A Complete Travel Guide to Dehradun

Dehradun, known as the ‘Abode of Drona’ (Dronacharya, the Guru of the Kauravas), is one of India’s oldest cities. According to folklore, Lord Rama and Lakshmana came here to perform penance after killing Ravana, hence the city is also important for religious tourism. Dehradun is home to a variety of prestigious educational institutions, including Eton Doon School. On top of that, it is home to the country’s premier army officer training academy, the Indian Military Academy, as well as the headquarters of notable institutes such as the Survey of India and the Forest Research Institute. Dehradun is a district headquarters as well as the busy capital of a laid-back state.

The city has a youthful vibe, and the aroma of its diversity can be smelled from miles away, thanks to its Basmati fields, Mango, and Litchi orchards. The Clock Tower, bakeries, and restaurants lined up along the famous Rajpur Road, and the Forest Research Institute are just a few of the city’s notable monuments. Dehradun is known as the ‘Gateway to Garhwal Region’ in addition to being a beautiful state capital. Dehradun is an ideal tourist destination in India because of its proximity to tourist attractions like Mussoorie and pilgrimage sites like Haridwar and Rishikesh.

Dehradun travel guide provided by Uttarakhand Travel Tourism can help you plan an organized visit to the city. It is here that you will find comprehensive information about places to visit, activities to do and shop, places to eat, and how to get there.

History of Dehradun

Dun was part of the Kedar Khand area, according to the Skanda Purana. By the end of the third century B.C., it had been absorbed into the Ashoka kingdom. History reveals that the territory was a part of the Garhwal kingdom for ages, with brief interruptions from the Rohillas. It was occupied by the Gorkhas for roughly two decades, until 1815. The Gorkhas were expelled from the Garhwal region in April 1815, and the British annexed the region. The territory that is now tehsil Dehra Dun was added to district Saharanpur in that year. It was, however, moved to the Kumaon Division in 1825.

Hindi, Sindhi, Punjabi, Garhwali, and Urdu are the main languages spoken in the district. The montane tract and the sub-montane tract are the two different sections of Dehra Dun. The montane tract, which includes Jaunsar Bhabar, spans the whole Chakrata tehsil of the district and is made up entirely of a series of mountains and gorges. The terrain is rugged, with steep slopes. The ridge that separates the Tons and Yamuna drainage areas on the west from the Yamuna drainage area on the east is one of the tract’s most notable characteristics. Below the montane tract lies the sub-montane tract, which includes the well-known Dun valley, which is bordered on the south by the Shivalik hills and on the north by the outer scarp of the Himalayas.

The Siwalik (outer and lower Himalayan mountains) lie at its feet, the outer-scrape Himalayas encircle it on the north, and the frightened Ganga and Yamuna skirt it on the east and west, respectively. The Ganga enters the district at Tapoban in the eastern Dun and flows south-west to Hardwar via Raiwala near Rishikesh. The Yamuna joins the district in Jaunsar and flows south for about 32 kilometers along the district’s southeast border. Aside from the Ganga and the Yamuna, the district’s rivers include the Asan, Suswa, Tons, Rispana, Bindal, and Amitava.

Best Time to Visit Dehradun

The best time to visit Dehradun is between the months of March and June if you want to have a fantastic trip. It is during the summer season in Dehradun when the weather is beautiful and clear. During this period, one can arrange an interesting retreat to this charming hill station in Uttarakhand and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Himalayas. Dehradun, one of India’s top hill stations, is a great place to visit with family and friends. With a diverse range of natural attractions, this area takes on new life and color during the monsoon and winter seasons. When in Dehradun, say any year, one is always spoiled for choice. There are various tourist attractions in Dehradun, such as Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, Mindrolling Monastery, Lacchiwala, and others, that are accessible virtually all year.

