Places to Visit in Dehradun: A Day or Two in the Doon Valley
Places to visit in Dehradun: Robber's Cave, Sahastradhara, the Forest Research Institute, Tapkeshwar, Mindrolling and Rajpur Road, and how to fit them in.
Most people treat Dehradun as somewhere to pass through: the station, the airport, the road up to Mussoorie or the start of the Char Dham. That undersells it. The capital of Uttarakhand sits in a broad, green valley between the Shivaliks and the Mussoorie hills, and within half an hour of the Clock Tower there are river caves, sulphur springs, an old cave temple, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India and a colonial forest campus that is worth a morning on its own.
Places to visit in Dehradun, and where they are
| Place | What it is | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Robber's Cave (Guchhupani) | A narrow gorge where you wade a cold stream between rock walls | North of the city, past Anarwala |
| Sahastradhara | Sulphur springs and dripping limestone caves by the Baldi river | North-east, on the Sahastradhara road |
| Forest Research Institute | A vast red-brick colonial building with forestry museums and lawns | West, off the Chakrata road |
| Tapkeshwar Mahadev | A Shiva cave temple where water drips onto the lingam | North-west, by the Tons river |
| Mindrolling Monastery | A large Tibetan monastery with a tall stupa and gardens | Clement Town, south of the city |
| Clock Tower, Paltan Bazaar and Rajpur Road | The old market and the city's main street of cafés and shops | The centre, running north towards Mussoorie |
| Malsi Deer Park | A small zoo and park at the foot of the Mussoorie road | North, on the way up to Mussoorie |
A day in Dehradun
Start early at Robber's Cave, before the crowds arrive and while the light still reaches into the gorge; wear sandals you can get wet. Drive across to Sahastradhara for late morning, then come back through the city for lunch on Rajpur Road. Spend the afternoon at the Forest Research Institute, whose museums and corridors are best seen unhurried, and end at Tapkeshwar or in Paltan Bazaar around the Clock Tower as the shops light up. With a second day, add Mindrolling Monastery in the morning and Malsi on the way up to Mussoorie.
Where to stay for sightseeing in Dehradun
Rajpur Road and the Malsi side put you closest to Robber's Cave, Sahastradhara and the road to Mussoorie. The centre, around the Clock Tower and Paltan Bazaar, is easiest for the railway station and the markets. For an early flight, stay towards Haridwar Road and Jolly Grant. Our hotels in Dehradun page compares the areas, and every stay there has real photos.
When to go
October to March has clear, mild days and is the most comfortable time to walk around; winter mornings are foggy and cold. April to June is warm in the valley, which is when Robber's Cave and Sahastradhara's water are most welcome. July to September is the monsoon: the valley is green, but streams at Robber's Cave can run high, so check locally before wading in.
Going further from Dehradun
- Mussoorie — about 35 km up the hill; see our Mussoorie weekend guide and hotels in Mussoorie.
- Rishikesh and Haridwar — each about an hour away, for the Ganga and the evening aarti.
- The Char Dham — Dehradun is a common start, by road through Mussoorie towards Yamunotri or by Rishikesh towards Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Where to stay on this route
- Shivoham RetreatDehradunfrom ₹3,000
- White Flower DehradunDehradunRates on request
- White Flower MussoorieMussoorieRates on request
- Bulaakh White FlowerMussoorieRates on request
Before you go
- Start at Robber's Cave early, before the crowds, and wear footwear that can get wet.
- Tapkeshwar Mahadev is busiest on Mondays and on Shivratri.
- Rajpur Road is the easiest base for sightseeing and for the drive up to Mussoorie.
- Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Haridwar are each about an hour or more away by road.
Good to know
- The Forest Research Institute's main building is one of the largest brick structures of its era in India.
- Sahastradhara means 'thousand-fold spring', after the water dripping from its limestone caves.
- Dehradun lies in the Doon Valley, between the Shivalik range and the Mussoorie hills.
- Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best places to visit in Dehradun?
Robber's Cave, Sahastradhara, the Forest Research Institute, Tapkeshwar Mahadev, Mindrolling Monastery, and the Clock Tower, Paltan Bazaar and Rajpur Road in the centre.
How many days are enough for Dehradun?
One full day covers the main sights; two days let you add Mindrolling Monastery and Malsi without rushing.
Where should I stay in Dehradun for sightseeing?
Rajpur Road or the Malsi side, closest to Robber's Cave, Sahastradhara and the road to Mussoorie.
What is the best time to visit Dehradun?
October to March for mild, clear days. April to June is warm but good for the caves and springs; July to September is the monsoon.
How far is Mussoorie from Dehradun?
About 35 km, an hour to an hour and a half by road, longer on summer weekends.
About the author
Pulp Hotels Team
The Pulp Hotels Team is the desk that runs Pulp Hotels and the verified properties on this route — Barkot, Uttarkashi, Harsil, Guptkashi, Joshimath, Badrinath and the Kedarnath valley. We deal with the owners of those hotels, and with the pilgrims staying in them, through every day of the season, and these guides are written and corrected from that work and from the official notices each season brings. Fares and opening dates change every year, so we leave them out on purpose and point you at the source instead.
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