Uttarakhand ·
Dehradun
Dehradun is the winter capital of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Nestled between the Himalayan foothills to the north and the Shivaliks to the south, the town offers breathtaking scenery.
Dehradun at a Glance
Why Dehradun?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Uttara Museum of Contemporary Art
- Robber's Cave
- Doon Valley
- Santala devi temple
- Tapkeshwar Temple
- The Forest Research Institute Museums
Dehradun at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Dehradun before planning your visit.
Can be combined with
Explore Dehradun
Places to Visit
- Uttara Museum of Contemporary Art: The Uttara Museum of Contemporary Art (UMCA), located at MDDA Complex in Dehradun, is Uttarakhand's first art museum dedicating multi-dimensional artworks in the memory of the 2013 North India floods (Kedarnath disaster).
- Robber's Cave: Robber's Cave (known locally as Guchhu pani), located near Garhi Cantt, Dehradun, is a river cave formation in the Himalayas, located approximately 8 km from the centre of Dehradun in Uttarakhand, India. The cave is about 600 metres long, and divided into two main parts.
- Doon Valley: The Doon Valley is an unusually wide, long valley within the Sivalik Hills and the Lesser Himalayas, in the Indian states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. It is closer to Kyarda Doon, which lies in Himachal Pradesh.
- Santala devi temple: Santala Devi Temple is a hindu temple in Punkal Gaon, Galajwari, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
- Tapkeshwar Temple: Tapkeshwar Temple, also known as Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, is a temple in Dehradun dedicated to Shiva. The temple is on the bank of the Tons River, built on top of a natural cave, which holds the temple's main shivalinga.
- The Forest Research Institute Museums: Lavish environs and one of the largest institutes of its kind. Museum entry ₹25, covers 6 halls.
Things to Do
- India Thrills: India Thrills is worth a visit while in Dehradun.
- Adventure Nation: Adventure Nation is worth a visit while in Dehradun.
- Chetwoode Hall: The Indian Military Academy. A charming little museum housing collections of 20th century military artifacts.
- Clock Tower: Built by the British, this remains the icon of the downtown area.
- Jaspal Rana Shooting Range: Majhon- Paunda, Via Nanda Ki Chowki, Premnagar, Dehradun
- The Kalinga War Memorial: The only war memorial of its kind in the world which was erected by the British to honour their foe, the Gurkhas (or the Gorkhas).
Sightseeing Places
- Uttara Museum of Contemporary Art: The Uttara Museum of Contemporary Art (UMCA), located at MDDA Complex in Dehradun, is Uttarakhand's first art museum dedicating multi-dimensional artworks in the memory of the 2013 North India floods (Kedarnath disaster).
- Robber's Cave: Robber's Cave (known locally as Guchhu pani), located near Garhi Cantt, Dehradun, is a river cave formation in the Himalayas, located approximately 8 km from the centre of Dehradun in Uttarakhand, India. The cave is about 600 metres long, and divided into two main parts.
- Doon Valley: The Doon Valley is an unusually wide, long valley within the Sivalik Hills and the Lesser Himalayas, in the Indian states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. It is closer to Kyarda Doon, which lies in Himachal Pradesh.
- Santala devi temple: Santala Devi Temple is a hindu temple in Punkal Gaon, Galajwari, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
- Tapkeshwar Temple: Tapkeshwar Temple, also known as Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, is a temple in Dehradun dedicated to Shiva. The temple is on the bank of the Tons River, built on top of a natural cave, which holds the temple's main shivalinga.
- The Forest Research Institute Museums: Lavish environs and one of the largest institutes of its kind. Museum entry ₹25, covers 6 halls.
Temples
- Santala devi temple: Santala Devi Temple is a hindu temple in Punkal Gaon, Galajwari, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
- Tapkeshwar Temple: Tapkeshwar Temple, also known as Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, is a temple in Dehradun dedicated to Shiva. The temple is on the bank of the Tons River, built on top of a natural cave, which holds the temple's main shivalinga.
Places That Define Dehradun
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Uttara Museum of Contemporary Art
The Uttara Museum of Contemporary Art (UMCA), located at MDDA Complex in Dehradun, is Uttarakhand's first art museum dedicating multi-dimensional artworks in the memory of the 2013 North India floods (Kedarnath disaster).
Robber's Cave
Robber's Cave (known locally as Guchhu pani), located near Garhi Cantt, Dehradun, is a river cave formation in the Himalayas, located approximately 8 km from the centre of Dehradun in Uttarakhand, India. The cave is about 600 metres long, and divided into two main parts.
Doon Valley
The Doon Valley is an unusually wide, long valley within the Sivalik Hills and the Lesser Himalayas, in the Indian states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. It is closer to Kyarda Doon, which lies in Himachal Pradesh.
Santala devi temple
Santala Devi Temple is a hindu temple in Punkal Gaon, Galajwari, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Tapkeshwar Temple
Tapkeshwar Temple, also known as Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, is a temple in Dehradun dedicated to Shiva. The temple is on the bank of the Tons River, built on top of a natural cave, which holds the temple's main shivalinga.
The Forest Research Institute Museums
Lavish environs and one of the largest institutes of its kind. Museum entry ₹25, covers 6 halls.
Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology
Another place worth a visit is the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. It is the best center on Himalayan geology in the country and has done some pioneering work in the field.
Clock Tower
Built by the British, this remains the icon of the downtown area.
Ram Rai Darbar
Built by Guru Har Rai's son, it attracts many Sikh pilgrims from the nearby state of Punjab. Admission is free and non-Sikhs are welcome.
Kalsi
Small town in the Dehradun District with ancient monuments such as the Edicts_of_Ashoka.
