Top things to do in Dehradun

Dehradun, Uttarakhand’s capital, sits nestled in the Himalayas’ foothills and provides a variety of activities for tourists. The city has natural beauty, cultural sites, religious importance, and educational monuments. People visit Dehradun for short vacations, family outings, and use it as a base to visit surrounding hill stations such as Mussoorie. For a comfortable and convenient stay, consider booking service apartments in Dehradun. When you visit Dehradun, you have activities for everyone here, ranging from cave and temple explorations to trips to monasteries, trekking, and bazaar shopping. Below, we list and describe ten essential activities and things to do in Dehradun, along with timings, entry charges, travel tips, and how to plan your trip accordingly.

Things to do in Dehradun

1. Visit Robber’s Cave

   

   Robber’s Cave in Dehradun

   Robber’s Cave, which people also call Gucchu Pani, remains one of Dehradun’s favourite places to visit. The cave is 8 kilometres away from the city centre and contains a stream that runs through a narrow gorge. You can walk barefoot or with waterproof shoes inside while cool water flows through your legs. The cave stretches for approximately 600 meters and forms a natural path with high rock walls on either side.

   Travel Tips:

   Take an extra set of clothing, particularly for kids, as the water level in each part is different. Waterproof sandals offer a better choice than shoes inside the cave. March to June or September to November offer the ideal time to visit when the flow of water remains under control.

   Timings and Entry Fees:

   The cave generally opens from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The entry fees remain at ₹25 per person. You pay parking fees separately. You can spend about two to three hours here. Small stalls outside the cave sell snacks and tea.

2. Visit Sahastradhara

   

   Sahastradhara in Dehradun

   Sahastradhara, literally “thousand-fold spring,” sits approximately 14 kilometres from Dehradun city. It possesses sulfur springs, and many people say they have medicinal properties. The flowing water creates shallow pools of water, where you may sit and wet your feet. In the monsoon, waterfalls swell to a larger size and present a lively picture. You can also take a ropeway ride here; it goes up to a hilltop for panoramic views.

   Travel Tips:

   You may go in the morning to skip big crowds, particularly on weekends. Bring a towel and light attire if you are going for a dip in the water. In the monsoon, more water flows, and hence you should remain cautious around slippery spots.

   Timings and Entry Fees:

   Sahastradhara is open from sunrise to sunset. You enter for free, but the ropeway ride takes about ₹150 per person for a round trip. Small restaurants and shops around serve local snacks and food. Families spend about half a day here.

3. Spend a Day at Mindrolling Monastery

   

   Mindrolling Monastery in Dehradun

   Mindrolling Monastery in Clement Town remains one of the biggest Buddhist centres in India. The monastery complex comprises gardens, a 60-meter-tall stupa, wall paintings, and a tall Lord Buddha statue. Tibetan culture inspires the buildings, and the serene environment draws tourists as well as students. You can visit the prayer halls, relax in the gardens, and purchase Tibetan handicrafts or food from shops near the monastery.

   Travel Tips:

   The monastery limits photography within its corridors, so you should be doubly sure before taking pictures. You must dress modestly and keep quiet in prayer halls. Early morning visits provide a more serene experience.

   Timings and Entrance Fees:

   The monastery remains open between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM with an afternoon break. Entry continues to be free. Visitors typically take two to three hours to explore the complex.

4. Roam Around Tapkeshwar Temple

   

   Tapkeshwar Temple in Dehradun

   Tapkeshwar Temple is a cave temple and has immense significance for Lord Shiva devotees. The temple is around 6 kilometres from the city centre and has a natural Shiva Linga where water keeps dripping through the roof of the cave. A stream runs close by where a majority of tourists sit and relax.

   Travel Tips:

   You would do well to go early morning or late evening to miss the rush of visitors. Take drinking water along and minimal footwear for rough terrain walking. The ideal time to go is during Shivratri, when the temple observances are special rituals.

   Timings and Entry Fees:

   The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day. Admission is free. People normally spend one or two hours here. Shops around the temple sell offerings and basic food.

5. Relax at Forest Research Institute

   

   Forest Research Institute in Dehradun

   The Forest Research Institute (FRI) is a landmark of Dehradun. Workers constructed the institute during the colonial era; it sprawls across an area of over 450 hectares and has wide lawns, Greco-Roman architecture, and various museums. You can visit six museums dealing with various topics, including timber, pathology, silviculture, and social forestry. The campus is also popular for picnics and photography.

   Travel Tips:

   You must allocate a minimum of three hours to explore the museum areas. Wear a hat or bring an umbrella in summer since the campus is big and involves walking. Professional shooters require advance permission for shoots.

