Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is one of North India’s most peaceful and scenic cities. Surrounded by forested hills, colonial architecture, and sacred rivers, it’s a base for spiritual yatras, trekking holidays, and weekend breaks. With direct connectivity from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and other metro cities, it’s an easy getaway for all types of travellers—especially families and senior citizens looking for fresh air and relaxed vibes. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about planning a smooth, safe, and meaningful Dehradun trip.
Why Visit Dehradun?
Dehradun is the capital city of Uttarakhand and one of the oldest cities in India’s Himalayan foothills. Known for its prestigious schools like Doon School and institutions like FRI, it has a strong educational and cultural background. For travellers, it offers easy access, good weather, and a mix of nature and city life. From spiritual sites to scenic spots and cafés, Dehradun is ideal for families, senior citizens, and anyone planning a relaxed hill getaway or a stopover before heading to Mussoorie or Char Dham.
- Ideal climate almost all year round
- Easy base for Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Char Dham
- Family-friendly activities and hotels
- Popular schools and monasteries to visit
- Local bakeries and Pahadi food
How to Reach Dehradun
Dehradun is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easy to reach from most Indian cities. Jolly Grant Airport is just 25 km away with daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Trains run regularly from Delhi, Varanasi, Lucknow, and even Mumbai. If you’re driving, it’s about 6–7 hours from Delhi via Saharanpur or the Meerut expressway. Haridwar and Rishikesh are both just 1.5 hours away, so Dehradun also works well as a base for nearby hill and pilgrim destinations.
By Road: Dehradun is well-connected by road from major cities:
- Delhi to Dehradun: 250 km (6-7 hours via Saharanpur or Meerut expressway)
- Haridwar to Dehradun: 50 km (1.5 hours)
- Rishikesh to Dehradun: 45 km (1.5 hours)
By Train: Dehradun Railway Station (DDN) has daily trains from:
- Delhi (Shatabdi, Mussoorie Express)
- Mumbai (Dehradun Express)
- Lucknow, Varanasi, Kolkata
By Air:
- Jolly Grant Airport (DED) is 25 km from the city
- Daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad
- Taxis available outside airport (INR 900–1200 approx to city)
Best Time to Visit Dehradun
Dehradun is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from March to June and October to December. Summer brings pleasant weather for sightseeing, with temperatures between 17°C to 35°C. Winter is cooler and clearer, ideal for peaceful stays and cafe-hopping. Monsoons (July–September) turn the hills green but can bring rain delays. For senior citizens and families, shoulder months like April, May, and October are most comfortable.
- Summer (March to June): Clear skies, temperature 17–35°C. Great for sightseeing.
- Monsoon (July to September): Green landscapes, fewer tourists. Occasional rains.
- Winter (October to February): Crisp mornings, 3–22°C. Best time for peaceful walks and cafe hopping.
Places to Visit in Dehradun
Places to visit in Dehradun include natural spots, temples, monasteries, and museums—all easy to access. Robber’s Cave and Sahastradhara are popular for nature walks and cool water streams. Families enjoy the Forest Research Institute and Malsi Deer Park. For spiritual travellers, Tapkeshwar Temple and Mindrolling Monastery are peaceful and well-maintained. You’ll also find local landmarks like the Clock Tower and a few offbeat museums. Most sites are within 10–12 km of the city center, making day sightseeing easy.
1. Robber’s Cave (Gucchupani)
Walk barefoot in a shallow river flowing through a cave. 8 km from city centre.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Tip: Go early morning to avoid crowd
2. Sahastradhara (Sulphur Springs)
Natural water springs known for their medicinal value.
- Good for light picnic and views
3. Mindrolling Monastery
One of India’s largest Buddhist monasteries
- Beautiful gardens, tall stupa, peaceful atmosphere
- Good for spiritual seekers
4. Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
- Located on banks of seasonal river
- Free entry, but a bit of walking needed
5. Forest Research Institute (FRI)
Colonial building with a massive campus
- Bollywood shooting spot
- Museum on forestry and architecture
6. Malsi Deer Park (Dehradun Zoo)
Good for kids and wildlife lovers
- Entry: Approx INR 20
- Open: 10 am to 5 pm
7. Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar)
Iconic landmark of Dehradun
- Surrounded by local markets, cafes
8. Pacific Mall & Local Markets
For shopping and food courts
9. Wadia Institute, Zonal Museum, Regional Science Centre
Offbeat, educational options if you’re staying longer
Nearby Day Trips
- Mussoorie (35 km): Queen of Hills
- Rishikesh (45 km): Adventure + Ganga Aarti
- Haridwar (50 km): Holy city with Ganga ghats
Where to Stay in Dehradun
Dehradun has all kinds of places to stay—cheap hotels, decent mid-range options, and a few fancy resorts too. Rajpur Road is a good area if you want cafes and greenery nearby. For budget stays, look around the railway station or ISBT. Families usually go for hotels in Jakhan or Hathibarkala. If you want peace and better views, try something on Mussoorie Road. Prices start from around ₹1000 and can go up to ₹12,000 depending on what you choose.
Budget Hotels (INR 1000–2000/night)
- Hotel Doon Castle
- Hotel Ashrey
- Shiva Residency (near Railway Station)
Deluxe Hotels (INR 2500–5000/night)
- Four Points by Sheraton
- Hotel Madhuban
- Seyfert Sarovar Portico
Premium Resorts (INR 6000–12000/night)
- Lemon Tree Dehradun (inside Pacific Mall)
- LP Residency (Rajpur Road)
- Shaheen Bagh (Luxury retreat near Mussoorie road)
Tip: Choose hotels on Rajpur Road for greenery and access to cafes.
Where to Eat in Dehradun
Dehradun is known for its local snacks, old bakeries, and cosy cafes. For quick bites, try Bun Tikki, chhole puri, and momos near Paltan Bazaar or Clock Tower. Ellora’s and Kumar Sweets are popular for baked stuff and sweets. Rajpur Road has nice cafes like Cibo, Y Café, and First Gear Café with good views. If you’re with family, places like Black Pepper, Orchard, and Doon Darbar are safe picks. Most spots open till 10 pm.
Famous Local Foods:
- Bun Tikki (Amritsari Bun + Aloo Tikki)
- Kachori-Sabzi (Chetan Puri Wala)
- Momos and Tibetan food (near parade ground)
- Bakery Items (Ellora’s, Kumar Sweets)
Popular Cafes:
- Cafe Cibo (Rajpur Road)
- Y Cafe & Restaurant (Old-bookstore style)
- First Gear Cafe (hilly road to Mussoorie)
Family Restaurants:
- Black Pepper
- Orchard (Thai + Indian, near river stream)
- Doon Darbar (non-veg lovers)
How to Commute Within Dehradun
Getting around Dehradun is easy for short distances. Autos are available almost everywhere and are cheap for local travel. App-based cabs like Ola and Uber work in most parts, though availability can be patchy in the evenings. For tourists and families, hiring a local cab for a full day is more convenient. Buses run on fixed routes but aren’t very tourist-friendly. If you’re planning to visit nearby places like Mussoorie or Rishikesh, it’s better to book a private cab.
- Auto Rickshaws: Cheap and easy for short trips
- OLA / Uber: Available but sometimes limited
- Local Buses: Budget-friendly, but not tourist-friendly
- Private Taxi: Best for families and senior citizens. Ask hotel or use a travel agency
If planning Mussoorie/Rishikesh trip, hire a cab for 1 or 2 days.