Summers in Dehradun

The summer season is one of the greatest times to visit Dehradun because it is when the city receives the most visitors. Because the weather is lovely and clear, there are many tourist and adventure things to enjoy in Dehradun at this time. The temperature often swings between 35 and 17 degrees Celsius, allowing visitors to enjoy the city’s magnificent surroundings.

However, it is recommended that you bring light cotton clothing with you in case it gets hot in Dehradun during the summer. Places to visit and things to do at this time: If you’re searching for a break from the heat of the summer in other parts of North India, now is the finest time to visit Dehradun. Furthermore, this is the time of year in Dehradun when the most adventurous activities are available.

It’s a surreal retreat from the rush and bustle, thanks to the lovely weather and tranquil feel of the city. It’s also a fantastic season to do trekking and hiking in Dehradun, with clear skies and bright weather.

Monsoon in Dehradun

Winters in Dehradun are magnificent, with temperatures as low as 3 degrees Celsius and a beautiful landscape blanketed with snow and frigid air. During this season, the hill station looks spectacular, and snow aficionados may expect a fantastic adventure. Robbers Cave, Buddha Temple, and Malsi deer park are some of the best sites to visit in the winter. Dehradun is a wonderful spot to come in the winter if you want to have a romantic holiday with your better half while enjoying the beautiful landscape. On your vacation, it’s a fantastic time to take in the foggy air and feast on Dehradun’s most wonderful cuisine. However, you should plan your journey around the freezing temperatures that Dehradun experiences during the winter. Tourists should only go out after bringing appropriate woolen clothing and jackets to keep warm at night and in the evenings.

Winters in Dehradun

Top 10 Activities to do in Dehradun

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On their route to Mussoorie or other nearby hill stations, people frequently overlook the variety of hidden treasures that Dehradun has to offer. There’s a lot to see and do in Dehradun, from caverns to monasteries, temples, markets, waterfalls, and medicinal springs. So, in the listicle below, we’ve included some of the top things to do in Dehradun so that you don’t lose out on the beauty and adventure of exploring this city. Dehradun, just a few hours from Delhi NCR, is a perfect package of adventure and nature. On a journey to this intriguing tiny hill town, there is no end to what one can see and do.

1. Paragliding
2. Swimming
3. Trekking
4. Camping 
5. Caving
6. Jungle Safari
7. Shopping
8. Picnic
9. Clubbing
10. River Rafting

Top 10 Things to do in Dehradun

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Places to visit in Dehradun

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Dehradun is a prominent and favored hill station in Uttarakhand, tucked away in the Doon Valley. It is surrounded by the picturesque Garhwal Himalayas, which attracts couples, families, and lone travelers alike. Religious sites, tourism attractions, and wildlife preserves are among the top locations to visit in Dehradun. There are locations to relax with your lover and watch the sunset, tourist pockets to explore with your family, and adventure stops to attempt exhilarating things with your pals. Dehradun tourism offers a variety of tourist attractions to help you plan your trip. Here, you’ll have the time of your life.

There are multiple magnificent places to visit in Dehradun, but we have shortlisted Best 10 for you.

1. Sahastradhara
2. Robber’s Cave
3. Mindrolling Monastery
4. Tapkeshwar Temple
5. Lacchiwala
6. Paltan Bazaar
7. Tapovan
8. Chetwode Hall
9. Fun Valley
10. Wildlife Institute of India

Top 10 places to visit in Dehradun

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Places to Visit Nearby Dehradun

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While you’re strolling around Dehradun’s byways and motorways, keep in mind that there are plenty of adventures and peaceful spots to visit nearby. Some of the most beautiful sites near Dehradun are only a few kilometers away and are quite easy to reach. To explore the well-known as well as lesser-known destinations surrounding Dehradun, all you need is a day or two off. Are you in Dehradun and seeking a romantic getaway? Check out this list of the top ten most beautiful spots near Dehradun that you may visit during your trip to Dehradun.