   Timings and Admission Fees:

   The institute is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day. The ticket price is approximately ₹40 per head. You can still book guided tours on demand. Families commonly spend a half-day at FRI, merging education and leisure.

6. Unwind at Lachhiwala Nature Park

   

   Lachhiwala Nature Park in Dehradun

   Lachhiwala Nature Park, a short 20-kilometre distance from Dehradun, is a natural getaway with pools, forest cover, and picnic areas. Tourists come here to swim in the pools, stroll among trees, and have a laid-back day outdoors. Bird enthusiasts also find this place worth visiting due to the native bird population.

   Travel Tips:

   You may bring swimming attire if you are going to use the pools. The park remains packed on weekends, but weekdays provide a less crowded experience. Bring your own food or snack since options around remain scarce.

   Timings and Entry Fees:

   Park generally operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission charges remain in the range of ₹60 for adults and ₹30 for kids. Separate parking charges apply. People spend about four to five hours here.

7. Visit Malsi Deer Park

   

   Malsi Deer Park in Dehradun

   Malsi Deer Park, or Dehradun Zoo, sits approximately 10 kilometres from the city. The park has deer, peacocks, and other animals in natural surroundings. You can stroll along the trails, watch various birds, and sit in the shade. The park includes a small kids’ play area and a canteen for snacks.

   Travel Tips:

   Carry a water bottle, as an indoor walk would take some time. Morning is preferable with cooler temperatures and increased opportunities for viewing animals. You must not feed the animals, as the staff does not promote that.

   Timings and Entry Fees:

   The park is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, excluding Mondays. Entry fees are around ₹30 for adults and ₹10 for children. People tend to stay here for two to three hours.

8. Shop and Walk at Paltan Bazaar

   

   Paltan Bazaar in Dehradun

   Paltan Bazaar sits in the centre of Dehradun and provides you with a local shopping experience. Vendors in the market sell woollen garments, books, shoes, handicrafts, and edibles. You can enjoy local snacks like samosas, jalebis, and momos. The small streets remain congested during the evening, and haggling assists in availing appropriate prices.

   Travel Tips:

   You must go in the late evening or the night when the shops remain open and the market appears thriving. Go with cash, as not everyone accepts online money transactions. Safeguard your possessions in crowded zones.

   Timings and Entrance Fee:

   The market is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. You can enter for free. Two to three hours is the walking time inside the market, depending on your shopping interests.

9. Trek to George Everest House

   

   George Everest House in Dehradun by PAJASA

   George Everest House is approximately 6 kilometres from Mussoorie and around 35 kilometres from Dehradun. The location was previously the abode of Sir George Everest, Surveyor General of India. From the house, one gets sweeping views of the Doon Valley and the Himalayan ranges. A short trek of around 1.5 kilometres to the location makes it easy for beginners.

   Travel Tips:

   Put on comfortable walking shoes and bring water along while trekking. The optimum time for a visit is between March and June or between September and November for clear visibility. The morning and evening provide the most favourable opportunities for photographs.

   Timings and Entry Charges:

   The place is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There are no entry charges. Visitors usually spend two to three hours viewing the house and the surrounding area.

10. Explore Chetwoode Hall in the Indian Military Academy

    

    Chetwoode Hall in the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun

    The Indian Military Academy trains future officers of the Indian Army. Chetwoode Hall within the academy has a museum where they exhibit military artefacts, uniforms, weapons, and historical records. One can also observe memorials and statues on the campus.

    Travel Tips:

    Visits need advance permission, so contact the academy before arranging. Bring a valid form of ID for access. Led tours offer extensive descriptions regarding the history and training process.

    Timings and Admission Fees:

    The museum typically opens at certain hours, typically between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, but timings change, so booking remains relevant. Admission is free. A visit typically lasts two to three hours.

Conclusion

Things to do in Dehradun features ten principal activities that strike a balance between natural, cultural, religious, and educational experiences. You may visit caves at Robber’s Cave, springs at Sahastradhara, or unwind at Lachhiwala Nature Park. You may study forestry at the Forest Research Institute, take a stroll at Malsi Deer Park, or experience Tibetan culture at Mindrolling Monastery. For shopping, Paltan Bazaar is where you can go, while trekkers can visit George Everest House. Cultural visitors can visit Tapkeshwar Temple, while war historians can go to the Indian Military Academy. Both locations provide you with a precise activity along with timings, entry information, and travel advice. Booking your tour based on season as well as your interests guarantees that you get the best out of your trip. A full tour of these ten sights lets you experience the various aspects of Dehradun and have a well-rounded experience.