Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car
Local costs

Dehradun travel guide

Dehradun Tourism | Dehradun Guide

You're Going to Love Dehradun

Dehradun is one of India's most scenic and stunning cities, nestled as it is between the foothills of the Himalayas and right in the Doon Valley, with the meeting of two grand rivers, the Yamuna and Ganga. Walk around and take in the beautiful temples, old colonial architecture and little local bazaars.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Dehradun

1. The Rich Cultural Mix

Dehradun is a meeting spot for several Eastern cultures and still has a lingering British influence. Tuck into Tibetan, North Indian and Hakka style food throughout the city.

2. Beautiful Mountain Hikes

To the north are the Himalayan foothills and to the south are the Shivaliks, which make for incredible drives and hikes that are not to be missed.

3. Stunning Scenic Views

Resting at an altitude of 2,200 feet, many of the temples and smaller hill towns around the city have incredible viewpoints where you can catch a misty morning sunrise or an above-the-clouds sunset.

4. Silent, Sacred Temples

Besides the many local Hindu shrines and Buddhist monasteries, the Char Siddhs are a great attraction for devotees.

5. Interesting Colonial Architecture

Since the city once upon a time acted as a base for British rule, and with the presence of the Doon School (known as India's "Eton"), colonial influences in architecture are everywhere.

1. The Rich Cultural Mix

Dehradun is a meeting spot for several Eastern cultures and still has a lingering British influence. Tuck into Tibetan, North Indian and Hakka style food throughout the city.

2. Beautiful Mountain Hikes

To the north are the Himalayan foothills and to the south are the Shivaliks, which make for incredible drives and hikes that are not to be missed.

3. Stunning Scenic Views

Resting at an altitude of 2,200 feet, many of the temples and smaller hill towns around the city have incredible viewpoints where you can catch a misty morning sunrise or an above-the-clouds sunset.

4. Silent, Sacred Temples

Besides the many local Hindu shrines and Buddhist monasteries, the Char Siddhs are a great attraction for devotees.

5. Interesting Colonial Architecture

Since the city once upon a time acted as a base for British rule, and with the presence of the Doon School (known as India's "Eton"), colonial influences in architecture are everywhere.

What to do in Dehradun

1. Walking On Water

Walk into what is also known as the "Guchhupani", and you'll witness a cave filled with 600 meters worth of cold, gushing water. Look up and you'll find the weird shadows cast by the canopy of two mountains touching each other. Come on a weekend and you'll find the otherwise quiet spot overflowing with children enjoying water fights while adults picnic nearby. Come on a weekday, however, and you can take in the impressive rock formation, climb up the smooth, protruding rocks at the end and arrive at a hidden waterfall.

2. Educational And Inspirational

The FRI is a grand and majestic spot in Dehradun that families and visitors head to for its loveliness. This is a different kind of man-made beauty that features impeccably maintained, Greco-Roman inspired architecture and six entire museums housed within the premises. Don't be surprised if it takes you more than one day to visit all these jewels: the Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Silviculture Museum, Timbra Museum, Non-Wood Forest Products Museum, and the Entomology Museum.

3. In The Name Of The Lord

Lord Shiva, that is. This is Shiva's most famous temple and it's easy to see why. Like the rest of Dehradun, covered in beauty and mystique, the Tapkeshwar Temple rests, like a figure out of a story-book fairytale, on the edge of a forest. It's built to resemble a natural cave and has a steady stream of trickling water trickling. The temple receives hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and devotees every year and showcase large, vibrant statues of other gods such as Hanuman. Water plays a huge role within the ceremonies of the temple and devotees bathe in the nearby springs before entering.

4. Where The Flora And Fauna Thrive

You've seen the natural world, and you've visited its institutions. Tapekshwar Temple is where its religion and traditions lie - but what about Dehradun's wildlife? There are nearly 25 hectares of land dedicated to that at the Malsi Deer Park. It's a perfect spot to picnic, if you're looking for a lazy and relaxed afternoon, with the chance to view deer in their natural habitat. But if you're a passionate animal enthusiast, roam its vast acres to see stunning creatures such as the two horned deer, nilgai, leopards, peacocks and eagles. There are plenty of bounding bunnies to feed and a cafeteria full of goodies for you.

5. A Thousand Fold Spring

Unique and utterly enchanting, the Sahastradhara or the "Thousand Fold Spring" both looks and feels like something out of an Eastern legend. Its serene, flowing waterfall sounds and gorgeous rock formations bring peace and tranquility to any traveler willing to scale its thousand folds. Take a ropeway ride to get to the top and enjoy a bonus during the monsoon season: its stunning views, clad in mountain mist and rain.

1. Walking On Water

Walk into what is also known as the "Guchhupani", and you'll witness a cave filled with 600 meters worth of cold, gushing water. Look up and you'll find the weird shadows cast by the canopy of two mountains touching each other. Come on a weekend and you'll find the otherwise quiet spot overflowing with children enjoying water fights while adults picnic nearby. Come on a weekday, however, and you can take in the impressive rock formation, climb up the smooth, protruding rocks at the end and arrive at a hidden waterfall.

