Dehradun lies in the Doon Valley between the Shivalik hills and the lower Himalayas, with the Ganga to its east and the Yamuna to its west. It is the capital of Uttarakhand and the gateway to Mussoorie, about 35 km up the hill.
The city is known for its grand colonial-era institutions, its mild climate, its bakeries and its many easy day trips — river caves, sulphur springs, temples, monasteries, and the hill stations and pilgrim towns all around it.
Best time
October to March
Altitude
~640 m above sea level
Ideal trip
2 to 3 days
Nearest airport
Jolly Grant Airport (~25 km)
Why visit Dehradun?
Dehradun is more than a stopover — give it a day or two for its heritage, caves and monasteries before heading into the hills.
The grand Forest Research Institute campus
Walking through Robber’s Cave
Sulphur springs at Sahastradhara
Mindrolling Monastery’s Great Stupa
Bird watching at Asan Barrage
Gateway to Mussoorie and Rishikesh
Top places to visit
Forest Research Institute
Founded in 1906, the FRI’s red-brick main building, finished in 1929, is one of the most impressive colonial buildings in India, with forestry museums open to visitors.
Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani)
A narrow limestone gorge about 8 km from the city where a stream flows through the cave — you walk through the water.
Mindrolling Monastery
One of the largest Tibetan Buddhist centres in India, in Clement Town, known for its towering Great Stupa and peaceful gardens.
Tapkeshwar Temple
An ancient Shiva cave temple on the banks of a stream, where water drips naturally onto the lingam.
Clock Tower & Paltan Bazaar
The Clock Tower marks the centre of the city, with Paltan Bazaar — Dehradun’s busiest market — running beside it.
Sahastradhara
About 14 km from the city, these sulphur springs drip from limestone caves into a stream; the water is believed to have healing properties.
Asan Barrage
Part of the Asan Conservation Reserve, Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar wetland, where migratory birds gather in winter.
Adventure activities
The hills around Dehradun are full of short hikes, river walks and easy outdoor trips.
Popular treks
Food to try
Dehradun’s food scene mixes Garhwali home cooking, old bakeries and Tibetan food.
Best time to visit
Summer
April to June
- Warm to hot days
- Good time to escape to Mussoorie
- Lychee season in June
Monsoon
July to September
- Heavy rain
- Very green valley
- Roads to the hills can be disrupted
Winter
October to March
- Pleasant days, cold nights
- Migratory birds at Asan
- Best time for sightseeing
A Valley of Schools, Forests & Temples
Dehradun has long been home to famous institutions — the Forest Research Institute, the Indian Military Academy and boarding schools like The Doon School. It is also a mix of Garhwali, Punjabi and Tibetan communities, with temples, gurudwaras and monasteries across the city.
Forest Research Institute, founded in 1906
Indian Military Academy
Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Clement Town
Garhwali food and festivals
Old bakeries and Paltan Bazaar
Famous basmati rice of the Doon Valley
Best Things to Do
Heritage
Forest Research Institute, the Clock Tower and Paltan Bazaar
Caves & Springs
Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara and Tapkeshwar Temple
Monasteries
Mindrolling Monastery and its Great Stupa
Day Trips
Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Haridwar are all within easy reach
Photo Gallery
Travel Tips
The Forest Research Institute charges a small entry fee and is closed on some holidays — check timings before you go.
Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet at Robber’s Cave; you walk through the stream.
City traffic is heavy at peak hours — plan Mussoorie trips early in the morning.
Jolly Grant Airport is on the Rishikesh side of the city, about 25 km from the centre.
Winter mornings can be foggy — allow extra time for travel.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Mussoorie from Dehradun?
What is Dehradun famous for?
How many days do I need for Dehradun?
How do I reach Dehradun?
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Photos via Wikimedia Commons: DesiBoy101 (CC BY 4.0) · DesiBoy101 (CC BY 4.0) · Daniel Romanson (CC0) · DesiBoy101 (CC BY 4.0) · Jassimehra (CC BY-SA 3.0) · ArmouredCyborg (CC BY-SA 4.0)