A lot of people come to Dehradun to enjoy some quality time. But when they come, they often miss out on hidden treasures that this beautiful place beholds.
Dehradun is best known for monasteries, caves, waterfalls, medicinal springs, markets, temples, and lush green landscapes. But these are not enough as this place has a lot to experience and explore.
So, to help you a bit in this quest, we have put down the top activities and things to do in Dehradun. So, let us get started!
What to do in Dehradun?
Since there is no end to things that you can explore here, you can definitely start with some popular points. Before giving detailed information, we have pointed out the following:
- Robber’s Cave
- Sahastradhara
- Nature Park
- Paragliding
- Forest Research Institute
- Mindrolling Monastery
- Tapkeshwar Temple
- Chetwode Hall
- Nightlife
- Tibetan Market
- Ellora’s
- Rajaji National Park
- Nag Tibba
- Tiger Falls
- Malsi Deer Park
- Paltan Bazaar
- Old Rajpur Road
- MDDA Park
- Photo Walk
- Trekking
- Fun N Food Kingdom
- Buddha Temple
- Shiv Mandir
- Camping
- Assan Barrage
- UCOST
- Clock Tower
- Tapovan Temple
- Ram Rai Gurudwara
- Assan Barrage
Activities and things to enjoy in Dehradun
The list of fun things and activities that you can enjoy in Dehradun is endless. You can search online or offline for the same.
But below we have given some popular spots and activities so that you can begin your trip on a happy note:
1. Robber’s Cave
If you want to experience the thrill and excitement of the famous story – Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves, then you should visit this adventurous spot.
It is situated significantly close to the Gucchipani or Sahastradhara. To reach the actual location, you will need to cover a distance of around 1 kilometer.
The surreal place is the best to capture nature’s beauty at its best. When you are on the way, do not forget to stop at “maggie points” to enjoy some.
- Distance from the Main City: around 8 km.
- Entry Fees: INR 25
- Best Time to Visit: April to October
2. Sahastradhara
When you search for popular and fun places in Dehradun, you will surely find this place in the list. When you translate the name Sahastradhara, you will get to know that it is – a thousand fold spring.
The name is quite apt because you can see various caves and waterfalls in this area. These enhance the beauty and tranquility of this place.
People usually believe that your Uttrakhand trip is not completed without visiting this cool place with therapeutic values. It is an ideal spot to visit with friends and family.
- Distance from the Main City: around 8 km.
- Entry Fees: Nil
- Best Time to Visit: N/A
3. Nature Park
To explore the unparalleled beauty of nature, you must plan your visit to Nature Park. It is an unspoiled spot that is perfect for enjoying a good time with your family and friends.
This place provides you with a memorable experience away from the monotony of your daily life. Nature Park is also a kids-friendly spot as it has some swings that your little ones can enjoy.
- Distance from the Main City: around 19 km.
- Entry Fees: Nil
- Best Time to Visit: All days but between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm
4. Enjoy Paragliding
If you are wondering what to do in Dehradun, then paragliding is something that you must enjoy.
The infinite clear blue sky will provide you with panoramic views with a spellbinding experience.
You can go to the popular paragliding spots such as Rishikesh, Tehri, Chaktara, Mussoorie, and several other spots within or near Dehradun.
- Entry Fees: Varies from one adventure sport center to another
- Best Time to Visit: Check with the adventure sport center
5. Forest Research Institute
The Forest Research Institute was established by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education in 1906.
It is a National Heritage that is designed keeping the Greco-Roman style of architecture in mind. It is a lush green space that is over the land of 450 hectares.
So, if you are looking for something different and unique during your Dehradun trip, it is suggested to visit the Forest Research Institute.
Get the Directions Here:
- Distance from the Main City: around 5 km.
- Entry Fees: Check on the official website
- Best Time to Visit: All days but between 09:00 am and 5:30 pm
6. Mind-Rolling Monastery
Settled in the lap of nature, this place is counted among the largest Buddhist centers in the country.
The Mind-Rolling Monastery is an impeccably designed place that is best recognized for its architectural excellence.
When you enter here, you will feel the beauty of Japanese architecture. To have the best time, it is good to come here and spend a day, especially an evening.
Get the Directions Here
- Distance from the Main City: around 9 km.
- Best Time to Visit: All days but between 09:00 am and 7:00 pm
7. Tapkeshwar Temple
Beautifully designed temples are what Dehradun is famous for. And one such temple is Tapkeshwar Temple.
Located in the Himalayas foothills, this place is best known for offering some peaceful moments. Every year, a lot of visitors and locals come here to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
This temple is surrounded by oak, deodar, and beckoning pine.
Get the Direction Here
- Distance from the Main City: around 6.5 km.
- Entry Fees: No fees
- Best Time to Visit: All days but between 06:00 am and 7:00 pm
8. Chetwode Hall
If you ask locals about the “mecca of patriotism”, then you will surely find the name of Chetwode Hall as the answer.
This place envelopes a sense of joy and pride associated with the Indian Army. In addition to this, you will see the captivating architecture with a knowledge site to explore.
So, whenever you are here, take out some time to explore this place.
Get the Directions Here
- Distance from the Main City: around 7 km.
- Entry Fees: Nil
- Best Time to Visit: All days but between 10:00 am and 02:00 pm
9. Exciting Nightlife
If you think that Dehradun is not an exciting option to enjoy nighttime, then you are wrong.
It is one of the best places that are home to numerous lounges, clubs, bars, etc. All these promise thrilling night scenes. In many of these places, you will also find places with mesmerizing views of the mountain.
- Distance from the Main City: depends on the bar, club, or lounge you want to visit
- Entry Fees: vary from one bar, club, or lounge to another
- Best Time to Visit: check with the bar, club, or lounge
10. Tibetan Market
When you are in Dehradun, you will surely want to shop for some amazing items for your loved ones. For this, one of the most popular spots is the Tibetan Market.
This market has some affordable shops to buy authentic Garhwali jewelry, Tibetan handicrafts, and several other decorative items.
Best Time to Visit: All days
11. Rajaji National Park
Located in the Himalayas and Shivalisks’ lap, visiting the Rajaji National Park is the best way to embrace “Mother Nature”.
Here, you will be provided with a unique experience so that you can witness the wildlife and nature. This place is an ideal spot to spend some time away from the city’s hustle-bustle life.
Visiting this place is one of the most adventurous activities to do in Dehradun.
- Distance from the Main City: around 61 km.
- Entry Fees: INR 800*
- Best Time to Visit: All days from 6:00 am to 9:00 am and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
12. Nag Tibba
To enjoy some exciting activities such as trekking, you can go to Nag Tibba.
It is at the bottom of the well-known Shivalik Hills and is surrounded by lush greenery. Along with Nag Tibba, you can also explore the Bhadraj Hill and Chhaskhet and enjoy hiking and trekking.
If you are coming here with your gang, then you should not miss out on the opportunity to have an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit: between June and December
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The Bottom Line
So, these are just a few places to visit and things to do in Dehradun. Some more options have already been listed at the beginning of this post. You can also make your own list by doing some online and offline research.
Lastly, you are advised to check everything in advance and make the necessary arrangements beforehand. And yes, always check the climatic conditions of Dehradun before visiting as it will help you pack the bags accordingly.