2. Educational And Inspirational

The FRI is a grand and majestic spot in Dehradun that families and visitors head to for its loveliness. This is a different kind of man-made beauty that features impeccably maintained, Greco-Roman inspired architecture and six entire museums housed within the premises. Don't be surprised if it takes you more than one day to visit all these jewels: the Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Silviculture Museum, Timbra Museum, Non-Wood Forest Products Museum, and the Entomology Museum.

3. In The Name Of The Lord

Lord Shiva, that is. This is Shiva's most famous temple and it's easy to see why. Like the rest of Dehradun, covered in beauty and mystique, the Tapkeshwar Temple rests, like a figure out of a story-book fairytale, on the edge of a forest. It's built to resemble a natural cave and has a steady stream of trickling water trickling. The temple receives hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and devotees every year and showcase large, vibrant statues of other gods such as Hanuman. Water plays a huge role within the ceremonies of the temple and devotees bathe in the nearby springs before entering.

4. Where The Flora And Fauna Thrive

You've seen the natural world, and you've visited its institutions. Tapekshwar Temple is where its religion and traditions lie - but what about Dehradun's wildlife? There are nearly 25 hectares of land dedicated to that at the Malsi Deer Park. It's a perfect spot to picnic, if you're looking for a lazy and relaxed afternoon, with the chance to view deer in their natural habitat. But if you're a passionate animal enthusiast, roam its vast acres to see stunning creatures such as the two horned deer, nilgai, leopards, peacocks and eagles. There are plenty of bounding bunnies to feed and a cafeteria full of goodies for you.

5. A Thousand Fold Spring

Unique and utterly enchanting, the Sahastradhara or the "Thousand Fold Spring" both looks and feels like something out of an Eastern legend. Its serene, flowing waterfall sounds and gorgeous rock formations bring peace and tranquility to any traveler willing to scale its thousand folds. Take a ropeway ride to get to the top and enjoy a bonus during the monsoon season: its stunning views, clad in mountain mist and rain.

1. Walking On Water

Walk into what is also known as the "Guchhupani", and you'll witness a cave filled with 600 meters worth of cold, gushing water. Look up and you'll find the weird shadows cast by the canopy of two mountains touching each other. Come on a weekend and you'll find the otherwise quiet spot overflowing with children enjoying water fights while adults picnic nearby. Come on a weekday, however, and you can take in the impressive rock formation, climb up the smooth, protruding rocks at the end and arrive at a hidden waterfall.

2. Educational And Inspirational

The FRI is a grand and majestic spot in Dehradun that families and visitors head to for its loveliness. This is a different kind of man-made beauty that features impeccably maintained, Greco-Roman inspired architecture and six entire museums housed within the premises. Don't be surprised if it takes you more than one day to visit all these jewels: the Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Silviculture Museum, Timbra Museum, Non-Wood Forest Products Museum, and the Entomology Museum.

3. In The Name Of The Lord

Lord Shiva, that is. This is Shiva's most famous temple and it's easy to see why. Like the rest of Dehradun, covered in beauty and mystique, the Tapkeshwar Temple rests, like a figure out of a story-book fairytale, on the edge of a forest. It's built to resemble a natural cave and has a steady stream of trickling water trickling. The temple receives hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and devotees every year and showcase large, vibrant statues of other gods such as Hanuman. Water plays a huge role within the ceremonies of the temple and devotees bathe in the nearby springs before entering.

4. Where The Flora And Fauna Thrive

You've seen the natural world, and you've visited its institutions. Tapekshwar Temple is where its religion and traditions lie - but what about Dehradun's wildlife? There are nearly 25 hectares of land dedicated to that at the Malsi Deer Park. It's a perfect spot to picnic, if you're looking for a lazy and relaxed afternoon, with the chance to view deer in their natural habitat. But if you're a passionate animal enthusiast, roam its vast acres to see stunning creatures such as the two horned deer, nilgai, leopards, peacocks and eagles. There are plenty of bounding bunnies to feed and a cafeteria full of goodies for you.

5. A Thousand Fold Spring

Unique and utterly enchanting, the Sahastradhara or the "Thousand Fold Spring" both looks and feels like something out of an Eastern legend. Its serene, flowing waterfall sounds and gorgeous rock formations bring peace and tranquility to any traveler willing to scale its thousand folds. Take a ropeway ride to get to the top and enjoy a bonus during the monsoon season: its stunning views, clad in mountain mist and rain.

Where to Eat in Dehradun

For amazing Hakka-style and Punjabi food, don't miss the famous Nanking restaurant, where one vegetarian dish is around ₹240 and you'll pay around ₹350-₹450 for non-veg delicacies like butter chicken.

When to visit Dehradun

Dehradun in June
Estimated hotel price
$42
1 night at 3-star hotel
Dehradun in June
Estimated hotel price
$42
1 night at 3-star hotel

The climate in Dehradun is very tolerable, especially in the spring and just before winters. While temperatures rise to 112°F in the hottest months, they drop to a cool 44.2°F in winter.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Dehradun

Plane

Flights in to Dehradun land at Jolly Grant Airport. From here, it's around 20 miles to the city center. There are no bus shuttle services, so rent a taxi for ₹2,617.

