7 Best Places to Visit In Dehradun In 2019

“But the trees seemed to know me. They whispered among themselves and beckoned me nearer. And looking around, I noticed the other small trees and wild plants and grasses had sprung up under the protection of the trees we had placed there. 

The trees had multiplied! They were moving. In one small corner of the world, Grandfather's dream was coming true and the trees were moving again.” 
                                                                                    ― Ruskin Bond, Rusty, the Boy from the Hills

Tucked away in the Doon Valley, Dehradun is a popular and preferred hill station in Uttarakhand. It boasts of the scenic backdrop of the Garhwal Himalayas that invites couples, families and solo travelers alike. The best places to visit in Dehradun consist of religious attractions, tourist points, and wildlife havens.

Mindrolling Monastery 

Mindrolling or Place of Perfect Emancipation is the largest Buddhist learning center of India is devoted to the research of Buddhist scriptures, Tibetan lunar calendar, astronomy, traditional Tibetan medicine, and calligraphy.

The 220 feet high Buddhist temple tops the list of most popular places to visit in Dehradun. The monastery complex has a well maintained manicured garden and a buzzing shopping arcade selling artifacts, souvenirs and knick-knacks.
But what totally steals the show here is the spectacle of nature! Top floors of the building offer jaw-dropping views of Doon Valley that you shouldn’t miss for anything.

Opening hours: 9 am to 7 pm. The garden and shops are open on all seven days while the monastery is open to tourists only on Sunday.

Malsi Deer Park 

Another one of the best places to visit in Dehradun with family is Malsi Deer Park. This zoological garden of Dehradun spreads over 25 hectares and acts as a habitat for species such as two-horned deer, nilgai, leopard, peacock, an eagle.

Malsi Deer Park is a popular picnic spot, which becomes lively during weekends. One can explore the zoological park, feed the rabbits, relish the gardens, and enjoy munchies in the cafeteria.

Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm. The deer park remains closed on Mondays.

Robber’s Cave

As one of the most popular picnic spots—Robber’s Cave or Gucchhu Pani is a natural cave – long and narrow. It is surrounded by lofty hills and has freezing-cold springs inside. Robber’s Cave is one of the interesting places to visit in Dehradun in one day. Tourists flock here for day picnics, excursions, and trekking.

You can dip your feet in the ice-cold water of the cave and walk through it. It is always advisable to carry an extra set of clothes as one may get wet while playing with water. Bathroom and locker facility is available at Gucchhu Pani.

Note: The stones underneath are quiet sharp and piercing, so it is better not to walk barefoot, instead carry slippers.

Opening hours: 6 am to 7:30 pm

Sahastradhara

Sahastradhara is also known as the site of thousand springs. It is located near the Rajpur River and is about 16 kilometers away from the small town of Dehradun. The place becomes very attractive during the rainy season and is a great place to go for picnics. It also has abundant water springs which are known to have medicinal properties for healing sickness and ailments.

Tapovan

Among the most beautiful and tranquil tourist places in Dehradun, Tapovan is a perfect blend of nature and holiness. Home to Tapovan temple, this is a popular holy site in Uttarakhand, which hold an important place in the Hindu religion. With the holy Ganges flowing through it, Tapovan is one of the must-see places to see in Dehradun.

Opening hours: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. All days

Shikhar Fall 

as the name suggests is a charming waterfall tucked away in the secluded area of Doon. This colossal waterfall is a popular tourist destination and is mostly thronged by adventure lovers. The area around Shikhar Fall is enveloped by thick woodlands and mountainous terrains.

One can savor a beautiful view of the sun-kissed Himalayas. A short 1 km hike on the jagged terrains, crossing the shallow pool will guide you to the waterfall located uphill. There are hawker shops and Maggi points on the way to Shikhar Fall, where you can slurp delicious noodles and sip a cup of hot coffee.

Tiger Falls

Located at a height of 1400 meters above sea level, the Tiger Falls are 50 meters high waterfalls. The waterfalls are situated amidst a picturesque setting of dense forests at the foothills of the Himalayas. The water converges into a small pond which provides a perfect setting for an outing with friends and family.

You can also read my Dehradun travel blog by clicking here. 

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