Must-See Attractions & Best Places to Visit in Dehradun

Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand is nestled at the foot of the Himalayas. It is among the top destinations for nature lovers offering tourists stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. From divine temples, vibrant market streets, and picnic spots to lush landscapes, this lovely city is a short drive away from the most popular tourist attractions like Mussorie, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. Whether you are looking for adventure or a peaceful escape, Doon offers stunning spots allowing you to connect with nature as well as the rich cultural heritage of the region. In this blog, we will mention the best places to visit in Dehradun that make the perfect getaway for all kinds of tourists whether visiting with friends, families, or couples.

Robber’s Cave – Favorite Spot for Doonites

Robbers Cave also known as Gucchhupani is a famous tourist place in Dehradun. It is an exciting fun spot for those who love to have fun in the water. Robbers cave is usually a cave-like structure with a stream of water that is about 10 meters high flowing from the center of it. The water in the cave emerges and then vanishes underground all of a sudden. A few yards away, again it comes into view on the surface.

Situated only 8 km away from the Clock Tower Dehradun and 1km apart from the village Anarwala, it is a popular spot for young couples, families, and fun-seeking tourists to unwind and have a relaxed picnic. It is said that the Place got the name Robber Cave at the time of British age when the robbers used to hide in the cave from the cops. It is an attractive and calm picnic spot which makes it one of the best places in Dehradun for couples and families. To enjoy the luscious foodstuff along with the exciting environment, some shops or restaurants are too available for the visitors.

Robber’s Cave Visitor Info

Best Time to Visit Robbers Cave:

April to October is the best time to visit Robber Cave. Avoid visiting during the rainy season. During this time of the year, there is a danger of the abrupt flow of huge amounts of water that can risk anyone’s life

Entrance Fee: Free

Opening Time: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Highlights

• Picnic Spot
• Caves and Waterfall
• Trekking
• Picturesque Scenery

Tapkeshwer Mandir – Sacred Place for Lord Shiva Devotees

Located around 8 Km from Dehradun’s Railway Station, Tapkeshwer Mandir or ‘Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple’ is a sacred site that is believed to be where Guru Dronacharya once resided. After that, the cave is also named as Drona Cave. Surrounded by lush greenery, there is an ancient cave that holds the main ‘Shiva Linga’ and is situated in the bank of Tons River. It is a very popular place in Dehradun where devotees visit to worship and seek blessings from lord shiva. The temple is known for its continuous water droplets falling from the ceiling to the shivlinga. Thousands of tourists and pilgrims visit this Shiva temple to experience the divine atmosphere. Devotees of Mahadev can plan their visit to this spiritual destination in Dehradun for spiritual solace and others can explore the architecture and cultural landscape.

Every year, the Tapkeshwar Mela is held during the Shivratri lasting around 12 to 15 days. During that time, the place is heavily crowded with the locals, as it attracts children and families on these auspicious days highlighting incredible religious importance.

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple Visitor Info

Best Time to Visit Tapkeshwar Mandir:

Between February to March is the best time to visit Dehradun’s famous Shiv temple. The weather is beautiful and usually Shivratri Mela or Shivratri Fair takes place.

Entrance Fee: Free

Opening Time: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm

Highlights

• Shivlinga
• Ancient Cave Dripping Water
• Tons River
• Picturesque Scenery

Also Read: Popular Religious Spots in India

Maldevta – Scenic Spot for Nature Lovers

Located on the banks of Yamuna & Song River, Maldevta is a hidden gem located around 18 km away from the city. It is a top spot for tourists looking to relax, chill & peaceful ambiance. The place offers stunning river views, majestic mountains, and lush greenery all around. Maldevta is a perfect destination in Dehradun to plan a picnic with friends or family and enjoy activities like birdwatching, trekking, camping, rock climbing, etc. Also, visit and take blessings from Maldevta Temple and allow the temple’s spiritual energy to rejuvenate your spirit. Take photographs and make unforgettable memories away from the crowd and the city’s hustle and bustle. Whether you are an adventurer or a nature lover, don’t miss this place when planning a trip to Dehradun City, as Maldevta has something to offer for everyone.

Maldevta Visitor Info

Best Time to Visit Maldevta:

Weather remains pleasant throughout the year but summers could be an ideal time to explore the area’s beauty.

Entrance Fee: Free

Opening Time: Throughout Day but it is recommended to visit between 9 AM to 6 PM

Highlights

• Song River
• Maldevta Temple
• Mountains & Scenery
• Photography
• Activities like Bird-watching, Trekking, Camping, etc

Malsi Deer Park – Visit Dehradun Zoo

Officially known as Malsi Deer Park, the Dehradun Zoo is a popular tourist attraction located in Dehradun, Mussorie Diversion Road. This pleasing wildlife sanctuary offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities, making it a popular picnic spot for families and nature lovers. Along with the beautifully tiled path and kid’s playground, you will find statues of many popular cartoon characters like Chota Bheem, Mowgli, Bagheera, etc. Capture the beautiful moments in Dehradun’s famous zoo, which is home to distinct wildlife species like deer, crocodiles, birds, tigers, lions, and many other animals. through photography and create unforgettable memories. This place is captivating and provides a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle. Before planning your visit to Malsi Deer Park, know the timings and any seasonal variations that might affect your wildlife sightseeing experience. If you are planning to go out with your friends and families, this place is a relaxing retreat full of natural beauty and a paradise for all tourists.

