Dehradun, Uttarakhand City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city.

Dehradun, Uttarakhand – The Gateway to the Himalayas

Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is a beautiful city nestled in the Doon Valley, surrounded by the Himalayas to the north and the Shivalik hills to the south. Known for its pleasant weather, prestigious educational institutions, and scenic landscapes, Dehradun serves as a gateway to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Haridwar.

📍 Key Highlights of Dehradun

✅ Capital city of Uttarakhand
✅ Surrounded by mountains, forests, and rivers
✅ Home to top educational institutions like Doon School & IMA
✅ Famous for scenic beauty, temples, caves, and adventure activities

🏛️ Top Attractions & Best Places to Visit in Dehradun

1️⃣ Robber’s Cave (Guchhu Pani) – A Natural Wonder

📍 Location: 8 km from Dehradun city
💞 Why Visit?
✅ A unique cave with a flowing river inside
✅ Perfect for adventure lovers & photographers

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹25 per person
🕰️ Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

2️⃣ Sahastradhara – The Healing Waterfall

📍 Location: 14 km from Dehradun
💞 Why Visit?
✅ A beautiful waterfall with medicinal sulfur water
✅ Great for picnics, photography & relaxation

🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🕰️ Timings: Open all day

3️⃣ Tapkeshwar Temple – A Sacred Shiva Shrine

📍 Location: 6 km from the city center
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Ancient cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
✅ A natural water stream flows over the Shiva Linga

🕰️ Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

4️⃣ Mindrolling Monastery – A Spiritual Retreat

📍 Location: Clement Town, Dehradun
💞 Why Visit?
✅ One of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India
✅ Beautiful gardens, a giant stupa & peaceful atmosphere

🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🕰️ Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

5️⃣ Forest Research Institute (FRI) – A Heritage Institution

📍 Location: Chakrata Road, Dehradun
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Colonial-style architecture & a vast green campus
✅ Houses one of the best forest research museums in India

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹40 per person
🕰️ Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

6️⃣ Malsi Deer Park – A Wildlife Experience

📍 Location: 10 km from Dehradun
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Home to deer, peacocks, and other wildlife
✅ A great place for kids & nature lovers

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
🕰️ Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

🎭 Festivals & Events in Dehradun

🎡 Bissu Fair – Celebrated by Jaunsari tribes in April
🎶 Jhanda Fair – A major Sikh festival at Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara
🎉 Uttarayani Festival – Marks the transition of the sun to Capricorn
🛕 Mahashivratri at Tapkeshwar Temple – A grand celebration

🛍️ Shopping in Dehradun – What to Buy?

🛍️ Woolen Clothes & Handicrafts – Available in local markets
🛍️ Basmati Rice & Spices – Famous Dehradun specialty
🛍️ Handmade Candles & Wooden Artifacts – Perfect souvenirs

Best Shopping Markets in Dehradun:

📍 Paltan Bazaar – Best for handicrafts & souvenirs
📍 Tibetan Market – Great for woolens & accessories
📍 Astley Hall – Best for books, home decor, and jewelry

🍽️ Food & Drink in Dehradun – Must-Try Dishes

🍛 Aloo Ke Gutke – A famous Kumaoni dish
🍛 Kachmauli (Spiced Roasted Goat) – A Garhwali specialty
🍛 Chainsoo – A lentil-based local dish
🍛 Bal Mithai & Singodi – Must-try Uttarakhand sweets

Best Restaurants in Dehradun:

🍽️ Town Table – Best for multi-cuisine dining
🍽️ Black Pepper – Famous for North Indian food
🍽️ Orchard Restaurant – Great ambiance & Tibetan food
🍽️ Kalsang Friends Corner – Best for momos & Chinese cuisine

🌙 Nightlife in Dehradun – Where to Chill?

🍸 Opal Lounge – Best for cocktails & live music
🍸 The Terrace at Four Points – Rooftop dining with a view
🍸 Pub of India – A trendy hangout spot for nightlife lovers

🚗 How to Reach Dehradun?

• ✈️ By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (25 km from Dehradun)
• 🚆 By Train: Dehradun Railway Station (well-connected to Delhi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh)
• 🚗 By Road: Located on NH-7, connected to Delhi (250 km)