Top 16 Places to Definitely Visit in Dehradun

Dehradun is one of the most preferred tourist destinations in India. The stunning landscapes and the soothing climate have made this place a favorite place of travel.

The city also has a strong historical significance to it. Known as Dronanagri, it is said that Dronacharya was born in Dehradun. Several ancient temples scattered here are a proof to this.

In this post, I have listed down several exotic places (and some unknown & unheard places too) of Dehradun that you must surely visit if you are planning a trip to this beautiful city. If not, I recommend you to plan a visit asap.

Lachhiwala

This exotic water spot is located on a route between Dehradun & Doiwala (approx. 15 kms from Rispana, Dehradun). Surrounded all over by the dense forest, the place has fresh water pools that remain live throughout the year. Lachhiwala is a perfect outing spot in summers where you can spent a peaceful day with your friends & family relaxing in the lapse of Nature & Mountains.

Pack your home made food, some mats, water bottle and a camera & witness an exotic trip with full family enjoyment at lachhiwala.

If you are looking for a calm & peaceful corner in the city, then you must definitely visit this Temple of Lord Buddha. Located in the Clement town area, behind the Graphic Era University, this temple will definitely lift up your spirits high with its awesome scenario & craftsmanship.

The temple is divided into two parts- One with the huge Buddha Statue surrounded with the Buddha Stupas. There are nearly hundreds of stupas in a line with some Buddha 'Shloks' engraved on each. It is believed to fulfill all your wishes if you rotate all those stupas without a pause in between. The other part of Temple has a main hall where Lord Buddha is worshiped. Visitors can visit this main hall only on Sundays.

It is said to be completed by 50 artists who took almost three years to paint the walls of the exemplary structure with gold paint. According to temple authorities the religious establishment was built to preserve and promote Tibetan culture in the country.

Sahastradhara is a popular tourist destination & waterfall in Dehradun. Many tourists arrive to the city just to visit this place of 'thousands spring falls'. You will find jharnas (waterfalls), boating point, mountain trekking and trolley ride to travel an ancient temple above the hills in Sahastradhara. I can recall one memory when one of my Chhattisgarh based friend visited this place with me and got astonished seeing that exotic & mesmerizing view right from the downhill road to Sahastradhara.

The place is also recommended for its 'Gandhak ka pani' or sulphuric water springs. The ' Gandhak Jal ' is believed to have the miracle effects to heal every type of skin diseases. Tourists can be found bathing in this sulphuric water or can be seen taking this water in the bottles for their friends & family.

This is another most famous & popular tourist destinations in Dehradun after Sahastradhara, Robber's cave is going to be pure delight for the ones who love adventure. This is a 600 meters long river cave surrounded by two huge mountains. Among locals, this place is better known as Gucchupani. The cave is divided into two main parts with its highest fall being 10 meters long. After you cross the cave, you full find a pool of water with waterfalls. You can climb up further to find other exotic views of the place.

Malsi Deer Park is the only Zoo in Dehradun where you can spot a lot of barasingha deer, leopard, and other wide range of flora & fauna. This zoo is spread over an area of 25 hectares and can be located on your way to Mussorie. The park is recently renovated so if you have visited the place earlier, I bet you will find a complete change to your next visit with a proper drinking water & sanitation facilities.

The zoo authorities don't allow the outside food & snack in the park. A large canteen is available outside where you can fulfill your small hunger needs.

Explore Wildlife, Nature, Exotic Views. Enjoy swings & child rides.

Tickets: 20 Rs per adult & 10 Rs per child below 5 years.

Open all days except Monday (10 am to 6 pm).

Situated at Mussouri Road before DIT at a distance of 10 kms from Clock Tower, Dehradun.

Tip: Don't carry any food items with you before entering since they are strictly not allowed.

Maldevta is a place in Dehradun that has been hidden like a gem for most of the people. The place got its recognition because of the exotic hills view, the flowing tons river and a temple "Maldevta" situated at the place. The place also takes you up straight to the Dhanaulti & then Tehri Route. Since the place is unknown, you will not get any rush there. While you travel to this place, you can see many small villages in between with the villagers still far away from modern life. The route is perfect for your adventurous journey. Don't forget to keep water & some food items with you since you'll hardly find any shop there.

George Everest is the highest Hill around Mussoorie where you can enjoy trekking while exploring the nature's beauty. This place is named after first Surveyor General of India, Sir George Everest. Located at the maximum height in Mussoori, the place has sunrise and sunset points.You can also view the panoramic view of Doon Valley & Himalayan ranges.

Santala Devi Temple is situated on a cliff at an altitude of 2083 m near Jaitunwala in Dehradun. It is located on the right bank of Nun Nadi, distance being 15 kms from Main Dehradun. To reach the temple of Santala Devi, visitors need to pass through Garhi Cantt and Punjabiwala villages.

The Sai Darbar Temple is one of the popular temples in Dehradun. Located on Rajpur Road, 8 kilometers from the Clock Tower, the Sai Darbar Temple is a calm and peaceful temple where you can spent some relaxing moments with an environment full of devotional Sai songs. Dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba, the temple is visited by many devotees across different faiths.

Located just 8 kms from the clock Tower, Dehradun.

Tip: Go on Thursdays to enjoy the Kadi Chawal Prasad out there.

If you are a photo freak then this place is perfect for you! Thano Road is said to be the shortcut to Bhaniyawala- Haridwar route. It is an amazing route that goes off up to the hills surrounding dense forests. The place is perfect for photography & adventure. Situated at a distance of 20 kms from Raipur Chauk, the place is better to be visited in 2-wheeler. In between you will see a bridge with tons river flowing down. Many couples & friends can be seen clicking the shots there.

So what are you waiting for, pack up your bag with some eateries, hold your DSLR, fill up your 2-wheeler tank and witness a journey that you gonna remember for the years to come!

The premier research institute of forestry in India is located in Dehradun. The Forest Research Institute was established in 1906 as the British Imperial Forestry Service. The site also contains a museum for forestry with six main sections that are Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Silviculture Museum, Timber Museum, Non-Wood Forest Products Museum and Entomology Museum.

You must have seen this research institute in many Bollywood films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam, Paan Singh Tomar, Student of the Year etc.

Rajaji National Park is an Indian national park and tiger reserve situated in Dehradun-Haridwar-Pauri region near the foothills of the Himalayas. The park is spread over 820 km². The dense forest of Rajaji is blessed with elephants, tigers, leopards, deers, ghorals & Wild Pigs.