Known for its natural resources, Dehradun is the capital city of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Located in the Doon Valley at the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun is bordered by the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers of India.
The city is known for its pleasant climate and provides a gateway to the popular hill stations like Nainital, Mussoorie, etc., and pilgrim sites like Haridwar and Rishikesh. The city receives high amounts of rain during the monsoon season and gets really cold during the winters. Being a part of the Princely Garhwal State the local customs of the Garhwali people have influenced the culture in the city.
Here are the Top 12 Places to Visit in Dehradun, which are worth visiting on your Dehradun Trip:
1. Sahastradhara
The name Sahastradhara literally means ‘The Thousand Fold Spring’ and is a popular tourist destination in Dehradun. It is comprised of waterfalls, caves, and steppe farming lands and provides a totally marvelous and rejuvenating experience to its visitors. The name is due to the water that drips from the limestone stalactites in the caves and its waterfalls.
2. Robber’s Cave
The 600 meters long river cave (Robber’s Cave) is known by the locals as Gucchupani. The cave is divided into two main parts with its highest fall being 10 meters long. The place is known for its unique natural phenomenon known as the disappearing stream. The place was believed to be used by the robbers to hide during the British Raj hence owing to its name.
3. Tapkeshawar Temple
Tapkeshawar Temple is considered to be the oldest Shiva temple in Uttarakhand and is located at the banks of the Nandi River. The Temple is located within a cave which is characterized by naturally dripping water over the Shiva lingam placed here. The cave is also the site of the Shivratri festival that happens every year.
4. Mindrolling Monastery
Founded in 1965, The Mindrolling Monastery houses the Ngagyur Nyingma College which is one of the largest Buddhist learning centers in India. The monastery is a re-established facility of the original Mindrolling Monastery and was established by Khochhen Rinpoche. The well-maintained gardens and a 60-meter high stupa contain various rooms which are decorated with murals and house various relics and a 35 meters high statue of Lord Buddha in Gold.
5.Dehradun Zoo (Malsi Deer Park)
Now known as Dehradun Zoo, Malsi Deer Park as the name suggests is a perfect way to spot a deer in its natural habitat. There are many birds and other animals around too but they are kept enclosed in a cages. Spread over an area of 25 hectares, Malsi Deer Park is located on the way to Mussorie and can be a stopover en route.
6. Lachhiwala
Located on Dehradun- Rishikesh highway, Lachhiwala is a perfect outing spot near Dehradun. Located in the middle of the forest, it is filled with man-made pools which are safe to use and remain abundant with water. Spend some time here to relax in the lap of nature.
7. Tapovan
Tapovan is known to be the place the Guru Dronacharya performed his penance according to the Hindu epic Mahabharatha. The place is located on the banks of the River Ganges and is considered to be a major pilgrim spot. Tapovan is also known for its amazing meadows known as Nandavan which are trekked by various pilgrims and trekkers.
8. Asan Barrage
The wetland at Asan Barrage is situated near the confluence of two perennial rivers Asan and Yamuna near Dehradun. The lake attracts a large number of waterfowl, both waders, and divers. The birds listed as globally threatened species and in the IUCN Red Data Book have been observed at Asan.
9. Forest Research Institute
The premier research institute of forestry in India is located in Dehradun. The Forest Research Institute was established in 1906 as the British Imperial Forestry Service. The site also contains a museum for forestry with six main sections that are Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Silviculture Museum, Timber Museum, Non-Wood Forest Products Museum, and Entomology Museum. It has also been featured in many Bollywood films and in commercial ads.
10. Fun Valley Amusement Park
Located at the Golden Triangle of Uttarakhand, equidistant from Dehradun-Haridwar-Rishikesh, the Fun Valley is an amazing amusement park near Dehradun. The Fun Valley Dehradun is the best place for kids and adults as it comprises an amusement, leisure, and water park.
11. Anand Van
Anand Van in Dehradun is Uttarakhand’s first urban forest. It has been developed in the Jhajra Forest Range. Spread over 50 hectares of land has been developed to reduce the severe levels of air pollution in the region. If you are spending your holidays in Dehradun and have explored all the touristy attractions & are looking for a new place to visit in Dehradun offering peace, tranquillity, and fun, you should make your way to this forest park.
12. Santala Devi Temple
Right above the Nun Nadi in Dehradun, Santala Devi Temple is a center of faith for the devotees. Located in between dense green forest at a distance of 15 km from Dehradun city in Santur Garh, Santaula Devi and her brother are the deities of the temple.
Besides the above top places, there are many other places where you can make a visit during your trip to Dehradun like Sakya Centre Buddhist Monastery, Guru Ram Rai Gurudwara, Laxman Siddh Temple, Zonal Anthropological Museum, and Khalanga War Memorial.