Dehradun Zoo Visitor Info

Best time to Visit Malsi Deer Park: The zoo can be visited throughout the year but on monsoons the weather is pleasant, and that can be an ideal time to explore.

Timings: Monday Closed (Tuesday – Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM)

Entrance Fee: Rs. 20 Per Person

Highlights:

• Cartoon Statues
• Animals
• Fun Activities
• Aquatic World (Aquarium)
• Photography

Read: Best Places to Visit in Kashmir

Clock Tower (Ghantaghar) – Iconic Landmark of Dehradun

Clock Tower (generally said as Ghantaghar) situated at Rajpur Road, is a most recognizable sight or landmark of Dehradun city which was built much before the independence time. It is a Famous destination located at the heart of Dehradun, near Paltan Market. Clock Tower is a prominent attraction due to its gorgeous design having six faces leading it to the most aesthetic structure in the City. Its unique features make it one of its kind in the Asian continent.

The area around the Clock Tower is even marked as the city’s commercial centers such as GPO, malls, and other major shops selling different things. The ring of the famous clocks of the Tower is audible and can even be heard from far distant places.

Clock Tower Visitor Info

Best time to Visit Clock Tower: Winters

Entrance Fee: Free (Open to Public)

Highlights:

• Six faces architecture
• Major Landmark
• Market Place

Mindrolling Monastery – Tibetan Buddhist Site in Dehradun

Tibetan Buddhist Temple or Buddha Temple is one of the famous tourist places in Dehradun, visited by many foreigners and Buddhist followers from across the world. The Buddhist Temple is a Tibetan Monastery or Mindrolling Monastery located just 9 km away from the Dehradun Railway Station in Clement Town. The temple is renowned for its magnificent Buddhist structure having five floors and enshrines sculptures of Buddha. The first three floors of the Temple give an interesting experience with a wide variety of eye-catching paintings in pure gold color. The fourth floor of the Tibetan Buddhist temple is a major attraction for the tourists. It is an open-rounded platform from where anyone can watch the 360-degree panoramic view of Doon Valley. The upper floor is accessible only on Sundays.

Buddhist Temple also boasts a beautiful garden, a series of shopping complexes and eating shops in addition to some good compilation of books written in the Tibetan language. Another main attraction of the Buddhist temple is its 130-feet-high statue of Buddha. The Buddhist or religious lovers will certainly find some peace in the tranquil surroundings.

Buddha Temple Visitor Info

Best Time to Visit Tibetan Buddhist Temple:

Visit any season of the year to experience the peaceful atmosphere with surrounding by nature.

Entrance Fee: Free

Opening Time: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Temple Gardens & Shops are open seven days a week but the inner temple is open only on Sundays.

Main Highlights:

• Mindrolling Monastery
• View from the top floor of Temple
• Buddha Stupa
• Sopping and eating Complexes

Read: Best Places to Visit in Seoul

Sahastradhara – Dehradun’s Famous Picnic Spot

Sahastradhara is one of the other famous places to visit in Dehradun. Sahastradhara factually means ‘Thousands fold spring’ is a popular picnic spot in Doon that draws loads of tourists from far distant places. The tourist attraction in Dehradun is famous for its scenic caves, a waterfall of about 9 meters, and sulfur water springs. The water in Sahastradhara contains sulfur content which moreover immense the scenic beauty and makes the spot so special as well as offers noteworthy medicinal benefits.

Situated at around 11 km from Dehradun city, it is a beautiful place where one can see the collection of water pools where water trickles from the limestone stalactites and also revivifies anyone’s mind and makes it feel alive. Some deluxe accommodations are available at Sahastradhara. Come to the beloved Dehradun’s beloved tourist attraction and experience the overwhelming bath in the water. The place can be visited throughout the year. The best time to visit Sahastradhara is in the monsoon season when the water gushes from the cliff offering memories for a lifetime.

Sahastradhara Visitor Information

Best Time to visit Sahastradhara: May to August (Monsoons)

Entrance Fee: Free

Visit Timings: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm

Highlights:

• Sulphur water springs
• Water slides in Joyland
• Panoramic view from the mountaintop
• Luxurious accommodations

Forest Research Institute, (FRI) Dehradun

Established in 1906, the Heritage Site FRI or Forest Research Institute is India’s leading educational hub for forest research. This oldest institution in Dehradun is the biggest tourist attraction in Dehradun. The biggest attraction of FRI is its building which is a national heritage site and is known for its Greco-architecture beauty with the magnificent museums amaze the tourists and make it one of a kind.

Dedicated to research and forestry-related items, the campus of Forest Research Institute features six museums: Silviculture Museum, Pathology Museum, Entomology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Timbra Museum, and Non-Wood Forest Products Museum. The guided tours facility is also available for visitors. The lush greenery around the architectural building makes it a more exciting place for photographs and one of the best places to visit in Dehradun. The FRI campus spread over 450 hectares has also been chosen for the Bollywood movie such as Krishna Cottage, Paan Singh Tomar, and Student of the Year.

FRI Visitor’s Information

Opening time: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

Guided Tours: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Entry fee: Rs.15 per person

Highlights:

• Museums
• Magnificent Architecture
• Impressive buildings
• Guided Tours

These top tourist places in Dehradun will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired. Whether you want to visit religious sites, fun water spots, or see lush greenery, you’ll find plenty of options to enjoy with your loved ones. Pack your bags and get ready to explore the natural beauty of Uttrakhand’s capital, Dehradun.