Planning for your trip to Uttarakhand? If you are visiting Dehradun, this article will help you to plan perfect short trips to the best tourist places & hill stations near Dehradun you can explore within a day.
Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand is full of tourist attractions and religious centers. The scenic views of the Garhwal Himalayas, wildlife in Rajaji National Park, and religious centers like Buddha Temple make it a popular tourist places near Dehradun. Here are some of the best places, you should visit when you are in and around Dehradun.
Hill Stations Near Dehradun
1. Mussoorie:
The nearest hill station from Dehradun is Mussoorie. It lies in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas and is also famous as the ‘Queen of the Hills’. Mussoorie is located at 6500 ft. above sea level. Many people include it in their itinerary when looking for tourist places near Dehradun within 100 kms.
Things to Do:
- Take a dip in Kempty Falls and Bhatta Falls
- Enjoy boating at Company Garden and Mussoorie Lake
- Visit old British-era buildings and churches
- View the hills from Lal Tibba and Gun Hill
- Walk on the 4 km long Camel’s Back Road
- Spot animals at Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
- Shop and enjoy street food at Mall Road
- Visit Shedup Choepelling, Naag Devta and JwalaJi temples
Distance from Dehradun: 35 km
2. Dhanaulti:
This beautiful hamlet is located on the Mussoorie – Chamba route, about 60 kms from Mussoorie. As Dhanaulti is visited mostly during winter, it has many trails that are almost unexplored. The land is full of oak, deodar, and rhododendron trees. Situated at an altitude of 7500 ft., it is a very quiet place as compared to hill stations close to Dehradun like Mussoorie.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Eco Park divided into Amber and Dhara
- Enjoy sunrise from the Potato Farm (Aloo Khet)
- Go to Surkanda Devi Temple for hill views
- Watch birds and feel the silence of nature
- Walk in the forest with oak and deodar trees
Distance from Dehradun (ISBT): 37 km
3. Chakrata Hill Station:
Chakrata is a quiet hill station in Uttarakhand, with pine trees, rhododendrons, and snow-covered Himalayan mountains. It is situated at a distance of about 90 km from Dehradun and has magnificent views of the Yamuna Valley. Those who love adventure can have fun by trekking to Kharamba Peak or skiing on snowy slopes. Do not skip Tiger Falls and the Deoban forest, a bird watcher paradise.
Things to Do:
- Trek to Tiger Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Uttarakhand
- Hike around Chilmiri Top, Deoban, and Koti Kanasar for lovely views
- Camp under the stars at Moila Top and Koti Kanasar meadows
- Explore Budher (Miola) Caves for a thrilling trekking experience
- Visit Deoban forest for peace, fresh air, and birdwatching
- Watch beautiful sunset views from Chilmiri Neck
- Enjoy rock climbing in the rocky areas near Deoban
- Try waterfall rappelling for a fun adventure
- Play and enjoy in the snow during Chakrata’s winter season
Distance from Dehradun: 90 km
4. Kanatal Hill Station:
Kanatal is a quiet hill station close to Mussoorie, and it is ideal for nature lovers. You will be able to walk along silent forest paths, to eat fresh food by the stream and to look at apple orchards. In winter, the whole place turns white with snow, looking like a dream. It’s a great spot to relax, click photos, and feel close to nature.
Things to Do:
- Go trekking in Kodia Jungle and to Surkanda Devi Temple
- Enjoy camping under the stars in forest areas
- Try adventure sports like rappelling, zip-lining and valley crossing
- Experience rock climbing and sky-walking for fun and thrill
- Take a jeep safari in Kodia Forest to spot wild animals
- Enjoy peaceful nature walks in nearby forests and hills
- Watch different birds in the jungle and open areas
Distance from Dehradun: 103 km
5. Tehri Hill Station:
New Tehri is a quiet hill station in Uttarakhand, which is blessed with beautiful views and adventure sports. It is constructed close to Tehri Lake and dam, which is among the highest in India. This town has water sports, natural beauty and it is covered with temples and forests. The Tehri Lake Festival is a major tourist attraction every year.