1. Chakrata
2. Dhanaulti
3. Haridwar
4. Rishikesh
5. Mussoorie
6. Nag Tibba
7. Rupin Pass
8. Tehri Dam
9. Nagthat
10. Har Ki Dun

Top 10 Places to Visit Near Dehradun

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Hotels in Dehradun

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Dehradun is known for providing warm hospitality and state-of-the-art facilities to ex-pats and elites as well as regular tourists. This capital city of Uttarakhand also serves as a gateway/base for tourists traveling to the undulating hills of the Garhwal Region, therefore there are a variety of lodges and guest homes, as well as inexpensive hotels, to choose from. GMVN-run government guest rooms are also a comfortable and cost-effective way to stay in Dehradun. The city is home to a myriad of luxury and affordable hotels, all of which are eager to pamper their visitors with top-notch services. Dehradun does not have any hotels in the 5-star category, although it does have a few 4-star resorts that cater to luxury travelers well.

These hotels are also close to Dehradun’s major shopping destinations, such as Tibetan Market and Ghantaghar Market. Apart from hotels in Dehradun, travelers can stay at homestays and B&B Inns near ISBT for a more unique experience. Budget hotels abound in the city, making it an excellent choice for honeymooners. Those traveling with their families will be spoilt for choice, as this tourist spot in Uttarakhand offers a wide range of excellent lodging options. As your trusted travel companion, Tour My India can provide you with the best lodgings in Dehradun. When you book a hotel with us, you’ll get the best rates and discounts, as well as the assurance that you’ll find the best places to stay in Dehradun within your budget.

How to Reach Dehradun

By Train

Regular train services connect Dehradun to the cities of Delhi, Lucknow, Allahabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ujjain, Chennai, and Varanasi. The Dehradun Railway Station is 1-2 kilometers from the city center and should take you no more than 10 minutes to reach, depending on traffic. Trains such as the Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, Dehradun AC Express, Doon Express, Bandra Express, and Amritsar-Dehradun Express connect Dehradun to the rest of the country.

By Air

The nearest airport to Dhanaulti is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, which is about 104 kilometers away. To get to this lovely hill station – DhThe Jolly Grant Airport, 20 kilometers from the city center, is Dehradun’s airport. Dehradun is served by Air India, Jet Airways, Jet Konnect, and Spice Jet on a regular basis. To get to the city, you can take a taxi from the airport, which should take 40 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.

By Road

By Volvo, Deluxe, Semi-Deluxe, and Uttarakhand State Transport buses, Dehradun is well connected to most cities, including Delhi, Shimla, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Agra, and Mussoorie. The Dehradun Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) near Clement Town is where these buses arrive and depart. Buses run every 15 minutes to an hour from this location. The Mussoorie Bus Station, which is located at the Dehradun Railway Station and operates regular bus services to Mussoorie and other neighboring places, is another bus terminal in Dehradun. The Delhi Bus Stand on Gandhi Road is another interstate bus terminal in Dehradun.

Dehradun Travel Tips

Dehradun, a bustling metropolis with outstanding beauty and modern conveniences, is a city for both business and pleasure. It was once a retirement paradise, but it now buzzes with energy while maintaining its laid-back character. Heritage landmarks and bazaars coexist with charming cafés and lounges. some travel tips to ease your Dehradun Travel Experience.

1. If you plan to travel on a weekend, make a reservation in advance. If you’re on a budget, go on a weekday.
2. Dehradun has many places to visit, so 2N/3D duration is enough for traveling.
3. Stay in Homestays if possible to take local food and stay experience which is a new trend nowadays!
4. Do not take photographs inside temples if restricted.
5. Adventure activities are a famous part of Dehradun, so try one.
6. Do not miss nearby places that are many famous tourist spots too.

That is pretty much everything you need to know about Dehradun. I hope the preceding information was useful and will help to ease your Travel Planning. If you have any concerns or require additional information, please ask in the comments box below or call me, and I would be happy to respond.