Dehradun Tourism Guide
Garhwal division · headquarters Dehradun · 3,088 km² · 7 places to visit
- Division
- Garhwal
- Headquarters
- Dehradun
- Area
- 3,088 km²
- Places to visit
- 7
Dehradun district is Uttarakhand's state capital and the most accessible gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas, combining urban amenities with stunning natural surroundings. Spread across 3,088 sq km in the Doon Valley between the Himalayas and the Shivalik hills, Dehradun tourism benefits from excellent road, rail, and air connectivity to the rest of India. The city itself is home to prestigious institutions like the Wildlife Institute of India, the Forest Research Institute (FRI), the Indian Military Academy, and Doon School, giving it a cosmopolitan character rare among hill destinations.
Places to visit in Dehradun district span a wide altitude range. Mussoorie, the "Queen of Hills," sits at 2,005 metres and was a colonial summer retreat, now one of India's most visited hill stations. Dhanaulti (2,286 m) and Kanatal offer quieter escapes with apple orchards and pine forests. Chakrata, a cantonment town near the Tons river, has emerged as an offbeat destination for trekkers targeting the Tiger Falls, Deoban deodar forest, and Chilmiri Neck viewpoint.
Within the city, Robber's Cave (Gucchu Pani), the Lacchiwala forest picnic ground, and the Tapkeshwar Shiva temple are popular half-day excursions. The Paltan Bazaar and the Tibetan market at Clement Town offer vibrant shopping. Dehradun's moderate climate — warm summers and mild winters compared to higher hills — makes it a year-round destination, and its position as the jump-off point for Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and the entire Garhwal circuit makes it indispensable on any Uttarakhand travel guide.
Where to go
Places to visit in Dehradun
Season differs by place — each card below carries its own. Every destination page has altitude and drive time from Dehradun.
Year round- Altitude
- 372 m
- Season
- Sep – Jun
- From DDN
- 45 km
Hill Station- Altitude
- 2,005 m
- Season
- Year round
- From DDN
- ~35 km
Gateway- Altitude
- 640 m
- Season
- Year round
- From DDN
- Hub
Offbeat- Altitude
- 2,118 m
- Season
- Mar – Jun · Sep – Nov
- From DDN
- ~90 km
Trek- Altitude
- 3,022 m
- Season
- Dec–Feb (snow), Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
- From DDN
- ~55 km (to Pantwari village trailhead)
Nature- Altitude
- 1,364 m
- Season
- Year round · Jul–Sep best flow
- From DDN
- ~77 km
Viewpoint- Altitude
- 2,024 m
- Season
- Year round
- From DDN
- ~90 km
When to go
Best time to visit Dehradun
Pleasantly warm in the valley (20–35°C) and cool on the hills (15–25°C). Mussoorie, Chakrata, and Dhanaulti are at their best with clear skies. Ideal for sightseeing and day hikes.
Heavy rainfall keeps the valley lush and green but roads to higher areas can be disrupted. Robber's Cave and Lacchiwala are best avoided during peak rain. Mussoorie gets fog, which adds to its charm but limits visibility.
Post-monsoon weather is crisp and clear, ideal for travel. Temperature drops in November. Outstanding views of the Himalayan range from Mussoorie and Chakrata during this period.
Mussoorie and Dhanaulti can see snowfall, especially in January. Dehradun city remains accessible with cool, sunny days. A popular time for snow tourism to nearby Dhanaulti and Kanatal.
Trips we run
Packages through Dehradun
Getting there
How to reach Dehradun
Dehradun is 297 km from Delhi via NH-58 (Meerut–Haridwar route) or NH-334B (Muzaffarnagar–Roorkee route). The drive takes 6–8 hours. AC Volvo buses run overnight from Delhi ISBT (Kashmere Gate) to Dehradun ISBT, operated by UPSRTC, Uttarakhand Roadways, and private operators.
Dehradun Railway Station is a major terminus connected to Delhi (Dehradun Shatabdi from New Delhi, 5.5 hours), Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Haridwar Junction (54 km) offers additional train options with faster connections. The Jan Shatabdi and Mussoorie Express also run to Dehradun.
Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun Airport, IATA: DED) is 24 km from the city centre and has daily direct flights to Delhi (40 minutes), Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Lucknow. The airport has expanded significantly and is the primary air gateway to all of Uttarakhand.
Read
Guides for Dehradun
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Dehradun FAQ
- What are the best places to visit in Dehradun?
- Top places to visit in Dehradun include Mussoorie (30 km), Dhanaulti (58 km), Chakrata (90 km), Kanatal (78 km), Robber's Cave, Lacchiwala, Tapkeshwar temple, the Forest Research Institute museum, and Sahastradhara. The district also offers access to Rishikesh and Haridwar within 1–2 hours.
- How far is Dehradun from Delhi?
- Dehradun is approximately 297 km from Delhi by road, a 6–7 hour drive. By train, the Dehradun Shatabdi from New Delhi takes about 5.5 hours. By air, flights connect Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) in about 40 minutes with multiple daily services.
- Is Mussoorie in Dehradun district?
- Yes, Mussoorie is located in Dehradun district, approximately 35 km from Dehradun city. It sits at an altitude of 2,005 metres and is one of India's most popular hill stations. The drive from Dehradun city to Mussoorie takes about 1.5 hours via the winding mountain road through Rajpur.
- What is the best time to visit Dehradun?
- The best time to visit Dehradun is March to June and October to November. Summer offers pleasant weather for sightseeing; post-monsoon gives clear skies for Himalayan views. December to February is good if you want snowfall at Mussoorie or Dhanaulti. July–September is monsoon season with lush greenery but occasional road disruptions.
- What is Chakrata known for?
- Chakrata is a quiet cantonment town in Dehradun district at 2,118 metres, 90 km from Dehradun city. It is known for the Deoban deodar forest with Himalayan views, Tiger Falls (one of the highest waterfalls in Uttarakhand), Chilmiri Neck panorama, and the pristine Tons river valley below. It is popular as an offbeat alternative to crowded Mussoorie.
Planning a Dehradun trip
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