Things to Do:
- Enjoy boating, kayaking, zorbing, and jet-skiing at Tehri Lake
- Go on scenic treks like Nagtibba, Khatling Glacier, and Sem-Mukhem
- Visit Tehri Dam and enjoy the grand view of the river and hills
- Walk through the peaceful trails of Dhanaulti Eco Park
- Visit nearby temples
Distance from Dehradun: 102 km
Other Nearby Places to Visit:
1. Forest Research Institute (FRI):
Spread across 2000 acres of land, this Forest Research Institute is an old architectural building. The main building was built in Greek-Roman architecture in 1929 and it’s a National Heritage. FRI is located on the Chakrata road, Dehradun.
Location: Chakarata Rd, New Forest, P.O, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248006
Things to Do:
- Take a peaceful walk in the green fields
- Explore trees and plants from around the world
- Visit six museums inside the campus
- Enjoy a family picnic at the Botanical Garden
Visiting hours: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Ticket Price: Around Rs 20 per person
Distance from Dehradun: 6 km
2. Buddha Temple (Mindrolling Monastery):
This monastery in Dehradun is the biggest Buddhist learning center in India. Located in the Clement Town area, this is a place to study many ancient sciences like calligraphy, astronomy, medicines, and research of old Buddhist scriptures. The Monastery was built in 1965 by Kochen Rinpoche. The architectural style of the monastery is Japanese and its height is about 220 feet.
Location: New Basti, Clement Town, Dehradun, Bharu Wala Grant, Uttarakhand 248002
Things to Do:
- See the wall paintings made with golden colour
- Visit the shrines of Guru Padmasambhava and Lord Buddha
- Climb up to see the 360° view of Doon Valley
- Walk in the peaceful garden of the temple
- Shop for books, handicrafts, and souvenirs
Visiting hours: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Distance from Dehradun: 9 km
3. Sahastradhara:
The meaning of Sahastradhara is “thousandfold water spring”. Located at the Baldi River, this is a very beautiful and highly popular picnic spot. The view made by various cascading and shining streams of water coming down the limestone outcrops is just amazing. The water pools thus become the sulfur springs having medicinal values.
Things to Do:
- See beautiful waterfalls and limestone rocks
- Take a dip in sulphur springs for healing
- Visit Joyland Water Park for fun rides
- Enjoy ropeway ride for mountain views
Ropeway Timings: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
Ropeway Ticket Price: Rs. 200 per person
Distance from Dehradun: 17 km
4. Lachhiwala:
Lachhiwala is now renamed as ‘Nature Park’. Located on Dehradun – Haridwar road and surrounded by Sal trees this is another popular picnic spot near Dehradun, which is favorite especially among the couples. A number of pools are made there in which water from Suswa river stream is collected.
Location: Lachiwala Picnik Spot Rd, Lachhiwala Range, Uttarakhand 248140
Things to Do:
- Swim in the natural water pools
- Watch birds in a peaceful forest
- Go for short treks among Sal trees
- View the lovely sunset in the evening
- Stay overnight at the Forest Rest House
Visiting Hours: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (Monday Closed)
Ticket Price: Rs 60 for adults and Rs 30 for children
Distance from Dehradun: 19 km
Read Also: Best Tourist Places To Visit In Uttarakhand
5. Guchhu Pani:
Also known as Robber’s Cave, this place is a long natural cave. This cave is located near Mussoorie Road at Anarwala village. Surrounded by the hills, this is a famous tourist place for picnics and trekking.
Location: Anarwala Rd, Garhi Cantt, Dehradun, Vijepur Gopiwala, Uttarakhand 248014
Things to Do:
- Walk inside the water-filled cave
- Enjoy waterfalls inside the cave
- Trek through the rocks and cool water
- Carry extra clothes and wear slippers
Visiting hours: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs 35 per person
Distance from Dehradun: 9 km
6. Dehradun Zoo:
Dehradun Zoo was earlier known as Malsi Deer Park. If you are a wildlife lover, it’s a favorite spot to visit after Rajaji National Park. Spread across 25 hectares of land, this zoo is located on the Mussoorie Road, Malsi.
