 hours, located near Paltan Bazaar, where Kumar’s sweet shop is situated.

Food tours (₹700–₹1,200) get you to try momos, aloo tikki, and more.

Book with locals or visit Driverindiaprivatetour.com for a unique and tasty experience.

Luxury:

• • Four Points by Sheraton (2 km from Clock Tower): Modern hotel with Himalayan views and fine dining. Approx. ₹7,000–₹12,000 per night.
• • Hotel Madhuban (1.5 km from Clock Tower): An upscale stay featuring cultural evenings and a spa. Approx. ₹6,000–₹10,000 per night.

Mid-Range:

• • Hotel Pacific (1 km from Clock Tower): Comfortable rooms with city access and rooftop dining. Approx. ₹3,000–₹6,000 per night.
• • Hotel Siddharth Residency (2 km from Clock Tower): Cosy stay with modern amenities. Approx. ₹2,500–₹5,000 per night.

Budget:

• • Hotel MJ Residency (0.5 km from Clock Tower): Simple rooms with basic facilities and city proximity. Approx. ₹1,200–₹2,500 per night.

Tips: Book early for peak seasons (October–March); opt for rooms facing the hills for the best views.

• Doon Homestay (Mussoorie Road, Rating: 4.6/5): Cosy stay with Himalayan views and Garhwali meals. Approx. ₹1,500–₹3,000 per night.

• Valley View Homestay (2 km from Clock Tower, Rating: 4.5/5): Traditional decor with garden and warm hospitality. Approx. ₹1,200–₹2,500 per night.

• Himalayan Retreat (Clement Town, Rating: 4.4/5): Serene stay near Mindrolling Monastery with home-cooked food. Approx. ₹1,000–₹2,200 per night.

• Tips: Homestays offer authentic Garhwali experiences. Confirm Wi-Fi and hill views before booking. Check Booking.com for reviews.

• Zostel Dehradun (Mussoorie Road, Rating: 4.8/5): Vibrant hostel with dorms, private rooms, and rooftop cafe. Approx. ₹450–₹1,000 per night (dorm), ₹1,800–₹3,000 (private).

• The Hosteller Dehradun (1 km from Clock Tower, Rating: 4.7/5): Modern dorms with a travel desk and social events. Approx. ₹400–₹900 per night (dorm).

• Moustache Hostel Dehradun (2 km from Clock Tower, Rating: 4.6/5): Social vibe with budget dorms and adventure bookings. Approx. ₹400–₹850 per night (dorm).

• Tips: Book early for festivals like Holi; confirm locker availability; ideal for backpackers.

• Kumar Vegetarian Restaurant (Paltan Bazaar): Enjoy Garhwali thalis and North Indian dishes in a cosy ambience. Approx. ₹200–₹500 per person.

• The Orchid (Rajpur Road): Multi-cuisine with Himalayan views, serving pahadi dal and kebabs. Approx. ₹300–₹700 per person.

• Kalsang Friends Corner (Mussoorie Road): Tibetan momos, thukpa, and continental fare. Approx. ₹250–₹600 per person.

• Cafe de Piccolo (1 km from Clock Tower): Italian and Indian dishes with rooftop seating. Approx. ₹300–₹600 per person.

• Doon Darbar (Paltan Bazaar): Enjoy Awadhi biryani and local sweets, including bal mithai. Approx. ₹200–₹500 per person.

• Tips: Reserve hill-facing tables; specify vegetarian or spice preferences; try Garhwali specialities.

Popular Shopping Items:

• • Basmati rice from Dehradun is renowned for its distinctive aroma and exceptional quality.
• • Handicrafts like wooden carvings and brass lamps.
• • Woollens such as shawls and pahadi caps.
• • Local sweets like bal mithai and singori.
• • Spices and organic honey from Himalayan farms.

Top Markets:

• • Paltan Bazaar (0.5 km from Clock Tower): Handicrafts, woollens, and street food; bargain for 20–30% off.
• • Rajpur Road Market (1 km from Clock Tower): Branded stores and local crafts.
• • Tibetan Market (Clement Town): Tibetan jewellery, prayer flags, and woollens.

Tips: Verify the authenticity of handicrafts; visit in the evenings for a lively atmosphere.