The Kalinga War Memorial
The only war memorial of its kind in the world which was erected by the British to honour their foe, the Gurkhas (or the Gorkhas).
Mindrolling Monastery
A large Buddhist monastery in the Tibetan Nyingma tradition.
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Dehradun on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
All Itineraries
- 1 Day in Dehradun: 1 days with detailed day plans
- 2 Days in Dehradun: 2 days with detailed day plans
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport (DED), about 22 km from Dehradun.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun railway station, about 3 km from central Dehradun.
- By Road: In case you are interchanging in Dehradun during the day, it sometimes makes sense to get off before the bus turn into the station, which is where many buses ply not going into the station or coming out somewhere else, e.g. going to Rishikesh.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Dehradun (Apr, May, Jun) averages 19–32°C with about 50 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Dehradun (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 23–29°C with about 281 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Dehradun (Oct, Nov) averages 14–25°C with about 9 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Dehradun (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 9–20°C with about 18 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C.
Local Transport
- By bus: Dehradun has a city bus service run by private owners under STA. The destinations are written in Hindi above the windshield.
- By auto rickshaw: Auto rickshaws are plentiful in the downtown area. They are not metered, but instead use a fixed rate system.
- By shared (fixed-route) autorickshaws: The cheapest way to get around town is via the ubiquitous blue three wheelers called Vikrams. These vehicles are often crammed, with capacity for 8 cramped passengers in the back.
- On foot: The best way to explore the town is on foot, since it is surprisingly compact. Finding your way around is not that difficult as it may seem at first glance.
- By car or taxi: You can easily book a taxi in Dehradun from many local tour & travel agents operating. A car rental from good travel company can be opted for local & outstation journey.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Dehradun trip.
Spiritual & Religious
History
- Summary: Dehradun is the winter capital of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Nestled between the Himalayan foothills to the north and the Shivaliks to the south, the town offers breathtaking scenery.
- Overview: Dehradun is the winter capital of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Nestled between the Himalayan foothills to the north and the Shivaliks to the south, the town offers breathtaking scenery. It is a favourite destination among tourists, pilgrims and enthusiasts alike from different regions with its serene environment.
- Ancient History: The history of the city of Uttarakhand, Dehradun (nicknamed "Doon Valley") is linked to the story of Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is believed that after the battle between Ravana and Rama, Rama and his brother Lakshmana visited this site. Also, known as 'Dronanagari' on the name of Dronacharya, legendary Royal guru to the Kauravas and Pandavas in the epic Mahabharata, is believed to have been born and resided in Dehradun. Evidence such as ancient temples and idols have been found in the areas surrounding Dehradun which have been linked to the mythology of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Architecture Guide
- Summary: Dehradun is the winter capital of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Nestled between the Himalayan foothills to the north and the Shivaliks to the south, the town offers breathtaking scenery.
- Overview: Dehradun is the winter capital of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Nestled between the Himalayan foothills to the north and the Shivaliks to the south, the town offers breathtaking scenery. It is a favourite destination among tourists, pilgrims and enthusiasts alike from different regions with its serene environment.
- Architectural Style: After Dehradun was made the capital of Uttarakhand, there was a construction boom, especially in residential properties. Modern buildings have gradually supplanted older architectural styles including those related to the British colonial rule of India. Important older buildings still upstanding include the Clock Tower, Forest Research Institute, CNI College, Morrison Memorial Church, Inamullah Building, Jama Masjid, Osho Meditation Centre, Indian Military Academy and Darbar Sahib.
Planning Guide
- Overview: Dehradun is the winter capital of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Nestled between the Himalayan foothills to the north and the Shivaliks to the south, the town offers breathtaking scenery. It is a favourite destination among tourists, pilgrims and enthusiasts alike from different regions with its serene environment.
- Accommodation: There are quite a few hotels in Dehradun, with the best options being those on Rajpur Road. Listed options include Hotel Ambassador, Hotel Deep Shikha and Hotel Doon Castle.
The Sacred Heart of Dehradun
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Dehradun was home to freedom fighters whose names are engraved in gold on the Clock Tower. It was called "The city of grey hair and green hedges" because ex-Army officers and VIPs considered this place ideal for residence after retirement.
Natural Significance
Dehradun was home to freedom fighters whose names are engraved in gold on the Clock Tower. It was called "The city of grey hair and green hedges" because ex-Army officers and VIPs considered this place ideal for residence after retirement.
Ecological Importance
The history of the city of Uttarakhand, Dehradun (nicknamed "Doon Valley") is linked to the story of Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is believed that after the battle between Ravana and Rama, Rama and his brother Lakshmana visited this site.
Local Traditions
Dehradun (dayh-RAH-doon) has experienced tremendous growth, and has a population of around 550,000. It is also famous for the Doon School, often called the "Eton of India".
Frequently Asked Questions
Dehradun is most comfortable in January, February, March, April and May, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is May (average high 32°C) and the wettest months are July, August and September.
The nearest airport is Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport (DED), about 22 km away. The nearest railway station is Dehradun railway station, about 3 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Uttara Museum of Contemporary Art, Robber's Cave, Doon Valley, Santala devi temple, Tapkeshwar Temple and The Forest Research Institute Museums.
A stay of 2 days covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 18°C to 32°C over the year, with about 1119 mm of rain in total.
Taxi to Dehradun
Outstation cabs with fares for every vehicle — sedan, SUV and Tempo Traveller.
Tour Packages for Dehradun
EXPLORE DEHRADUN
Plan My Trip: Dehradun
Tell us your trip and we'll call you back with a complete plan: cab, hotel and sightseeing.
Your Dehradun Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.