Location: Diversion, Mussoorie Rd, Malsi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248009
Things to Do:
- See animals like deer, crocodile, ostrich
- Watch birds like owl, parrot and peacock
- Let kids enjoy on play slides
- Have food at the cafeteria after a walk
Visiting hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Monday Closed)
Distance from Dehradun: 11 km
7. Tapkeshwar Temple:
This is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is built on the banks of a seasonal river named ‘Asan’ at Garhi Cantt Road near Dehradun. There are two naturally made shiv-lingas inside the temple. The main Shivling is inside a natural cave. The temple is said to have one of the oldest shiv-linga. As the water droplets continuously trickle over it, hence it is called ‘Tapkeshwar’.
Location: Tapkeshwer Rd, Birpur, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
Things to Do:
- Visit natural cave with shivling inside
- Attend Shivratri fair and enjoy local food
- Try Bhang Juice and Bhang ke Pakode
- Enjoy mountain views around the temple
Visiting hours: 4:00 am to 10:30 pm
Distance from Dehradun: 7 km
8. Regional Science Center:
It’s a newly built science center, which is popular especially among the children. The center is located in Vigyan Dham, Prem Nagar, Dehradun
Location: Vigyan Dham, Jhjara, Prem Nagar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007
Things to Do:
- Watch science shows in 3D theatre
- Learn with interactive games and exhibits
- Visit the Planetarium to see the stars
- Take kids to the Dinosaurs Park
Visiting Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Distance from Dehradun: 13 km
9. Khalanga War Memorial:
It is a famous place in Dehradun depicting the bravery of Gorkhas. During the battle of Nalapani in 1814, Nepali Gorkhas fought against the British Army in Khalanga. The Gorkhas were short of food and water for 6 days, but they kept protecting the fort. The British Army General Gilaspy was impressed with the unmatched bravery of the Gorkhas. In the memory of General and Gorkhas, this memorial was built by the British. Perhaps it’s one of its kind, where an army built a memorial for their opponent’s army. This memorial is located on Sahastradhara Road, Dehradun.
Location: Raipur, Tibbanala Pani, Uttarakhand 248008
Things to Do:
- Learn about Gurkha bravery in history
- Spend quiet time at the memorial site
- Take a walk around the peaceful area
Visiting Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Distance from Dehradun: 11 km
10. Zonal Anthropological Museum:
If you have an interest in the culture and history of the Himalayan people, then you must visit this place. This museum is located at Pearson Road, Dehradun. The Anthropological Society of India built this museum in 1971.
Location: Pearson Rd, Forest Research Institute, ONGC, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248003
Things to Do:
- See how early Garhwali people lived
- Learn about Himalayan tribal culture
- Explore clothes, tools, and local traditions
Visiting hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (remains closed on Sunday and 2nd Saturday)
Distance from Dehradun: 5 km
Conclusion:
There are some more places to see, but I have selected the best and most famous tourist places in Dehradun. You can easily cover 4-5 places in a single day. So visit these beautiful places and make your trip a memorable one.
FAQs:
You can visit the Forest Research Institute, Buddha Temple, Sahastradhara, Tapkeshwar Temple, and Lachhiwala. These places are great for nature, peace, and learning.
Lachhiwala, FRI, Dehradun Zoo, and Sahastradhara are perfect picnic spots. These places have greenery, water pools, and play areas for children.
Chakrata, Kanatal, and Tehri are great for adventure lovers. You can try trekking, camping, and fun sports like rappelling and zip-lining there.
You can easily visit 4 to 5 places like FRI, Tapkeshwar Temple, Sahastradhara, Guchhu Pani, and Buddha Temple in a single-day trip.