Must-Try Dishes:

• • Momos: Steamed or fried Tibetan dumplings with spicy chutney.
• • Bal Mithai: Cocoa-coated sweet, a Garhwali speciality.
• • Chaat: Spicy snacks like aloo tikki and pani puri.
• • Bun Tikki: A fried potato patty burger served with chutneys.
• • Lassi: Creamy yoghurt drink, sweet or salted.

Best Spots for Street Food:

• • Paltan Bazaar: Stalls for momos, chaat, and bal mithai.
• • Rajpur Road: Evening vendors for bun tikki and lassi.
• • Clock Tower Area: Budget-friendly stalls for sweets and snacks.

Tips: Choose stalls with high foot traffic for freshness; avoid monsoons (July–September); carry bottled water.

• Tons River Walk: Explore scenic trails near Tapkeshwar Temple (₹800–₹1,500 via Uttarakhand Tourism).

• Sahastradhara Ropeway Ride: Enjoy panoramic hill views (₹150, book on-site).

• Heritage Walk in Old Dehradun: Visit FRI and colonial landmarks (₹800–₹1,500 via Dehradun Heritage Walks).

• Garhwali Culinary Workshop: Learn kafuli and pahadi raita at Kumar Sweet Shop (₹1,000–₹2,000).

• Malsi Deer Park Visit: Spot wildlife and picnic (₹20 entry).

• Tips: Book through Thrillophilia or Uttarakhand Tourism; wear sunscreen and sturdy shoes; respect temple customs.

• Festivals: Celebrate Holi (March) or Basant Panchami for Garhwali dances and temple rituals.

• Cuisine: Savour Garhwali dishes like kafuli, bhatt ki churdkani, and bal mithai at local eateries.

• Folk Performances: Enjoy Jhoda and Thadya dances at Hotel Madhuban or cultural centres during festivals.

• Handicraft Workshops: Learn wood carving or wool weaving at Tibetan Market shops.

• Tips: Dress modestly for temples; book cultural events during festivals for a vibrant experience.

Travelling to Dehradun is easy if you plan well.

Although not the only method, the following tips can prove helpful.

Best Time to Come

Go during the months between October and March when the weather is chilly (10°C – 25°C).

Please don’t come to Sep/Nov or Jun-Sep as it gets extremely hot (up to 40 °C).

Avoid visiting during the rainy season, from July to September, as there is a risk of landslides.

How to reach

• By Air: Fly in Jolly Grant Airport, 29 km away from the city.

• By Train: Dehradun Railway Station connects to Delhi, Haridwar, and Varanasi.

• By road, come to Delhi (250 Km) or Haridwar (50 km).

Getting Around

Alternatively, you can use an auto-rickshaw (₹50–₹100) or book an Ola/Uber.

You can also rent Portable Scooters for ₹500/day.

For short trips (20–50 Rs.) Cycle rickshaws are the best.

Travel tips

Take money to buy in local stores.

Wear clothes in layers and apply sunscreen.

Consume only prepackaged or bottled water.

Book trips through Driverindiaprivatetour.com.

Safety Tips

Use caution during the rainy season, as there is a risk of landslides.

Women are also not supposed to wander in the street at night.

Do not share personal information with others.

“Quote: The world acts like a book, and those who are not able to travel read only a page.”

• Temple etiquette: Remove your shoes outside, and cover your head according to local customs.

• Do not dump rubbish along rivers and caves.

• There are things such as women dressing decently and going out in groups when it is dark.

• Always have the water bottles with you and keep them safe from the sun.

• Do not give the beggars money, and treat local people politely.

These are the places near you that you can check out in case you stay longer:

• Mussoorie (35 km): See the Kempty Falls and enjoy cool weather.

• Rishikesh (45 km): Try yoga, river rafting, and walk across Laxman Jhula.

• Haridwar (50 kms): The Har ki Pauri, which is the most divine place to see the Arati.

Each of these is 1–2 hours away by road and makes a great short trip from Dehradun.

• Dehradun’s Himalayan charm, colonial history, and Garhwali culture make it a must-visit for international tourists.

• There are food tours and walks along the riverbank, as well as heritage buildings and numerous other attractions for those on the go.

• To enjoy your journey without stress, book your private car and guide at Driverindiaprivatetour.com.

• They also offer a Golden Triangle India tour, which includes a visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise, providing a comprehensive experience of India’s beauty and history.

• Put on some luggage and travel comfortably and securely in the Himalaya of the heart of Uttarakhand!