Train

Dehradun is a major stop on the train lines. Fares vary, depending on city of origin. A trip from Delhi to Dehradun costs ₹1,320.

Car

To get to Dehradun from Delhi, use the two-lane NH 72A.

Bus

There are different private bus companies you can travel with. Journeys from Delhi to Dehradun take 5-6 hours and arrive at the bus station, that's 3 miles north of the city center. Fares start at ₹750.

Plane

Flights in to Dehradun land at Jolly Grant Airport. From here, it's around 20 miles to the city center. There are no bus shuttle services, so rent a taxi for ₹2,617.

Train

Dehradun is a major stop on the train lines. Fares vary, depending on city of origin. A trip from Delhi to Dehradun costs ₹1,320.

Car

To get to Dehradun from Delhi, use the two-lane NH 72A.

Bus

There are different private bus companies you can travel with. Journeys from Delhi to Dehradun take 5-6 hours and arrive at the bus station, that's 3 miles north of the city center. Fares start at ₹750.

Airports near Dehradun

DEDDehra Dun
IXCChandigarh
SLVShimla

Airlines serving Dehradun

British Airways
Good (7,104 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,468 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,510 reviews)
Air India
Okay (2,924 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (873 reviews)
Virgin Atlantic
Good (653 reviews)
IndiGo
Good (477 reviews)
SpiceJet
Okay (88 reviews)
Alliance Air
Good (5 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Dehradun

Where to stay in Dehradun

For luxury accommodations, check into the Hotel Viceroy Inn. A notable four-star place is Hotel Softel Plaza. Hotel Ambassador is a great budget option.

Popular Neighborhoods in Dehradun

Clement Town - Home to the Indian Military Academy and the beautiful Mindroling Monastery, Clement Town is a quiet but popular district for travelers to explore.

Rajpur - This district is the economic and commercial heart of the city and the streets are buzzing with youth checking out the nightlife, shopping and Silvercity multiplexes.

Mussoorie - A picturesque and quiet hill station located in Dehradun, Mussoorie is home to stunning views, interesting local breweries and hiking trails.

Clement Town - Home to the Indian Military Academy and the beautiful Mindroling Monastery, Clement Town is a quiet but popular district for travelers to explore.
Rajpur - This district is the economic and commercial heart of the city and the streets are buzzing with youth checking out the nightlife, shopping and Silvercity multiplexes.
Mussoorie - A picturesque and quiet hill station located in Dehradun, Mussoorie is home to stunning views, interesting local breweries and hiking trails.

Where to stay in popular areas of Dehradun

Most booked hotels in Dehradun

See all
Lp Vilas
4 stars
Excellent (9, 148 reviews)
$64+
View
Hyatt Regency Dehradun
5 stars
Excellent (8.6, 167 reviews)
$175+
View
The Solitaire Hotel Dehdradun
4 stars
Excellent (8, 266 reviews)
$52+
View
Hotel Deepshikha
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, 64 reviews)
$25+
View
Sterling Mussoorie
4 stars
Good (7.7, 603 reviews)
$70+
View
The Competent Palace Dehradun
4 stars
Good (6.9, 62 reviews)
$30+
View

How to Get Around Dehradun

Public Transportation

Local transportation means the bus in Dehradun. Prices for tickets are given when you enter the bus, depending on destination.

Taxi

Taxis are actually auto-rickshaws in Dehradun, with a 6-8 person capacity. Fares run from ₹3-₹5 for an intercity trip.

Car

While the city is pedestrian-friendly, renting a car means you can travel to all the beautiful nearby towns and cities like Rishikesh. Use chauffeur-driven car rental services for ₹1,400 to ₹2,900 a day.

Public Transportation

Local transportation means the bus in Dehradun. Prices for tickets are given when you enter the bus, depending on destination.

Taxi

Taxis are actually auto-rickshaws in Dehradun, with a 6-8 person capacity. Fares run from ₹3-₹5 for an intercity trip.

Car

While the city is pedestrian-friendly, renting a car means you can travel to all the beautiful nearby towns and cities like Rishikesh. Use chauffeur-driven car rental services for ₹1,400 to ₹2,900 a day.

Find car rentals in Dehradun

The Cost of Living in Dehradun

Shopping Streets

Check out any of the five malls in Dehradun, like Pacific Mall at Jakhan, which is the largest. Otherwise, head to Astley Hall on Rajpur Road for one-off shops and restaurants.

Groceries and Other

A quart of milk costs ₹45 and a dozen eggs will cost you approximately ₹55.

Cheap meal
$2.50
A pair of jeans
$44.35
Single public transport ticket
$0.27
Cappuccino
$1.23

Everything you need to know for your stay in Dehradun

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Rishikesh

Dehradun Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Dehradun city guide for the best Dehradun travel tips. To help you organize your Dehradun trip ideas, this Dehradun visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.